Paris: the 5 most beautiful pedestrian streets
Do you enjoy walking and have a few days to visit the City of Lights? Discover the most beautiful pedestrian streets of Paris and let yourself be transported on a unique journey, far from the noise of traffic. Visit Paris on foot for an unforgettable experience, an interlude of peace and wonder: if you don't know where to begin, here is a selection of the most beautiful pedestrians streets in the city.
A selection of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in Paris
Here is our list of the top five most beautiful pedestrian streets in Paris:
- Rue des Thermopyles (75014)
- Rue des Barres (75004)
- Rue Daguerre (75014)
- Rue Montorgueil (75002)
- Rue Saint-Rustique (75018)
This selection includes some of the most beautiful car-free Parisian streets.
Rue des Thermopyles: a rustic cobbled passage
This street is situated in the 14th arrondissement, in the south of Paris. Only 280 meters long, it offers a peaceful haven in the heart of the French capital. The houses are no higher than three floors, wisteria and flowers cover the facades, planters and potted trees crowd the sidewalks, and the cobbled street resonates only with the sound of the footsteps. A real piece of heaven, with an exquisitely country feel, right in the heart of Paris.
Getting there: Pernety Metro (line 13)
Rue des Barres: medieval ambience
Tucked behind the church of Saint Gervais, one of the oldest churches in Paris, the rue des Barres is without a doubt one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets of Paris. You will be charmed by its cobblestone streets, the facades of its ancient houses, and its timber-style building built in the 16th century. Take a peaceful break on the terrace of a small bar and enjoy the medieval ambience of the setting.
Getting there: Pont Marie Station (line 7)
Rue Saint-Rustique: the oldest pedestrian walkway
In the heart of the Montmartre neighborhood, rue Sainte-Rustique was originally just a dirt road and the first houses were built at the beginning of the 16th century. It is the oldest official pedestrian street of Paris and has been closed to traffic since 1973. You'll also have a chance to enjoy its cafe terraces and the view of the Sacré Coeur Basilica which rises up over the rooftops of the houses.
Getting there: Lamarck Metro Station/ Caulaincourt (line 12)
Rue Daguerre : tranquil and commercial
Enjoy a morning stroll among the stalls of fruit and vegetable vendors, butchers and fish merchants, and then stop at one of the many cafes to enjoy a hot or cold beverage on the terrace, depending on the season. We consider Rue Daguerre to be one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in Paris because of its unique ambience, which is both friendly and peaceful. Although the street it is lively and buzzing with its many vendors, it also exudes a fragrance of flowers and fruits, and the murmur of the crowd is like a melody. You will find yourself immersed in an authentic and vibrant Paris neighborhood.
Getting there: Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4 and 6, RER B)
Rue Montorgueil : the post-meal stroll
Once frequented by the great artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, rue Montorgueil boasts famous restaurants and a plethora of cafes, pubs, brasseries and other bistros. Stroll along one of the most iconic pedestrian streets in Paris and follow in the footsteps of Balzac, Marcel Proust, Sacha Guitry and Salvador Dali.
Getting there: Sentier (line 3), Les Halles (line 4)
Enjoy a walking tour of Paris
Would you like to discover the major tourist sites and hidden gems of the capital? PARISCityVISION offers walking tours, with passionate and experienced guides to help you explore the many facets of Parisian life and admire the city's exceptional historical or modern heritage.
