Paris Walking Tour Highlight : One Day Itinerary

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Paris or just have one day to explore, this walking tour covers Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, the Marais district, Notre-Dame, Saint-Germain, and the Eiffel Tower. Experience the highlights of Paris on foot. Even my 70-year-old mom enjoyed this itinerary, so it’s definitely manageable! Note that we will skip the Louvre, Orsay, and Pompidou museums, as they require more time to fully appreciate.

Overview of the Paris Walking Tour Itinerary

Starting at Abbesses Station on Metro Line 1, this itinerary is divided into three smaller routes: Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, and the Marais district to the Eiffel Tower. Direct metro or bus lines connect each route, saving time and energy.

Paris Walking Tour, First Route: Exploring Montmartre

Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime)

Exit Abbesses Station and head toward Montmartre Hill to find the romantic Wall of Love. This 40-square-meter wall features “I love you” in 250 languages, attracting travelers searching for the phrase in their native tongue.

Paris Walking Tour, wall of love — Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime)

Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Free Admission

Walk up Montmartre Hill to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. You can take the funicular if you have a Navigo pass, but walking the same path as Picasso and Van Gogh is more rewarding. The basilica’s Byzantine architecture and panoramic views of Paris are stunning.

Paris Walking Tour, Basilica — Sacré-Cœur Basilica

View of the Paris cityscape as seen from the basilica’s perspective

La Maison Rose

Wander around Montmartre Hill to find La Maison Rose, a charming restaurant frequented by Picasso and featured in “Emily in Paris.” Its picturesque setting makes it a instagrammable photo spot.

As you walk towards the next destination, Moulin de la Galette, you’ll find yourself pausing at captivating sculptures nestled amidst tranquil residential areas.

The Eiffel Tower, glimpsed from Montmartre hill, a piece of art in itself

The Saint Denis statue, embodying Paris’s legendary guardian, with its decapitated head symbolizing martyrdom

Sculptures depicting a man trapped in a wall, reminiscent of Marcel Proust’s novel

Moulin de la Galette

Visit Moulin de la Galette, once the hottest spot in 19th-century Paris. Renoir’s famous painting “Bal du moulin de la Galette” was set here. Now, it’s a beloved restaurant. Now just a name remains, but even that conjures the magical scenes of romantic dances from centuries ago.

The restaurant of the same name, which served as the backdrop for Renoir’s painting ‘Bal du moulin de la Galette.’ (Renoir painting source: Wikimedia Commons)

Moulin Rouge, the windmill briefly lost its wings

A 10-minute walk downhill brings you to the iconic Moulin Rouge. Even without its windmill blades, which recently fell off, it’s still a memorable sight.

The Moulin Rouge, still without the wing lost during the night of April 25, 2024 (photo taken on May 9, 2024)

Next, take Metro Line 2 from Blanche Station to the Arc de Triomphe.

Paris Walking Tour, Second Route: From the Arc de Triomphe to the Champs-Élysées

Arc de Triomphe

This iconic monument honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Today, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris has become more famous than the original Arch of Constantine in Rome, the prototype of all triumphal arches worldwide.

Sculptures on the arch depicting historically victorious war storie

Champs-Élysées

Walk down the world’s most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Élysées, lined with luxury stores and cafes. A 30-minute stroll takes you to Petit Palais.

Next to the Louis Vuitton store, a large suitcase installation, a pilgrimage site for tax-free shoppers in Paris, the construction of the Louis Vuitton Hotel, scheduled to open in 2026, is underway

Petit Palais, Free Admission

Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, Petit Palais now houses a museum with art from the Middle Ages to Impressionism. It’s a perfect stop for those who can’t visit the larger museums.

Paris Walking Tour, Petit Palais — Overview of Petit Palais

Petit Palais Collection: Gustave Courbet’s <Sleep>

Petit Palais Collection: Claude Monet’s <Sunset on the Seine, Winter Effects>

Dynamic representation of women fighting by an unknown sculptor

If you would like to watch a video of the sculpture of two fighting women, please refer to the link below.
“Burning Up” Two Women, Sculpture of the Petit Palais Collections in Paris

Take Metro Line 1 from Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau Station to Saint-Paul Station for the third route.

Paris Walking Tour, Third Route: From the Marais District to the Eiffel Tower

Musée Carnavalet, Free Admission

A 5-minute walk from Saint-Paul Station brings you to Musée Carnavalet, which covers Paris’s history from prehistoric times to the 20th century, including vivid French Revolution depictions.

Place des Vosges

Another 5-minute walk leads to Place des Vosges, Paris’s first planned square, built in 1612. The square-shaped Place des Vosges is surrounded by neatly trimmed trees resembling the work of “Scissorhands”, and red brick buildings. It’s a favorite spot for sunbathing and relaxing.

Maison de Victor Hugo, Free Admission

One of the buildings surrounding the square is the former residence of Victor Hugo. Known as the author of ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Notre-Dame De Paris,’ Victor Hugo was not only a literary figure but also an active intellectual who opposed monarchy and criticized social inequality. He is highly respected by the French people. His former home is open to the public free of charge, so don’t miss it.

At the southeast corner of Place des Vosges stands the entrance to Victor Hugo’s former residence

<The Red Room> Windows overlooking Place des Vosges

The Chinese-style living room where Victor Hugo’s wife used

<Chinese Salon> displays rare collections showcasing Victor Hugo’s genius as a decorator

<Bedroom> You’ll see the bed where Victor Hugo drew his last breath

The Parish Church of Saint-Paul of Saint-Louis

A short walk away is the Parish Church of Saint-Paul of Saint-Louis, the fictional wedding venue in “Les Misérables” and Victor Hugo’s daughter’s real wedding venue.

Place de la Bastille

A 10-minute walk brings you to Place de la Bastille, the birthplace of the French Revolution. As you make your way towards Notre-Dame Cathedral, you’ll naturally come across it. So, feel free to stop by and explore.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Despite ongoing restoration, Notre-Dame’s facade can be admired from a viewing platform. It remains the heart of Paris.

The surviving façade of Notre-Dame, spared by the fire, remains beautiful

The side view of Notre-Dame under restoration

Boulevard Saint-Germain

Cross the Pont Neuf bridge to reach Boulevard Saint-Germain, a hub for artists and intellectuals from the 19th to the 20th century. Enjoy a traditional French dinner within your budget, as this area offers French cuisine at different price points, including options for a 3-course meal priced between 20 to 30 euros.

Dinner course on Rue Saint-Germain: Appetizer – Onion soup

Eiffel Tower

End your day at the Eiffel Tower, the eternal symbol of Paris. You can take bus 86 or the RER C line, or enjoy a scenic walk along the Seine. Wait for the tower’s night lights to illuminate your perfect Parisian day.

Becoming a Parisian for a moment by taking a walk along the banks of the Seine River is also a great way to admire Paris’ landmark buildings. Don’t miss the Venus statue symbolizing the 2024 Paris Olympics installed in front of the Paris National Assembly.

Paris Walking Tour, The French National Assembly — The French National Assembly with the Venus Statue commemorating the 2024 Paris Olympics

Six Venus statues created by French artist Laurent Perbos, combining Olympic and Paralympic disciplines with rainbow colors

Paris Walking Tour, Eiffel Tower — the illuminated Eiffel Tower at midnight

This one-day walking tour of Paris can be adjusted based on the season and your pace. Every corner of Paris holds countless stories, making it a city that never ceases to excite, whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your future travels.

Paris Walking Tour Highlight: One Day Itinerary