How possible/reasonable is exploring Paris on foot?
 

The answer probably depends on physical fitness and age. My husband and I are 31 and 28, and in good shape. We are staying in the 7th. Sightseeing will focus in arr. 1,4,5,6. These areas are all walkable from our hotel, yes?

Yes. There is lots of discussion on here about the various ticket options/public transport. But honestly - if the weather is half way decent, on a short stay I seldom take the metro or a bus. Everything from the Bastille > Marais > Islands > Latin Quarter > 6th > 1st/Louvre/Opera > 7th > 8th is pretty much walkable. Not all on the same day of course :)

Oh - and back when I WAS your age I could (and did) walk all of that in one day . . . .

Last year my boyfriend and I took the metro once, maybe twice, during our five day visit, not counting getting into and leaving town. We even walked home to the Latin Quarter from Montmarte (though we took the metro there). Assuming the weather is cooperating, walking is definitely what I would do. It's so much more interesting that way.

Definitely - Last April I walked the entire day, only using the Metro to return to the hotel, and I have grown children older than either of you! Walking is the way to do Paris.

Thanks! I've read quite a bit on the various transportation options, and it's still a bit confusing. I'm sure once we're there, we'll figure it out. I'm just stuck on walking as the best way to see the city (time/weather permitting).

&quot;<i>I've read quite a bit on the various transportation options, and it's still a bit confusing.</i>&quot;

That's because there are a few fodorites who like to kick around how to save $2 on a week's transport, and discuss every possible option until one is spinning.

Run a few trips through mappy.com (select &quot;pedestrian&quot;) and decide for yourself. It takes an hour to walk from the Eiffel Tower (VII) to Notre Dame (IV-V).

I bellieve that Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world. We also walk and walk and it is fascinating , even one December a few years ago that there was a metro-bus strike and it was bitter cold we had no problem ....Paris is indeed ideal for walking and never get bored....

...I wish to add after we endure all those days with no transportation, out of the blue moon, the subways stared working and that moment everybody got in without paying...it was on the house.

You could walk everywhere, but it's not necessarily the most efficient way to do things. What if you want to visit the Montparnasse, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Bastille areas all in the same day?

Hi

Yes, you can cover a lot on foot. My wife and I also walked all over Paris and when we got tired we just found the nearest metro station to get back to the hotel :-) We went to Paris in 1999 and I have posted this trip report with pictures on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/paris.htm . We are going back this Easter and I look forward to seeing Paris again :-)

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Definitely and typical.
Even when the weather is not agreeable , you can do it.
Last March we were in Paris, stayed in the 7th ( apt) and walked to the Louvre, Notre Dame, from the apt on rue Grenelle to rue Jacob in the 6th .. It was cold but all that walking keeps you warm :)

<i>&quot;I've read quite a bit on the various transportation options, and it's still a bit confusing.&quot;</i>

I shall endeavor to simplify: if you're going to board a bus or go into the M&eacute;tro up to 5 times a particular day, use <i>carnet</i> tickets that day; more than that, buy a <i>Mobilis</i> 1-day pass.

If you will use public transit more than 14 times in a Monday-Sunday period, get a <i>Carte Orange</i> instead of either of the above. They are sold through Wednesday for the current week.

Sometimes it is the walk itself which makes it enjoyable and memorable. Saving money is nice; getting there &quot;efficiently&quot; is nice, too.

Sometimes I think we are too anxious to &quot;get&quot; to the final destination. I'm glad you've thought about this mode of transport and given Paris I doubt you'll regret your decision.

Why walk the same streets near your lodging 10 times or more? Why limit yourself to five arrondisements? Public transport is not a subsitute for walking in Paris--it is a means for getting to different starting points for your walking. Certainly, I would think the first day or two you might spend mostly walking sights near your lodgings, but after you've explored that neighborhood, why not expand your horizons a bit by taking the metro or a bus to a jumping off point?

&lt;That's because there are a few fodorites who like to kick around how to save $2 on a week's transport, and discuss every possible option until one is spinning.&gt;

janisj, those would be the same people who think nothing of throwing 45-50 euro at a cab because they say the are so jet-lagged (where are they flying from - Mars?) that they can not possibly function on the RER or shuttle - LOL!

Ahhh, to be your age and WALK in Paris. I was 47 my first trip and found walking was a great way to see the city. I also stayed in the 7th. I used the Metro as well, since it is sooooo easy in Paris. You'll love Paris!

twk has it right!
Walk from your hotel a few times; beyond that, take the bus or metro to further points and then walk to the ongoing destinations of the day. You will enjoy walking a lot more if you use it 'wisely'.

The metro is a fantastic system and an integral part of a visit to Paris - don't be afraid to use it.

Ditto the bus system. Here's a highly simplified bus map that will get you between the sights:

http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...aux&amp;fm=pdf

Fear not. The worst that can happen if get off track is that you'll have to find the nearest M&eacute;tro station.