Walking tours are definitely the best way to discover a new city. And luckily for you, Paris is one of the most easily-walkable cities in the world. Here is one self guided walking tour in Paris for each season!
As a born and raised Parisian, who still lives in Paris in her twenties, Iâm confident that I know the city of love better than most people.
And one thing I especially love to do in Paris is walk. There are iconic landmarks, and non touristy spots in Paris pretty much everywhere, and no big distance between sights.
Letâs take an example⊠How far is Montmartre from the Eiffel Tower? Itâs only a 3.42 miles (5.5 kilometers) walk from one another, with tons to see in between.
â Since we couldnât possibly choose one walk, and that our favourite depends on the season, weâve curated one self-guided walking tour of Paris by season. đ
Best Self Guided Walking Tours in Paris for Each Season
One thing we notice when reading some recommended walking tours in Paris is how it doesnât take into consideration the season people are visiting.
There are definitely sights in Paris that are much more beautiful in spring than. And things I would rather do in winter. So here are my favourites self guided walking tours in Paris for each season!
Best Self Guided Walking Tour in Paris in Spring đž
One thing we donât talk about enough is how green Paris actually is. Yes, itâs a big city, but nature is still very present everywhere. And this walking tour proves it.
Since spring is natureâs most wonderful season, we thought it would make the most sense to discover Paris under its best spring attire. In this walking tour, you will see and smell spring in the best parks in Paris, and in other iconic spots.
Vincennes
Spring is the best season to walk in Paris, if you ask me. As a local, I adore how the city outdoors comes alive at this time of the year.
The energy is different with people staying late outside, café and restaurant terraces taking over the streets, stores displaying their products outside, and trees and plants being in full bloom.
That is the exact reason why we think starting this self guided walking tour in Paris at Lake Daumesnil in the Bois de Vincennes is ideal.
You can walk around the lake starting from the nearest entrance to the Porte Dorée metro station. You will see the beauty of the woods, the birds on the lake, and footbridges leading to the two islands on the lake.
On Reuilly Island, there is a splendid romantic rotunda offering a beautiful view of the lake. Below it, you can find an artificial cave with a waterfall.
No, we wonât lie and say itâs one of the best waterfalls in France because itâs obviously not. But itâs still a fun sight, pleasant when itâs sunny and hot!
Coulée Verte
From lake Daumesnil, you can find the entrance of the Coulée Verte, a 5-kilometer beautiful walk with some elevated parts. It used to be a railway that served all east of Paris, looking a lot like the Highline in New York City.
You can stroll along the Coulée Verte until you reach Place de la Bastille. Along the way, you will discover the local neighborhoods of Paris.
With footbridges, former viaducts, gardens, Haussmannian buildings, and passages under bridges, the walk is very entertaining.
If you are thirsty, keep in mind tap water in Paris is drinkable! In most parks, such as the CoulĂ©e Verte, youâll find taps to refill your water bottle.
Place de la Bastille
You can walk on the CoulĂ©e Verte until reaching the Place de la Bastille. Itâs such an iconic place in French history.
A bit of history now to understand why this specific place is so important. In 1789, poor harvests and soaring bread prices left many starving in France. As poverty worsened, King Louis XVI failed to offer solutions, sparking rebellion.
When the king tried to dissolve an assembly with military force, it backfired as soldiers joined the people. On July 14, Parisians took to the streets and stormed the royal prison of the Bastille, marking the symbolic start of the French Revolution.
Today, itâs a hotspot of the east of Paris, where people hang out, skateboard, have drinks or picnics at the Port de lâArsenal, or admire the Colonne de Juillet, a commemorative column.
Port de lâArsenal
Port de lâArsenal really feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. This small port gives off a really laid-back vibe. You can have take away food there for lunch or just relax a bit before continuing your self guided walk in Paris.
Jardin des Plantes
Now, letâs head to the south of Paris! Actually, itâs more the middle of you look at a map, but anything below the Seine river is considered South Paris. Locals, me included, often joke that you need a passport to go from one to the other.
Our favourite garden in the ânew cityâ is, by far, Jardin des Plantes! Itâs full of hundreds, if not thousands, of different plants, including stunning colorful flowers. Walking in the alleys of this garden feels like walking in an open-roof flower-shop.
You can also visit the greenhouses, they are stunning both from outside and inside!
Grande Mosquée
Choose the south exit of the Jardin des Plantes and you will run into the Grande Mosquée. This stunning mosquée is a place I keep going back to, at least once a month. So I had to include it in the self guided walking tour of Paris!
First, you can actually visit the mosquĂ©e itself, with a small entrance fee (like 3âŹ), except for the prayer rooms of course.
The architecture of this place of worship, the mosaics predominantly green, blue, and brown, and its garden are sumptuous and truly soothing.
Then, head to their restaurant and tea saloon. Everything is delicious, from the traditional mint tea, pastries or couscous. If you can’t tell, I ADORE this place and go there at least once a month!
Saint Germain
From the Grande MosquĂ©e, hop on the metro or enjoy a longer scenic walk in Parisâ charming streets to reach Saint-Germain-des-PrĂ©s.
This neighborhood is the closest one you can have to the show âEmily in Parisâ. It showcases the picturesque Paris, with the Seine River, traditional stone bridges, and restaurants on every side of every street.
There are old cinemas with red neon lights everywhere, itâs a very artsy neighborhood.
We love Christine 21, which shows old westerns, and the famous Studio Galande, which has been showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show every week since 1978. Viewers are encouraged to throw rice and water during certain epic scenes in the film!
Best Self Guided Walking Tour in Paris in Summer âïž
Summer time in Paris is so nice because most Parisians go on holidays, making it less crowded, especially in August. Of course, there are still tourists like you, but youâll have more space to enjoy the city of love.
Montmartre Village and Sacré-Coeur Basilica
Montmartre is an epic place to begin your self-guided walking tour in Paris. Begin at the Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro station, which is picturesque in itself as it is surrounded by staircases.
Walk uphill to the beautiful Rue de lâAbreuvoir, often called the prettiest street in Paris. At the corner, snap a photo of the iconic cafĂ© La Maison Rose.
Just steps away, youâll find the Vigne du Clos Montmartre, a hidden vineyard tucked behind stone walls. Yes, real wine is still produced here! By the way, there is a FĂȘte des vendanges de Montmartre every year at the end of September or beginning of October.
Continue your walk through Montmartre Village, a maze of cobbled alleys, local artists, and old-world charm. End your tour at the SacrĂ©-CĆur Basilica, perched high on the hill with panoramic views over Paris.
Canal Saint Martin
Keep in mind connecting the SacrĂ©-Coeur to the beginning of the Canal Saint Martin is not the funniest part of the self guided walking tour; but itâs worth it! Walk for about 40 minutes and youâll reach the Canal.
This area of Paris thrives in summer. The Canal is very romantic, locals picnic by it every night, or some even jump from the bridge in the water when itâs too hot. Although I would not recommend it!
There are tons of cute restaurants and coffees. If you like alternative spots, we recommend Comptoir Général. Walk along this scenic canal until reaching Le Bassin de la Villette. If you want to do a sweet break, head to Le Pavillon des Canaux.
La Villette Park
The Canal keeps going into the Villette Park, a huge park with red buildings and structures everywhere. Itâs more than a park, if its name says so, we would rather describe it as a whole ecosystem, with lots of events organised.
There are festivals, original events all the time, concert venuesâŠ
Concert at ZĂ©nith or Trabendo
Now that you’re in La Villette, you should head to one of its concert halls and enjoy a great show! The ZĂ©nith hosts major artists, the Trabendo hosts smaller acts, and the Cabaret Sauvage organizes electronic music nights.
đ€ Wondering if French people speak english?
Best Self Guided Walking Tour in Paris in the Fall đ
Fall is a great season to visit Paris because thatâs probably when the city is the most alive, yet the summer crowds went away.
Locals came back from summer holidays and want to enjoy the city they live in. There are tons of cultural events, and all the usual landmarks are open. Hereâs a great self guided walking tour in Paris in autumn.
Port de la Gare
Start your day in the middle of Paris, on the left bank of the Seine River, at Port de la Gare. Do your morning exercise at Josephine Baker pool boat! Yes, you read that correctly.
Itâs basically a pool on a boat. This spot is incredibly pretty as you see the Seine river while swimming. It’s municipal equipment so the entrance only costs a few euros.
After swimming, you can have breakfast at one of the terraces and boats close by. Then, donât leave without visiting Quai de la Photo! Itâs another coffee boat that hosts photo exhibitions all the time, for free.
Jardin des Plantes
Walk for about 20 minutes along the Seine River and you will arrive at the entrance of the stunning Jardin des Plantes. This has to be one of my personal favourite places in Paris.
This garden has thousands of different plant species, medicinal herbs, flowers, trees⊠There are alleys between them and you can see them on both sides while walking. That makes it an ideal place to unwind while on a self guided walking tour in Paris.
At the end of the Jardin des Plantes (coming from the Seine River), there are two beautiful greenhouses. They can be visited for a few euros, and are really worth the detour if you like plants. You can also visit the museum of natural history.
Panthéon
Exit the garden of plants and walk towards the famous Pantheon. On your way, stop at the Arenes de Lutece, an old Roman amphitheater.
Keep walking until you reach the Pantheon. Itâs a symbolic church in French history, built in the 18th century by the King of France.
It was intended to house the relics of Saint Genevieve. At the beginning of the French Revolution, it was transformed into a funerary monument in honor of not just one but all the great figures of contemporary history.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
From the Pantheon, Notre-Dame church is only a 15-minute walk. You might want to stop by the banks of the Seine to eat lunch!
Next, admire the Gothic cathedral, which is nearly 700 years old. Its recent history has probably made it one of the most famous French monuments. It was partially destroyed by fire in 2019 and reopened in 2025 after extensive reconstruction work.
People from all over the world come to visit it. If you wish to go inside, book your ticket in advance!
59 Rivoli
You’ve been swimming, have walked in a park, have seen some of Paris’ most historic buildings… Now it’s time for alternative art! A 15-minute walk will take you to 59 Rivoli.
It is an alternative cultural space in Paris that aims to democratize art by offering artists a place to create and exhibit their work, while providing the public with free access to âliving artâ, art linked to its creative process.
Founded in 1999 by 3 men who occupied an abandoned building, it attracted other artists and transformed the space into a dynamic arts center. Despite threats of eviction, its popularity and media attention led the government to reconsider its position.
đ Then, Rue de Rivoli is a big shopping street if you want to buy some new clothes or home decor! đ
Musée du Louvre
A trip to Paris without seeing the Louvre Pyramid? No thank you! You should visit it for so many reasons we canât tell them all, but we will try to name a few.
This museum houses collections of Western art from the Middle Ages to 1848. It provides an in-depth understanding of ancient Eastern civilizations, including Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman. You will also find early Christian and Islamic art.
However, you cannot simply visit it on your self guided walking tour of Paris in an hour or so. We suggest you plan a longer visit on another day and only see the outside of the Louvre during this tour.
And seeing the Louvre from the outside is already impressive. The building itself is very picturesque, and there is a fascinating glass pyramid in the middle of the courtyard. It is the quintessence of the romantic Paris that people love.
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is right in front of the Louvre. Itâs your opportunity to sit down on one of the Tuileriesâ famous green chairs for a minute.
This garden is magnificent. You can immediately see that it is symbolic with its perfect paths, boundaries, trees, and ponds.
On the other side of the Tuileries garden, there is the famous Place de la Concorde. Pass by its big Obelisk until you reach the Grand Palais.
Grand Palais
This iconic Grand Palais is a Beaux-Arts building. It has a stunning glass dome and iron framework, and is a masterpiece in itself.
Inside, it hosts fabulous exhibitions and events. We watched the Paralympic Games there, but we also went for a gastronomic event with Michelin-starred chefs… Its program is very varied, so we can’t predict what will be happening there when you visit!
đŁ After visiting the Grand Palais, you can have a look at the Alexandre III Bridge! đŁ
Eiffel Tower
End your day at THE most famous attraction of Paris: the Eiffel Tower! Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, it was initially controversial but soon became a beloved architectural wonder.
You can first admire it from the Place du Trocadéro, then get closer and even climb to the top! Rising to a height of 330 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the city from its three observation decks.
Then, walk closer to the Eiffel Tower to really realise how big it actually is! Tickets start at 14,50⏠for second floor access, and 27,50⏠for third floor.
Best Self Guided Walking Tour in Paris in Winter âïž
Paris gets a bit cold in winter, but itâs nonetheless pleasing to walk outside. We changed the itinerary a bit so you can see epic Parisian sights that are beautiful no matter the season!
Pss. If you are visiting with your partner, here are 30+ romantic things to do in winter in Paris!
Eiffel Tower
This self guided walking tour of Paris starts at its most famous landmark⊠The Iron Lady stands out among the Hausmannian buildings, and is located in the 7th district, by the Seine River.
It can be seen from most elevated places in the capital. Start your day by seeing it from the ground, before heading to its different floors! We suggest buying tickets online to avoid the queue and time waste.
Place du Trocadéro
Take a step back, figuratively and literally (a few steps though), to see the Eiffel Tower from Place du Trocadéro! This is undoubtedly the most famous viewpoint of the Iron Lady.
To get there, cross the historic Pont d’IĂ©na bridge and walk a few minutes through the TrocadĂ©ro park. Pass by the fountain, climb the stairs, and you’re there!
Palais de Tokyo
Right by the TrocadĂ©ro, a white building stands out: the Palais de Tokyo! This contemporary art venue from the 30sâ displays different exhibits, and sometimes performances, all year-round.
What most museum lovers say is how refreshing this place is. Itâs not overloaded with art so you can spend more time staring at each unique piece.
From paintings, to dances, sculptures, or incredible costumes, youâll be mesmerised!
You can stay in the building to eat at one of the two restaurants, or only have a snack at the coffee shop.
Arc de Triomphe
Walk 20 minutes towards the iconic Arc de Triomphe. This triumphal arch was built in 1836 to commemorate the victories of Napoleon, France’s most famous emperor.
It is unlike any other monument in Paris. This building, composed of four large columns that meet in the center, is impressive in itself. But its location is just as incredible!
Twelve avenues converge at Place de l’Ătoile, where the Arc de Triomphe is located. This gives you a panoramic view of this place, which seems to be the center of a star.
Avenue des Champs Elysées
One of the 12 avenues that converge at the Triumph Arch is Avenue des Champs ElysĂ©es. You might know it from the famous French song, the luxury boutiques, or the Christmas lights⊠Anyways, since you are here, itâs worth a stroll!
Grand Palais
You could not walk from the top of the Champs Elysées to the Tuileries Garden without doing a little detour to the Grand Palais.
The Grand Palais is a Parisian monument that hosts temporary exhibitions and events. Its primary mission is cultural, but it sometimes hosts gastronomic events such as Taste of Paris, and even a giant ice rink during the winter season.
âžïž Since youâll be visiting in winter, itâs the best place to go ice skating in Paris! âžïž
Place de la Concorde
On your way to the end of the Champ ElysĂ©es, aka the fabulous Jardin des Tuileries, youâll go through the equally fabulous Place de la Concorde!
This gigantic square with the big Obelisk of Luxor in the middle of it always impresses tourists, and we get why. This Egyptian column is 23-meter high (75 feet).
Jardin des Tuileries
Jardin des Tuileries hosts the best Christmas market in town in December. Part of the reason why is because they usually open an outdoor ice skating rink!
The other reason to visit the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas market is its handmade souvenirs and delicious winter treats such as hot roasted chestnuts, onion soup, hot mulled wine, aligot, crepesâŠ. Everything that we love about french food!
You will be there mid-afternoon, the perfect time for a sweet snack to refuel your energy batteries before heading to the next spot.
Musée du Louvre
About 10 minutes from the Tuileries Garden is the Musée du Louvre. This is the largest art museum in the world. There are 72,735 square meters of rooms and galleries!
The Louvre building and its glass pyramid are simply magnificent. However, if you want to visit it, you may need to add an extra day, or at least half a day, to your stay in Paris. That’s why we’re just passing by it on this walking tour of Paris.
Centre Pompidou
Walk for about 15 minutes until you reach the cultural center Centre Pompidou.
Itâs mainly known for its radical high-tech architecture designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. The buildingâs structural elements are boldly displayed on the exterior. Steel beams, glass walls, and color-coded pipes run along its facade.
Centre Pompidou houses the MusĂ©e National d’Art Moderne, the largest modern art museum in Europe. It is also home to a public library and a center for music and acoustic research.
Marais
End your self guided walking tour of Paris in the Marais district. Itâs an historic neighborhood where artists used to live back in the days.
There are many small cobbled streets, with hipster and clothing shops, cute cafes and restaurants. Stroll through the streets to feel its energy before heading to a bar or restaurant to call it a day!
We recommend BrewDog for a drink, and a falafel for dinner as it is the neighborhood’s iconic sandwich. The most famous falafel restaurant is As du Falafel. If youâre after a cozier seated atmosphere, head to Le Colimaçon.
Where to stay in Paris?
As you can see, we covered many areas of Paris in these 4 walking itineraries in Paris. However, one wide area stays our favourite: the central east of Paris. From the Marais, to the tip of the 11th district. Here are a few hotels we personally recommend.
HĂŽtel Paris Bastille Boutet MGallery is as stunning for the outside as it is from the inside. This historic hotel is located in a local area (close from my home actually) and offer spacious rooms, a divine breakfast and an indoor swimming pool!
âĄïž Check availability and prices here
âïž 8,6/10 based on these reviews
Le GĂ©nĂ©ral HĂŽtel is also located in the 11th district, near Republique. It’s in a central and lively neighborhood, has classy decor, and unbeatable service! Perfect for a stay in the french capital.
âĄïž Check availability and prices here
âïž 9,2/10 based on these reviews
Best Self Guided Walking Tour Paris : Final Thoughts
You can see a LOT of Paris without taking public transport or taxis. Save yourself this time spent underground or in a closed space to spend time walking in the beautiful streets of the french capital.
Once youâve visited the main landmarks and secret spots of Paris, here are some magical day trips from Paris in winter.
You can also visit more of France: kayak the Gorges du Verdon, explore Colorado Provencal, taste the wine of BordeauxâŠ
