Top 20 Streets to See in Paris

Top 20 Streets to See in Paris

You cannot miss the Top 20 Streets to see in Paris! Paris is one of the most diversified city in the world and that undoubtedly means that there are lots od beautiful places. Among them are old historical buildings, gorgeous museums and nostalgic streets.

Whether you fancy the large and luxurious boulevards of the Right Bank or the secret medieval alleys in the Left Bank, you will definitely find what you are looking for in our following article on the Top 20 streets of Paris! Let’s check them out!

Read also; The Most Beautiful Pedestrian Streets of Paris

1. The Must-Do: The Famous Champs Elysées Avenue

In the top 20 streets to see in Paris, the most famous is undoubtedly the Champs Elysées. This large avenue is one of the longest in Paris with the Vaugirard Street. But it is also one of the most luxurious! The most famous brands can be found there: Dior, Chanel, Cartier, Ladurée and the famous Vuitton giant store. You must go to the Champs Elysées while in Paris: start at Place de la Concorde on metro line 12, 1 and 8. You can read more about things to do near the Champs Elysées.

From there, move forward until the Arc de Triomphe, where the flame of the Unknown Soldier’s tomb is always burning. The best moment to walk in the Champs Elysées Avenue is at night (more information about Discover Walks’ Night Tour), while it is all illuminated. That is definitely the best way to enjoy the “most famous avenue in the world”.

2. The Most Instagrammable: Rue de l’Université

Eiffel Tower Photo by Silvia Trigo on Pexel

A long street starting near Assemblee Nationale, Rue de l’Université, especially, the street leading to the Eiffel Tower to be the most recognizable on Instagram. It has been photographed numerous times!

As you come up to the street square near the Eiffel, you will also notice the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, a museum dedicated to indigenous and tribal art from around the world. It also has a beautiful garden.

Plaque for Alexander Dumas at 25 rue de l’Université, Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

This street also had some famous personalities living there. The most recognizable to English speakers is Alexandre Dumas, the author of The Musketeers and the Count of Monte Cristo, who lived on Number 25!

3. The Most Expensive: Avenue Montaigne

Triangle d’Or – by Panoramio upload bot – Wikimedia Commons

For those with a few thousands of dollars to spend in Paris, or those who love window-shopping, Avenue Montaigne is definitely the perfect avenue of Paris for you. It is located in what we call in Paris the “Golden triangle”. That’s where Christian Dior first opened his store, he was quickly followed by Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Vuitton, Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and so many more!

Are you curious about the rent on Avenue Montaigne? It is around 6000€ a square meter or more for the street-level shop! Crazy!

Read also; Top 15 best shopping streets in Paris

4. The Nostalgic Ones: Rue Norvins & Rue Saint-Rustique

Image sourced from Wikimedia Common

Rue Norvins and Rue Saint-Rustique are two nostalgic cobble-stoned streets and some of the oldest streets of Paris and in secret village spots of Montmartre! Visitors to Paris get a beautiful nostalgic atmosphere with an amazing view from the hills of Montmartre. Rue Saint-Rustique is actually considered the oldest street in Montmartre!

On one end you’ve got three bistros; with the most recognizable one being Le Consulat, La Bonne Franquette and Le Tire-Bouchon at the entrance from the west end. They serve classic French fare such as onion soup and escargots. At the other end, the streets end in a cafe lined square called Place du Tertre and soon after, Place Jean Marais.

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

The streets have art galleries and even artists and buskers wandering or putting their street little shops up. You can choose to get your portrait painted or take home a handmade souvenir from the nearby shops!

5. The Oldie – Jazzy Street: Rue De La Huchette And Rue Du Chat Qui Pêche

There isn’t any top 20 streets to see in Paris without mentioning the most seething and jazzy street of Paris: La Huchette! It is located near metro station Saint-Michel. In the heart of the Latin Quarter, the medieval part of Paris. When the evening comes, this street becomes one of the liveliest in Paris!

International visitors, as well as Parisian students, gather in the crowded rock bars or the jazz clubs of this street. My favourite jazz club is Le Caveau de la Huchette. In this club, you find yourself underground, dancing below the stone vaults of an old wine cellar. There is such a jazzy atmosphere (More tips about jazzy places)!

The top 15 best streets to see in Paris must include the tiniest street in Paris. From rue de La Huchette, you can access the smallest street in Paris: rue du Chat qui Pêche. In English, the name of the street literally means “the street of the fishing cat“! The size and the shape of this street really symbolise what the medieval city of Paris must have looked like.

Read also; Top 5 Unusual Streets in Montmartre

6. The Trendy-Shopping Street: Rue Vieille Du Temple

I choose to mention as part of this top 20 streets to see in Paris la rue Vieille du Temple, the “Old Street of the Temple”, if translated. Located near metro station Hôtel de Ville (line 1) and Rambuteau (line 11), this street is special in several ways. First, it is a beautiful historical street in Paris. It is at the same time near the Jewish district and inside what used to be the Knight Templars’ district.

An iconic building in this street would be the Netherlands Ambassadors’ house, which displays a beautiful façade on the street, although it suffered from a fire. It is also a perfect street to shop, since it is located in the middle of the very trendy Marais area (Ready to join our Trendy Marais Tour?). If you are looking for all the information about shopping in Paris, this article is made for you !

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7. The Party All Night Street: Rue De La Roquette

My personal favorite in this top 20 streets to see in Paris is Rue de la Roquette, next to Bastille square on metro line 1, 5 and 8. Not very far from the Marais neighborhood, this is the best place to have a drink at the end of the day (because of the “Happy Hours”), or to eat delicious Asian food.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the street gets completely overcrowded. That is a good thing if you want to meet new people at the ‘terrasse’ of the cafés, or to walk on the road without fear of being run over by a car. Watch out though, Bastille square is often where the French demonstrate against the government!

8. The Cutest One: Rue Des Barres

Located in the Marais, this street is quite small, quite central in Paris (just 1 minute from Notre Dame) but it will send you out of Paris in one second. Walking this street is like traveling into a little village in the South of France. It is my favorite spot to enjoy the sun on a lazy afternoon sitting in my favorite café terrace, just next to a 1300’s church.

These kind of moments are, I think, the essence of the French way of life. Relaxing, enjoying beautiful architecture for your eyes while drinking a nice café. I’ll fall for that every time! Your turn now!

9. The Most Scenic Street: Rue De L’Abreuvoir

Chris Waits, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Whether it’s fall, the summer, spring or winter, this street will leave you astonished by its beauty. It is located in Montmartre, which is the highest hill of Paris. It is surrounded by ivy, trees and old charming Parisian houses.Therefore from the bottom of this street you can see the top of the famous Sacre-Coeur church and the most popular bistro on Instagram: La Maison Rose.  In terms of looks, this street is a masterpiece of composition.

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Every time I go there, there’s always an artist working on his next piece of art. I love to watch them trying to catch the beauty of that place. My favorite moment is winter when you can see the smoky chimneys in the distance.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is one of the reasons why Montmartre is a masterpiece of Paris. There is so much to do … Read our article top 10 things to do in Montmartre to learn more.

10. The Trendiest: Rue Du Faubourg St Honoré

All the Parisian fashion lovers in Paris know every single shop in that street. What is the most famous one? It is the Chez Colette concept store. This street is full of great brasseries and restaurants.

There are also luxury boutiques such as Louboutin shoes and other great designers (read more about Parisian fashion designers)! That is where the fashion week people hang out most of the time while they’re in Paris.

11. The Foodie Favorite: Rue Montorgueil

Now, I’m mainly talking to the cheese addicts here, and the cold cuts (charcuterie, in French) loves, the wine experts and the baguette specialists! Well, actually, to anyone that cares for good French food should go to the best “foodie street” of Paris. There are only 3 or 4 streets in Paris that have this much amount of quality food stores in Paris (Try our food tour).

Rue Montorgueil is most definitely one of them! It is indeed impossible for every English speaker to pronounce its name, so please, do write it down. It is very central, and a few minutes away from the Louvre Museum (link to buy tickets).

12. The Classic and Casual: Rue de Rivoli

Rue de Rivoli – by Pedro Szekely – Wikimedia Commons

Rue de Rivoli is one of the most famous streets in Paris, so it’s no wonder it made the list for top 7 streets in Paris! Adjacent to the Tuileries Gardens, this busy architecturally stunning street is 3,070 meters long. It runs along the first through fourth arrondissements, and is also a great street for strolling and exercising.

Read here for more to do on Rue de Rivoli! 

13. The Medieval One: Rue Chanoinesse

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Not far from the Notre-Dame Cathedral, you can stroll to the narrow Rue Chanoinesse, a medieval street where canons or medieval priests used to lived. Located in the City island of Paris, this quiet street is worth checking out if you’re near the Notre Dame cathedral, just like in the steps of Esmeralda and Quasimodo!

Rue Chanoinesse dates from the Carolingian period. In the Middle Ages, access to the Notre-Dame cloister was controlled by four doors that were closed at night. Reserved for the clergy of the cathedral, the area was closed to the outside world, no trade was allowed and no women were permitted. Later on, French nobility were able to gain access by renting some of the properties nearby. 

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

A medieval era street with beautiful buildings; many have not survived today due to the Napolean and Hausmann renovations of Paris. However, you can still see some parts of the old buildings on this particular street. Many tombstones were also discovered on this street that later became known as the “Graveyard courtyard” but they are now enclosed in private property.

One such canon’s house can be found at Number 24, built in 1512. It is now covered in wisteria (the first photo pictured above) and serves French cuisine at a bistro called Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. One particular story of this area is of forbidden love: of Canon Fulbert’s daughter being seduced and secretly married to her philosophy teacher, which is still popular today. Although the original house no longer remains,  a plaque commemorates the spot, at 9-11 Quai au Fleurs.

Read also; Ultimate List: Here are the 100 Best Things to Do in Paris

14. Historical & Elegant: Rue de la Paix

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Rue de la Paix, translated as Peace Street, is a short but elegant street filled with high end brands, jewelry shops and watchmakers. The most famous among them being Cartier! At the end, you’ll see the Column of the Place Vendome.

As you walk down from the Opera subway, you’ll see historical buildings that house world famous brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, Breitling and others. At the end, you’ll find the beautiful square of Place Vendome and more world famous hotels such as the Ritz, Park Hyatt and Hotel Westminster.

Park Hyatt, Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Take a leisurely stroll on this street and admire the historical buildings and do some shopping, if you please. This street can be compared to New Bond Street in London with its high end jewelry and high end shopping activities.

15. The Hidden Gem: Rue Crémieux

Picture by Simon Jones, 2016

This charming cobbled backstreet is the one of the most Instagrammable street in Paris. Rue Crémieux is a one-block pedestrian street in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, originally built as workers’ housing. The street has become hugely popular for tourists for its quaint painted housefronts, and the social media love for charming aesthetic has drawn more and more visitors to this adorable street!

It’s reminiscent to London’s streets in Notting Hill and almost feels like an escape from Paris with all the pastel colors. An interesting fact is that the street was renamed in 1897 in dedication to a lawyer named Adolphe Crémieux, who defended the human rights of the Jewish people living in France.

16. The Jewish neighborhood: Rue des Rosier

Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The lively Rue des Rosiers, also known as the Street of Rosebushes, is located in Paris’s Le Marais neighborhood. Le Marais has always been a Jewish-dominated neighborhood. Many Jews fled to France since it was the first European country to accept them as equal citizens. A community grew up around the neighborhood, specifically around Rue des Rosiers. 

Le Marais is one of Paris’s most beloved neighborhoods, spanning the third and fourth arrondissements and boasting superb shops and real estate. Take an espresso and a croissant for your classic French breakfast at Boulangerie Murciano, a superb Jewish bakery. This pastry store, which was founded in 1909, is a must-see. Indulge in their traditional baklavas and petit fours. Don’t forget to save your classic baguette for later! Don’t miss the legendary falafel stands that line the whole length of Rue des Rosiers which are without a doubt its main attraction.

This street has some of Paris’ top shopping. A well-rounded shopping day includes a superb range of high-end stores like MC2 Saint Barth and From Future (don’t miss their cashmere collections! ), along with more reasonably priced secondhand shops like Vintage Désir. Le Loir dans La Théière is one of the busier, but still worthwhile, places to unwind and have some pastries.

17. The touristy street: Rue Saint-Honoré

Norio NAKAYAMA from saitama, japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The nearly 2-kilometer-long Rue Saint-Honoré connects the first and eighth arrondissements. Many famous Parisian monuments can be found along its axis, from Halles to the Rue Royale, including the Louvre Museum, the Palais Royal, the Comédie Française, the Tuileries Garden, the Place de Vendôme, and the Place de la Madeleine.

This street features gorgeous architecture as well as a bevy of stylish boutiques. There are premium boutiques, superb restaurants, and some of the city’s greatest luxury hotels on this route. Between the Places Vendôme and Madeleine, luxury emblems (such as haute couture, leather products, and the art de vivre) abound. And there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, and culinary enterprises to choose from!

Read also; Top Ten Places to Watch Street Artists in Paris

18. The shopping paradise: Boulevard Haussmann

Thierry Bézecourt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Boulevard Haussmann connects the 8th and 9th arrondissements of Paris. This is home to two of Paris’ most famous department stores, France’s largest department store Galeries Lafayette, and Spring Department Store, famed for its home goods retailers, and is recognized as a Paris shopping heaven.

Seven or eight buildings and several blocks are occupied by the two department stores. It is conveniently located near the Paris Opera. The subway is really convenient, but it feels pricey. Because of the famous draw for many tourists, one-third of the sales personnel is Chinese; don’t be concerned about the language barrier when buying.

This street also has a humanistic attitude in addition to purchasing, buying, and buying. The famed writer Marcel Proust once wrote most of “Reminiscence of Time Like Water” in his home at No. 102 on this street.

19. The street that has it all: Rue des Martyrs

Karibo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rue des Martyrs, located between the 9th and 18th districts, is one of Pigalle’s main shopping and dining alleys. It has preserved its old-fashioned appeal throughout the years, connecting the Eglise Notre Dame de Lorette and Sacré Coeur, with its traditional stores, many characteristic Parisian cafes, bustling bars, cabarets, and historical concert venue, ‘Le Divan du Monde‘.

One of the reasons the street is so lovely is Notre Dame-de-Lorette. Rue des Martyrs is a beloved stronghold of local community life and spirit, running from the towering columned church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette all the way up into the foothills of Montmartre.

The rush and bustle of hardware stores and grocery stalls mixed in with pharmacies and booksellers, florists and bakers may make this one of the most realistic Parisian avenues in the city. Commercial by day, it transforms into a Mecca of Parisian nightlife and partying in the evening and at night. 

20. The famous market street: Rue Cler

besopha, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discover hidden treasures along rue Cler, one of Paris’ most popular markets streets located in the 7th arrondissement. This is where local Parisians go for their everyday shopping, with its cafés, boulangeries, and specialized shops. 

Locals flock to this real market area to buy their favorite dishes or to sit on one of the many café terraces with friends and family and watch the world go by. One of the great delights of living in Paris is renting an apartment on Rue Cler.

Every day, you may fill your shopping baskets with fresh vegetables and other goods for romantic meals in the seclusion of your own home base, or take them for a picnic in the neighboring Champs de Mars garden in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Rue Cler has all you need and more – it’s the ideal location for experiencing the Parisian way of life! 

Read also; 15 Best Trendy Districts for Nightlife in Paris

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my article! These were my top streets to see in Paris! It was supposed to be a top 20 streets to see in Paris, but I couldn’t help but mention all my favorites, where I like to spend some time and enjoy the Parisian lifestyle!
See you soon in these streets of Paris!

*This article was originally published by Louise in December 2017 and updated in December 2019 by Arielle and Farah in July 2022 and by Vanessa in May 2023.