Along the Seine, Bridge by Bridge, a Self-Guided Paris Walk
2h15. 2.2 miles. From Pont Alexandre III to Île Saint-Louis.
The banks of the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the best way to feel Paris is to walk them at water level. This follows the river past its most beautiful bridges, the bouquiniste book stalls and the islands, from the gilded Pont Alexandre III to the quiet tip of Île Saint-Louis.
The local move
Get down onto the lower quays, right at the water. Most visitors stay up on the street; down here it's just joggers, picnickers and the barges. On a warm evening, buy a bottle and sit on the stone edge with your feet toward the river.
Best time to go
Late afternoon into sunset. The lower quays are car-free and lovely in the evening.
When to avoid it
After heavy rain the lower quays can flood and close; check before a wet-season visit.
The stops
Pont Alexandre III
The most ornate bridge in Paris, gilded statues and Art Nouveau lamps, framing the Invalides dome.
Tip: Start on the bridge itself for the golden statues, then take the stairs down to the lower quay to walk east.
Pont des Arts
The wooden pedestrian bridge beloved of artists and lovers, with a clean view of the Île de la Cité.
Tip: Cross it for the view of the Institut de France dome, then rejoin the quay below.
Bouquinistes of the Seine
The green boxes clamped to the quay walls, second-hand booksellers who've traded here for centuries.
Tip: Browse the old prints and vintage posters along the Right Bank near the Louvre. A UNESCO-listed Paris institution.
Pont Neuf
The oldest standing bridge in Paris, with its half-moon viewing bays and the little park at the island's tip.
Tip: Take the stairs down to Square du Vert-Galant, the pointed green park at water level, for the best river moment of the walk.
Île de la Cité quays
The southern quay of the island under the flank of Notre-Dame, one of the classic Paris riverbank stretches.
Tip: Walk the Quai aux Fleurs side for the flying-buttress view of the cathedral across the water.
Île Saint-Louis
The tiny 17th-century island, honey-stone mansions and the best ice cream in Paris, to end the walk.
Tip: Cross the little Pont Saint-Louis, get a Berthillon cone, and sit on the quay at the eastern tip as the light goes.
Ways to change it up
With kids
The Vert-Galant park and the Île Saint-Louis ice cream carry it; watch the water's edge.
If it rains
The lower quays are exposed; keep to the upper street level and the covered bouquinistes.
Short on time
Pont Neuf, the Vert-Galant park, and Île Saint-Louis, an easy hour by the river.
About these walks
This is one of the free self-guided Paris walks written by the Chic Trip team, locals who plan and book full Paris trips for American travelers. Get our free insider Paris guide at chic-trip.com/free-paris-guide, or have us plan your whole trip at chic-trip.com/paris-travel-planner.
