île Saint-Louis walks

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.

In Paris, the term ‘passages’ refers to covered walkways through which one goes from one street to another by passing through one or more buildings, and which are intended solely for pedestrians. The shops there are splendid, well-stocked, but somewhat expensive. In bad weather, like the Palais-Royal, they serve as promenades and meeting places. They are generally lit by gas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From the heart to the outskirts of the capital, this urban route first takes you through the Marais district, dotted with mansions. Then, under the sign of water, you walk along the Canal Saint-Martin and then the Bassin de la Villette. The route ends at the entrance to the Parc de La Villette.

From the heart to the outskirts of the capital, an urban route that starts at the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris), the Cour Carrée and the Louvre Pyramid, and the Tuileries Garden. We then reach the luxurious Opéra district. Finally, we cross Haussmannian Paris, with a few twists and turns in Parc Monceau along the way.

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, 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.