Walking Around, Paris

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There is no better way to explore a city like Paris than on foot. There is so much that is missed when riding the metro or in car. Exploring small side streets and back alleys can lead to interesting shops, small churches or a long forgotten statue.

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The website below has the fascinating history of the only pedestrian bridge across the Seine. Walking across slowly and savoring the views is one of the nicest pleasures for me in Paris. Ahead is the Louvre -- behind Institut de France -- and each way wonderful views of the river. The current bridge dates from 1985.

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After all the best way to discover Paris is on foot.

Our favorite walks from Square of the Star and Arc de Triomphe down the Champs-Elysees to the Louvre.

We also suggest the river banks; the walk: from the Eiffel Tower >> Champ de Mars >> to the Ecole Militaire >> to Invalides >> Pont Alexandre III >> Grand Palais & Petit Palais >> Champs-Elysees >> Place de la Concorde .

Use The Ile de la Cite with Notre-Dame as a starting point >> to Luxembourg through the Latin quarter >> to Hotel de Ville (City Hall) >> Centre Pompidou >> to Le Marais and Place des Vosges through Ile Saint-Louis.

One of the best ways to fully experience a place is on foot. The same goes for Paris. It gives you a chance to get lost in its streets, feel the atmosphere, closely admire the architecture... not to say take pictures from different, maybe unusual angles.

One recommendation is to have a good, sturdy umbrella type stroller. I saw people trying to navigate the large stroller system and/or jogging strollers and it is really hard. We purchased a Maclaren Volo and absolutely love it. It is light weight and easy to open/close in a hurry. It is also comfortable for my little girl and has storage room underneath. Another recommendation is a good bag. We purchased the SkipHop bag. It fits perfectly over the handles of the stroller and holds a lot of stuff without being too heavy. This was the only bag that I carried the whole time we were there.

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“The plaques receiving a street name inscription will be rectangular and will have different dimensions depending on the size of the name being inscribed.”
— from a 1938 law about Parisian street signs

The best way to experience Paris, or any great city, is on foot. Your feet always are the best mode of transportation; this is also cheap!

To find the city’s many sights knowledge of its street signs would be helpful. The street signs in Paris are designed with an old-style appearance; this helps reinforce the notion that the city is so romantic.

Generally street signs are fixed to the sides of the buildings at either end of a street block. They are much higher than eye level, and even higher than signs affixed to polls in the USA, so look up! Traditionally they are dark blue trimmed in green with white lettering and accents. Paris is sectioned off into 21 arrondissements. The number of the arrondissement is often shown in the little semicircular space above the street name.

Most of the time, I walked. I probably walked about 5-6 kilometers per day while I was in Europe. In Paris, I walked about 10 kilometers. Just looking for the restaurant for our VT meet, I walked 50 blocks!

I don't have problem in walking because I can see more and upclose.

I bought a good pair of shoes and although it was a bit expensive, it was a good investment for me. The shoes gave me better posture and better physiological walk.

My friend talked me into buying an MBT Physiological Footwear before I left for Europe. I bought it at Walking Company. If you wanted to buy one, just go to their website.

The best method of transport is your feet!

Paris is a wonderful, safe place to walk around, taking in all the beautiful sights and buildings. There are so many beautiful buildings and lovely parks, cafes to stop at, crepes to be eaten that it's a shame to spend time underground.