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There is absolutely no doubt that the best way to see (and smell and hear and feel) the amazing city of Paris, is on foot.
You can literally stop and smell the roses at a street-side fleuriste, flick through the antique book stalls that line the Seine, eavesdrop on rambling conversations in French and be overcome with the scent of freshly-baked croissants as you pass the open door of a boulangerie.
This kind of aimless wandering is so French, they even came up with their own special word for it — Flânerie. So do as the Frenchies do, pack yourself a pair of solid (but still tres-chic) walking shoes and hit these stunningly-snappable Parisian walkways.
1. Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin lined with shabby-chic bars and bistros is considered the hippest, most boho version of the Seine. Stroll along its leafy green banks and stop for a selfie on its iconic iron footbridges.
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2. Promenade Plantée
Get your Flânerie on through the world’s first elevated park, built on the remnants on an abandoned railroad in Paris’ 12th arrondissement. The 4.7km long walkway is lined with stunning flowerbeds (which is the perfect backdrop for those Insta-worthy moments).
3. Rue de l’Abreuvoir
When you make your inevitable trip to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, avoid the tourist heavy routes and walk up Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This winding, cobblestone street is steep but exceptionally picturesque. Stop at La Maison Rose half way along for a vino to satisfy those thirst-buds.
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4. Jardin des Tuileries
Separating the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde, these stunning gardens are seriously strollable. Navigate the gravel paths through flower beds, sculptures and statues within the 22.4 hectare park, before kicking back on a bench by the fountain.
5. Passage Cour du Commerce Saint André
There are a number of passages couverts to explore in Paris but this one is particularly cute. Dating back to 1735, this walkway is full of history (it held the city’s first coffee house where Benjamin Franklin edited parts of the US constitution and Victor Hugo, Voltaire and Oscar Wilde used to hang). Keep in mind, it was also the birthplace of the guillotine which is kind of morbid. Fortunately this charming little alleyway is now home to tea-rooms, restaurants and shops.
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6. The Champ de Elysee
Come on, you didn’t think we were going to leave this one out, did you? You’ll have to dodge plenty of other selfie-stick wielding tourists but it’s definitely worth window shopping on the iconic street’s plethora of high-stores before finishing under the Arc de Triomphe.
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