Paris on Metro Line 8: An Explorer’s Itinerary from École Militaire
From the monumental elegance of Les Invalides to the narrow streets of the Marais, Paris Metro line 8 reveals the capital’s many different faces, without a single change of trains.
Discover our itinerary for exploring Paris by metro, to follow from beginning to end or adapt as you please.
ÉCOLE MILITAIRE: YOUR STARTING POINT
From La Bourdonnais, École Militaire station is approximately a three-minute walk away.
Take line 8 towards Créteil–Pointe du Lac.
Before heading underground, take in the surrounding views: the Champ-de-Mars and the Eiffel Tower on one side, the elegant avenues of the 7th arrondissement on the other.
View walking directions from La Bourdonnais to École Militaire station
INVALIDES: THE GRANDEUR OF PARIS
Two stops later, get off at Invalides.
Cross the esplanade to admire the façade of the Hôtel national des Invalides and its magnificent golden dome. To explore further, the Musée de l’Armée brings together collections tracing French military history and provides access to the tomb of Napoleon I.
If you would prefer to continue your walk outdoors, head towards Pont Alexandre III.
Its gilded sculptures, ornate lamps and views over the Seine create one of the most majestic settings in Paris.
CONCORDE: BETWEEN THE SEINE AND THE TUILERIES
Continue on line 8 to Concorde. Between the two stations, the metro passes beneath the Seine, a crossing that goes unnoticed from inside the train.
As you emerge, the grandeur of Paris unfolds before you. Place de la Concorde connects the Champs-Élysées to the Tuileries Garden, with the Luxor Obelisk standing at its centre.
Take your time strolling beneath the trees towards the garden’s ornamental ponds.
The iconic green chairs, views towards the Louvre and sculptures lining the paths offer a peaceful pause before you continue exploring.
MADELEINE AND OPÉRA: HAUSSMANN’S PARIS
One more stop brings you to Madeleine.
Inspired by an ancient temple, La Madeleine church stands out for its fifty-two Corinthian columns and absence of a bell tower. Around the square, historic delicatessens, celebrated gourmet establishments and grand boulevards evoke a Paris devoted to elegance and the pleasures of fine food.
From here, you can reach Opéra by metro or choose to walk along Boulevard de la Madeleine and Boulevard des Capucines.
The Palais Garnier then comes into view at the end of Avenue de l’Opéra. Designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875, it reveals its Grand Staircase, salons and celebrated Grand Foyer to visitors. Even without stepping inside, take a moment to admire its façade, adorned with sculptures, columns and gilded details.
CHEMIN VERT: TIME TO WANDER THROUGH THE MARAIS
From Opéra, take line 8 to Chemin Vert. The station brings you to the eastern edge of the Marais, just a few minutes from Place des Vosges.
Framed by arcades and brick pavilions, Place des Vosges is one of the oldest monumental squares in Paris. Its gardens offer a peaceful stop before you continue exploring the neighbourhood.
Follow Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Rue de Sévigné or Rue Vieille-du-Temple. Behind the façades of historic private mansions, you will find designer boutiques, galleries, bookshops, niche perfumeries and small coffee shops.
The charm of the Marais also lies in these spontaneous detours: a cobbled courtyard glimpsed through a doorway, an independent boutique, a secluded terrace or a quiet street that invites you to linger.
If time allows, continue to Rue des Rosiers to discover a livelier atmosphere before heading to the Musée Carnavalet.
Housed in two historic mansions, the museum traces several centuries of Parisian history through its interiors, artworks and objects.
Allow at least an hour to wander through the neighbourhood, excluding a museum visit.
BASTILLE: ANOTHER SIDE OF PARIS
From Place des Vosges, Bastille is approximately a ten-minute walk away.
The July Column commemorates the revolutionary days of 1830, while the contemporary architecture of the Opéra Bastille introduces a livelier side of Paris.
To end your walk away from the bustle of the square, head down towards the Port de l’Arsenal. This small marina, bordered by gardens and connected to the Canal Saint-Martin, offers an unexpected contrast to the grand monuments admired earlier in the day.
BACK TO LA BOURDONNAIS: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES AT MINUIT EXPRESS
At Bastille, take line 8 towards Balard and get off at École Militaire. A short walk then brings you back to Hôtel La Bourdonnais.
The day can continue at Minuit Express. Inspired by legendary trains, the bar combines sumptuous velvets, soft lighting and details that evoke the romance of travel in a bygone era.
Enjoy signature cocktails and contemporary creations in the bar carriage, intimate lounges or secluded alcoves. An elegant final stop before retiring to your room, all within the hotel.
EXPLORE PARIS AT YOUR OWN PACE
Invalides, Concorde, Madeleine, Opéra, the Marais and Bastille: line 8 takes you through wonderfully varied neighbourhoods before bringing you back to your starting point.
Follow the complete itinerary or adapt it to the time you have available. La Bourdonnais’ concierge team can recommend places to visit, check opening times and help you plan your day.
Before setting out, remember to check for any planned works or service changes on the line 8 service information page.
Discover Hôtel La Bourdonnais and plan your Parisian adventure
