The 25 Most Famous Streets In Paris To Visit + Bonus Map!

Last updated on November 7th, 2024 at 09:57 am

Take a tour of the most famous streets in Paris, including the prettiest and oldest.

There are so many beautiful streets in Paris it’s hard to know which is the most famous.

Are you after the most Instagrammable street in Paris or one with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Is it boutiques and cafes that draw you in or old buildings and history?

Whatever your criteria, this guide on the best Paris streets will help get you started.

Living in France, I go to Paris four or five times a year as it’s only two hours on the train. And one of the things I enjoy the most is discovering new streets tucked away off the beaten track.

For me, Paris has more beautiful streets to explore than anywhere else I’ve ever been to, and half the fun of each visit is finding more to add to my list.

Paris is a city that is stunning whether it’s sunny, raining, or even snowing, so it depends on what you’re looking for when you make your list. But the 25 listed here have something for everyone so let’s dive in.

What is the Most Famous Street in Paris?

The most famous street in Paris is the Champs-Élysées, obvious or not, there are so many reasons for this.

Renowned for its grandeur and a symbol of Parisian prestige, it stretches from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. 

This iconic boulevard is a hub for major events, such as the Bastille Day military parade and the finishing line of the Tour de France, making the Champs Elysees not only a vital part of Parisian life but also a significant landmark in French national identity.

25 Famous Streets in Paris

No 1 Rue Crémieux

Rue Crémieux is top of my list as it is a bit of a hidden gem, but trust me when I say, it’s a street made for Instagram.

However, you do need to be respectful of the people living here as their patience runs a bit thin with the constant stream of tourists discovering their beautiful street.

It reminds me a little bit of some of the houses you see down the side streets in Venice, as they are all different pastel colours.

At just 144 metres long, it runs between Rue de Lyon and Rue de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement of Paris and is lined with small terraced houses.

It was originally constructed as workers’ housing in 1857 and was initially named Rue Millaud until it was renamed in honour of Adolphe Crémieux. 

During the Great Flood of Paris in 1910, the water from the Seine reached as high as 1.75 metres on one of the buildings, which you’ll see commemorated by a plaque.

No 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir

This fascinating little street in Montmatre is only 133 metres long and used to be a hotspot for artists like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Maurice Utrillo. 

They’d gather at La Maison Rose, a picturesque café, which, as its name would suggest, is a beautiful pink colour and a big part of the attraction for tourists.

It was opened in the early 1900s by Laure ‘Germaine’ Gargallo Florentin Pichot and her husband, Ramon Pichot Girones, a Catalan painter. 

But Rue de l’Abreuvoir existed well before the cafe and dates back to at least 1325. The name ‘abreuvoir’ means ‘trough’ in French, indicating its original use for providing water to Montmartre’s residents and animals.

No 3 Rue des Barres

This one hit my list pretty quickly as it is in the Marais, one of the oldest parts of Paris​, and it has a varied history.

The street runs almost from the Seine, at Pont Louis-Philippe, up to Rue François Miron in the Marais, and features the Église Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais, a church with origins in the 7th century and dramatic stained glass​​​​.

You can almost feel the history draw you in as you walk down this street with its winding cobblestone paths, colourful buildings, and unique shops.

The history of Rue des Barres dates back to the 12th century, originally known as “rue de la Barre” or “street of the bar.” This name was derived from a wooden barrier marking the boundary between two parishes. 

In the medieval era, it was a hub for tradesmen, including butchers, bakers, and tanners, gaining significance in 1312 when King Philippe IV allowed merchants to settle there, leading to its development over the centuries​​.

No 4 Rue de la Bûcherie

Rue de la Bûcherie, situated in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the oldest on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) with a medieval past. During the Middle Ages, damaged meats were salted and boiled here to feed the poor. 

The name ‘Bûcherie’ comes from the ancient “Port aux bûches,” a port where logs were put down, indicating its earlier association with wood merchants.

In the 17th century, the street was home to Catherine Monvoisin, better known as La Voisin. She was a notorious figure involved in the ‘Affaire des Poisons’. This scandal, which unfolded during the reign of King Louis XIV, revolved around a series of poisonings and black magic in the French court. 

Her activities came to light in 1679, leading to a major scandal that implicated several members of the French nobility. La Voisin was eventually arrested, tried, and executed in 1680 for her crimes. 

On a happier note, it was also home to some famous literary people including the French novelist Nicolas-Edme Rétif and Simone De Beauvoir, who lived at No. 11 from 1948 to 1955. It was here she wrote some of her most important works​​​​.

Today, it’s most famous for housing the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a renowned English language bookstore established in 1919. 

No 5 Rue de Buci

Looking at Rue de Buci today with its cafes, restaurants and boutiques, it’s hard to believe it was the scene of violence in World War II. A brave demonstration of the Resistance, mainly led by women, took place in April 1942 against food rationing. 

This led to the invasion of the Eco food store by activists, resulting in a violent confrontation with the police and several arrests.

But its history starts long before then. It was named after Simon de Buci, the first president of the Parliament of Paris in 1341. It was he who bought the Saint Germain gate that opened onto Rue de Buci. 

By the 1700s, Rue de Buci and its adjoining streets in Saint Germain had become popular with artists, intellectuals, and writers. 

Today, it draws the crowds to Maison Sauvage, located at No. 5, famous for its flowery facade, which makes it a photogenic spot.

No 6 Rue de la Buttes-aux-Cailles

Rue de la Buttes-aux-Cailles, located in Paris’ 13th Arrondissement is known for its colourful murals and creative street art pieces by artists like LadyBug, Miss.Tic, LOUYZ, SETH, and Philippe Baudeloque​​.

The Butte-aux-Cailles area, including Rue de la Buttes-aux-Cailles, gets its name from a former landowner, Pierre Caille, who bought a vineyard here in 1543.

The area was once a bucolic hill covered in vineyards, woods, and windmills, traversed by the Bièvre River​​​​​ if you can imagine that in Paris.

In the 17th century, the Bièvre River became central to numerous artisans like tanners, dyers, and butchers, although their industrial activities, unfortunately, made the neighbourhood unsanitary​. 

Then, in 1860, Butte-aux-Cailles was annexed to Paris (forming part of the 13th arrondissement), and the Bièvre River was subsequently covered, for hygiene reasons​.

The whole area now is lovely, and if you get a chance, go to Place Paul Verlaine, a bustling square that comes alive in the evenings with pétanque games.

The Art Deco style municipal swimming pool, which opened in 1924, is worth seeing too, and you can even swim in one of its three pools​.

No  7 Avenue de Camoëns

Avenue de Camoëns is situated in the prestigious 16th arrondissement of Paris and named after the celebrated Portuguese poet Luís de Camões (1525-1580).

Spanning only about 115 metres, it’s potentially the shortest avenue in Paris, and you’ll no doubt recognise the staircase connecting to Boulevard Delessert.

It has some of the most stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and is lined with trees and beautiful architecture. It’s the perfect Paris picture.

No 8 Rue de Chanoinesse

Here’s one for the history lovers, situated in Île de la Cité, one of my favourite places to wander around. Rue de Chanoinesse got its name from the numerous canons who lived there, serving the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. 

In the Middle Ages, access to the Notre Dame cloister was restricted to the community of canons and was closed off to outsiders, including women, at night​​.

The area was part of an “enclos canonial,” a tax-exempt property granted by Charlemagne. In the 15th century, nobles obtained the right to rent these houses, gaining immunity from royal justice and tax exemption​​.

In the 18th century, tombstones were found and used to pave the courtyard of No. 26, which also houses the remains of the nave of the ancient Saint-Aignan chapel founded in 1120​​.

At No. 24 is Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, possibly the prettiest cafe in all of Paris, and yet, every time I’ve been, I’ve been able to get a seat. 

It’s covered in wisteria in spring and summer, and in winter, it has a stunning Christmas display. 

The building dates back to 1512 and was the home of a Canon from the Notre Dame Cathedral. By the 18th century, it was transformed into a wine bar and has retained a lot of its medieval feel. 

The inside is just as beautiful as the outside and is spread over two floors. You feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to medieval Paris. I love sitting upstairs as you have a great view of the cathedral and the plush red decor that gives that feeling of grandeur.

No 9 Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche

Another street on the Île de la Cité, built in 1540 and ending on the bank of the Seine, is Rue du Chat-qui-Pêche. It made it onto my list as it’s the narrowest street in Paris.

No 10 Rue Denoyez

If you love street art and graffiti, you’ll love Rue Denoyez in the Belleville district of Paris. It’s certainly eye-catching. At roughly 150 metres long, it’s an open-air canvas for graffiti artists, always changing with new pieces being added.

Belleville, the neighbourhood in which Rue Denoyez is situated, has been a hub for artists and immigrants and was historically associated with socialist and communist ideas, especially during the Paris Commune of 1871. 

It offers a glimpse into Paris’s urban culture, far removed from the 19th-century dance halls that once stood there.

One of the most iconic cafes in this area is Café aux Folies, where Edith Piaf performed early in her career.

No 11 Avenue de Choisy

Next, we move to the 13th arrondissement at the heart of the city’s vibrant Quartier Chinois or Chinatown. But long before it became the scene of Chinese restaurants and shops, it was part of the Roman road, going from Paris to Lyon.

It didn’t become Avenue de Choisy until 1672 when it led into the hamlet of Choisy-le-Roi.

During the 17th century, Mademoiselle de Montpensier, reportedly the wealthiest unmarried Princess in Europe, had a chateau built that she gave to Louis XV.

He spent quite a bit of time there, mainly using it as a place to entertain his favourite mistress, Madame de Pompadour.

Unfortunately, during the French Revolution, it was seized and the chateau was divided into several lots and sold. By the 19th century, the whole area had been abandoned, and the buildings were destroyed.

No 12 Rue Norvins

Now we head to my favourite area in Paris, Montmatre. Maybe it’s because I’m a writer that I feel so drawn to this area where plenty of artists, writers and creatives have spent their time. 

Dating back to 1672, it was included in Albert Jouvin de Rochefort’s street plan, making it one of the oldest streets in Parisian history. 

It is also the most well-preserved street in Paris that transports you to Montmartre’s murky past when in 1133, it was the prison of Abbesses where the Benedictines of Montmartre administered justice.

There is so much to see on this street, but look out for the sculpture of Marcel Ayme, a writer, sticking out of the wall, a reference to his famous book and film, “Le 

Passe-muraille.”

But the biggest drawcard has to be Le Consulat Cafe, one of the oldest houses in Montmartre. Over the years, it has been a gathering spot for many acclaimed artists, writers, and painters of the 19th century, including famous names like Picasso, Sisley, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Monet.

The café’s vintage charm, with its red and white decor, takes you back to the turn of the 20th century, considered the golden age of Paris.

It’s a perfect spot for enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while watching the world go by.

No 13 Boulevard Haussmann

Stretching 2.53 kilometres (1.57 miles) from the 8th to the 9th arrondissement is Boulevard Haussmann, part of the big urban renovation undertaken during the Second Empire in the mid-19th century.

The construction of Boulevard Haussmann, which began on October 17, 1857, and was completed on January 22, 1922, represents a significant period in Parisian history.

One of the main objectives of Haussmann’s renovation was to address the health, transportation, and housing challenges of a rapidly growing Paris.

This led to the creation of new water and sewer systems, train stations, and the network of boulevards for which Haussmann is most famous.

The boulevards were intended to “air, unify, and beautify” Paris, replacing the dark, medieval alleys with spacious, well-lit streets.

Haussmann buildings are characterised by their uniform façades made from cream-coloured stone, often Lutetian limestone. They are typically six stories tall and feature mansard roofs with dormer windows, ornate balconies, and intricate window designs, especially on the second floor, which was considered the most desirable.

Take a stroll along Boulevard Haussmann, and you’ll come across the famous Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps, and at No. 102, the home of the novelist Marcel Proust.

No 14 Place Vendôme

Ok, so Place Vendôme isn’t strictly speaking a street it’s a square, but it’s an important piece of history you should add to your list. 

Located in the 1st arrondissement, it was initially named Place des Conquêtes to celebrate the military triumphs of Louis XIV, the Sun King. It was later renamed Place Louis-le-Grand, and eventually, it received its current name, Place Vendôme.

Here’s the history lesson. The construction of Place Vendôme was directed by the famous architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

The square’s original design featured a bronze equestrian statue of Louis XIV, sculpted by François Girardon, placed at its centre for the 1699 inauguration.

This statue, however, was destroyed during the French Revolution. In its place now stands the Vendôme Column, inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome, erected to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805.

The column itself has a rich history. It was first constructed under Napoleon’s direction, starting in 1806 and completed in 1810. The column’s exterior is adorned with 425 spiraling bas-relief bronze plates, made from cannon taken from the armies of Europe. 

Throughout its history, the column has undergone various changes, including its demolition during the Paris Commune in 1871 and subsequent reconstruction.

The square has also been a centre for political and cultural activities, witnessing several historical events. It was the site for the signing of the 1763 Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years’ War and is home to the prestigious Ritz Paris Hotel, founded by César Ritz in 1898.

No 15 Rue Lamarck

Another street in Montmatre, Rue Lamarck, is named after Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck, a renowned French scientist known for his theory of inheritance of acquired traits.

The street is particularly famous for its proximity to the Sacré-Coeur, beautiful architecture and quaint cafes.

If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram story, a fun photo opportunity is the “sinking house,” best viewed from the steps leading up to the Sacré-Coeur.

By tilting the camera slightly, you can capture the illusion of a house sinking into the hillside.

No 16 Rue Lepic

Staying in Montmatre and climbing the Montmatre hill, we have Rue Lepic. Originally a combination of several dirt roads leading to Place Blanche, it was first known as Chemin-neuf. 

In 1852, it was renamed Rue de l’Empereur and eventually acquired its current name in 1864, in honour of General Louis Lepic.

It also has some notable past residents, including Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo, who lived at No. 54 from 1886 to 1888.

The street also witnessed a significant event in automotive history in 1898, when Louis Renault built his first car, the Voiturette, and successfully drove it up the slope of Rue Lepic, winning a bet and securing his first vehicle orders.

And if you’re on the Paris movie trail, then you’ll want to add Café des 2 Moulins at No. 15 to your list. It was featured in the movie Amélie and named after the two nearby historical windmills, Moulin Rouge and Moulin de la Galette.

For me, this street really captures the essence of Montmartre’s artistic and bohemian history.

No 17 Rue des Martyrs

As you can probably tell, you have to drag me away from Montmatre kicking and screaming, so we’ll stay and take a look at another famous street, Rue des Martyrs. Now this street has a fascinating history and is filled with ghostly tales.

The name “Rue des Martyrs” is derived from the legend of Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris, who, according to the legend, was beheaded during the time of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century.

The legend tells that Denis picked up his severed head and walked the length of this street with it under his arm, all the way to where the Basilica of Saint-Denis was later founded.

Today, it’s known for its shops and stalls and is a magnet for food lovers. If you want to know more, I highly suggest picking up a copy of Elaine Sciolino’s book “The Only Street in Paris,” which is dedicated entirely to the street and its 200 or so small businesses. It’s a good read!

No 18 Rue Mouffetard

Time to visit the 5th arrondissement and Rue Mouffetard, renowned for being one of the city’s oldest and most picturesque streets. Its history traces back to Roman times when Paris was known as Lutetia.

Several buildings on this street, such as numbers 6, 122, and 134, are officially listed as historic monuments and carry the official Labyrinth logo.

The fountain at the corner with Rue du Pot-de-Fer created first in 1624, is a significant historic landmark, as the only public water source from this period in the district to have escaped modernisation​​.

This street is not without its stories, and it’s thought that its name comes from the French word “Mouffet,” meaning skunk. 

It’s probably because the street was inhabited by lots of animal skinners during the Middle Ages, and the word “mofettes” translates to ‘odours of pestilence.’ 

Despite undergoing some changes during the 19th century, particularly due to Baron Haussmann’s renovations, the street has retained much of its medieval charm, offering a glimpse into the ambience of old Paris. 

It was famously described by Ernest Hemingway in “A Moveable Feast” as “a wonderful narrow crowded market street”​​, which makes sense as it’s also a hub for food lovers and is often referred to as a “food heaven.”

You’ll find a variety of speciality shops, including cheese shops like the famous Androuet, chocolatiers, bistros, and little boutiques. 

No 19 Avenue Montaigne

It’s time for a little bit of luxury and high fashion, so we’re moving to the 8th arrondissement and Avenue Montaigne.

It forms one part of the area known as the “Golden Triangle” in Paris. This Triangle d’Or (Golden Triangle) is an upscale neighbourhood famous for its haute couture fashion stores, luxurious boutiques, and elegant streets. 

The triangle is formed by three of Paris’s most prestigious avenues: Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

It goes back to the early 18th century when it was known as Allée des Veuves or “widows’ alley,” a gathering place for women in mourning. It was later renamed in 1850 after the French Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne. 

Today, it’s home to numerous iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Prada, Chloe, Giorgio Armani, Versace, and Bulgari. 

These brands attract a global clientele, making the avenue a popular destination for fashion enthusiasts, influencers and luxury shoppers​​​​.

One of the most significant stores is the Dior boutique at 30 Avenue Montaigne. Established by designer Christian Dior in 1946, this location is pivotal in the brand’s history. 

The boutique underwent a major renovation, transforming it into a sprawling flagship store that includes a museum, pastry shop, and luxury hotel suite, celebrating Dior’s legacy and influence in the fashion world​​​.

No 20 Rue Montorgueil

If it’s restaurants, cafés, or bakeries you’re after then Rue Montorgueil in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements is perfect. It has long been associated with Parisian gastronomy.

One of its most famous establishments is Stohrer, the oldest patisserie in Paris, founded in 1730 by Nicolas Stohrer, pastry chef to King Louis XV.

This patisserie is renowned for inventing the baba au rhum and continues to be a pilgrimage site for pastry lovers​​​​. 

Then we have L’Escargot Montorgueil, founded in 1832, known for its escargot bourguignon and favoured by figures like Marcel Proust and Sarah Bernhardt​​.

Famous writers like Balzac and Victor Hugo have mentioned it in their works, and it was also immortalised in a painting by Claude Monet in 1878, showcasing the street adorned with flags during a national holiday​​.

No 21 Square Montsouris

Unlike a traditional square, Square Montsouris is actually a private, cobbled street with a slight curve to it, and lots of fabulous Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture.

The name ‘Montsouris’ originates from a windmill called Moulin de Moque-Souris, which roughly translates to ‘windmill that mocks the mice’. 

This was a playful warning against the mice who dared to steal grain from the mill. Over time, the name evolved into ‘Montsouris’​​. I do love a bit of historic trivia.

The street is one of those incredible finds where you feel like you’re the only one to know of its existence. 

It was built in the 1920s-30s, and in all honesty, not much has changed since then, and it’s a beautiful testament to the period in which it was created.

No 22 Rue de Monttessuy

If it’s the perfect Eiffel Tower picture you want to capture, head to Rue de Monttessuy in the 7th arrondissement.

You’ll see the iconic Iron Lady framed beautifully between the Haussmannian buildings. 

Named after Rodolphe, comte de Monttessuy, who owned the land in the 19th century, Rue de Monttessuy has managed to maintain its charm and will always be a magnet for those looking to get that perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower.

No 23 Rue Oberkampf

Rue Oberkampf, in the 11th arrondissement, was named after Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf, an 18th-century industrialist known for inventing the fabric toile de Jouy.

But it wasn’t till the 1990s that its transformation into a trendy artist hotspot began.

Artists, architects, and other creative individuals moved into abandoned workshops, revitalising historic sites such as La Cité du Figuier and establishing a modern bohemian atmosphere that the street is known for today​​​​.

One spot worth a visit is Café Charbon. Founded in 1863, it’s retained its original décor, featuring mosaic floors, a zinc bar, and wall paintings. It has become something of an institution in Oberkampf, drawing visitors from across the city​​​​. 

The street is also known for its culinary contributions, particularly the bistronomie movement, a blend of bistro and gastronomy.

This movement, characterised by high-quality cuisine at affordable prices, was pioneered by establishments like Le Villaret and has since inspired a wave of similar restaurants​​.

The area is also home to the Le M.U.R. project, where artists paint fresh murals every month, contributing to the neighbourhood’s artistic vibrancy​​​.

No 24 Avenue de l’Opera

Avenue de l’Opéra was created between 1864 and 1879 as part of the extensive renovation of Paris under Baron Haussmann. It runs northwest from the Louvre to the Palais Garnier, the home of the ghostly tale of the Phantom of the Opera.

Avenue de l’Opéra was created between 1864 and 1879 as part of the extensive renovation of Paris under Baron Haussmann. It runs northwest from the Louvre to the Palais Garnier, the home of the ghostly tale of the Phantom of the Opera.

​Unique among Parisian avenues, Avenue de l’Opéra is devoid of trees. This design choice was a compromise between Haussmann and Charles Garnier, the architect of the opera house, who wanted an unobstructed view of the opera’s main facade​​.

At the avenue’s northwest end, in front of the Opéra Garnier, lies the Place de l’Opéra with its elegant stores and the famous Café de la Paix. 

At the southeast end of the avenue, near the Louvre, you’ll find the Place André Malraux, named after the French writer and former Minister of Cultural Affairs. Adjacent to this square is the Palais-Royal, known for its gardens​​.

No 25 Rue Vieille du Temple

We end our tour of the famous streets of Paris with Rue Vieille du Temple, situated in the historic Marais district of Paris. The street and its surrounding neighbourhood have undergone significant changes over the centuries. 

Once home to many aristocratic buildings sparked by Henri IV’s creation of Place des Vosges, the area now features numerous hôtels particuliers, private mansions or townhouses.

One of these is the Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil, built in 1657 at No. 47. It once housed a Chanel outlet and is soon to become a luxury hotel. Another historical landmark is the Hôtel d’Hérouet, a late Gothic tower built around 1510, found at the corner with rue des Francs-Bourgeois.

However, by the 1960s, many of these mansions had fallen into disrepair after a century of abandonment.

The area was significantly transformed after André Malraux, the Minister of Culture under de Gaulle, designated the Marais as a “safeguarded sector” in 1962 to save it from demolition, leading to its current status as one of Paris’ chicest neighbourhoods.

Rue Vieille du Temple also boasts a unique example of its artisan past, the lithography printing shop Atelier Clot, Bramsen & Georges, at No. 19. 

Founded in 1896, it collaborated with some of the greatest artists of the era and is now working on innovative projects, like creating the world’s largest colour lithograph.

A Map Of The Famous Streets In Paris

FAQS about the Streets of Paris

Final Thoughts: Famous Streets in Paris

You’ll constantly be amazed at what you find, from historic buildings to specialty bookstores, and remember the best places pop up when you allow yourself to wander ‘off path’ a little.

Don’t be afraid to move away from the tourist areas and venture into the depths of the city, where you never know what you might uncover. From tearooms that only sell one thing to the streets with the best cherry blossom in spring.

You never know you might find out where Nicolas Flamel’s last remaining house is in Paris or where the famous Paris lovers Héloïse And Abélard lived.