These are 6 of the most picturesque walks in Paris

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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

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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.

2. Promenade Plantée

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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

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L'autre jour, alors que j'étais avec un groupe de 3 amies dans une rue du quartier, nous nous sommes fait bousculer et traiter de " putain de touristes " par un vilain monsieur qui rentrait chez lui. Je n'ai pas réagi sur le moment mais j'aimerais bien le retrouver pour lui coller deux baffes (à ce gros *****). D'abord, parce que vivre à Montmartre est un choix. C'est le quartier le plus visité de Paris donc si tu décides en ton âme et conscience de t'installer ici, tu optes également pour le package touristes et cafés bondés à toute heure de la journée. Mais plus que tout, ce qui me met le plus en colère, c'est que vivre ici est un cadeau de la vie, une chance inouïe de découvrir sous bien d'autres visages un endroit qui fascine le monde entier, ainsi qu'une multitude de petits coins cachés que seuls les " villageois " connaissent. Je ne pesterai jamais contre les touristes, même s'ils encombrent mon trottoir et s'émerveillent bêtement devant la devanture du café d'Amélie Poulain, comme si le film datait encore d'hier. Le souvenir des rues vides et d'un Montmartre si triste le lendemain du 13 novembre, est encore trop frais dans ma mémoire. Vive les touristes, vive la vie, vive Paris. #parisjetaime #montmartre #igersparis

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.

4. Jardin des Tuileries

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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

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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

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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.

Lauren Williamson

Lauren Williamson is a digital writer, editor and social media fiend who's a huge fan of tackling new wellness trends, eating her way through foreign countries and getting worked up over politics.

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