Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris

The phrase “flâneur”, which the French use to describe the act of wandering aimlessly; sauntering while watching the goings-on around you, was coined in the city of Paris. What follows in the article is a guide for a lovely self-guided walking tour of Paris that marks some of the city's most magnificent landmarks.

One day in Paris: a self-guided walking tour

For a more easy way around, you can use the map to mark your walking tour and you can start from point A and continue all of the lists to see the most important landmarks in Paris, France. This tour takes approximately 3 hours on foot.

Point A: Bastille

The Place de la Bastille is about a 10-minute walk from the Gare de Lyon station in Paris. It was formerly a jail that was invaded and demolished during the French Revolution on what is now known as "Bastille Day." 

Point B: Le Marais

The old-world beauty of Le Marais is encased in a veneer of flair and grandeur. Take a stroll around the shops, relax in the sun in a lush park, or sit at a cafe and watch the world go by to catch the french vibe.

Point C: Hotel de Ville and the Circular Pavilion

The Hotel de Ville, located on the banks of the Seine, is a grandiose municipal hall. The concept of recycling and up-cycling inspired the name 'Circular Pavilion.' The utilization of recycled materials in its construction conveys a message.

Point D: Notre Dame

One of France's most iconic sites is Notre Dame Cathedral. It's just a short walk from the Hotel de Ville on the Île de la Cité, a natural island in the Seine. Due to the terrible fires of 2019, the cathedral is temporarily shuttered.

Point E: Pont Neuf

The Eiffel Tower was previously housed atop the Pont Neuf, Paris's oldest bridge. The Pont Neuf has become a popular location for installing 'love locks,' which are padlocks with the names of lovers engraved on them. A distinction that once belonged to the neighboring Pont des Arts.

Point F: Louvre Pyramid and Palace

The Louvre Pyramid is the largest of five pyramids on the grounds. It was designed by Ieoh Ming Pei and built in the same proportions as the Giza Pyramid. Next, you can see The Napoleon Courtyard which is a wonderful spot to relax and take in the ambiance.

Point G: Place of Concorde

The Place de la Concorde is the seventh location on your self-guided walking tour of Paris. A monument depicting a French city stands at each of the square's eight corners. The Luxor Obelisk, which dates back over 3,300 years, is the oldest landmark in Paris, France. Despite this, it is hardly the most relaxing place to walk.

Point H: Champs-Élysées

The commercial area of the France capital has had its heyday in recent years, but it still maintains the elegance of yesteryear. When walking, be cautious! The vista of the Arc de Triomphe in the distance will be breathtaking.

Point I: The Arch of the Triumph

Napoleon commissioned the Arc de Triomphe, which was finished in 1836. It looms above the Place Charles de Gaulle at little under 50 meters, making people and automobiles appear small at its foot. The nicest views of Paris and the Champs-Elysees may be found from the observation platform.

Point J: Trocadéro Gardens
 

The next in your Paris self-guided walking tour is The Jardins du Trocadéro's, and the greatest attraction is the Warsaw Fountain, a vast mirror-like basin with numerous fountains shooting water up to 12 meters into the air. If you're visiting Paris with children, there's a playground just next door as well as a carousel to keep them entertained.

Point K: Eiffel Tower

      On our self-guided tours Paris, the Eiffel Tower is the final stop. The Champ de Mars park is ideal for a picnic, a spontaneous game of boules, or simply taking in the ambiance. A beautiful bird's-eye perspective of the city may be had by riding the elevator to the peak.

If you have the chance, we recommend staying until sunset at the last stop to view it at night. Then, when you're ready to rest your tired feet, there are a few Metro stations nearby.