The best neighbourhoods to walk around and experience Paris (2024)

Paris is a city famous for its beauty, charm and unique atmosphere. Each area in the city has its own character, history and unique features worth exploring. If you’re looking to discover the true essence of Paris, there’s nothing better than getting lost in the streets of some of its most iconic neighbourhoods. To help you find these places, EnVols has listed the best areas of Paris to wander around and experience the city’s special atmosphere. Whether looking for a bohemian atmosphere, a lesson in Paris history, a view of the Seine or luxury shopping, there is bound to be a Parisian district for you.

The Marais

Located in the 3^rd and 4^th arrondissem*nts of Paris, the Marais is one of the most historic districts in Paris. It is adorned with cobbled streets and 17^th and 18^th century buildings that bore witness to Paris’ eventful history. The district was built during the reign of King Henry IV, and it was a place of residence for the aristocracy during the 17^th century. In the 18^th century, the Marais became the beating heart of the city’s intellectual and artistic life. Today, it is famous for its museums – the Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum – its art galleries and fashion boutiques.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a bohemian district in the 18^th arrondissem*nt of Paris. It is famous for its sharply-inclined streets, street performers and the breathtaking view of the city you get from the Sacré-Coeur basilica. The area was a meeting place for artists and intellectuals as early as the 19^th century, with the likes of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse living and working there. Montmartre is also known for its famous cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, which opened on 6 October 1889.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Located in the 6^th arrondissem*nt of Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a bright and stylish neighbourhood. It is famous for its historic cafés, such as the Café de Flore and the Deux Magots, which were meeting places for intellectuals and artists as early as the 19^th century. The area is also home to many fashion boutiques, as well as the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a former Benedictine abbey in Paris, which dates back to the 6^th century.

Canal Saint-Martin

The Canal Saint-Martin is a peaceful area located in the 10^th arrondissem*nt of Paris. The canal was built in 1822 and inaugurated in 1825 to bring drinking water deeper into the city. Nowadays, it is lined with cast-iron bridges, trendy cafés and all manner of shops. The area has also been a prime filming location for many popular films and series such as Emily in Paris, Mission: Impossible Fallout and Amélie.

The Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in Paris, located in the city’s 8^th arrondissem*nt. This majestic avenue connects the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, making for a pleasant walk with magnificent views of some of the capital’s most emblematic monuments. It was created in 1674 by André Le Nôtre, then King Louis XIV’s landscape designer. The Champs-Élysées is lined with imposing buildings, luxury shops, restaurants, cafés and cinemas. Among the most notable buildings are the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, which house temporary exhibitions for the former, and a fine arts museum for the latter. There are also several theatres and venues on the avenue, including the Lido and the Théâtre Marigny.

The Quartier Latin

The Quartier Latin is a lively and cultural neighbourhood located in the 5^th arrondissem*nt of Paris. It takes its name from the Sorbonne, the oldest university in Paris, which was founded in the 13^th century. The area is also home to many bookshops, including the famous Shakespeare and Company, which was a meeting place for writers of the Lost Generation, such as Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. The Latin Quarter is also known for its historic cafés, such as Café de la Mairie and Café Procope, which have served as meeting places for intellectuals and artists throughout the centuries.