The classic Paris walk: start at the Eiffel Tower, follow the Seine, cross the grandest bridge in town and end at the Louvre. About 5 km, an hour and a quarter without stopping. You will stop. For photos, for crêpes, and yes, for the bathroom.
Paris has a reputation here, but it's better than it used to be. The grey automatic toilets on the sidewalks, the Sanisettes, are free and run by the city. You'll pass several on this walk. Here are the best stops, in order.
The walk
1Eiffel Tower base toilets Free
Inside the security zone under the tower
Free toilets at the foot of the tower, reached after the free security check. Go before the photos, not after the queue.
2Sanisettes along the Champ de Mars Free
Around the park behind the tower
The city's grey self-cleaning toilets. Push the button, wait for the green light, and don't be alarmed when it washes itself after you.
3Esplanade des Invalides Free
The big lawn in front of the golden dome
Public toilets near the lawn. From here, the golden Pont Alexandre III is straight ahead.
4Petit Palais Free
Avenue Winston Churchill · right after the bridge
A free city museum in a palace, with a beautiful garden café and clean toilets inside. The best stop on the route. Closed Mondays.
5Jardin des Tuileries
Between Concorde and the Louvre
The garden has toilets near both ends. Some charge a small fee, so keep a coin or a card handy.
6Carrousel du Louvre Free
99 Rue de Rivoli · under the inverted pyramid
The underground shopping hall next to the Louvre, with free toilets and no museum ticket needed. Busy around midday.
Good to know
As of September 2026, the Sanisettes, the Eiffel Tower base and the Petit Palais are free. Many cafés only let customers use the toilets: ordering a coffee at the counter (au comptoir) is the cheapest way in. Metro stations generally don't have public toilets.
Standing on a bridge and can't wait for the Louvre? Open the map below to find the nearest Sanisette.