A Day Through Paris: Along Water, Squares, and Hidden Gems

Paris is a city that refuses to be captured in a single image. Sometimes, you have to discover it on foot — step by step, square by square, surprise after surprise. And that’s exactly what I did during a sunny walk that started at Gare du Nord and took me past iconic spots and hidden gems.

From Gare du Nord to the calm of the Écluses des Récollets

My journey began at the bustling Gare du Nord, where travelers cross paths like waves in a sea of motion. Yet just a short walk away lies a peaceful oasis: the Écluses des Récollets. These locks, part of the Canal Saint-Martin, form a picturesque piece of industrial heritage. In the 19th century, this canal was vital for supplying goods to Paris. Today, you’ll mostly see locals here, book in hand or enjoying a coffee from a nearby café.

Place de la République: the heart of modern Paris

From the calm waters, I moved on to Place de la République — an impressive square that stands as a symbol of freedom and civic spirit. The giant bronze Marianne at its center looks out over protests, gatherings, skateboarders, and musicians — the square is alive. Created in the 19th century, it is now the beating heart of public debate in Paris.

Place des Vosges: classical beauty in the Marais

Winding through the narrow streets of the Marais, I reached Place des Vosges — the oldest planned square in Paris (1605). Here, old and new blend in perfect harmony. Beneath the arches are galleries, small bookshops, and cafés. At number 6 once lived Victor Hugo. If you close your eyes, you can almost hear the carriages of times gone by.

Place de la Bastille: echoes of revolution

From there, I walked to Place de la Bastille, where the infamous prison once stood, stormed on July 14, 1789. Today, only the Colonne de Juillet remains to mark those revolutionary days. Still, it’s a symbolic crossroads of history and renewal, surrounded by lively cafés and the modern Opéra Bastille.

Along the Marins de Paris toward Gare de Lyon

Walking along the Seine and past the base of the Marins de Paris — the river police — I headed toward the impressive Gare de Lyon, with its clock tower that wouldn’t look out of place in London. Inside, the station hides a gem from the Belle Époque: the majestic restaurant Le Train Bleu.

Green space in the city: Parc de Bercy

I took a moment to breathe in Parc de Bercy, a modern park that is surprisingly peaceful. You’ll find 19th-century wine cellars, landscaped gardens, and contemporary art installations. It’s a beautiful example of how Paris constantly plays with contrasts — industrial yet poetic, structured yet natural.

Street art at Spot 13

Next, I entered a completely different atmosphere: Spot 13, a hidden haven for street art beneath the highway. Every wall is a canvas here. What started as a temporary project has grown into a colorful labyrinth full of artistic expression and political commentary.

Along the Seine, back via Quai de la Photo

Walking back along the Seine, I passed Quai de la Photo — a floating art space dedicated to photography. Onboard exhibitions feature works by both emerging talents and established artists. The view over the river only enriches the experience.

Getting lost is part of the charm: covered markets and a Parisian legend

As often happens in Paris, straying from the path is worth it. That’s how I stumbled upon a charming covered market, where the scent of cheese and fresh fruit greets you at the door. Shortly after, I walked into the legendary Crèmerie de Paris — one of the city’s oldest postal addresses, now a trendy spot with a historic soul.