With some of the prettiest streets in the world, Paris really is a magical city to get wonderfully lost in. Use this list of more than 50 of the prettiest and most famous streets in Paris to get swept up in the beauty of each storied street and beautiful boulevard. From the most beautiful streets in Paris to the best streets to photograph the Eiffel Tower, let this be your alternative guide to walking the French capital.
Pat Russo
Arc de Triomphe where several of the most famous streets in Paris begin like the most famous, Avenue des Champs-Élysées. © Pat Russo
As I leave my mark on the many, many pieces written about the streets of Paris, I find my American-Parisian heart feeling a little shy and wanting to add a soft disclaimer here before I begin.
First, in true French fashion: every rue in Paris is beautiful when you are visiting,
As Elaine Sciolino’s book entitled “The Only Street in Paris: Life on Rue Des Martyrs” indicates, we make our lives around the streets (Rue means street in French), when we live in Paris, not just the famous ones.
There is a word in French: “flâneur” which literally means wandering without a plan. (Also worth noting, the feminine of flâneur is “flâneuse.”)
This wandering is taken very seriously in Paris.
Paris local Pat Russo uncovered all the most famous streets in Paris. © Pat Russo
50 of the Prettiest and Most Famous Streets in Paris
I’m going to share some of the most famous streets in Paris here.
But, I invite you to embrace the culture of wandering.
Because this has proven to be the best way to find the most magic and the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path Paris streets that I love the most.
I also encourage you to make as the French people do and find the magic on the streets where you find yourself.
On one of the more recent of my own wandering, I crossed the Seine twice as I made my way past Notre Dame onto Isle Saint Louis.
Then, onto the other side of the river to the “Rive Droite” or Right Bank where I live in Le Marais.
It struck me as I finished my carefully curated list of famous streets in Paris, that the river is the most famous of them all, in a very poetic sense.
I am often asked by tourists “Where is the river from here?”.
Because, once you find the river you can find your way to many things in Paris, using this to get your bearings.
Exploring the prettiest and most famous streets in Paris. © Pat Russo
Famous Streets in Paris: Champs Elysées
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
With that said the most famous street in Paris is actually an avenue, 1.2 miles (1.9km) long to be exact.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées (“Avenue of the Elysian Fields” in French), connects the Arc de Triomphe with Place de la Concorde in what I feel is part of the sacred geometry of the city of Paris at Place Charles de Gaulle (or Place L’Etoile).
Champs-Élysées is considered one of the world’s most famous commercial streets because nearly every well-known global brand’s boutique can be found on this street.
This is also the street cyclists finish the Tour de France and runners run the Paris Marathon.
It is a grand boulevard worth visiting once in your life.
And, if you find yourself in Paris on the first Sunday of the month you can experience the rare and beautiful occasion of this street being car-free for one whole day.
This makes your task of taking a selfie in front of one of the world’s most iconic historical monuments, the Arc de Triomphe a lot easier.
The Golden Triangle Streets of Paris
The “Golden Triangle” of Paris includes Avenue Montaigne, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and Avenue George V.
It is in this “triangle” that you have access to the luxury of Dior’s first atelier.
You’ll also find other fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Channel lining Avenue Montaigne (the most expensive street in Paris), and views from all directions of the Eiffel Tower.
In this “Golden Triangle Streets of Paris”, you also have the iconic landmarks that bookend Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
They are the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, and some of the most beautiful and iconic Paris hotels.
One of the most famous streets in Paris, Rue de Rivoli. © Pat Russo
Rue de Rivoli
This famous main street in Paris begins in the 1st arrondissement and travels to Le Marais in the 4th arrondissement.
It is famous because you can find these popular destinations on this street:
- Hotel de Ville
- Saint-Jacques Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Statue of Joan of Arc
- Le Meurice Hotel
- L’Impérial Rivoli Café
- Jeu de Paume
- Place de la Concorde
Rue Montorgueil
Epicureans will delight in walking Rue Monteorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement.
This pedestrian street is lined with shops selling produce France is known for.
You’ll find cheese shops, pastry shops, bread, fruits, and of course, the oldest patisseries in Paris (dating back to 1730), Stohrer.
Avenue Victor Hugo
Not to be confused with where Victor Hugo lived (Place des Vosges), Avenue Victor Hugo is in the 16th arrondissement.
It is the second longest of the 12 avenues leading from the Arc de Triomphe at Place Charles de Gaulle.
Previously Avenue de Saint Cloud, the Paris road was renamed in 1881 for the famous French writer.
There is a statue in his honor Hugo near where Avenue Victor Hugo meets Henri Martin.
Hotel Particulier, where Hugo spent his last days can be found at number 124.
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Rue des Barres in Le Marais is a popular spot for tourists for its colorful facades. © Pat Russo
Famous Streets in Paris: Le Marais
Because I live on one of the “famous” streets in Le Marais, I know this neighborhood well.
The travel tip for visiting this Jewish quarter used to be to visit on Sundays when shops were open after Shabbat and the rest of the city was quiet.
But, now all of Paris is more open on Sundays.
Be sure to check any desired locations for Friday night or Saturday visits in the Marais.
These are the days and times when you might find certain restaurants and boutiques closed for Shabbat.
I recommend visiting during the week when this area is a bit more calm.
Rue des Francs Bourgeois
Rue des Francs Bourgeois is the main shopping street in the heart of Le Marais.
It’s also where you can find yourself in Place des Vosges at the end of this street and very close to Victor Hugo’s house.
There’s a very famous central square filled with grassy areas and fountains perfect for sunshine and picnics.
Pop into the newest location of Babka Zana near Place des Vosges for a sweet treat to enjoy in the sunshine.
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Rue Rosiers meaning “street of the rosebushes” in Le Marais, Paris. © Pat Russo
Rue des Rosiers
Rue de Rosiers is the most famous street in Le Marais, and a popular destination for Paris locals too.
This street is tiny but mighty and easy to miss as it’s tucked into the center.
You can find it more easily by making your way to Rue Vieille du Temple.
It’s well-known for many Jewish bakeries and delicatessens, and most-notably falafel.
On any given day in the Marais, you can see many people sitting and wandering while happily enjoying a falafel.
My favorite falafel can be found at Miznon (the local’s favorite spot).
Don’t forget to pop into Sacha Finkelsztajn for a sweet treat too, a Jewish bakery in the Marais since 1946.
The secret garden on this street with the same name Jardin des Rosiers Joseph Migneret is worth a moment too.
It’s the perfect quiet place to enjoy a picnic or a moment of rest from the city’s energy.
Other notable streets in Le Marais, Paris:
- Rue Vieille du Temple
- Rue de Turrenne
- Rue Bretagne
- Rue Charlot
- Rue de Saintonge
- Rue Rambuteau
- Rue des Barres
- Rue Sevigne
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One of the most Famous Streets in Paris Boulevard de Clichy, is home to the Moulin Rouge. © Pat Russo
Famous Streets in Paris: Montmartre
If being on a street where Picasso, Vlamenck, Derain, Soutine, Modigliani, Vincent Van Gogh, and countless other famous artists lived and worked.
If it is this type of famous Paris street your heart is seeking, you should make your way to Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement.
Montmartre is famous for many reasons.
One of them is that you can climb the steps of the 80-meter dome in the Basilica Sacre-Coeur to reach the highest point in Paris and the most spectacular panoramic view from this spot.
Find your way to Montmartre by various metro lines, wearing your most comfortable shoes.
Expect to walk up many steps and gently climb several winding streets to find the treasures there, including the surprising Clos Montmartre Vineyard.
Look for Le Mur des “Je t’aime” or “The Wall of Love” near the entrance of the Abbesses Metro (Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses so you don’t miss it).
It is a wall with “I love you” written in hundreds of languages, and not far from this wall you can find one of my favorite vintage shops in Paris called Chinemachine.
Montmartre feels more like a “village” and for this reason, the streets are tiny and perfect for wandering without a map or plan.
I like to arrive in Montmartre by foot from Le Marais (it is an ambitious wander).
But, if you want to find yourself there by metro popping out into a scene from a movie, and a very famous spot in Paris, take Metro Line 12 to Lamarck-Caulaincourt which can be found on the neighborhood’s Northern border.
This iconic spot has been filmed and photographed many times and it is just a short walk from Sacre-Coeur.
A typical Montmartre street scene in Paris. © Pat Russo
Rue Cortot
Just a few minutes walk from the Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro station on your way to Sacre-Coeur, take Rue Cortot.
You’ll find a little square aptly named Place Dalida with a statue in honor of this beloved French singer.
Rue Lepic
One of the most famous streets in Paris, Rue Lepic in Montmartre is where you can find your way to the (real) café (Café des Deux Moulins) where Amelie worked in the film.
Follow it along as you discover Van Gogh’s apartment at 54 Rue Lepic.
Then, find the old-world 17th-century Moulin de la Galette windmill at the peak of this famous street.
Taking Rue Lepic to Rue des Saules you’ll find one of the most legendary cabarets called Au Lapin Agile.
This is a place where Van Gogh, Picasso, and celebrities like Charlie Chaplin once spent time.
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Place du Tertre in Montmartre Paris is a great place to get your portrait painted or buy souvenirs. © Pat Russo
Place du Tertre
Less of a street, and more of a square, or “Place” in French, this bustling square is quintessential Montmartre with canvases in motion and beret-wearing artists lining the café terraces on all sides of this square.
The Dali Museum is located just behind this square on Rue Poulbot and this spot in Montmartre is a great place for feeling like a tourist.
Boulevard de Clichy
Famous for a very different reason, Boulevard de Clichy sits in the “red light district” of Paris.
This is where you can find the iconic Moulin Rouge and the neighborhood of Pigalle.
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Rue Des Saules in Montmartre Paris sitting high on the hill. © Pat Russo
Rue Saint-Rustique
Rue Saint-Rustique is one of the oldest streets in Paris and possibly the oldest street in Montmartre.
The tiny cobbled laneway connects Rue des Saules to Rue du Mont Cenis.
Wander down this ancient street when visiting Paris’ must-see Basilica de Sacre Coeur.
Other famous Montmartre streets:
- Rue Norvins
- Boulevard de Rochechouart
- Passage Cottin
- Rue Ramey
- Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
- Villa Leandre
- Rue Cyrano de Bergerac
- Rue Lamarck
- Rue des Abbesses
Rue du Chevalier de la Barre in Montmartre where you can see the stunning architecture and historic Sacre Coeur Cathedral. © Pat Russo
Famous Streets in Paris: Saint-Germain-des Prés
A piece of my heart will always live in Saint-Germain.
This was the very first neighborhood in Paris where I found my first apartment near Saint Sulpice (on my very favorite street in Paris called Rue Servandoni).
It’s a spot that still calls to me from across the river.
This part of the city spans three neighborhoods: the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement, Saint-Germain in the 6th, and Pont de la Concorde in the 7th.
Boulevard Saint-Germain
Boulevard Saint-Germain is an iconic street in Paris.
The perfect place for lunch, this is also one of the most famous streets in Paris for cafes.
Make your way to Les Deux Magots, Brasserie Lipp, or Café Flore.
You will find yourself in cafes where well-known writers, painters, and philosophers such as Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, Sartre, Steinem, and Picasso once spent time.
The “Lost Generation” as they were called once frolicked here and because of this and more this street is a must-visit.
Rue de Buci Paris is a long-loved tiny street where locals meet to shop and dine. © Pat Russo
Rue de Buci
Rue de Buci has an incredible history over the years of being many things.
One of the much-loved small streets of Paris, this less-than-200-meter-long street is now the meeting place, shopping place, and café-hopping place of many people both tourists and locals alike.
Rue Saint Jacques
Other notable Saint-Germain streets are:
- Place de l’Odeon at the end of Rue de l’Odeon
- Rue Bonaparte
- Rue des Saints-Pères
- Rue Dauphine (and Place Dauphine)
- Rue Mouffetard
- Place de la Contrescarpe on Rue Mouffetard
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Avenue de Camoens is one of the best places to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. © Pat Russo
The Best Streets in Paris for Photos of the Eiffel Tower
Because she is so beloved, and the treasure of Paris and all who visit this city, the streets that surround her have become famous in their own right.
The best places to photograph the Eiffel Tower are:
- Avenue de Camoëns
- Rue de l’Université
- Avenue Albert 1er de Monaco
- Rue Saint-Dominique, Trocadéro
- Square Rapp (off Avenue Rapp)
- From the Seine, especially next to Pont d’Iéna and from Pont Alexandre III (where you’ll also find the Grand Palais and Petit Palais)
One of the most famous streets in Paris for shopping is Rue Saint Dominique. © Pat Russo
Famous Streets in Paris for Shopping
Paris is a shopping city. From incredible vintage shops to department stores, high-end fashion houses, and groundbreaking French brands, there is something for every fashion palette here.
These are a few of the famous streets in Paris for shopping.
Rue Cler
Just a few minutes from the Eiffel Tower is Rue Cler, one of the most charming streets in Paris.
Follow in the footsteps of Julia Child and other well-known gourmands and shop from the open-air market and grocery stores along this famous Paris street.
Arrive in the morning to beat the crowds, choose some of the perfectly fresh produce, and set up a picnic in the Champs de Mars (Field of Mars) to enjoy Le Tour Eiffel from a different perspective.
Rue Saint Dominique
Nearby Rue Saint Dominique has become known as one of the best shopping streets in Paris.
You’ll be tempted by so many beautiful brands like The Kooples, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, and Des Petits Hautes on this street.
Rue Saint-Honore
Rue Saint-Honore is the definition of Paris chic.
Home to high-end boutiques and 5-star hotels it is also a great spot for people watching.
One of the most famous shopping streets in Paris and at almost 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long, wear some comfortable (and stylish) shoes for a walk along Rue Saint-Honore.
Maison Goyard (just around the corner from Place Vendôme and the Ritz Hotel), Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, Louboutin, and Chopard among many other luxury brands line either side of this Paris street.
Boulevard Haussmann
Boulevard Haussmann is a famous Parisian street designed by Baron Haussmann in his very recognizable architectural style.
A popular shopping street, it is nearly 2 kilometers long reaching from Avenue de Friedland to the Boulevard Montmartre.
You’ll pass many historic buildings featuring the iconic Haussmannian facade, department stores large like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, and the stunning Opéra Garnier.
If you are visiting Paris during Christmas time, a visit to the department stores is a must, if only to see the magnificent festive decorations.
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Rue de l’Abreuvoir has become one of the most famous streets in Paris, known as ‘the pink street’. © Pat Russo
Instagram Famous Streets in Paris
Paris has long been a photographer’s dream.
But, Instagram has turned it into a social-media superstar, with Instagram tours of the city, and tourists madly trying to get the perfect photo of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Three of the most Instagram famous streets in Paris are Ruse Cremieux, Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue de l’Universite.
Rue Cremieux
The pastel-washed buildings of Rue Cremieux remind many of Burano’s very famous village facades.
This is arguably the most colorful street in Paris.
So, it’s easy to see why this has become such a popular spot and one of the most photographed streets in Paris.
Rue de l’Université
A gorgeous cobblestone residential street on the Left Bank in the 7th arrondissement perfectly frames the Eiffel Tower.
It should come as no surprise this is the most Instagrammed street in Paris.
You’ll often find crowds gathering to take their prized shot and move on.
The iconic cafe, Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain should also be on your Paris Instagram list. © Pat Russo
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Likely one of the most Instagram-famous Paris streets because of La Maison Rose.
With the iconic pastel pink façade, this Montmartre restaurant is perfectly placed on the top of this winding cobbled street.
The ‘pink street in Paris’, as it’s often known, is one of the oldest and most historic streets in the City of Light.
It is where you can find your way to Renoir’s house, which makes it a really famous destination.
In recent years, it’s also become known for starring as the backdrop for an Emily in Paris episode where Emily set up a bed as a marketing stunt.
Rue Denoyez
Looking for a unique photo in Paris – without a bridge or tower in sight?
Rue Denoyez in Belleville might be the perfect Paris Instagram spot for you.
One of the streets where street art is legalized, Rue Denoyez has become a veritable living art gallery of graffiti, featuring artists from all around the world.
One of the best things to do while in this part of Paris is to try the monthly street food market held here.
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Rue Cremieux is the most colorful street in Paris and one of the most photographed too. © Pat Russo
Famous Streets in Paris: Emily in Paris Filming Locations
Rue de l’Estrapade
Emily in Paris characters Emily and Gabriel live in a building at number 1, Place de l’Estrapad – where rue de l’Estrapade meets rue Lhomond and rue des Fossés-Saint-Jacques.
Place de Valois
Emily’s fictional workplace “Savoir” is set at 6 Place de Valois in the 1st arrondissement.
The doorway is right next to the Galerie Patrick Fourtin.
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Lamarck-Caulaincourt Metro station in Montmarte Paris. © Pat Russo
Luxury Hotels on Famous Streets in Paris
If you dream of a luxury Paris hotel stay, on or within walking distance of some of these famous streets in Paris, this list has you covered.
From palace hotels to boutique stays, these Paris hotels all offer something unique for the perfect visit, whether it is your first visit to Paris or you have been to the capital many times.
Hotel Plaza Athenee
A luxury hotel on the iconic Avenue Montaigne (and 5 minutes from the Champs Elysees), Hotel Plaza Athenee is an Haute Couture hotel featuring a Dior house spa, made for fashion lovers.
Recognized the world over by its crimson awnings and artfully matching 1900 geraniums adorning the facade.
This palace hotel is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, particularly suited to those planning a romantic stay in Paris.
Click to Check Prices for Plaza Athenee
La Reserve Paris
Just around the corner from the Champs Elysees, Avenue Montaigne, and Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré is the beautiful boutique La Reserve Paris.
This boutique 5-star Paris hotel is a popular choice for celebrities and the well-to-do for its personalized offering. This is not a large palace hotel, but rather an ultra-luxurious home away from home.
With an old-world feel, the spaces are intimate and carefully thought out from the welcome salon to the private guest library and indoor pool (a premium in Paris).
Read about our high tea at La Reserve Paris.
Click to Check Prices for La Reserve Paris
Hilton Paris Opera
Five minutes walk from the shopping enticements, the Hilton Paris Opera is a grand Paris palace hotel.
Located on Rue Saint Lazare, the hotel is a short walk from some great Paris shopping with Boulevarde Haussman just a couple of minutes away.
It is also a few minutes from Montemarte and the Sacre Cour Cathedral.
Our favorite part of this stunning Paris hotel is the breathtaking Le Grand Salon.
Read about our stay at the Hilton Paris Opera.
Click to Check Prices for Hilton Paris Opera
The Peninsula Paris
The Arc du Triomphe, Avenue Champs Elysees, and Avenue Victor Hugo are all only a few minutes walk from The Peninsula Paris on Avenue Kleber.
This incredible luxury Paris hotel has all the touch points you’d expect from an ultra-luxury suite hotel; from flexible check-in times to rooms that are among the largest in the city.
Can’t swing a room just yet? Book a table at the rooftop restaurant with magical views of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding rooftops.
Read about our day at The Peninsula Paris.
Click to See Prices for The Peninsula Paris
The Westin Paris Vendome
Located on the Rue de Rivoli, The Westin Paris Vendome is conveniently located within close walking distance of The Louvre, Place Vendome, Place de la Concorde, and Rue Saint Honore.
Rue Saint-Dominique, Rue de l’Universite, and Boulevarde Saint-Germain are a short, picturesque walk through Jardin de Tuileries, across the Seine River.
This is a large, 4-star hotel really is in the heart of everything you would want to see on your first time in Paris.
Splurge on a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower or Louvre.
Read about our stay at The Westin Paris Vendome.
Click to See Prices for The Westin Paris Vendome
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Pat Russo is a Mystic, Muse, and Spiritual Teacher guiding women into their hearts with a journey of softening. She is a published poet, a lover of hearts, and a forever student.
Feeling the impossibility of choosing between her two favorite cities, she considers San Francisco and Paris home.