With everything from grand boulevards to hidden passages, Paris is arguably the most walkable—and walked—city on Earth. Stretching just 10 kilometers from north to south, and 12 kilometers from east to west, there are few destinations inside the city you cannot walk to with enough time.

And what walks they are! The parks, the canals, the cemeteries, the boulevards, the passages, the riverbanks, the cemeteries . . . and that’s not to mention museums and other buildings worthy of a visit. Paris is, as someone said, “inexhaustible.”

WICE works to give its members every opportunity to take advantage of Paris’s great walking and touring opportunities with our Wednesday Walk program. We try to fill the calendar each trimester with curated and non-curated walks, and museum tours, on as many Wednesdays as possible.

Some are free to WICE members, and some cost a small consideration to pay for the walk leaders’ time. But all are fun, informative, and interesting. And most end with some time at a local café to get to know your fellow walkers a little better.

So, check out this trimester’s offerings below, grab your walking shoes, and join us for a few hours of exploring some of Paris’s many, many wonderful things to see.

You can be kept abreast of new walks and tours by subscribing to our newsletter, WICE Direct, following our FaceBook page, or by simply keeping an eye on this page.

And if you have any questions, please send them to walks@wice-paris.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • VO051 A Walk Along the Canal (in English)

    • 05 Oct 2023
    • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Ourcq metro station (line 5) on Av. Jean Jaurès
    • 3
    Register

    WICE member Pat Hallam will lead this free walk of the Bassin de la Villette and the Canal St Martin. The Bassin and the Canal are not only physically linked, but their histories are intertwined. The overall theme of this walk will be to look at Paris' industrial past and heritage.

    The rendezvous is 14:30 at the metro station Ourcq on line 5. 

    About the organizer: Pat Hallam moved to Paris from England in August 2020. For more than 30 years, Pat worked as a librarian but after taking an early retirement, Pat decided to do something completely different. She now works as a tourist guide and writes articles for an English-language online magazine, as well as taking part in the WICE conversation group.


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  • VO071 Naughty Nouvelle Athens Paris 9th (in English)

    • 07 Oct 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • RDV at Paroisse Notre-Dame de Lorette, 18bis rue de Chateaudun – 75009 Paris
    • 8
    Register

    NAUGHTY NOUVELLE ATHÈNES (Paris 9th) 

    Why is the area of south Pigalle known as the 'New Athens'? Now known for its BoHo chic, its history is as unconventional as its residents. Local characters included many well-known composers, actors, artists and writers. Hear their stories - whether it was the intelligentsia or the impoverished, they were rarely far from the scandalous. Seedy nightclubs and haunted houses also have their tales to tell...

    Quartier de La Nouvelle-Athènes, nom donné à cette partie du 9ème arrondissement de Paris qui a connu son essor au 19e siècle, lorsque l’élite intellectuelle et artistique parisienne (écrivains, comédiens, musiciens, peintres…) s’y installa et y fît construire de somptueux hôtels particuliers.

    We will meet at 2pm at the Paroisse Notre-Dame de Lorette, 18bis rue de Chateaudun – 75009 Paris. The closest metro station is Notre-Dame de Lorette (line 12).

    This walk avoids steep climbs and lots of steps so it is suitable for those with some mobility issues.       

    About the organizer:

    Wherever she has lived, Deborah loves to explore her surroundings and Paris offers many opportunities for this flaneuse. The areas we explore may offer a different perspective or be off the beaten track - as well as having a lovely walk you are sure to learn something new.   

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  • VO111 Josephine Baker (in French)

    • 11 Oct 2023
    • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, 15 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris
    • 7
    Register

    Joséphine Baker: fleeing discrimination in the USA. Born Freda Joséphine McDonald, Baker (her married name) began her career in Paris in 1925 at La Revue Negre on the Champs-Elysées where she was given the accolade la Venus Noire. A rival of Mistinguett, she took Paris by storm with her striking beauty, her talent, and her penchant for daring. Our tour will take us from Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement to rue Richer in the 9th and takes us past buildings and music halls from the 1930s. 

    We will meet at 2:30pm at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, 15 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris. The closes metro station is Alma Marceau.

    About the Organizer: 

    Gerard Mace is passionate about Art Deco and wants to bring its treasures to Paris.
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  • VO181 Paris Bridge Walk (in English)

    • 18 Oct 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cité
    • 5
    Register

    Starting at Pont de Sully and walking our way west, during this curated walk we will cross all 13 of the historic bridges that connect both Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité to "mainland" Paris. At each bridge, the guide will discuss the history of that bridge. We will end at Pont de Neuf, at the western end of Île de la Cité, and then settle into one of the cafés on Place Dauphine for a late-afternoon coffee or tea or apéro.

    This walk is for WICE members only. There will be a €10 charge, which will be donated to the WICE apéro fund.

    About the Organizer

    Rick Jones has been living in Paris since the summer of 2018. He is an avid walker, and during his time here he has walked the length and breadth of Paris, to include walking the entire end-to-end length of all 14 of Paris's metro lines. He is the founding member of the Paris Flâneur and Boulevardier Association.

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  • VO211 Street Cool (in English)

    • 21 Oct 2023
    • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • The Frog & British Library, 114 avenue de France, Paris 75013
    • 10
    Register

    FROM HIGH RISE TO URBAN ART (13th) - With its concentration of avant-garde architecture and street art, this area has reclaimed the derelict land between the Bibliothèque nationale and the Périphérique. We will discover its unique, (sometimes) crazy buildings and find out how they are addressing the growing environmental challenges of the 21st century. The walk will also include a visit to Spot 13, a fascinating introduction to contemporary Street Art

    DES HAUTES TOURS À L'ART URBAIN (13e) - Avec sa concentration d'architecture d'avant-garde et d'art de la rue, ce quartier a reconquis les terrains abandonnés entre la Bibliothèque nationale et le Périphérique. Nous découvrirons ses bâtiments uniques, parfois loufoques, et nous verrons comment ils répondent aux défis environnementaux croissants du 21e siècle. La promenade comprendra également une visite à Spot 13, une introduction fascinante au Street Art contemporain.

    The walk avoids steep climbs and lots of steps so it is suitable for those with some mobility issues.

    We will meet at 2:30pm at The Frog & British Library bar, 114 avenue de France, 75013 Paris (located just north of the junction Rue de Neuve Tolbiac metro/RER exit). Public transport options include: Tram T3a Avenue de France / RER C and Metro 14 Bibliothèque François Mitterand, Metro 6 Quai de la Gare, Buses 25, 62, 89, 325.

    About the Organizer: 

    Wherever she has lived, Deborah loves to explore her surroundings and Paris offers many opportunities for this flaneuse. The areas we explore may offer a different perspective or be off the beaten track - as well as having a lovely walk you are sure to learn something new.

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  • VN061 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 1 of 7

    • 06 Nov 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 120 rue de la Boétie (Rez de chaussée) 75008 Paris
    • 8
    Join WICE in a fascinating tour de force of the places in Paris that are intimately associated with the American Revolution.

    Through a combination of four PowerPoint presentations and three walks—based on the book "Paris:  Birthplace of the U.S.A."—WICE members will gain an in-depth understanding of the critical role France played in the success of the American Revolution.

    During the combination of walks and talks, famous Americans – Benjamin Franklin, T. Jefferson, John Adams, John Paul Jones, George Washington – will be discussed chronologically from 1770 to 1789 during the 4-week course -- along with important French military – Lafayette, Rochambeau, deGrasse – as well as over-looked locations in Paris.

    About the Organizer

    Maryjo Padgett

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  • VN151 Passage Walk

    • 15 Nov 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Paris 9th and 2nd arrondissements
    • 5
    Register

    Starting at Passage Verdeau, in the 9th arrondissement, and walking our way south, we will visit a number of historic covered passages. The specific passages may vary, depending on any number of factors, but we hope to visit most of the following:




    • Passage Verdeau (9th)
    • Passage Jouffroy (9th)
    • Passage des Panoramas (2nd)
    • Galerie Colbert (2nd)
    • Galerie Vivienne (2nd)
    • Passage du Bourg l'Abbé (2nd)
    • Passage du Grand Cerf (2nd) 

    At the end of the walk, we'll find a nice café in which to rest our legs, have something to drink, and get to know our fellow WICE members better.

    This walk is for WICE members only, and there will be no charge. Registration is required, though, as we need to limit it to eight participants.

    The walk will be uncurated, meaning that the guide will not be giving talks along the way about the various locations. Members are free to do their own research, however, and share what they've discovered if they are so inclined.

    We will meet at the north end of Passage Verdeau at 14:00.

    About the Organizer

    Rick Jones has been living in Paris since the summer of 2018. He is an avid walker, and during his time here he has walked the length and breadth of Paris, to include walking the entire end-to-end length of all 14 of Paris's metro lines. He is the founding member of the Paris Flâneur and Boulevardier Association.

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Past events

23 Sep 2023 V0923 Mooching Around Parc Montsouris Paris 14 (in English)
13 Jul 2023 Parc de Sceaux Walk
21 Jun 2023 Artists' studios in the Montparnasse of the Roaring Twenties
15 Jun 2023 Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale Walk
01 Apr 2023 VM111 WINTER WALK - From Labor to Leisure: Made in Javel
26 Mar 2023 VF261 WINTER WALK - Storming around the Bastille: Discovering people and places of Paris’s working class
19 Mar 2023 VM261 WINTER WALK - Ladies of Luxembourg
18 Feb 2023 VF181 WINTER WALK - Another Side of Montparnasse: Denfert-Rochereau
12 May 2022 AM121: Street Art: Paris Walking Tour
02 Dec 2021 VD021 Cognacq-Jay Museum: An 18th Century Exceptional Collection of Decorative Arts
08 Nov 2021 VN081 Théâtre des Champs-Élysées: A 20th Century Architectural Jewel
21 Oct 2021 VO211 Carnavalet Museum: The Highlights of Its Rich Collection
11 Sep 2021 Forum des Associations de Paris 15e
14 Jun 2021 AU141: Grand Central Station: A Rose Among Thorns
10 May 2021 LA271: The History of French Fashion
15 Apr 2021 AA151: European Synagogue Architecture: What makes it special?
18 Mar 2021 VM111: Women Artists and Their Art: The Contributions of Women in Art History Part 2
17 Mar 2021 WICE Talks: NPS Special Presentation -Yellowstone National Park, FREE for Members
25 Feb 2021 VF251: Representation of the Feminine Nude in Western Art: The Contributions of Women Artists in Art History Part 1
26 Jan 2021 VJ261 POST-WAR ARCHITECTURE in Paris and The Grand Projects
19 Jan 2021 VJ191 PARIS ARCHITECTURE: From Art Nouveau to Modern Art
05 Jan 2021 VJ051 Private Parisian Mansions: A Famous Element of French Heritage
15 Dec 2020 VD151 The Famous Cocottes and Courtesans of the 19th Century
20 Nov 2020 VN201 PARIS ART AND ARCHITECTURE (Online 4-part Series)
20 Oct 2020 B0201 Walking French Language - Intermediate
15 Oct 2020 VO151 Walk: Luxembourg Garden and Its Surroundings
24 Sep 2020 VS241 Promenade Along Paris Bridges: Pont Neuf to Alexandre III Bridge
17 Sep 2020 ES171 WICE Virtual Open House 2020
07 Sep 2020 BS071 Walking French Language and Culture Lessons (5 part series - à la carte or bundled)
08 Jul 2019 VL081 Marais Fashion Tour
03 Dec 2018 VD031 Walk: Picpus Cemetery and the Nation District: An Historical Walk in the 12th District
30 May 2018 VY301 Paris Walks: Franco-American Friendship Historic Trail - Right Bank
03 May 2018 VY031 Belleville and Menilmontant: another facet of Paris
07 Apr 2018 VA071 Paris Mosque and the Botanical Garden (Jardin des Plantes)
19 Mar 2018 VM191 Resistance and the Liberation of Paris
27 Nov 2017 VN271 The Montagne Sainte Geneviève and the History of the Universities and Colleges of Paris
09 Nov 2017 VN091 Parc de la Villette (Cancelled-Undersubscribed)
09 May 2017 VY091 The Chaillot Hill and the Architecture of the 1930’s
27 Apr 2017 VA271 Art Nouveau Architecture in the 16th arrondissement
28 Nov 2016 VN282 African-American Paris, Josephine Baker and Edith Piaf
18 Oct 2016 VO182 The People's Paris: from La Republique to Buttes Chaumont
04 Oct 2016 VO041 The Villa Savoye and the Historic Downtown of Poissy
10 Jun 2016 VU101 Paris Walks - The Village of Montmartre
27 May 2016 VY271 Paris Walks - The Two Islands: Ile de la Cite and Ile St. Louis
04 Apr 2016 VA041 Paris Walks - Fashion and Historical Tour: Palais Royal - Les Halles - Le Marais
11 Mar 2016 VM111 Paris Walks: Discover the architecture of today in the centre of Paris
17 Nov 2015 VN171 Paris Walks - Theater District and the Arcades
06 Sep 2015 FULL The Mysteries of Van Gogh Unveiled at the Village of Auvers-sur-Oise - Day Trip
13 Jun 2015 VU131 Paris Walks - The Unknown, Exotic, & Esoteric 7th Arrondissement
26 May 2015 VY261 Paris Walks - Jefferson, Franklin & the American Founding Fathers
16 May 2015 VY161 Paris Walks - Buttes Chaumont Quartier
25 Mar 2015 VM251 Paris Walks - Jardin du Luxembourg and Surroundings
04 Mar 2015 VM041 Paris Walks - French Revolution on the Right Bank
14 Oct 2014 VO141 Paris Walks - The Jewish History of Paris
07 Oct 2014 VO071 Commemorative WWI Paris Walk - Suresnes Memorial
20 Sep 2014 VS201 Paris Walks - Art Nouveau in Paris
19 Jun 2014 VU191 Paris Walks - Père Lachaise Cemetery
29 Apr 2014 VA291 Paris Walks - Writers and Artists of the Left Bank
29 Mar 2014 VM291 Paris Walks - Paris in the Middle Ages
18 Mar 2014 VM181 Paris Walks - Theatre District and Arcades
12 Nov 2013 VN121 Paris Walks - Resistance and the Liberation of Paris
05 Nov 2013 VN051 Paris Walks: Franco-American Friendship Historic Trail - Left Bank
19 Oct 2013 VO19 Paris Walks - Gallo-Roman Lutetia
16 Oct 2013 LO161 Market Walk rue Mouffetard
15 Oct 2013 VO151 Paris Walks: Franco-American Friendship Historic Trail - Right Bank
16 Apr 2013 LA161 Paris by Arrondissement - the 18th
06 Nov 2012 LN061 Paris by Arrondissement - the 14th
16 Oct 2012 LO161 Paris by arrondissement - the 13th
25 Sep 2012 LS251 Paris by Arrondissement - the 9th
05 Jun 2012 LU051 Paris by Arrondissement - the 17th
20 Mar 2012 LM201 Paris by Arrondissement - the 4th
27 Sep 2011 LS271 Paris by Arrondissement - the 2nd
07 Jun 2011 LU071 Paris by Arrondissement - the 1st
17 May 2011 LY171 Paris by Arrondissement - the 5th
26 Apr 2011 LA261 Paris by Arrondissement - the 19th