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 . . . 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. And we also arrange interesting talks from subject matter experts on items of interest in and about Paris. For example, this trimester we offer "indoor" lectures in addition to the walks to locations related to the American Revolution in Paris.  This is the first time we've offered talks on this subject.  Check it out:  there are 3 walks and 4 lectures.  Choose the walks or the talks or both.

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

    • 03 Apr 2024
    • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Outside Lamarck-Caulaincourt Métro station (Line 12)
    • 5
    Register

    Montmartre is famous for the artists who lived there, but it has a much older history and it retained its village atmosphere into the twentieth century. During this walk you will see the oldest cabaret in Paris, historic buildings such as the Moulin de la Galette and the Èglise Saint Pierre, and hear about some of the area’s iconic inhabitants including the singer Dalida and artists such as Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, Modigliani and Van Gogh, among others. This tour will be conducted in French and English. A 10€ donation per person is requested. Please be aware the streets can be steep and uneven and the route may include climbing steps.

    Montmartre est célèbre pour les artistes qui y vivaient, mais il a eu une histoire beaucoup plus vieille et il a retenu son ambiance villageoise jusqu’au vingtième siècle. Pendant cette balade vous verrez le cabaret le plus vieux à Paris, les bâtiments historiques comme le Moulin de la Galette et l’Èglise Saint Pierre, et découvrirez quelques des habitants icôniques, y compris la chanteuse Dalida, et des artistes comme Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, Modigliani et Van Gogh, parmi d’autres. Cette visite sera en anglais et en français. Un don de 10€ chaque personne sera apprécié. Priez d’être attentif que les rues peuvent être raides et irrégulières et le chemin peut inclure des escaliers.

    About the organizer:

    Jean-Claude has been the President of Paris Greeters since 2014. He is 66 years old, born in Paris, has always lived in Paris, and in Montmartre for 40 years.

    Paris Greeters is a volunteer-led walking organization that brings visitors and local people together for a different experience. Walk leaders live in the neighborhoods they walk and give a personalized and offbeat view of the city.

    • 17 Apr 2024
    • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • The Poterne des Peupliers tram stop (line T3a), heading in the direction of Porte de Vincennes.
    • 9
    Register

    The Bièvre is a small river that once flowed through the southern part of Paris. It was originally a clean and lively river, but over time, due to urbanization and industrialization, it became polluted and eventually covered over and confined to an underground sewer system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    Today, the Bièvre mostly remains hidden from view, flowing underground through the 13th and 5th arrondissements of Paris. Although recent years have seen discussions about uncovering and revitalizing sections of the river, these restoration projects are still in early planning stages.

    The path of the old river is commemorated by plaques and historic markers starting near Parc Kellerman in the southern part of the 13th arrondissement. These markers meander through the 13th and 5th arrondissements, eventually leading to the Seine. Our walk will trace the route of these plaques and markers from Parc Kellerman to the Seine, pausing along the way to explore and discuss key moments in the river's history.

    We will meet at the Poterne des Peupliers tram stop (line T3), heading in the direction of Porte de Vincennes.

    The walk organizer's phone number will be sent on the reminder emails so that you may notify him if you are going to be late.

    The organizer, Rick Jones, has been living in Paris since the summer of 2018. He is an avid walker who has—among other things—walked the entire length of all 14 of Paris's metro lines.



    • 01 May 2024
    • 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Outside Metro station Michel-Ange Auteuil Line 9
    • 12
    Register

    The Bois de Boulogne is one of Paris’ lungs. Covering an area of almost 847 ha. it incorporates two racecourses, lakes, the smaller parks of Bagatelle and Pré-Catalan and extensive woodland paths. This walk will follow part of the new GR75 path which encircles Paris and which is designed to be accessible to all. It will take you through the Hippodrome d’Auteuil racecourse, along the banks of the Lac Inférieur and down woodland paths. The walk will end at Porte Maillot on Métro Line 1 and will take approx. 90 minutes. The route is flat and smooth. This walk is a gentle and informal stroll where participants are encouraged to converse and contribute their knowledge if they wish.

    Le Bois de Boulogne est un des poumons verts de Paris. Avec une surface de presque 847 ha. il comprend deux hippodromes, des lacs, les parcs plus petits du Bagatelle et du Pré-Catalan, et des sentiers forestiers étendus. Cette promenade suivra un pan du nouveau sentier GR75 qui entoure Paris et qui a été conçu pour être accessible à tous. Il vous mènera à travers l’Hippodrome d’Auteuil, le long du Lac Inférieur et le long des sentiers forestiers. La promenade va terminer à la Porte Maillot sur la Ligne 1 du Métro et elle va durer à environ 90 minutes. La route est plate et régulière. Cette promenade est une balade douce et informelle où les participants sont encouragés à parler et contribuer leur connaissance comme ils le souhaitent.

    Meeting point: Outside Metro station Michel-Ange Auteuil Line 9. 

    About the organizer:

    Bryan Harty has lived in central Paris for 4 years. He’s a member of WICE and enjoys getting out of the city to walk through the countryside. He hopes these and other walks will be seen as outdoor conversation classes.

    Photo credit: Polymagou

    • 05 Jun 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Métro station Nation. Meet outside the Place du Trône exit.
    • 11
    Register

    The 11th and 12th arrondissements have always been working class districts associated with popular uprisings in Paris. On this walk you will discover the Place de la Nation with its historic toll booths and columns, and the Faubourg Saint Antoine. Along the way you will hear about Europe’s oldest funfair, the revolutionary Philippe Fabre d'Eglantine who devised France’s Republican calendar, and the Réveillon wallpaper factory where a riot presaged the French Revolution. You will also see some of the fascinating courtyards and passages that were once filled with furniture workshops, and visit one of Paris’s best markets, the Marché d’Aligre.

    Les 11e et 12e arrondissements ont été toujours des quartiers populaires associés avec des révoltes à Paris. Pendant cette promenade vous découvrirez la Place de la Nation avec ses bureaux d’octroi et ses colonnes historiques, et le Faubourg Saint Antoine. Vous entendrez l’histoire de la fête foraine la plus vieille en Europe, du révolutionnaire Philippe Fabre d’Eglantine qui a conçu le calendrier républicain de la France, et de l’usine de papier peint Réveillon où une émeute a présagé la révolution française. Vous verrez aussi quelques des cours fascinants qui abritaient des ateliers d’ébénisterie, et visitez un des meilleurs marchés à Paris, le Marché d’Aligre.

    Meeting point: Métro station Nation. Meet outside the Place du Trône exit.

    About the organiser: Pat Hallam arrived in Paris in summer 2020 and has been a member of WICE since autumn 2022. She has always been interested in the history of Paris and living here has enabled her to extend and deepen her knowledge – helped by her job as a tour guide. She is particularly interested in the outer arrondissements, which are full of history but often overlooked.

    • 19 Jun 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Gare Montparnasse
    • 12

    The historic town of Chartres is about 90km to the south-west of Paris and is famed for its magnificent Gothic cathedral. This day trip will include examining the exterior of the cathedral (with its pioneering flying buttresses, detailed portals, and mismatched towers), and the interior (with the biggest nave in France, the famed brilliant blue stained glass, and its labyrinth inlaid in the nave floor). Afterwards, there may be some time to explore the charming narrow streets of Chartres with their half-timbered houses.

    La ville historique de Chartres se trouve à environ 90km au sud-ouest de Paris. Elle est célèbre pour sa cathédrale gothique magnifique. Cette visite va explorer la cathédrale y compris ses arcs-boutants pionniers et ses tours mal assorties à l'extérieur, et au-dedans, le nef le plus grand en France, les vitrails célèbres en bleu brillant, et son labyrinthe insére dans le sol du nef. Après il y aura du temps pour explorer les rues étroites et charmantes de Chartres avec leurs maisons de colombage.

    The exact timetable is to be confirmed, but this is an outline for the day (all times approximate):

    • 10:00 - Depart Gare Montparnasse
    • 11:15 - Arrive in Chartres
    • 11:30 - Walk around and discuss the exterior of the cathedral
    • 12:30 - Lunch across from the cathedral
    • 14:00 - Walk through and discuss the interior of the cathedral
    • 15:30 - Stroll around Chartres centre ville (time permitting)
    • 16:00 - Depart for Paris

    Participants are responsible for buying their own train and admission tickets, where relevant.

    Note: This walk is only open to WICE members.

    Meeting point: Gare Montparnasse (exact spot to be determined).

    For an extra treat, spend some time beforehand browsing Henry Adams's acclaimed "Mont Saint Michel and Chartres," which is available at The American Library.

    About the organizer

    Rick Jones has lived in Paris for almost six years. He is an avid walker and a Chartres enthusiast (having visited the cathedral many times since his first visit in 1984).


Past events

21 Feb 2024 VM271 A Glimpse at the Great Names of Paris Fashion
07 Feb 2024 VM271 Exploring the Fôret Domaniale de Saint-Germain
27 Jan 2024 VM271 Welcome to the 5th Arrondissement
17 Jan 2024 VM271 Walk Around Montmartre
06 Dec 2023 VD061 Passage Walk
29 Nov 2023 VN291 Walk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 7 of 7
27 Nov 2023 VN271 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 6 of 7
20 Nov 2023 VN201 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 5 of 7
15 Nov 2023 VN151 Walk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 4 of 7
13 Nov 2023 VN131 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 3 of 7
08 Nov 2023 VN081 Walk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 2 of 7
06 Nov 2023 VN061 Talk: The American Revolution in Paris - Part 1 of 7
01 Nov 2023 VN011 Chateau de Malmaison
21 Oct 2023 VO211 Street Cool (in English)
18 Oct 2023 VO181 Paris Bridge Walk (in English)
11 Oct 2023 VO111 Josephine Baker (in French)
07 Oct 2023 VO071 Naughty Nouvelle Athens Paris 9th (in English)
05 Oct 2023 VO051 A Walk Along the Canal (in English)
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