Église Saint-Leu et Saint-Gilles (Paris) walks

In the eastern suburbs of Paris, along the route taken by Saint Columbanus, we find all the signs of the Columbanian influence that shaped our countryside and landscapes. The first part of our 26km route through the Île-de-France region is flat, allowing us to take the time to visit the jewels revealed by the churches of Paris, as well as the towns that witnessed the birth of the monasteries that punctuate the route.

A walk between Châtelet and Austerlitz, along picturesque streets rich in Parisian history with many points of interest: gardens, monuments, building facades, etc. Depending on your pace and curiosity, the route can take between two and four hours.

Here are four hikes that take in iconic locations from the French Revolution. One of them takes place in Versailles, where it all began in May 1789. Another takes place in Paris, which was the scene of many events, including the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789. The other two connect Paris to Versailles, attempting to reproduce the women's march of 5 October 1789.

The first section of this women's march of 5 October 1789 follows fairly closely what we know today about the route taken at the time. Starting from the centre of Paris, we follow the course of the Seine and then cross the districts of Auteuil and Billancourt. We cross the Ile Seguin, where the Vieux Pont de Sèvres bridge used to be, and end up in Sèvres, where the 1789 procession made a stop. All along the way, there is a rich heritage to discover.

The sixth arrondissement of Paris is emblematic of Parisian elegance. A chic neighbourhood with legendary cafés, it has historical links to writers, philosophers and artists. It is as renowned for its intellectual heritage as it is for its architectural heritage, with its museums, art galleries and prestigious cultural institutions. It boasts a dozen public squares and municipal gardens, including the famous Jardin du Luxembourg, which is managed by the state and will not be discussed here.

An urban route steeped in history, where 16th- and 17th-century buildings stand alongside modern architecture. This is how you will go from the Palais Royal to the Forum des Halles, from the Church of Saint-Eustache to the Centre Beaubourg, and from the Tour Saint-Jacques to the Opéra Bastille. The itinerary winds its way through streets, alleys, passageways and gardens, offering visitors the chance to discover a rich and diverse heritage.

From the Louvre Museum to Place de Clichy, via Place de l'Opéra and Saint-Lazare station, this urban route explores the 1st, 2nd and 8th arrondissements of Paris in search of animal representations.

The1st arrondissement, modest in size, represents the historic and geographical heart of Paris; today, it is a district of museums and luxury boutiques. The Tuileries and Louvre Gardens, as well as the Palais Royal, managed by the State, make up for the limited number of municipal squares. The 2nd arrondissement, the smallest in Paris, is livelier and more commercial. Formerly a financial district, it is now bustling with covered arcades, restaurants and businesses. The atmosphere is dynamic, friendly and very urban. It has only two municipal squares.

From the heart to the outskirts of the capital, this urban route crosses the 5th arrondissement, passing through ancient streets and past several churches. It then climbs the Butte aux Cailles and its streets decorated with murals. At the end of the hike, you can stroll through the picturesque Cité Florale.

From the heart to the outskirts of the capital, an urban route that first crosses the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis. It continues along the banks of the Seine and then the Port de l'Arsenal. After passing by the Gare de Lyon, the route briefly follows the Coulée verte René Dumont. The walk ends via Square Saint-Éloi, the former Gare de Reuilly and Place Félix Éboué with its lion fountain.