Last Updated on 18th January 2021 by Sophie Nadeau
When it comes to the French capital, there are little lanes, cobbled roads, and grand boulevards. Stroll around the city for long enough and you’ll soon discover that there are plenty of pretty Paris streets worth walking down. And (if you don’t already) perhaps you’ll start believing that the City of Love is a place worth returning to again, and again… and again!
After all, one of the biggest draws of Paris is its cobble lined streets, wide leafy boulevards, and sidewalk cafés. So join me in this quest, as I search for the very best of roads in Paris. Whether it be historic highlights, filming locations, or simply a beautiful destination, here are the most beautiful streets in Paris!
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#1 rue des Rosiers, 4th Arrondissement
Situated in the very heart of Le Marais, a district so-called thanks to its former status as marshy swampland, Rue des Rosiers is one of those streets that makes you feel like you’re strolling through the Paris straight from a movie.
A cobbled lane filled with cafés, eateries, and independent boutiques, Rue des Rosiers is easily one of the most iconic streets Paris has to offer. And, of course, if you’re in search of medieval Paris, then this is the place to come. After all, the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris largely escaped the Haussmannian renovations of the 19th-century.
Oh, and while in Le Marais, be sure not to miss the world-famous L’As du Fallafel. Serving fantastic vegan food, this eatery is located at number 34 Rue des Rosiers and it’s pretty safe to say that I’ve never tasted such good falafel (and at such a good price too!). In order to make the most of your time in Le Marais district, I highly recommend following this free and self-guided Le Marais walking tour.
#2 rue des Barres, 4th arrondissement
Trailing ivy covers the house at the end of the road and the cobbled nature of the alley means that few cars can, or even will venture up this narrow lane. Rue des Barres is the perfect location to sip on an espresso and escape the hustle Led bustle of le Marais. After all, out of all the streets of Paris, this is by far one of the most beautiful you can hope to find anywehere in the city.
Here lies your opportunity to stroll down one of Paris’ prettiest streets, camera in one hand, curiosity in the other. And if you’re a fan of all things movie-related, then you might be interested to know that a scene of Gossip Girl in Paris was filmed down this street, as well as several perfume adverts!
Nearby, there are plenty of quirky attractions and little Parisian sights well worth your time. For example, Bibliothèque Forney is a public library dedicated to the decorative arts which is housed against the backdrop of a former Medieval Mansion House. Elsewhere in the arrondissement, the Village Saint Paul sells a variety of antiques and quirky wares.
#3 rue Chanoinesse, 4th arrondissemen
There are as many secrets and little pieces of history hidden along Rue Chanoinesse as the road is as old as the many myths pertaining to it. Home to one of the best cafés in Paris, and even a courtyard paved with repurposed gravestones, this street is a mere’s stone throw away from Notre Dame.
While along this medieval road, don’t forget to check out the address where Heloise and Abelard are alleged to have undertaken their forbidden 12th-century Romance. Also of note is the adjacent Rue des Chantres, one of the narrowest streets in Paris!
#4 rue Cremieux, 12th arrondissement
Though less of a ‘Parisian secret‘ than just a few years ago, Rue Cremieux is full of colourful houses and plenty of cats. As a result of its ‘Portobello Road look,’ Rue Cremieux has become pretty ‘insta-famous’ in the past few years. And for good reason.
You can’t stroll down this pretty Parisian street without snapping at least one or two of the colourful houses and quirky architecture. This road is barely a few hundred meters away from Bastille Opera, home to Paris’ other opera house and once home to the infamous pre-revolution prison, Bastille.
#5 Square de Montsouris, 14th arrondissement
Don’t let the name of this pretty Parisian street fool you! This ‘square‘ is actually one of the prettiest streets in Paris and it’s close to one of the most picturesque parks in the city, Parc de Montsouris. Square de Montsouris is located in the 14e arrondissement of the city.
The cobbled lane of Square de Montsouris is a great place to wander around if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists surrounding more ‘famous’ parts of the city. Nearby, the Parc Montsouris is home to a closed off part of the Petite Ceinture, while the infamous Paris Catacombs aren’t too far away…
#6 rue de l’Abreuvoir, 18th arrondissement
Of all the pretty Paris streets listed here, I think that Rue de l’Abreuvoir must be my favourite! The pink house of Montmartre sits at one end of the street, while Place Dalida (dedicated to the iconic singer) can be found at the other end. Local legend has it that if you touch the bust of Dalida in Place Dalida, you’ll be rewarded with good luck.
Rue de l’Aubreuvoir is like stepping into Paris of the past, only this time with selfie sticks and proper waste facilities! Here you’ll find a cute cobbled road, plenty of trailing ivy and few tourists. The road was first mentioned as early as 1325 when it was known as ‘ruelle qui va au but’ (road which goes to the end).
For the best possible lighting and capturing the place without the crowds, I recommend visiting first thing in the morning, mid-week if possible. For more hidden gems of Montmartre, here’s your guide to the best of secret spots in the 18e.
#7 rue Lamarck, 18th arrondissement
Okay, just one more street in Montmartre, I promise! Then we’ll go and explore some other parts of the city… So, I know everyone just loves exploring around the Parvis de Sacré Coeur, the Sinking House of Montmartre, and the likes, but the other day I was strolling through the back streets of Montmartre when I stumbled on this gem…
The café of Le Refuge is perched on the steps leading down from the top of the Montmartre hill and looks like it’s come straight out of the last century. Rue Lamarck itself is named for the 18th to 19th Century Professor of Zoology and can be found at the meeting point of Montmartre hill and the butte of Montmartre.
#8 rue Nicolas Flamel, 4th arrondissement
Yes, you read that correctly! No, I am not making this up: Nicolas Flamel was a real person and he lived in Paris together with his wife. It’s thought that JK Rowling owes her ‘Flamel Inspiration’ to her time studying abroad in Paris during university.
Although Flamel was an academic and store owner in medieval Paris, it’s thought that the ‘alchemist’ rumours surrounding him did not emerge until centuries following his death. The cute little street of Rue Nicolas Flamel is located in Le Marais, not far from Hôtel de Ville and just streets away from Auberge Nicolas Flamel, i.e. the oldest stone residence in Paris.
That large tower you can see at the end of the road in the picture below is known as ‘Tour Saint Jacques’ and is all that remains of a once-grand medieval church which dominated the area. In the summertime, it’s possible to ascend the tower for a fee. Want to know more? Here’s your guide to searching for Harry Potter in Paris!
#9 Quai de la Tournelle, 5th arrondissement
Come summertime, there are few things I enjoy more than strolling along the banks of the Seine and admiring the Parisian sites. One of the best places to do this is Quai de la Tournelle. Wander past Île de la Cité, and admire the small independent shops that make up the Latin Quarter of the city.
From this pretty street, you can see Notre Dame in all its glory (and even some cherry blossom in the Spring)! Other highlights of Quai de la Tournelle include several bouquinistes (these book and antique vendors are now listed as UNESCO) and plenty of picnic spots at which to enjoy a picnic à la Parisian.
#10 Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement
Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without a stroll along the iconic Champs. Literally translated as ‘Elysian Fields’, of all the pretty Paris streets on this list, surely this iconic shopping street is the most famous. The French boulevard was inaugurated in the 19th-century and has since become a symbol of the city.
And with the Arc de Triomphe on one end and the famous wheel at Concorde on the other, it’s not hard to see why! If I were to give you just one top Paris travel tip for visiting, it would be that the best time to ascend the iconic triumphal arch is at sunset, when the light is golden and the Eiffel Tower looks at its best. So as to make the most of your time in the city, be sure to book your Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance.
#11 rue Lepic, 18th arrondissement
Situated in the ever so whimsical district of Montmartre, i.e. the 18th arrondissement of the city, rue Lepic snakes its way around the area, encompassing many independent shops, stores, and eateries along the way. Once home to many a windmill, today some of the last Parisian windmills are to be found along this pretty Paris street.
And that’s not the only history that’s to be found on this historic French road. After all, it was here in the late 19th-century that the Renault car (i.e. the one and same as the famous French brand) was born for the first time. For a time, it was also along rue Lepic that Vincent van Gogh resided along with with his brother Theo.
#12 Villa Léandre, 18th arrondissement
For those who are searching for something a little different than the typical Haussmannian architecture that’s so synonymous with the city, Villa Léandre is a must-see when it comes to streets in Paris. Modelled in the 1930s after the English style, of particular note is the little plaque at No. 10 announcing ‘Downing Street’.
#13 rue Saint-Rustique, 18th arrondissement
The oldest street in Montmartre is that of rue Saint-Rustique. Tucked away in the heart of all the action and offering fantastic views of the Sacré-Coeur, this historic road was officially designated a pedestrian walkway, making it the first road of its kind. Today, on the corner of where the historic coffee house of Le Consulat meets the typically French bistro of La Bonne Franquette, you’ll find the narrow passageway.
#14 rue Saint-Dominique, 7th arrondissement
For that ‘romantic Parisian view,’ there is perhaps no other location in the city quite as iconic as that from along rue Saint-Dominique. One of the best places to enjoy the twinkling Eiffel Tower come nighttime in Paris, this delightful Paris street is home to highlights such as chic brasseries and luxurious hotels. For a true taste of luxury in the City of Light, be sure to book yourself into a hotel like this one.
#15 Avenue Rapp, 7th arrondissement
For one of the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris, you simply must head to the oh-so-typical Avenue Rapp. Together alongside Square Rapp, this pretty Parisian street offers a glimpse of chic Paris. For a particularly unusual (and pretty controversial) glimpse of quirky Paris, be sure to head to No. 29, where Lyon born artist Julien Lavirotte’s art-deco creation can be seen.
19 Comments
Susan
30th November 2019 at 4:57 pmWhat gorgeous photos! This has increased my interest to take a trip to Paris. 🙂
Travel Blogger
6th October 2019 at 2:13 pmYour photographs are amazing! I love the way you write!
earthtoconnie
10th August 2019 at 3:38 pmThese streets really do look pretty, I’ve loved reading this post!
Snazzytrips
29th December 2018 at 11:03 pmGorgeous pictures.
Sam
28th November 2018 at 11:28 amSorry Sophie that was supposed to be prose not pride…
Sam
28th November 2018 at 11:27 amDear Sophie, I’m about to head to the UK and Paris from Australia for three weeks. Your blog has added so much depth to my trip, I am very grateful for your ideas, fine pride and gorgeous photos. Thank you so much!
Sophie Nadeau
28th November 2018 at 12:41 pmHi Sam,
Thanks for your message! Glad to have helped- I hope you have a wonderful time in the UK & Paris! 🙂
Erica
26th November 2018 at 6:22 pmGreat post! I am travelling to Paris next January (3rd visit) and I was searching exactly for this kind of tips. Love your blog!
thundrrrtrippin
19th August 2018 at 7:02 amHave been reading your posts on Paris – so good! Am heading there in a few weeks and can’t wait to explore the places you’ve written about! Thank you!
carol
24th March 2018 at 12:14 pmi love it Sophie and the photos are soooooo beautiful, me and my husband are visiting Paris this summer and i had already planned to focus our trip on Montmartre and picturesque places so i’m gonna print your posts for us! also your MontmartreWalkingTour is just Perfect! thank u.
Sophie Nadeau
29th March 2018 at 2:03 pmThank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris- Montmartre really is especially beautiful!
Emma Rowe
7th November 2017 at 9:18 pmI love this post 🙂 I’m going there at the end of November and will definitely check some of these out. Thank you!!!
yenny prieto
17th August 2017 at 8:12 pmYo amo Paris, y podría volver una y otra y otra vez, es mi sueño, anhelo, gracias por compartir estas imagenes que me hacen regresar
Dennis Donohue
24th May 2017 at 11:50 pmGreat post! How can one not love the City of Lights?
Travelen
8th May 2017 at 3:01 pmYour article was so lovely! Sophie you are so sweet and your photos is very romantic! We’re always happy when we find other travel bloggers. You look great, keep it up..
Dani
2nd May 2017 at 10:24 amI’m traveling to Paris in July and this is EXACTLY the blog post I was looking for to fuel the excitement! These photos look like they’ve been taken off a film set. If you had to pick only one Parisian street to recommend, what would you be your pick?
http://www.thegingerpassports.com
Sophie Nadeau
2nd May 2017 at 2:24 pmAh, I’m glad that it’s helpful! Ooh, I’m pretty torn but considering I love Montmartre so much, I’d definitely have to recommend Rue de l’Abreuvoir as it’s just so ‘quintessentially’ Paris! 🙂
Mike Clegg - Travel and Destinations
30th April 2017 at 3:59 pmGreat post. Really unique and helpful! Thanks very much! 🙂
Sophie Nadeau
2nd May 2017 at 2:22 pmThanks for reading! 🙂