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Paris streets are an adventure unto their own. From iconic leafy boulevards to narrow, ancient laneways, the streets in Paris are an explorer’s dream. Meandering along Paris streets, with a keen sense of curiosity, it’s not difficult to spy one treasure after another.
Maybe it’s the details carved on a façade. Possibly cascading blooms frame an archway. Or the liveliness of a corner café that exudes the soul of Paris. Perhaps it is the way the silvery light falls across a cobblestone street.
Saunter down these 21 unforgettable Paris streets, solo, with a travel partner or a loved one. Rent a Velib bicycle to visit these streets of Paris, but don’t get it stolen as I did!
What will be your experience on the streets of Paris?
Short on time to discover Paris streets on your own? Why not try a guided walking tour through iconic neighbourhoods of Paris or a walking tour in le Marais or Montmartre?
Paris 1 | Pont Neuf
In the heart of old Paris at the western tip of Ile de la Cité lies Pont Neuf. While named “New Bridge,” Pont Neuf is the oldest stone bridge in Paris hailing from 1607. Five arches reach out from Ile de la Cité to the Left Bank while 7 arches stretch across to the Right Bank. This Paris street is not only a delight to stroll across, passing the statue of King Henri IV who inaugurated the bridge, but pop down to the Seine River and examine the faces looking back at you!
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Pont Neuf (line 7)
Read More: Here’s the lowdown on all the Paris arrondissements including the best things to do in each one.
Paris Streets 2eme | Galerie Vivienne
Including a covered passageway when sharing the best streets to walk in Paris is a must. Stroll along the gorgeous mosaic floors of Galerie Vivienne and transport yourself, for a moment, back to 1823 when this covered passageway was filled with Parisians socializing and meeting up at cafés. With natural light streaming along the hallway of Galerie Vivienne, the boutiques, stores and cafés are worth exploring or, at the very least, engaging in a window-shopping expedition. If it’s a chilly or rainy day, this Paris street is your go-to destination.
Paris Streets, Getting To Galerie Vivienne:
Métro: Bourse (line 3), Pyramides (line 7 + 14)
Hidden gems abound in Paris but you need to know where to look. This post will uncover some treasures for you. Hidden Gems in Paris: 25 Off the Beaten Path Places
Paris 3 | rue du Pont aux Choux
The third arrondissement, the Haut-Marais, is a tangle of streets in Paris and quite frankly I get turned around all the time in this quartier. But that is one of the delights of walking in Paris 3. Make a wrong turn down one of these Paris streets and there is guaranteed to be a new discovery, which is exactly how I stumbled upon the “Boot Café” a few years ago!
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Filles du Calvaire (line 8)
Paris Streets 3eme | rue de Braque
Rue de Braque is a lovely, quiet street in Paris 3 full of hôtels (mansions) with splendid façades and gorgeous door knockers. At the end of the street is Hôtel de Clisson with its soaring turret. Try your luck and see if the doorway to number 5 is open. Hiding behind #5 is a 17th-century half-timbered house.
Paris Streets, Getting To rue de Braque:
Métro: Rambuteau Rue de Braque is very close to the National Archives and also the Picasso Museum
Don’t miss these popular Paris tours and attractions: A one-hour Seine Cruise, the one-hour Illumination Cruise, or the Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise down the Seine.
A timed entrance ticket to the Louvre is essential as is the skip-the-line ticket to the Arc de Triomphe.
Paris 4 | Pont Saint-Louis
If you are looking for magic in Paris, then Pont Saint-Louis is your place. This footbridge connecting the small island to the larger Ile de la Cité is a poetic medley of musicians and street artists. To feel the strains of music played atop the flowing Seine River is to be connected to Paris. This is definitely one of the best streets to walk in Paris.
Tip: Wander the entire island of Ile Saint-Louis, explore more Paris streets, and take a little breather at Place Louis Aragon.
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Pont-Marie (line 7), Cité (line4) If you are coming from Ile de la Cité walk behind Notre-Dame to find Pont Saint-Louis
Looking for day trips from Paris? Here’s one to a gem of a medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s the low down on Provins France. If you feel like hitting up the beach, head to Trouville-sur-Mer and Deauville in Normandy and splash in the sea. Here is a list of 17 day trips from Paris. Which is on your bucket list?
Paris Streets 5eme | rue Mouffetard
Plan your trip on a Sunday when the service at église Saint-Médard ends. As the parishioners flood out of the rustic church, sit at the corner café, watch dancers spin to live music and know that this is as local an experience as it gets.
Then stroll along one of the oldest market streets of Paris, hailing from Roman times. Given its lifespan, rue Mouffetard has a long and intriguing history but today it is lined with grocers, butchers, cheese shops, cafés and crêperies. Take note of the lovely façade, designed by Italian painter Eldi Gueri, across from église Saint-Médard.
Paris Streets, Getting To rue Mouffetard:
Métro: Censier-Daubenton (line 7) at the south end by the church, Place Monge (line 7)
Paris is a walking city but the Métro can get you across the city in no time. Read this post on how to Use the Paris Métro like a Pro!
Paris 6 | rue Férou
Read More | Here is my guide to Saint-Germain des Prés, everybody’s favourite neighbourhood. It’s classic Pairs. Don’t miss it!
What’s not to like about a street in Paris where the main attraction is poetry? On this little Paris street, between the Jardin du Luxembourg and Place Saint-Sulpice, elegantly scripted calligraphy presents Arthur Rimbaud’s poem “Le Bateau Ivre.” Serpentine letters backed by golden brick are an invitation to linger and try to understand this gem of French poetry from 1871 about a drunk (sinking) ship.
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Saint-Sulpice (line 4) and Odéon (lines 4 + 10)
Read More |What is Paris like in the different seasons? Here is Paris in the Spring, Paris in the Summer and Paris in the Fall...
Paris Streets 7eme | rue de l’Université
There are plenty of Paris streets and vantage points in the 7th arrondissement where the Iron Lady makes an appearance. Yes, the Eiffel Tower is watching over its beloved city in all its grandeur. I have a few favourite spots but this one is ideal for photographing the Eiffel Tower. Right where rue de l’Université ends (after crossing Avenue de la Bourdonnais) at the Champ de Mars. Up close and personal – there she is.
Read More: Here is my full guide to the 7th arrondissement (the Eiffel Tower district) and an interview with a local who lives in the 7th. One of my favourite shopping streets in the 7th is rue du Bac. Here are all the details on 14 great shops on rue du Bac.
Paris Streets, Getting To rue de l’Université:
Métro: La Tour-Maubourg (line 8)
Read More | Do you have a sweet tooth like me? Here are my top picks for the best Paris patisseries… swoon…
Paris 8 | Boulevard des Courcelles
The 8th arrondissement has one of the most famous Paris streets, the Champs Elysées. It is definitely worth a stroll if you have never been but if you want to get a little off the beaten path in Paris 8 take a walk along this Paris street, Boulevard des Courcelles, and pop into Parc Monceau.
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Courcelles (line 2), Monceau (line 2)
While discovering new streets in Paris, embrace your inner flâneur/flâneuse. Here’s how… Explore Paris: Observe Life as a Flâneur.
Paris 9 + 18 | rue des Martyrs
One of my favourite Paris streets is rue des Martyrs. I first heard of rue des Martyrs when I picked up and read The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs. Elaine Sciolino’s account of connecting with the local shopkeepers, gaining their trust and piecing together historical stories and facts rang true to my heart. I have a dog-eared copy of the book that I treasure. This is one of the best streets to walk in Paris for an authentic taste of Parisian culture.
At Fromager Chataigner (#3), Yves and his daughter Anick will guide you in purchasing the most delectable cheeses. For decades, Yves has served his loyal customers. The poster behind the till was the perfect conversation opener.
Start meandering on rue des Martyrs from Église Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. As with all Paris market streets, allow plenty of time to smell gorgeous bouquets, purchase fresh figs from Africa and admire the sunny lemons from Spain. Stop at one of the bustling bistros or cafés and indulge in a scoop of vegan ice cream. There is even a carousel near Avenue Trudaine.
And why is this Paris street called rue des Martyrs? As legend has it, Saint-Denis, the first Bishop of Paris, was beheaded and carried his head all the way to Montmartre. (Side note: it’s all uphill… ) His statue stands where he is believed to have washed his severed head in one of my favourite Paris squares, Square Suzanne Buisson. Of course, the French dedicated a church to Saint-Denis. The Saint-Denis Basilica north of Paris is where he is buried.
Paris Streets, Getting To rue des Martyrs:
Métro: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (line 12) Walk all the way to Boulevard de Clichy where Pigalle (lines 2 + 12) is located. Cross Boulevard de Clichy (now you will be in Paris18) and the closest station will be Abbesses (line12)
Paris Streets 10eme | Quai de Valmy
Paris streets by the canal are lively and full of boutiques and cafés. Strolling Quai de Valmy alongside Canal Saint-Martin, where footbridges arch gracefully over the water and a canopy of greenery provides relief from the midday heat, is the perfect Paris outing. Bring a picnic to this famous street in Paris and swing your legs carelessly over the canal. Cross the bridges and wander down Quai de Jammapes. Bring your skipping stones and fire away just as Amélie does in the delightful French film, Amélie.
While you are strolling along the Quai, lean over and have a good long look… Do you see a crocodile? Read this story to find out more… The Crocodile in Canal Saint-Martin.
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: From the Quai de Valmy side of the Canal: République (lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11), Jacques Bonsergent (line 5)
Paris 11 | rue de Lappe
Read More | Here is my full guide to the 11th arrondissement!
This Paris street, a narrow cobbled laneway in the 11th arrondissement, is known today for its nightlife. At one point in its history, rue de Lappe was a meeting place for revolutionaries during the French Revolution, was a centre for skilled artisans and eventually became known for its dance halls. Of the 17 dance halls that lined the road before WWII, one still remains today. Le Balajo, which opened in 1936, offers salsa classes, Latino music and a lot of clubbing. Mondays are a little tamer offering “Afternoon Tea.”
Paris Streets Nearby:
Rue de Lappe runs between two great shopping streets of Paris. Don’t miss the boutiques where Parisians shop on these popular Paris streets, rue de Charonne and rue de la Roquette.
Don’t miss this hidden Paris street also nearby: Passage l’Homme. It’s a delightful cobbled lane.
Paris Streets, Getting To rue de Lappe:
Métro: Ledru-Rollin (line 8), Bréguet-Sabin (line 5)
Paris Streets 12eme | rue Crémieux
Streets in Paris are not usually colourful. But, tucked away amidst quintessential Paris is rue Crémieux. A little taste of London, perhaps Portobello, smack dab in Paris 12. This Paris street is not a secret as its lively façades are a popular spot for photographers and it has become an Instagram favourite. Arrive early in the day and you might encounter a resident willing to have a chat!
Read More | Here are the top things to do in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Gare de Lyon (lines 1 + 14), Quai de la Rapée (line5)
Paris 13 | rue des Glycines
Exploring the triangular area of La Cité Florale, you will be immediately captivated by the stunning blooms paired with street names like rue des Glycines (wisteria) and rue des Volubilis (morning glory). These floral Paris streets are filled with artdeco-style homes covered in cascades of ivy, vines and wisteria. Wander these little streets of Paris and embrace the riot of colour and scent.
Paris Streets, Getting To rue des Glycines:
RER: Cité Universitaire
Métro: Maison Blanche (line 7)
Paris Streets 14eme | rue des Thermopyles
As the sirens wail behind you, turn your back on rue Raymond Losserand and gaze up this beautiful street in Paris, rue des Thermopyles.
For a moment you might feel as though you have lost your way and ended up in the countryside, again. Perhaps, Provence. For right in the heart of Paris, there is stillness, intense greenery, an overpowering scent of roses and wisteria, and lively pink geraniums dotting the window ledges.
Wander up this cobbled Paris street and rest a bit in the concealed park. You’ll be the only tourist amongst watchful nannies, giggling toddlers and the snoozing local drunk. It’s the perfect snapshot of everyday Paris.
Read More | What’s the best season to travel to Paris? Here’s why I vote for Spring in Paris.
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Pernety (line 13)
Paris 14 | Villa d’Alésia
From rue des Thermopyles, Villa d’Alésia, which will always represent classic Paris to me, is a short walk. Amidst the artdeco-style homes and the former atelier of Henri Matisse, my sister and I had one encounter after another with locals. This tranquil cobblestone Paris street was full of friendly, unassuming Parisians eager to share a tidbit or two about their city.
Streets in Paris that harbour hidden gardens are a favourite of mine. Head to the top of the street to smell the roses in Square Lionel-Assouad. You’ll be the only tourist in this quiet haven.
Paris Streets, Getting To Villa d’Alésia:
Métro: Alésia (line 4)
What else is there to see and do in Montparnasse (Paris 14)? Use my guide Montparnasse, Paris: 15 Things to Do to explore this part of the city.
Paris Streets 16eme | rue Jean de la Fontaine
If you have an eye for detail and architecture, you will love rue Jean de la Fontaine. Of all the streets in Paris, this one will keep your eagle eye busy, especially if you love Art Nouveau.
At #16 is the most whimsical and delightful creation of Hector Guimard, a French architect and designer. Castel Béranger (1895-1898), the first solo project for Hector Guimard, is a masterpiece of the French Art Nouveau style. Ornate details grace the exterior doorways, railings and downspouts. And what about that seafoam green colour? Today Castel Béranger is still a show stopper! Don’t miss this Paris street!
Tip: At #60 you will discover another masterpiece by Hector Guimard
Read More: Art Nouveau in Paris | The 16th Arrondissement will lead you to other Art Nouveau treasures near Castel Béranger.
Getting To This Paris Street:
RER: Avenue du Président Kennedy- Radio France RER C
Metro Stations: Ranelagh (line 9), Église d’Auteil / Mirabeau ( line 10)
Paris 18 | Villa Léandre
Haussmann architecture defines Paris, which makes it a fun diversion to discover a tiny Paris street lined with multicoloured brick homes tucked behind cascading wisteria and roses. You might think for a moment that you’ve been transported to London. Those with an eye for details will spot quirky details on the facades. What about those lingering cats? The ceramic flowers? And the sign at #10? Don’t miss the bronze portrait of humorist Charles Léandre. A truly unique street in Paris!
Paris Streets, Getting To Villa Léandre:
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt (line 12)
Find more tucked away Paris streets and gems in Paris 18 | Read my post Top Things to do in Montmartre, Paris: But don’t forget...
Paris Streets 19eme | La Mouzaïa
Paris streets, or tiny private lanes, are called “villas.” Remember Villa Léandre in Paris 18?
Technically, La Mouzaïa is a neighbourhood. From the main road, Rue de Mouzaïa, little Paris streets or villas, as they are called, are waiting to be explored. Enchanting streetlamps, steep cobbled lanes, small front gardens bursting with blooms and surprising colourful façades add to the charm of the quartier. The silence, overpowering aroma of roses and abundance of Parisian cats lazing in the sun is sure to please. It is a true delight to stroll these streets of Paris.
Getting To This Paris Street:
Métro: Botzaris (line7bis), Danube (line7bis), and Pre-Saint-Gervais (line 7bis)
Read More | Another great place to explore in the 19th arrondissement is the hilltop village of La Butte Bergeyre. Here are 5 Great Reasons to Visit La Butte Bergeyre.
Paris 20 | Cimetière du Père Lachaise
Strolling along cobbled lanes in Père Lachaise, the largest cemetery in Paris is one way to connect with the soul of the city, for these Paris streets hold history and thousands of personal stories.
What unique gravestone can you discover amongst the average citizen and the greats? Search for Chopin. And of course, Jim Morrison’s tombstone is no secret. The resting place of Oscar Wilde, the famous Irish writer, draws women to place a red lipstick kiss on the effigy. End your walk by finding the tombs of Heloise and Abelard, 12th-century lovers whose passionate and tragic love story still resonates today.
Paris Streets, Getting To Cimetière du Père Lachaise :
Métro: Père Lachaise (line 2 + 3), Gambetta (line 3 and the southern stop of line 3bis)
Tip: Enter Père Lachaise closest to Gambetta station and end your walk closest to the Père Lachaise station. Your walk will be more downhill going in this direction!
Paris 20 | rue Saint-Blaise
Rue Saint-Blaise, once the backbone of the Charonne village, is a mixture of restored older buildings and ones that have been replaced (um- not as attractive). Go in the spring to this delightful street in Paris and sit in the square under the magnolia trees. Don’t forget to admire the street art.
Paris Streets, Getting To rue Saint-Blaise:
Métro: Porte de Montreuil (line 9)
I hope you enjoy these best streets to walk in Paris as much as I do.
Until next time,
More Travel Info
Walk the most beautiful streets in Paris and enjoy the Paris villages at the same time.
Paris Villages
Montmartre, much like Ile Saint- Louis, feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.
La Butte aux Cailles, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement, is another place in Paris that has retained its village-like charm. My article on La Butte aux Cailles will lead you to discover some of the area and its visually enticing street art.
Canal Saint-Martin is another place full of small restaurants, boutiques and plenty of character. Stroll the bridges of the canal under the chestnut trees and feel like a true Parisian. All the details on this “bobo” district are in this article on Canal Saint-Martin.
Le Marais is one of the oldest areas of Paris. Once marshland, it is hopping with boutiques, cafés, gorgeous old mansions and museums. Read my full guide to le Marais and also insider Marais tips from a local.
Gastronomy In Paris
If you are looking for food suggestions, read about where to find the best croissants in Paris. There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local. And if you are exploring the area around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite or to find the fixings for a picnic.
Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.
This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.
If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.
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What a magical city filled with breathtaking streets !
Isn’t Paris full of surprises?!
My favorite city of all Paris xx…Has so many wonderful streets to wander down and up and around. You included my fav park Parc Monceau….
It is my favourite city too! Oh.. yes I love Parc Monceau. It is so beautiful and so authentically Parisian!
What a great perspective of a much written about capital. It’s been decades since we were last in Paris and we only went to the main sites. Would love to return to see this street itinerary.
I’ll be back in Paris in June and can’t wait to discover more of that beautiful city! Great info.
Paris is so much fun to explore. Something surprising at every turn.
I never get tired of visiting Paris and just wandering the streets. One of my favorites is Rue Mouffetard and buying some cheese and bread to have an impromptu picnic as we carry on exploring the neighbourhoods. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of visiting here.
I never tire of Paris and cheese and bread picnics are marvellous!
Some great memories for me in this post from my last visit to Paris. I walked down next to the Seine to get to the Eiffel Tower. The walk took a few house but totally worth it.
Walking by the Seine is the best! Paris is the perfect city for long walks.
We once stayed on Rue Moufattard but did not see any dancers. What a shame! So many great streets to explore in the City of Light. Need to get through every one of these.
SO many great streets! I feel like this barely scratches the surface!
I love seeing Rue Mouffetard on this list as it’s one of my favorites! There are several new streets for me to stroll on my next trip to Paris, and I think I’ll put Villa D’Alésia at the top of my list!
Villa d’Alésia and nearby rue des Thermopyles are special!
Ah Paris is full of so much beauty! I wish I had this list when I was in Paris last – guess I need to go back. I would definitely like to check out Rue De Lappe!
You have captured my heart with this post. This is something I would love to do, to stroll and discover my favourites in each arrondissement! I devour any book or post that feeds my love for Paris.
I too, loved reading The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs. There are so many of the streets you have captured that I adore, and new ones too, like rue des Thermopyles.
Le sigh, my longing for Paris is even stronger after reading this post.
We are so alike in this regard. I devour what I can read about Paris and have decided that I am actually obsessed with Paris! I guess there are worse obsessions!
I wish I knew about the Rue Férou before I went. I spent a lot of time in the Luxembourg Gardens, but never stumbled across the poetry.
It took me a few visits to find it but I love strolling past and stopping to read it!
Though I went to a few of them, I wish I knew the others too. This is a lovely compilation and totally deserves a visit!
The photo that immodestly caught my attention was Rue Crémieux. The buildings are so colorful and picturesque!. of course it was no surprise when I read the description that it has become an Instagram hotspot. If I ever make it this way, I will be sure to go before the crowds show up 🙂
Rue Crémieux really is a lovely find. It’s just one block of colourful façades and so worth a visit!
One of the reasons I love Paris so much – I could walk it until my feet fell off! I’m so glad you’ve introduced me to so many new streets to consider. I’ve spent a few days exploring the 5th and 6th Arrondisements But must add several more to my list. That shot of the Eiffel Tower from the 7th is breathtaking!
The 7th has some fabulous spots to see the Eiffel Tower. I, too, can walk forever in Paris. What a city for walking and exploring. I hope you get to stroll on some of these lovely streets on your next visit.
Wandering, slowly, the streets of Paris is a magical and transforming experience too many miss the opportunity to take. We have been on many of these streets and love them. I do not recall wandering rue Mouffetard though and must remedy that miss. And your photo from there is a fantastic street capture! Love the dancing couple.
Thanks, Michael. Even better than the photograph was watching those 2 dancing and tapping my toes to the music! rue Mouffetard is definitely worth a wander. Great shops (although a bit touristy), cafés and shops to peruse for picnic items… how about some of that cheese with a baguette?!
Gorgeous guide will use it for sure during my next visit in Paris.
Thank you! You’ll love all these streets. Enjoy!
Thank you for suggesting the list of streets. I enjoy the unique and retro vibes of Parisian streets. I’m hoping to pay them a visit soon.
There are just so many lovely streets to explore in Paris! Enjoy your explorations!
Thanks for sharing this! Nice post and photos 🙂 I would like to travel these places next time!