Jardin des Tuileries

A stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens is one of the must-dos of Paris. Before the Revolution this was a prime spot for the aristocracy to show off their latest fashions. The gardens are now part of the Musée du Louvre (see Jardin des Tuileries).

The Left Bank

A very Parisian walk, particularly on a Sunday, is along the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) of the Seine. The riverside quays of the Latin Quarter have been lined with second-hand bookstalls (bouquinistes) for centuries. The books are mostly in French, but you’ll also find stalls selling prints and postcards (see Bouquinistes).

Montmartre

The steep streets of the Butte are a good place to get some exercise after indulging in the irresistible French cuisine. Although this famous artists’ quarter is more touristy than Bohemian these days, its old charms can still be found in the winding back streets and small squares (see Montmartre and Pigalle).

The Marais

With inspiring art galleries, delectable delis, and shop after shop filled with contemporary fashions and objets d’art, a walk in the Marais is great fun, even if you only window-shop. The beautiful mansions are a great backdrop for your stroll and there are plenty of cafés and bars for sustenance (see Marais and the Bastille).

Jardin des Plantes

In this historic botanical garden you can escape the bustle of the city and lose yourself on the shady tree-lined avenues, amid colourful flowerbeds, or the hothouses and exotic gardens. Or simply relax on the lawns (see Jardin des Plantes).

Jardin du Luxembourg

Napoleon designated this the “garden of children”, and whether or not you have little ones in tow you’ll enjoy a walk through this favourite haunt of the Latin Quarter. After you’ve seen the octagonal pond and the Medicis Fountain, seek out the miniature Statue of Liberty and the statues of French queens (see Jardin du Luxembourg).

The Passages

These covered arcades around the Grands Boulevards were built at the end of the 18th century to shelter elegant shoppers from bad weather. Now lined with speciality and antiques shops, they are wonderfully atmospheric places to explore. Most are in the 2nd arrondissement, and connecting passages Verdeau, Jouffroy and Panoramas together form the longest in Paris.

Ile St-Louis

Although you could walk end to end in about 10 minutes, the Seine’s smaller island demands a more leisurely stroll. You’ll discover superb little art galleries, trendy boutiques, and a village-like atmosphere within this up-market enclave (see Ile de la Cité and Ile St-Louis).

Bois de Boulogne

Come here at the weekend if you want to join the locals in the “great escape”, and you’ll have 8.65 sq km (3.34 sq miles) from which to choose your path. The Bagatelle Gardens are a fine place for a walk in spring and summer, when a stunning array of roses and other flowers are in bloom (see Bois de Boulogne).

Boulevard St-Germain

There’s no better way to enjoy the Latin Quarter than to do as the Parisians do – stroll the Boulevard St-Germain, preferably late on a Sunday morning. After your walk, honour the birthplace of café society with a coffee at either Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore, two of the city’s most famous literary and intellectual haunts (see Boulevard St-Germain).

Walking

Paris is a compact city so you can easily combine sightseeing with exercise.

Roller-blading

A fad which shows no sign of abating, skaters weave their way through traffic and pedestrians alike.

Cycling

Head for the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes to escape the Paris traffic, or grab a Vélib’ (see Cycle Tours).

Boating

Boating lakes in the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes allow you to flex your rowing muscles.

Jogging

You can get your aerobic fix along the pathways of Paris’s parks and gardens.

Table Tennis

Try your luck at the outdoor concrete tables found in several parks and squares.

Sunbathing

De rigueur on the quais beside the Seine, especially during “Paris Plages” in July and August.

Swimming

There are 34 public pools in Paris, but hours are restricted during school terms. Or try the pool at the Forum des Halles.

Football

France’s football team has many young imitators in parks, gardens and streets.

Posing

A sport indulged in mainly by young men and women, it is best done at outdoor cafés to be sure of the biggest audience.