16 Famous Streets in Paris You Must Visit On Your Next Trip

Paris, the City of Light, delivers a near-perfect experience for almost any type of traveler. Foodie, history buff, art lover, you name it–Paris has got something for you!

From a stop at the Louvre to the top of the Eiffel Tower, there is something beautiful to see around every corner.

What makes Paris a unique city is its layout. You have 20 different arrondissements to explore, with each providing different street experiences to enjoy. Each of these arrondissements (or administrative districts) has its own charm and character not to be missed.

Many people stick to the city center, which is fine when you have a limited number of days to explore. But if you have more time, we recommend exploring past the touristy districts. Don’t limit yourself to one small part of Paris! There is magic all over the city.

When you visit the famous streets listed in this post, you’ll get to experience the entire range of sights and emotions that the city offers. Your senses are in for a treat.

You ready to discover them? Let’s get into some of the most visit-worthy, famous streets in Paris!

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16 Famous Streets in Paris You Must Visit

1. Rue Crémieux

Rue Cremieux - Famous Streets In Paris - TravelsWithElle — Getty Images

Rue Crémieux is one of the best places to go in Paris for color. Although this small street is only 144m long, it’s still one of the most postcard-perfect spots to find in Paris. Its colorful atmosphere is located in the 12th arrondissement, tucked between Rue de Bercy and Rue de Lyon.

The colors and cobblestones stand out immediately when you visit the first time–it’s easily one of the most beautiful streets in Paris.

Even though it was built as a worker’s area in the 19th century, this residential area remains a stunning spot to catch a glimpse of authentic Paris. In recent years, there have been so many visitors here that the residents limit photographs and videos to maintain some privacy. Do be respectful of the residents if you do end up visiting.

After you’ve had the chance to secretly update your Instagram, consider grabbing a bite to eat at L’Impasto. You’ll find great pizza and Mediterranean cuisine there, and it earned a 2021 Traveler’s Choice award from TripAdvisor!

Neighborhood: 12th arrondissement

2. Rue Montorgueil

Rue Montorgueil - Famous Streets In Paris - TravelsWithElle — Getty Images

Rue Montorgueil is the perfect street if you want to experience a no-frills version of Paris. The street is lined with everything from restaurants, cafés, bakeries, cheese shops, wine shops, produce stands, and flower shops.

It’s a great place to rub elbows with locals because this is where the locals take care of their daily errands! Rue Montorgueil truly delivers a unique village-like quality while still providing access to everything in the city.

You’ll find plenty of socialization opportunities when spending some time here. Linger at the wine shops, grab something from a produce stand, and don’t forget about the incredible cheese you can find on this famous street in Paris.

If you start at the southern tip, you can see the stunning Saint-Eustache Church. That’s also where Les Halles is, which offers the largest indoor shopping mall in the city.

There are also two very notable stops here. The famous escargot restaurant L’Escargot, founded by Mignard, has been operating since 1875. You can also visit the famous La Maison Stohrer, where baba au rhum (a small yeast cake with hard liquor syrup) was first conceived. This bakeshop has been serving customers since 1730!

Neighborhood: 1st arrondissement and 2nd arrondissement

3. Rue de la Paix

Rue de la Paix - Famous Streets In Paris You Need To See For Yourself

This stunning street was initially called Rue Napoleon, but it was later changed to celebrate the ceasing of hostilities created by the Treaty of Paris. In the 2nd arrondissement, you’ll find it running from the Opera Garnier to the Place Vendome.

Many of the buildings found on this famous Paris street are designed to mimic the landmarks in the area.

You’ll find many jewelry shops located in this part of the city. Cartier opened a shop on this street in 1898, with other many high-end brands eventually coming there as well.

Its reputation for luxury makes the Rue de la Paix the equivalent to Boardwalk in the French version of the game Monopoly.

You don’t need to enter the various jewelry shops to marvel at what is offered for sale. It can be lots of fun to window shop for a while when staying in Paris. Familiar names like Piaget, Tiffany’s, and Mellerio deliver incredible experiences.

Neighborhood: 2nd arrondissement

4. Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Avenue des Champs-Elysees - 12 Best Streets In Paris

Avenue des Champs-Élysées almost needs no introduction. Always packed with tourists, the Champs-Élysées offers both wonderful photo-ops and lots of high-end fashion shopping.

Starting at the Place de la Concorde and ending at the Place Charles de Gaulle, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe on this famous Paris street.

The Arc de Triomphe was built over three decades to honor the victories of Napoleon Bonaparte. Today, this landmark serves as a fantastic spot to catch some panoramic views of this beautiful city.

Because of how iconic this street is in Paris, the Champs-Élysées is often the center of local activity.

Each year in July, the avenue hosts a Bastille Day parade that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. And if you do happen to visit the city in July, you can also catch the finale of the epic Tour de France cycling race here!

Aside from the special events, Avenue des Champs-Élysées on any regular day is still very enjoyable. You can find designer shops from Guerlain, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier, as well as cabaret shows and plenty of hidden gems to discover amongst the chestnut trees here.

If you can only stop in one spot in Paris after the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll want to make it Ladurée.

This French bakery specialized in delicious gourmet macarons and has been in business for over 150 years. It was once a humble spot on Rue Royale in the 19th century, but it now produces over 15,000 macarons each day!

Neighborhood: 8th arrondissement

5. Avenue Montaigne

Avenue Montaigne - Famous Streets In Paris

Also found in the 8th arrondissement, this famous street in Paris is one of the best stops in the city for luxury shopping. It’s the place where all the top fashion houses want to be!

On Avenue Montaigne, you’ll find Chanel, Dior, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton with prominent spaces on this perfect street within the Triangle d’Or.

Triangle what? The Triangle d’or in Paris is the area around Avenue Montaigne, Ave George V, and Rue François 1er, where you find the finest Haute Couture shops in the world.

This luxury street is also home to the iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée. If you’ve got the budget for it, this is hands-down a bucket list accommodation! It has incredible views of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy, serving travelers since 1913.

The L’Avenue Restaurant is a popular high-end bistro for food, especially during Fashion Week.

Neighborhood: 8th arrondissement

6. Rue Cler

Another one of the best market streets found in Paris is Rue Cler. Located in the 7th arrondissement, it stretches from the Avenue de la Motte-Picquet to the Rue Saint Dominique. There is no doubt that this is one of Paris’ most beloved market streets.

Although the famous Europe-loving blogger Rick Steves called it his favorite street, you don’t need someone else to tell you about the wonderful sights found here! On this cobblestoned road, there is a wide variety of specialty shops, authentic cafés, and boulangeries to enjoy.

Several popular shops are here, including AuxPTT, a French-style brasserie, Mariage Frères, selling legendary high-quality teas, and Cafe du Marché, one of the most popular cafes in the area.

Looking to enjoy Paris like a local? One of the best pleasures in the city is to rent an apartment near Rue Cler. You can fill your reusable totes with fresh produce every day or enjoy a sweet little snack under the canopy of L’Eclair.

You can also take your groceries to the Champs de Mars Garden to have a lovely picnic under the Eiffel Tower’s shadow. Don’t forget to stop for fresh-cut tulips, some chocolates, and a cup of coffee to get the whole experience!

If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself in the typical daily routine of a Parisian, this quaint little street sets a beautiful example to follow.

Neighborhood: 7th arrondissement

7. Avenue Victor Hugo

This beautiful street in Paris is one of a dozen that begins at the Place Charles de Gaulle. It’s also the second-longest of them to explore.

One of the main reasons it’s famous is because the poet that the street is named after, Victor Hugo, spent his final days there, including the hotel where he lived (No. 124).

Fun Fact / History Lesson: Victor Hugo was a poet, novelist, and dramatist that is arguably one of the most important of the French Romantic writers. He is best known for his poetry and his novels, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables.

If you want to follow in Victor Hugo’s footsteps during your stay in the city, you’ll find plenty of quaint shops and boutiques on each side of the street.

Other highlights on Avenue Victor Hugo include La Stella, a fantastic little brasserie where you can get one of Paris’s best steak tartare preparations. It’s an excellent stop for lunch where you can relax on their charming terrace.

If you go further to the south, consider stopping at Café Lamartine. It’s a laidback spot with an incredible chocolate tiramisu, a fantastic atmosphere, and lots of cocktail options to enjoy!

When you head to the other end of the street, you’ll be right at the Arc de Triomphe.

Neighborhood: 16th arrondissement

8. Avenue Rapp

Avenue Rapp - Most Famous Streets In Paris

If you want to explore a posh Parisian street during your time in the city, this one delivers an incredible experience. It’s found in the 7th arrondissement, running between Quai Branly and the Avenue de la Bourdonnais.

One of the best examples of Art Nouveau design in Paris is found along this street. At 29 Avenue Rapp (pictured above), you’ll find a stunningly unique building created from the imagination of Jules Lavirotte.

There’s also a small square to enjoy along this street, tucked between Nos. 33 and 35. What you’ll discover is arguably THE BEST view of the Eiffel Tower in the city!

While wandering this beautiful spot, you can also visit the Theosophical Society of France and the Theater of the Eiffel Tower.

Neighborhood: 7th arrondissement

9. Rue Norvins

Rue Norvins - 12 Famous Streets In Paris - TravelsWithElle

This street has been one of the busiest streets in Paris since 1672. At Rue Norvins, you’ll be able to discover historic buildings and quirky shops with an unbelievably charming old town atmosphere.

Several pubs, cafés, and restaurants are found here, as well as the unmissable Le Consulat Café. This historic café was visited by plenty of the most famous artists, writers, and painters of the 19th century including Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Monet, to name a few.

Since you’re in Montmartre, consider taking a guided walking tour (or walking food tour!) of the iconic neighborhood. A walking tour can help you more easily spot some of the region’s best landmarks.

And whether you go guided or self-guided, you can’t miss Sacre-Coeur while exploring! Its white domes were completed in 1914, complementing the interior mosaics and stained-glass windows.

If you’re feeling a bit hungry after your exploration, a sweet treat is waiting for you at La Goutte de Lait. You’ll also find plenty of gift shops here for those souvenirs to bring home for your family and friends.

Neighborhood: 18th arrondissement (Montmartre)

10. Rue Lamarck

Head over to the nearby Rue Lamarck in the 18th arrondissement after exploring Rue Norvins and the Sacre-Coeur. Here, you’ll find several appealing options to enjoy as well. It all starts at the top of the hill, descending to the Avenue de Saint-Ouen.

This iconic street in Paris officially opened in 1867, named after the famous naturalist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck.

The metro station is the primary landmark you’ll see here, so make sure to stop for a moment and snap a few photos. It’s a very picturesque spot that it’s been featured in several movies including one of my favorites, Amélie!

Although grabbing a bite in the morning is the most popular way to enjoy this street, there’s a fantastic little Peruvian place called El Pulpo that you can’t miss. They offer one of the best takes on ceviche that you’ll find in the entire city! The portions are also fantastic–and lastly, don’t forget to put a Pisco Sour on your order.

Neighborhood: 18th arrondissement (Montmartre)

11. Rue des Rosiers

Rue des Rosiers - 12 Famous Streets in Paris

The name of this street translates in English to “street of the rosebushes.” It was originally the Jewish quarter in the city, but it has been slowly transforming into a shopping district with boutiques and traditional bakeries. If you want something kosher, this place is where you want to be.

The Rue des Rosiers has served as a home to Jews since the 13th century.

You’ll find L’As du Fallafel, where you cannot leave Paris without trying their falafel sandwich at least once. It’s served with hummus and eggplant.

Another great choice is Chez Ajia. This chic eatery does Taiwanese food with a modern take while also providing vegetarians with lots of options too. The crispy chicken here is one of the best things you’ll ever get to try when visiting Paris.

Yann Couvreur Rosiers Patisserie in Paris Le Marais

For baked goods, we absolutely love Yann Couvreur Rosiers (above), an upscale patisserie total worth a stop for a coffee and croissant. And if afternoon tea is your thing, we cannot recommend Le Loir dans La Théière enough!

Neighborhood: 4th arrondissement (Le Marais)

12. Rue Denoyez

Rue Denoyez - 12 Famous Streets In Paris

Looking for more colorful streets in Paris? Look no further than Rue Denoyez in Belleville! Although you can find your average cafés, bars, and restaurants here, people really come to see the street art left on the walls.

What you’ll find is that each building is heavily tagged on this street. For a long time, this street was considered a rundown corner of the city, but it is now undergoing a complete renovation (it’s undergoing gentrification).

Once you’ve taken some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, you’ll want to consider visiting a small artist workshop in the area called Frichez nous la Paix. It serves as a meeting place, a gallery, and a headquarters for Parisian street art performances.

After you’ve had some time to wander, it’s time to grab some authentic ethnic food! This area is teeming with Tunisian, Algerian, and Moroccan restaurants, along with a few Vietnamese, Chinese and Ethiopian options.

We recommend making your way over to Tunis Tunis on Boulevard de Belleville. This no-frills restaurant serves an incredible Lablabi (a chickpea soup) and couscous with your preferred grilled meat with a Tunisian flair.

Neighborhood: 20th arrondissement (Belleville)

13. Rue Des Barres

Rue Des Barres is a historical street is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris and is known for its historic architecture and charming atmosphere. It is a narrow street lined with traditional Parisian buildings and plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants.

At the lower end (closer to the river) Rue des Barres begins next to restaurant Café Louis Philippe (with its picturesque outdoor dining terrace). From here, the street climbs a series of wide shallow steps on its way into the Marais quarter.

As you climb the steps, you’ll come across Église Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais on your left, a church that’s been here since the 7th century!

When visiting Rue des Barres, take the time to walk through the street and admire its charming architecture, stop in at one of the local cafes for a coffee or croissant, and visit the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Before you leave the quarter, wander down to the riverbank to relax in the Parc Rives de Seine, traffic-free!

Neighborhood: 4th arrondissement (Le Marais)

14. Rue De L’Abreuvoir

Rue de l’Abreuvoir constantly wins the title of ‘prettiest road in Paris’, and for good reason!

This street is located in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris and is known for its picturesque cobblestone alleyways and charming, old-world atmosphere. It is lined with traditional Parisian buildings and is a popular destination for artists and photographers.

Nowadays, the street is filled with houses that are primarily from the 1930s. If you just can’t get enough of this architecture style, you can find more from the same period along Villa Leandré.

When visiting Rue de l’Abreuvoir, take a stroll through the picturesque alleyways, visit the nearby Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and try one of the local cafes for a delicious meal.

Don’t miss highlights such as the Statue of Dalida and La Maison Rose (a restaurant that Picasso used to frequent)!

Neighborhood: 18e arrondissement (Montmartre)

15. Rue Mouffetard

Rue Mouffetard - Famous Streets In Paris

This street is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris and is one of the city’s oldest and most lively markets.

This pedestrianized street, often called “la Mouffe” by Parisians, is one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in all of Paris. In fact, there’s been a road here since the Romans came to town about 2000 years ago.

Need to buy a food item? They’ve probably got it here. It is lined with shops selling fresh produce, cheese, meat, and other foodstuffs, as well as cafes and restaurants.

When visiting Rue Mouffetard, take a stroll through the bustling market, sample some of the delicious food, and browse the local shops for souvenirs or gifts.

The street is buzzing just about every day, but the busiest days/times are Saturday and Sunday mornings. Do note that the market and shops are closed on Sunday afternoons as well as Mondays.

Last but not least, be sure to soak in all the atmospheric vibes! This street was of great inspiration to Victor Hugo when he wrote Les Miserables thanks to its charm.

Neighborhood: 5th arrondissement (Quartier Latin)

16. Rue Sainte-Anne

Rue Sainte-Anne, nestled in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, is a cute little area known for its authentic Japanese dining scene. This charming street is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to explore the flavors of Japan in the heart of Paris.

From traditional ramen shops to cozy izakayas (Japanese gastropubs), Rue Sainte-Anne offers an array of dining options to choose from. For an authentic ramen experience, head to establishments like Higuma or Sapporo Ramen, where you can savor steaming bowls of flavorful broth and hand-pulled noodles.

For those craving sushi and sashimi, Kodawari Ramen (Tsukiji) or aKi are popular choices known for their fresh and expertly crafted Japanese cuisine.

Meanwhile, cozy spots like Kunitoraya (udon) and Aki Boulangerie (bakery) offer a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a quick bite while exploring Paris.