Favorite Walks In Paris

In any season, walks in Paris are an ideal way to explore the city, especially on a sunny day. Wandering around the picturesque quartiers, historic streets and gorgeous gardens, you can admire artisanal shops, stop at enticing cafs and, of course, people-watch. This is the Girls Guides selection of five must-do walks in Paris, perfect for sunny days but just as enjoyable when it rains.

1. Go to the place des Vosges, in the 4th Arrondissement, which is the oldest and most beautiful square in Parisand where Victor Hugo lived. Have a drink in one of the cafs on the square and then roam around the Marais for the day, or end on the square. It was built by Henry IV in 16051612, over 400 years ago.

2. Go to the rue des Rosiers and see the old Jewish section in the 4th Arrondissementone deli actually survived the Nazi occupation, Jo Goldenbergs, but sadly it closed a few years ago. If you like falafel and meze, it is best to have lunch at Chez Marianne (2, rue des Hospitalires-St.-Gervais, corner of rue des Rosiers). Or a takeout falafel from the famed LAs du Fallafel (34, rue des Rosiers) will hit the spot. There are fabulous clothing stores in this neighborhood, including our favorite, LEclaireur. The Picasso Museum* is in the Marais, and if you havent been there, you should definitely go. Our tour of the Marais is the perfect way to see this area. (*The Picasso Museum is closed for renovations through 2012.)

3. Check out the tip of Ile de la Cit: the place Dauphine. The first of the citys wine bars, Taverne Henri IV (13, place du Pont Neuf), is there, as are some other lovely restaurants. Combine this with a walk through Ile-St.-Louis. The best places here are Mon Vieil Ami for inventive fresh market cuisine, and LOrangerie (28, rue St.-Louis-en-lIle) for a romantic dinner. Of course, the famous Berthillon ice cream shop started here as well (29, rue St.-Louis-en-lIle).

4. Walk along the rue St.-Andr-des-Arts in the 6th, heading toward the 5th, at night. Its touristy, but here you can see how narrow Parisian streets used to be before Haussmann redesigned the city in the 1800s. See our stroll from St.-Germain to Notre Dame.

5. Spend some time on the walking bridgeswe love the Pont des Arts, which connects the left bank to the Louvre. Enter the museum this way, walking from the left over to the right bank, into the interior courtyard of the Louvre. When you turn left, you get the best shot of the pyramid. Have a coffee at Caf Marly, which overlooks the pyramid. For more of our favorite bridges, check out the Girls Guides bridge tour.

Doni Belau is the owner and editor of the Girls Guide to Paris, a travel website and blog written by Parisian residents and insiders covering everything from fashion to culture to foodie faves in the city of light.