Montmartre is one of Paris’s most charming and bohemian neighbourhoods, crowned by the white-domed Sacré-Cœur at the city’s highest point. Once home to artists like Dalí, Monet, and Picasso, its streets are still alive with painters and caricaturists, especially around Place du Tertre. Fans of Amélie will recognise many corners, and downhill in Pigalle you’ll find the iconic Moulin Rouge and the Lapin Agile, a historic cabaret that once drew poets, painters, and singers.

The collection of streets between the city centre and the Jeker quarter is known as the Stokstraat quarter. It’s that historic corner of the city between two statues, ‘De Mestreechter Geis’ and ‘Slevrouwe’. All of these streets ultimately lead to the ever-charming, intimate and romantic Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. In this part of the city, you can find the warmth and charm of a classic Maastricht pub on virtually every corner. The quarter takes its name from what may be the city’s most famous (or infamous) street. Today, Stokstraat is known as the place for the most exclusive and luxury shops in the Netherlands, but it was not always so. If there’s any street that has seen its fortunes turn over the years, it’s this one. In the Middle Ages, its reputation was dubious thanks to its many bathhouse-brothels; later, the street enjoyed a renaissance with many reputable merchants established in it, until, as the Industrial Revolution took hold and the city centre became overpopulated with wave after wave of migrants from the countryside, the street became synonymous with grinding poverty. Living conditions here became so dire that there was even talk of demolishing the entire street. The Stokstraat quarter of today is the result of a dramatic redevelopment between 1950 and 1973, which succeeded in preserving its historic character but transforming it into a fashionable address for living, shopping, and dining.

Despite its name meaning 'New Bridge', Pont Neuf is actually Paris’s oldest bridge over the Seine, dating back to the 16th century. It’s also a great starting point to explore some of the city’s most famous sights. From here, you can easily wander around Île de la Cité to visit the Conciergerie, the old royal palace turned prison, and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle with its incredible stained glass windows. Just across the river lies the Louvre Museum, while a short walk takes you to the peaceful Place Dauphine, a hidden gem of a square. And, of course, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is also close by.

Despite its small size, the Vieille Ville (literally "Old Town") is still worth a walk, especially during summer. The gates and arches, as well as the backdoors to small and secret streets, make for excellent photographs, and every corner can hide surprises.