Paris Walks - The Seine

I believe the best way to see and experience a city is to walk or bike around! Particularly in Paris, wherever you walk there is something beautiful and interesting to see. Here's an idea of a little walk you can do, it will take you to a couple of the big tourist destinations, as well as an opportunity to see some little gems which make Paris the beautiful place it is!

You can start this walk at metro Saint Paul (line 1) or Hotel de Ville (line 1 & 11).

Whichever metro you are coming from make your way to Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe. When you reach the road turn left from Metro Saint Paul, or right from Metro Hotel de Ville. Walk down towards the Seine.

If you would like to start your walk with a coffee then I'd recommend heading to Le Peleton - 17 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe. They also do yummy waffles! But remember they only accept cash.

After grabbing a coffee continuing walking down Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, when you reach the Seine continue straight onto Pont Louis-Philippe (bridge). This will take you onto Île St. Louis, a small island on the Seine. You can explore this Island if you like. If it's warm and summery there are lots of icecream options!

Otherwise, continue onto Pont St.-Louis, this bridge takes you round the back of the famous Notre Dame. Personally, my favourite view of this cathedral is from behind. You can get some gorgeous photos from the bridges (with not too many other tourists in the background).

Walk behind Notre Dame, cross the next bridge back over the Seine and turn right to follow Quai de Montebello (the road beside the Seine). As you walk along you will pass the bouquinistes (booksellers of used and antiquarian books) these are iconically French and you can pick up books, as well as some cool prints or posters for pretty cheap.

On your left you will stumble upon a very cute cafe and English bookshop called 'Shakespeare & Company' (37 rue de la Bucherie). The shop is not only very cute, but also has a great history! The shop opened in 1951 and since then more than 30,000 people have slept in the shop, in beds which are tucked between the bookshelves. Written above the entrance to the reading library is the shop's motto: "Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise".

Take a look inside, and grab another coffee or some food from the cafe.

At this point if you are wanting a photo of the front of Notre Dame, or you want to explore inside (which is free) then cross the Seine - Place du Petit Pont - to check it out. The line to get inside is often long, this is just to get through the security check, and it actually moves quite fast. Visiting inside the cathedral is free. You are also able to go up the tower. I haven't done this, but have seen some photos and it looks cool!

Head back across the Seine and rather then turning right straight away, continue straight and turn right down Rue de la Huchette for a little detour. This area is called Saint Michel, and is in the Latin Quarter. If you are interested in the history of French architecture then you will probably find this area interesting because it is a glimpse into what Paris used to look like before Haussman's 'Renovation of Paris'. There are also plenty of creperies in this area - my fav is definitely Nutella & Banana!

When you reach the end of the road turn right. If you are wanting to visit Sainte Chapelle then continue straight over the bridge crossing the Seine, it will come up on your left. Otherwise turn left when you reach the Seine and walk down Quai des Grands Augustins. Turn right on the next bridge which is Pont Neuf. You will probably see from straight away the collection of locks. This is the new lovelock bridge.

Head back to Quai de Conti, walk along the river until you reach Pont des Arts - the original love lock bridge. In 2015 all of the locks were removed from this pedestrian bridge because a part of the bridge was collapsing under the weight of all the locks. When the locks were all removed there was over a million locks, weighing approximately 45 tons!

When you come to the end of the bridge turn left and follow the river again. On your right is the Louvre. Cross the road and enter the Louvre. If you are wanting to visit then head inside, otherwise it's lovely to see the courtyard. If you are wanting to wonder around you can also spend some time exploring the Tuileries Garden.

By this stage your legs may be getting tired! If you are ready for a sit down and to relax then head towards Jardin du Palais Royal. Grab a coffee from Café Kitsuné and relax in the park among the flowers, trees and a beautiful fountain.

When you're ready to head home the closest metro is Palais Royal- Musée du Louvre (line 1 & 7).