Hôtel de Ville de Paris walks

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.

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.

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 winds through the narrow streets of the 6th arrondissement before reaching the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and its Romanesque bell tower. We then cross the 7th arrondissement and its wide avenues, as well as the Seine, after passing through Île des Cygnes, at the end of which stands a replica of the Statue of Liberty. The route ends in the 16th arrondissement with a few mansions and Art Nouveau buildings.

From the heart to the outskirts of the capital, an urban route that crosses the Les Halles and Beaubourg districts, climbs the Butte Montmartre and descends to Clignancourt. Shopping streets, alleys, passageways and stairways await you.

From the heart to the outskirts of the capital, this urban route starts on the banks of the Seine and then follows the Port de l'Arsenal on the Canal Saint-Martin. It then crosses the Roquette and Charonne districts and takes a few narrow streets and passages bordering the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

The last stage of this journey takes us to the historic heart of Paris, where we discover a rich heritage. The labyrinthine streets of the Village Saint-Paul are followed by the Île Saint-Louis and its 17th-century mansions. The Île de la Cité is a delight in itself, with Notre-Dame as its highlight. And the Seine is always in the background... The route and description take into account areas closed to the public following the Notre Dame fire in April 2019.

This route on the right bank of the Seine takes us on a journey from medieval times to Art Nouveau. First, we discover the most important remains of Philippe Auguste's city walls and former mansions. We then wind our way through the Sentier district to explore several of its covered passages. This walk is best done during the week, as the covered passages are closed on certain days.