21 Paris Streets That You’ll Want to See

Here are the coolest and prettiest Paris streets you should visit on your trip!

Paris is arguably one of the most beautiful cities globally, and it boasts an endless abundance of beautiful streets brimming with culture and architectural wonders.

This post outlines some of the stunning streets in Paris that exude character and charm.

Further out, this article will illustrate an array of Parisian streets well worth visiting, from the famous streets lined with designer stores to the quaint streets filled with greenery and everything in between.

By reading this post, you will better understand what some of the most beautiful streets in Paris have to offer. This includes architectural attractions, historical monuments, museums, stores, cafés, boutiques, parks, and restaurants.

Prettiest Streets in Paris 

Paris is a city filled with wide boulevards, most of which were commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and directed by his prefect of Seine, Georges-Eugène Haussmann, between 1853 and 1870. Here are our favorite streets and roads in Paris.

Champs Elysees

The Champs Elysees is one of the most famous streets in Paris. It is arguably the most beautiful avenue in all of the world.

Attracting over 300,000 visitors per year, this iconic street is home to several monuments, beginning at the Place de la Concorde and ending at the Arc De Triomphe.

The Champs Elysees is home to numerous designer stores, such as the Louis Vuitton Headquarters and the iconic Tiffany & Co.

There are several Michelin star restaurants, plush cinemas, spectacular theatres, and the only casino in the French capital – the Paris Elysee club.

The Champs Elysee plays host several major events, such as the 14th July Parade (Bastille Day) and the Film Festival in June. 

Rue Saint Rustique

Rue Saint Rustique is the oldest street in Paris and the medieval village of Montmartre. This narrow, cobbled lane was the first of its kind to be designated as a pedestrian-only street.

It can be found nestled between two well-known outlets – the coffee house called Le Consulat and the French Bistro called La Bonne Franquette.

This beautiful, cobbled pedestrian street leads toward the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Montmartre was originally a village in its own right but slowly became incorporated into the rest of Paris as the city grew.

Walking down Rue Saint Rustique will give you a taste of life in the small medieval village of old.

Rue Des Rosiers

Rue Des Rosiers is known as the heart of the Jewish Quarter, the Marais. While previously lined with a vast collection of Jewish bakeries, shops, and delis, Rue des Rosiers has recently seen significant gentrification.

This has sadly resulted in the closure of many of the original Jewish establishments, only to be replaced by designer clothing stores.

Rue Des Rosier is another medieval street that has undergone major changes over time, and it would seem that the Jewish culture is slowly being squeezed out of the area.

One of the few remaining Jewish establishments is the Marciano Bakery, famous throughout the Marais.

L’As du Falafel is a famous falafel shop that holds its place in the street, attracting scores of people who line up outside to get their hands on the outlet’s renowned fare.

Rue Lamarck

Rue Lamarck, in the 18th Arrondissement, is one of the longest streets in the area.

It begins at the top of the Montmartre hill and winds its way down the hill. Oddly, the street is one way in both directions, albeit in different sections of the street.

Walking along this hilltop street will afford you spectacular views across the 18th Arrondissement while enjoying the countless beautiful buildings and ancient trees.

Rue Lamarck is named after the Professor of Zoology with the same name. It is home to the old world Le Refuge café, perched on the steps leading down Montmartre hill.

Avenue Victor Hugo

Avenue Victor Hugo is arguably one of the most prestigious streets in Paris.

Second only to the Champs Elysees in terms of length, Avenue Victor Hugo is over 1.1 miles in length and around 118 feet wide. It begins at Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as Etoile.

Along its length, you will find the Place Victor Hugo, home to several gourmet restaurants and theatres. One such theatre is the well-known Grande Crypt.

The street is brimming with Haussmannian buildings, ancient trees, and some of Pierre Humber’s architecture. There are spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and a statue of the avenue’s namesake.

Rue Saint Dominique

Rue Saint Dominique is another of the trendy streets in the 7th Arrondissement. This street perfectly epitomizes Parisian culture with an abundance of traditional culture and chic elegance alike.

Rue Saint Dominique has become known as one of the best streets for shopping, playing host to numerous French clothing brands.

Shoe stores abound, as do bakeries and sweet shops, a Parisian staple. Within four blocks, you will find eight bakeries, each boasting its own specialty, from macarons to meringues to chocolate.

Rue Saint Dominique is home to several high-end restaurants at reasonable prices.

At the western end of the street, you will find the greatest Paris landmark, the Eiffel Tower (views of which can be glimpsed throughout the street) and several other significant attractions along the way.

Rue de l’Université

This picturesque street is filled with beautiful architecture that will excite photographers and architecture lovers alike.

Lined with cobblestones, this beautiful street boasts stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and numerous Parisian cafes and boutiques.

Rue de l’Université is a predominantly residential area with a quiet atmosphere.

Other than admiring the beautiful architecture, enjoying the views of the Eiffel Tower, and visiting the few public establishments, there is not much more to see or do here.

Rue Des Barres

Another picturesque street in the Marais, Rue des Barres, is a lesser-known street with its own kind of unique charm.

This ancient street is only around 150 yards long and was originally one of the streets coming off the Seine with a water-powered windmill called Moulin des Barres.

This pedestrian walkway runs from the Seine into the Marais. On the lower end, the street begins with a beautiful restaurant named Café Louis with a spacious outdoor terrace.

Chez Julien is another restaurant here that marks the beginning of a wide, shallow staircase that climbs upwards towards the Marais.

Rue Lepic

Rue Lepic is a Montmartre favorite with a rich cultural history. At 755 meters long, this picturesque street is home to countless eateries and boutiques that befits any Parisian street.

What makes this street more unique is its artistic history. In the late 19th century, Montmartre quickly became a hub for the artists at the time.

Vincent Van Gogh resided here from 1886 to 1888 and commemorated his stay here with a painting of the view from his apartment window.

Several other notable artists who lived here – and painted the surrounds – include Eugene Delattre, Charles Leandre, Felix Ziem, Maurice Utrillo, and Willette.

In 2001, the release of the well-known feature film Amelie made the street famous in contemporary culture.

Le Café Deux Moulins, the café between the Moulin Rouge and Moulin de la Galette, is where Amelie worked as a waitress. Situated at number 15 on the street, the café attracts scores of visitors every year.

Rue Chanoinesse

Rue Chanoinesse is situated in one of the few remaining parts of the original Ile de la Cite. Only two areas of the original ancient area have been preserved after Haussmann’s reinvention of the medieval streets.

Rue Chanoinesse presents the opportunity for visitors to explore off the beaten track, experiencing an area less-visited by tourists in general.

This street owes its name to the scores of canons that once called it home, and it was originally the main artery for the Notre-Dame cloister.

Rue Nicolas Flamel

This Parisian street near the Louvre Museum is named after famed academic, store owner, and rumored alchemist Nicolas Flamel.

This street is located in the iconic Marais district. It is close to the oldest stone home in Paris – Auberge Nicolas Flamel.

At the end of this street is a large tower known as Tour Saint Jacques. This tower is the last remaining section of a previously grand medieval church that once dominated the area.

Climbing the tower – free during the summer – is a must-do activity if you find yourself on this quaint, beautiful street.

Avenue Montaigne

Avenue Montaigne is a picturesque street in the eighth arrondissement of Paris, France. In previous times, the street was named alee des Veuves (widows’ alley) due to the gathering of women in mourning.

In contemporary times, the street has changed character completely.

Named after the French Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne, the street became known for its sparkling Mabille gardens that would come to life on Saturday evenings.

Avenue Montaigne has since become a major name in high-end fashion, playing host to a collection of designer stores such as D&G, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Fendi, Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.

Rue Cremieux

Rue Cremieux is a quirky street in the 12th Arrondissement home to a collection of pastel-colored houses with complementary shutters. Rue Cremieux is in the heart of the city and oozes charm.

A tiny cobblestone street, Rue Cremieux can be described as a quiet oasis bursting with Parisian charm. It is also surprisingly devoid of tourists.

The quaint street features plenty of colors and an endless supply of terracotta pots lining the streets filled with lush plants.

The local residents have formed a close-knit community that works hard to ensure the secret little oasis is properly maintained.

Rue Montorgueil

Rue Montorgueil is an exceptionally vibrant part of Paris situated right in the heart.

It is well known for being one of the permanent market streets in the city, and it is home to several of the best meat and fish markets, bistros, pastry shops, boutiques, and bars.

Despite its central location in the heart of the city, Rue Montorgueil boasts a village feel with many family-owned establishments, including cheese shops and brasseries.

The area is also home to the 15th-century medieval tower – Paris’ only fortified tower – the Jean-Sans-Peur.

Square de Montsouris

Square de Montsouris, contrary to what the name suggests, is, in fact, a street from the 1900s.

Appearing to have been frozen in time, this charming street is 200 meters long. It features cobbled floors and a collection of beautiful art deco and art nouveau architecture.

With much greenery throughout, the street pays homage to the nearby park with the same name.

This tranquil street is situated in the 14th Arrondissement near the Parc Montsouris. It is home to a forgotten entrance of the Parisian catacombs and a small remaining section of the Petite Ceinture.

Quai de la Tournelles

The Quai de la Tournelle is a picturesque street located on the banks of the Seine. With views of the Ile de la Cite, this beautiful riverside location is close to several hotels and restaurants.

The Quai de la Tournelle is located between the Pont Sully and the Pont de l’Archeveche.

The Port de la Tournelle, located at the lower level of the Quai de la Tournelle, was used for the offloading of goods.

Rue de Sevigne

This beautiful street is located in the heart of the Marais and overlooks the incredible church Eglise Saint-Louis-Saint-Paul.

The Marais is synonymous with medieval buildings along narrow streets. This particular street crosses through the third and fourth Arrondissements.

The Musee Carnavelet is situated in Rue de Sevigne and is well worth visiting. Documenting the entire history of Paris, this museum is bursting with plush décor and an incredibly manicured courtyard.

It was once two separate mansions and has been combined into one breathtaking museum.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir

Another cobbled lane in Montmartre, Rue de l’Abreuvoir, is home to La Maison Rose, a restaurant frequented by Picasso, and Place Dalida, previous home to the famous singer-songwriter.

This street is arguably one of the prettiest and oldest in Paris and is brimming with history.

Avenue de Camoens

Avenue de Camoens is predominantly known for its spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower at one end before the street drops off into a steep stairwell taking you to the street below.

This is definitely one of the best spots in the city to take a photo of the Eiffel tower, be it at sunrise or sunset.

The buildings along the street are absolutely stunning and undeniably Parisian, so take a picnic and enjoy the abundance of beauty that surrounds you.

Villa Leandre

This exquisite Montmartre street in the 18th Arrondissement epitomizes the Paris of old. The houses here are all unique compared to one another – a stark contrast to the Haussmann architecture that dominates the rest of Paris.

Each unique house has its own garden, and property here is rumored to be among the most expensive in the entire city.

Villa Leandre is situated between the Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Montmartre Cemetery, so you will find there is no shortage of sightseeing opportunities nearby.

Avenue Rapp

Avenue Rapp is located in the 7th Arrondissement and is home to Square Rap between numbers 33 and 35. This avenue boasts spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and numerous cafes.

Several notable buildings on this street, including the Bulgarian Embassy, Luxembourg Embassy, and a 20th-century pharmacy designated as a historical monument.

Number 29 Avenue Rapp is famous for its controversial Art Nouveau doorway created by Jules Lavirotte, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding Haussmannian buildings.

The entire intricate façade was intended to evoke Lavirotte’s own reimagining of the story of Adam and Eve.

Final Words on Paris Roads

Paris is filled with picturesque streets that exude an incredible amount of Parisian charm.

While some of the more famous streets are all well-worth visiting, countless hidden gems spread across the city will delight and surprise you during your visit to the city of lights.