The Villages of the 14th, a Self-Guided Paris Walk
2h. 1.7 miles. From Métro Denfert-Rochereau to Parc Montsouris.
A southern district almost no visitor sees: cobbled artists' lanes of ivy-covered studios, the old Montparnasse arts crowd, hidden garden streets, and a rolling English-style park to finish. Pure residential Paris.
The local move
Wander the tiny 'villa' and 'cite' lanes off the main streets. These gated-feeling cobbled alleys of artists' houses are where Paris hides its quietest, prettiest corners, and they're all free to walk.
Best time to go
Daytime, any season; lovely when the ivy and wisteria are in leaf.
The stops
Parc Montsouris
A rolling 19th-century park in the English style, with a lake, lawns and winding paths.
Tip: A relaxed green finish, popular with students from the nearby international campus. Bring the market snacks.
Villa Hallé
A hidden cobbled lane of low houses and gardens, one of the 14th's secret 'villas'.
Tip: Walk in quietly; people live here. It feels a hundred miles from the city outside.
Place Denfert-Rochereau
A grand roundabout with the bronze Lion of Belfort at its center, and the entrance to the Catacombs.
Tip: If ossuaries appeal, the Catacombs start here (book ahead). Otherwise, admire the lion and move on.
Rue Daguerre
A lively pedestrian market street, greengrocers, cheese, fish and cafes, the neighborhood's belly.
Tip: Your food stop. Graze the market stalls and have a coffee where the locals do.
Rue des Thermopyles
A narrow, plant-draped pedestrian lane, cobbled and green, one of the prettiest streets in Paris.
Tip: The photo street of the walk. Residents tend the climbing plants; tread lightly.
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.
