15 Best hikes in Paris: Exploring Paris on foot!

Q: What are some of the best hikes in Paris?

Some of the best hikes in Paris are Promenade à Montmartre, Parc des Buttes – Chaumont, Bois de Boulogne and Parc Montsouris.

Q: Are these hikes suitable for beginners?

Most of the hikes mentioned above are suitable for beginners. They offer easy-to-follow paths with varying levels of difficulty.

Q: What should I bring for a hike in Paris?

For the best hikes in Paris carry comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a navigation device, sun protection, water and snacks.

Q: Are there any guided hiking tours available in Paris?

While self-guided walks are more common in Paris, there are occasional guided hiking tours available especially for exploring areas outside the city. You can check with local tour operators for any scheduled tours.

Paris, the capital of France, is a city that needs no introduction. It attracts travellers from around the world for its timeless, romantic and cultural richness. Beyond its world-famous landmarks and busy streets lies a lesser-known aspect of Parisian life which is its remarkable hiking trails.

Listing some places to visit in Paris. As you lace up your hiking boots and set out to explore, you will discover a side of Paris that often goes unnoticed by visitors. From promenades to parks to historic canals and views, each hike offers a unique perspective of the city. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an explorer, or simply looking for new ways to experience Paris, these trails promise adventure, discovery and moments of pure magic.

In this guide, we invite you to join us on a journey of the beaten path, where we will uncover the natural wonders of Paris through 15 unforgettable best hikes in Paris with Europe Tour Packages!

Top 15 best hikes in Paris

Parc des buttes – Chaumont
Lac Inférieur of the bois de Bologne
Bois de Vincennes loop
Arc de Triomphe- Jardin des Tuileries
Paris Montparnasse- Massy- Verrieres
Paris- Saint Cloud
Montmartre
The Luxembourg garden
Promenade à Montmartre
Musse du Louvre – Quais de seine
Parc de la Villette
Parc de Belleville
Canal saint- Martin
Paris – Versailles: Quais de seine- Forêt de Meudon
Canal de l’Ourcq

1. Parc des buttes – Chaumont

This 2.6 km loop trail near the 19th Arrondissement, Paris is generally considered an easy route. This park has rugged cliffs, waterfalls and a lake which provides the perfect setting for the best hikes in Paris. The Island in the centre of this lake is Belvedere Island. This is a trendy area for running and walking.

Length: 2.6 kms

Time taken: 41 minutes

2. Lac Inférieur of the bois de Bologne

This walk goes around the Lac Infèrieur Lake, also called Grand Lac, in the Bois de Boulogne, west of the city of Paris. In the middle of the lake are two islands connected by a bridge. This loop trail near the 16th Arrondissement, Paris is considered an easy route. The trail is open year-round and can be visited anytime.

Length: 3.1 kms

Time taken: 44 minutes

3. Bois de Vincennes loop

The Bois de Vincennes is home to many monuments and places of interest: the Floral Park, the tropical agronomy garden, the racecourse, the Paris farm, lakes (Lac Daumesnil, Lac de Saint-Mandé, Lac des Minimes, Lac de Gravelle), the pagoda in the Bois de Vincennes (headquarters of the Buddhist Union of France which houses the tallest Buddha in Europe) or even a zoo.

It also hosts a half marathon every year. You can take advantage of your walk to visit Vincennes Castle. This fascinating military building also houses an identical replica of the Sainte-Chapelle except for the stained glass windows, but also the Palais de la Porte Dorée and its National Museum of the History of Immigration with a superb terrace in summer.

This long walk goes around the Bois de Vincennes, a forest with an area of 995 hectares highly appreciated by Parisians since it’s located at the gates of Paris. The Bois de Boulogne, are part of the municipality of Paris and constitute the largest green space in the capital. It is one of the best hikes in Paris.

Length: 13.7 kms

Time taken: 3 hours

Suggested read: Plan a trip to Paris

4. Arc de Triomphe – Jardin des Tuileries

This walk starts from the famous Arc de Triomphe and leads to the Jardin des Tuileries, part of the Louvre and Tuileries national estate and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The route follows the famous Champs-Élysées avenue. This trail near the 8th Arrondissement, Paris is generally considered an easy route. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It is one of the best hikes in Paris.

Length: 3.4 kms

Time taken: 49 minutes

5. Paris Montparnasse – Massy-Verrieres

Route on foot or by bike on the green corridor of southern Paris, also called Promenade des vallons de la Bièvre. This route starts at Place de Catalunya in the 14th arrondissement of Paris and goes to the Massy-Verrières RER station in the Essonne department.

You will find several stations on your route, which allow you to start or end this route at another place. This trail near the 14th Arrondissement, Paris is considered a moderately challenging route. You will pass near the Parc de Sceaux and its French garden, making it a quieter addition to a trip built around the city's usual things to do in Europe and one of the best hikes in Paris.

Length: 13.5 kms

Time taken: 3 hrs 19 minutes

6. Paris – Saint Cloud

This route is the first segment of the GR 1, a great hike around the Île-de-France. It’s one of the oldest long-distance hiking trails in France and a good option for travellers looking for more active experiences through Europe adventure tour packages.

This segment starts at Porte Maillot in Paris and goes to Vaucresson station in Nanterre, crossing Bois de Boulogne, the Seine, and the national domain of Saint-Cloud. The trail near 16th Arrondissement, Paris is considered a challenging route. This trail is open year-round.

Length: 17.5 kms

Time taken: 4 hours 19 minutes

7. Montmartre

The route starts at the Anvers metro stop and climbs the charming Rue de Steinkerque. You’ll then find yourself at the foot of Place Louise-Michel, towards the Montmartre carousel. From here you can admire the best view of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Climb the steps through the park to the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur. You can also take the funicular. From here, turn around and admire the spectacular view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It’s an easy walk to include when exploring the city on one of our Paris tour packages.

The tour takes you to the famous Lapin Agile restaurant, which faces the vineyards of Montmartre. You’ll then reach Place Dalida, where a bust of the singer is enthroned. The route crosses the Square Suzanne Buisson to reach the Place Marcel Aymé, home to the statue of Le Passe-Muraille. You’ll then take Rue Norvins, where you’ll find numerous bars, restaurants and souvenir stores. At Place du Tertre, artists showcase their work and paint portraits and caricatures from life. This trail near the 18th Arrondissement is considered an easy route.

Length: 2.7 kms

Time taken: 47 minutes

Suggested Read: Paris VS Venice

8. The Luxembourg garden

Walk through the famous Jardin du Luxembourg in central Paris.

Created in 1615 at the request of Marie de Médicis, the Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the heart of the city, is the most popular and beautiful garden in Paris. The Palais du Luxembourg, which gives the garden its name, is currently the seat of the French Senate. You can play tennis and basketball in the park.

Open between 7.30 and 8.15 a.m. and closes between 4.30 and 9.30 p.m., depending on the season. The trail near 6th Arrondissement, Paris is considered an easy route.

Length: 2.1 kms

Time taken: 30 minutes

9. Promenade à Montmartre

The Montmartre district crowns the city, situated on a hill overlooking the rest of the city. You’ll find cobblestone paths, ivy hanging from wooden window panes, views of the Sacré-Coeur from café windows and local boutiques selling charcuterie or delicious bread and pastries.

Shop for handmade clothes and jewellery, visit museums or simply brave the steep streets until you reach the top. Once at the top, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Paris. This trail near the 18th Arrondissement, Paris is considered an easy route. It is one of the best hikes in Paris.

Length: 4.8 kms

Time taken: 60 minutes

10. Musse du Louvre – Quais de Seine

This hike starts at the Louvre Museum and passes through part of the Tuileries Gardens before following the banks of the Seine to the Pont Charles de Gaulle. Once across the Seine, the route crosses the Jardin des Plantes along the quays.

A little further on, you can enjoy views of the Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame Cathedral, before crossing the Seine again via Pont Royal. This trail near the 1st Arrondissement, Paris is considered a moderately challenging route. The best time to visit this trail is from February to October.

Length: 9.3 kms

Time taken: 2 hours

11. Parc de la Villette

Parc de la Villette is located in the 19th Arrondissement and offers a blend of nature, art and culture. Spanning over 55 hectares, this urban park is not just a green oasis in the city, it is a playground, a hub of creativity, and heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of the hike is Canal de l’Ourcq, which passes through the park, offering a peaceful backdrop. From Iconic Geode, a giant mirrored sphere to the futuristic Philharmonie de Paris, a state-of-the-art concert hall designed by Jean Nouvel, each structure adds to the charm of the park.

Length: 3 kms

Time taken: 40 minutes

12. Parc de Belleville

Parc de Belleville offers a fascinating hiking experience that combines natural beauty and stunning views of Paris. Situated in the 20th Arrondissement this park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the highlights of the hike is the Park’s viewpoint, which offers spectacular views of the Paris skyline. From here you can view Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Sacrè Cœur Basilica.

Length: 2 kms

Time taken: 30 minutes

13. Canal Saint-Martin

A little walk along the Canal Saint-Martin, an alternative destination to the Seine and where all well-informed Parisians come to meet. You might spot locals playing boules on one of the pétanque courts along the waterfront. This trail near the 4th Arrondissement, Paris is considered a moderately challenging route. The best time to visit this trail is from January to October.

Length: 7.7 kms

Time taken: 1 hour 55 minutes

14. Paris – Versailles: Quais de Seine – Forêt de Meudon

This route starts from the Champ de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. First, you follow the cycle path along the Seine. You then leave the urban environment behind, arriving in Meudon and crossing the Meudon National Forest. The route passes the Étang de Villebon, arrives in Viroflay and ends on Avenue de Paris.

This trail near the 7th Arrondissement is considered a moderately challenging route. This is a trendy area for hiking, mountain biking and running.

Length: 16.4 kms

Time taken: 4 hours 15 minutes

15. Canal de l’Ourcq

From its source in the Ourcq, the canal reaches the Villette district to the east of Paris. The canal allows for the development of industrial zones along its banks and, in the long term, river transport. The loop trail near the 19th Arrondissement is considered an easy route. The trail is open around the year.

Length: 11.9 kms

Time taken: 2 hours 36 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best hikes in Paris?

Are these hikes suitable for beginners?

What should I bring for a hike in Paris?

Are there any guided hiking tours available in Paris?

In this guide, we invite you to join us on a journey of the beaten path, where we will uncover the natural wonders of Paris through 15 unforgettable best hikes in Paris with Europe Tour Packages!