From the Île de la Cité to the Marais
A day in Paris — 6 stops, about 3.25 km on foot, 46 minutes walking.
A day that starts with Gothic stonework and stained glass on the island, then crosses the river into the Marais for lunch, a playful detour and Picasso. About 2.5 km of walking in total, suited to anyone who wants medieval Paris in the morning and museums in the afternoon.
The route, in order
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
Opens 07:50
Start here because it opens earliest on the island, and the facade is calmest before the mid-morning crowds arrive.
2 min walk — Head northwest on Rue du Cloitre Notre Dame toward Rue d'Arcole
Tours de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Opens 09:00
The tower climb opens later than the cathedral below, so it fits neatly after your first look at the exterior and interior.
8 min walk — Head southwest toward Prom. Maurice Carême
Sainte-Chapelle
Opens 09:00
A short walk across the Île de la Cité; after the towers' grey stone, the chapel's stained glass is the sharpest possible contrast.
8 min walk — Head southeast toward Bd du Palais Restricted usage road
Maslow 1er
Opens 12:00
Cross off the island and into the centre for a vegetable-forward lunch, timed to the restaurant's midday opening.
12 min walk — Head east on Quai de la Mégisserie toward Rue Bertin Poirée
Musée de l'Illusion Paris
Opens 10:00
A light, hands-on stop for the early afternoon, when concentration for art tends to dip.
16 min walk — Head north on Rue St Denis toward Rue Étienne Marcel Restricted usage road
Musée National Picasso-Paris
Opens 09:30
End in the Marais at a hôtel particulier, the day's longest and most substantial museum, reached on foot from the illusions.