Our Top 10 Tips for Walking in Paris

A lot of people we’ve met who are visiting Paris don’t necessarily come prepared. It can be a bit hard to know how to dress and what to expect when visiting this beautiful city, especially if you live in a completely different climate from that of your back home! We’ve put together our top 10 tips for walking in Paris to help you get the most out of your trip….

Walking in Paris Tips

Tip #1: Use Luggage Storage

When exploring Paris, one often encounters the challenge of managing luggage, especially if arriving or departing via train stations.

To alleviate this burden and ensure a hassle-free experience, consider utilizing the luggage storage facilities available in major train stations across the city.

These storage services provide a convenient solution for visitors who wish to explore the city unencumbered by bulky bags or suitcases.

Whether you’re checking out of your accommodation early in the day and want to make the most of your remaining time in Paris, or you’ve just arrived via Eurostar.

If you are eager to start sightseeing immediately, luggage storage offers a secure and efficient way to store your belongings.

With short-term or long-term storage options, you can tailor the service to fit your itinerary. This enhances your mobility and allows you to wander the streets of Paris freely, unburdened by heavy luggage.

Additionally, by utilizing these storage facilities, you can avoid the inconvenience of dragging your bags around crowded attractions or navigating narrow cobblestone streets.

So, before setting out to explore the enchanting boulevards and iconic landmarks of Paris, consider utilizing luggage storage’s convenient services to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Tip #2: Wear Appropriate Shoes

This one has to be top of the list! They’ve got to be comfortable … no, really … you’ll thank us later!

A lot of people want to “dress up” and prance around Paris in smarter shoes, heels or pretty ballet flats, which aren’t necessarily very practical. It might look great in the movies, but in real life, you will end your day with blisters and very sore feet!

If you live in the UK addnature.co.uk has a great selection of footwear specially designed for walking. They have a host of well-known brands that we love, like Ecco, The North Face and Merrell, to name but a few. They stock heavier-duty hiking boots if you want to do more serious walks or are venturing into the mountains, but for every day walking around Paris, check out their range of casual shoes which still have a lot of support and will give your feet some love. Pack your fancy shoes for going out to dinner when you only need to stroll a few metres rather than wearing them all day! 

Tip #3: Check the weather

The weather in Paris can be quite changeable.

In summer, one day, it can be 35 degrees, and the next day, it will rain and be a bit cooler. Layers and a raincoat and/or umbrella are essential.

A light raincoat is great to have on hand in spring/summer, and in winter, a warm, well-insulated coat is also great.

It can get very cold in winter, and if you’re out all day, you will definitely need a thick coat with down or other warm materials.

We always check the weather forecast for Paris before heading out for the day. It can really help you plan your day and not get caught up by trying to visit gardens in the rain. It’s always a great idea to have a list of things you’d like to do on your trip that are good for rainy days so you don’t waste time trying to re-think plans on the day.

Our list of our favourite rainy day things includes:

• people-watching from a café and soaking up the atmosphere whilst drinking coffee or hot chocolate,
• extra-long lunches,
• shopping,
• visiting the covered passageways, museums or a church.  

Tip #4: Drink Water

Hydration is so important.

Walking around a big city is tiring and can be very dehydrating, especially in Paris, where walking for hours is easy!

Cafés charge through the nose for bottled water, so unless you want to sit down and enjoy the view, we don’t recommend stopping off for water. Instead, either buy a bottle at the local supermarket or fill up a reusable bottle in the morning where you are staying from the tap.

Paris water is safe to drink but sometimes can have a slight taste. Check out the Platypus® Meta Bottle + micro-filter, which gives you a litre of filtered water wherever you are in the world. You just fill it up with water from a tap or stream even and it filters it as you drink … genius! It even folds down so it’s really compact to pack. Addnature.co.uk stocks this bottle in the UK. You can also get bottles with an infuser to put some lemon or lime in. If you’re eating out then you can ask for a jug of tap water .. « une carafe d’eau » which they don’t charge for. 

Tip #5: Plan your itinerary

Before we head into Paris, we often have an idea about where we want to go and the photos we want to take, but we always spend a little time the day before thinking the next day through. It really does make a difference.

We do love being spontaneous too, but it’s always good to start with a plan, and then when you come across a beautiful little street or café or shop you didn’t know about, you can do the very Paris thing of « flâner » and deviate a little.

Buying a book of T+ tickets, which are valid for single journeys on buses, trams, and metro, can be useful for planning your day around a couple of areas and saving yourself a long walk by using public transport.

If there is a big group of you, it can sometimes make sense to just jump in a taxi.

If you’re brave enough, you can also venture across Paris on your vélib bikes.

Make sure you check museum opening times, as sometimes they are closed on odd days. Also, make a note of market days, as these can be a real treat. 

Tip #6: Be street savvy

If you’re not used to big cities, then be aware that in Paris, there are quite a few pickpockets, and you need to be on your guard for what is going on around you.

Don’t leave your phone on the table when having coffee out, and always make sure you have a bag on you so a stranger can’t help themselves while you are sandwiched together in a train or on an escalator.

Make sure your bag closes, and if necessary, wear it on the front. Keep your wallet out of sight, and try to have any travel tickets already in a pocket rather than having to open your bag in public to find them.

If travelling from the airport by train, we recommend getting the RER that goes directly to Gare du Nord rather than stopping at each stop in Paris, which does go through some more difficult areas.

Tip #7: Get a good map

Although Google Maps are great, it is sometimes nice to have a good old-fashioned map of Paris. It can really help you get a feel for where you are in relation to everything else. You can pick up maps at the metro stations. Ask for map no.2, which has the metro on one side and buses and smaller streets on the other side (download a bus map and streets here). We also like using a Michelin street atlas like this one.

Tip #8: Drink good coffee

Stay away from Starbucks … no we’re serious … you can now get some really good coffee in Paris. Trust us … we LOVE coffee and nothing is nicer than starting the day with a good one.

Check out this article for a whole list of trendy cafés where brilliant coffee is served with reviews and menu recommendations. Coffee has come a long way in Paris so make the most of it!

Tip #9: Take your time

Paris is best savoured … you have to breathe in the atmosphere and slow down.

Take time over a long lunch to pop into a pâtisserie for a special treat, admire the view and architecture, sit on a bench, people-watch, and enjoy a cocktail or coffee.

This is Paris, and although it can feel like the world is buzzing around you, go into a bubble and enjoy strolling around in your comfy shoes, soaking up all the city has to offer.

Tip #10: Be Adventurous to explore Paris’ Offbeat Places

While Paris undoubtedly boasts world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, there’s a certain allure in straying from the well-trodden path to uncover the city’s lesser-known treasures.

It takes a touch of courage and a dash of curiosity to embark on an adventure beyond the typical tourist attractions.

So, why not embrace the thrill of exploration and delve into the hidden corners of Paris?

Step off the tourist trail and discover the enchanting Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a verdant oasis nestled within the bustling city. Here, winding paths lead to secluded nooks and breathtaking vistas, offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Lose yourself amidst lush greenery, picturesque bridges, and a serene lake, far from the crowds that flock to more famous parks.

Or venture into the charming district of Pigalle to uncover the Musée de la Vie Romantique, a quaint museum tucked away in a 19th-century mansion. Delve into the romantic era of Parisian history as you explore its cosy salons and enchanting gardens. From delicate porcelain to intimate portraits, the museum’s collection evokes the elegance and allure of a bygone era, providing a captivating glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage.

By daring to explore these hidden gems, you’ll not only escape the tourist crowds but also gain a deeper understanding of Paris’ rich tapestry of history, culture, and charm.

So, pack your sense of adventure and set out to uncover the secrets that lie beyond the iconic landmarks. Who knows what treasures you’ll find when you dare to stray from the beaten path in the City of Light?

A selection of photos

Here’s a selection of photos taken during our discovery walks in Paris!

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