The Best Night Walks to do in Paris

The Best Night Walks to do in Paris

The city of love and light comes to life twice a day: once when the sun comes up, and again when the sun goes down. These are two very different sides to Paris, and by night the capital transforms into a whimsical land where anything feels possible. 

Just being out on the streets of Paris at night is the epitome of a modern romance. The city is safe enough to walk at night (though it’s always wise to be vigilant). Here are the top spots:

Trocadero Gardens in Paris

Seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminate by night it something one has to do at least once whilst visiting Paris. The tower lights up once per hour after sunset, through until sunrise. It occurs every hour on the hour, and lasts approximately five minutes. Knowing this little piece of information will make a world of a difference when you’re wandering the nightly streets in hopes of spotting the famous light show.

Trocadero by night – by ThePromenader – Wikimedia Commons

The best place to walk near the Eiffel Tower by nigh would be the Trocadero Gardens just before the tower itself. It’s the perfect setting for the iconic monument to be seen under the guise of darkness. 

The Trocadero is a public space, open at all hours of the day and night. It’s generally very clean, safe and sometimes even social (depending on the season). 

For 10 facts about the Trocadero in Paris, click here!

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris

Paris has many a charming greens space in which to wander as the sun departs. Let it be known that not all parks in Paris remain open 24 hours a day, but the larger ones tend to allow visitors at all times. 

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is in the north of the city, and boasts some age old architectural wonder that makes it quite a dreamy escape to enjoy by night. 

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – by Jeanne Menjoulet – Wikimedia Commons

Since it is so far from the city center, this is also a great spot for anyone who is interested in doing some star gazing in Paris. The light pollution from the center can’t help but down out most of the sky, but at least from here you’ll still be able to spot the very basic constellations such as Orion’s belt and the milky way. 

For more stargazing spots in Paris, click here!

What I like most about the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is its size. It’s only the fifth biggest park in Paris, which makes it less daunting to explore in the darkness. Bigger grounds, such as the Bois de Vincennes, can feel quite eerie during such times. 

The Seine River, Around the Ile de la Cité in Paris 

No matter where you are in Paris, you can rest knowing that the Seine river flows nearby, always down to take you on a midnight stroll through the city’s most prominent neighborhoods. 

The Seine is well lit, no matter where you go. You’ll never be left wandering in total darkness, so this tends to be preferable for travelers who want to stroll under street lights as they go. 

Ile de la Cité and the Seine – by DXR – Wikimedia Commons

My personal favorite wandering spot on the Seine is anywhere near the Ile de la Cité. This is one of the last remaining natural islands that floats on the river. It’s home to the very majestic Notre Dame, so you can understand why a stroll here by night would be something very memorable. 

For more great Parisian walks, click here!

The Streets of Montmartre in Paris

There is nothing and nowhere in Paris as magical as the district of Montmartre. I may be biased, but walking these streets day or night is food for the soul; healing of some magical nature. 

This neighborhood is known for art, poetry, self expression and revolution. All of these elements hang thick in the air, despite the fact that a lot of Montmartre has since become quite gentrified and tourist oriented. 

Montmartre by night – by Shadowgate – Wikimedia Commons

Click here for more on walks in Montmartre!

A night stroll through the cascading roads will eventually bring you to the Sacre Coeur. Seeing the white limestone lit up under the night sky is very special indeed. 

This is one of the safest night walks to do on your own in Paris, if solo strolling is your goal!

Rue des Rosiers in Paris

In many ways, le Marais is as magical as Montmartre, only with a far more modern and trendy flair. 

The Rue des Rosiers is a famous main street that runs through this part of Paris, and is known for having once been the Jewish hub of the French capital. There are many remnants of this to this day, but for the most part you’re simply going to enjoy walking past attractive shop windows, late night falafel restaurants and charming old Haussmann architecture. 

Rue des Rosiers – by Guilhem Vellut – Wikimedia Commons

Click here for more on walking le Marais!

This isn’t the place to go for a quiet, intimate night stroll with a lover; you’ll almost always find others on the same path, or groups of youngsters enjoying their nightly freedom. 

This is another great spot for solo strolling. Le Marais is known for being quite safe, even late at night.