The best city hikes and walks around Paris

Paris boasts a vast network of over 760 urban hiking trails. These range from easy strolls to more challenging routes, with over 500 easy and 240 moderate options, ensuring there's a path for every preference and fitness level.

Many urban hikes in Paris take you past iconic sights. For example, the Tour des Monuments de Paris route guides you from the Arc de Triomphe to the Opéra Garnier. Another popular option is the Trocadéro, Eiffel Tower and Invalides Trail, offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the historic Les Invalides.

Yes, Paris offers many easy urban hikes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Trocadéro, Eiffel Tower and Invalides Trail is an easy 6.4 km route. Another gentle option is the René-Dumont Greenway – Reuilly Garden loop, which is about 7.6 km and offers a pleasant urban greenway experience.

Beyond the city's famous monuments, Paris is home to extensive green spaces. The Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are large urban forests offering lakes like Upper Lake of the Bois de Boulogne and Lake Daumesnil, and numerous walking paths. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its hilly terrain and grotto, also provides a unique natural escape within the city.

Yes, many urban hikes in Paris are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Eiffel Tower – Trocadéro loop from Cité, which is a moderate 14.6 km walk. The René-Dumont Greenway – Reuilly Garden loop is another excellent circular option.

The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in Paris, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse routes that combine iconic landmarks with hidden green spaces, the accessibility of trails, and the unique experience of discovering the city on foot.

Absolutely. Many urban hikes in and around Paris lead to significant historical sites. You can visit the impressive Vincennes Castle, explore the area around the Notre-Dame Cathedral, or pass by the Louvre Museum Square and the Carrousel Triumphal Arch on various city routes.

Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times for urban hiking in Paris. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the city's parks and gardens are in full bloom or displaying beautiful autumn colors. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or evenings are still enjoyable. Winter offers a unique, often less crowded, perspective of the city.

Yes, many urban hikes in Paris incorporate the scenic banks of the Seine River. These routes provide beautiful perspectives of the city's architecture and bridges. You can find pleasant paths along the Seine, particularly in areas like Saint-Maur, offering a peaceful riverside experience.

Paris serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby natural and cultural attractions. While this guide focuses on urban trails, regions like Fontainebleau Forest, Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, and the Oise Valley of Painters offer extensive hiking opportunities just a short journey from the city. For more information on forests in the Paris region, you can visit visitparisregion.com.

While many urban hikes are easy to moderate, there are options for those seeking a greater challenge. For example, the Trocadéro – Champs-Élysées Avenue loop from Cadet is a difficult 27.2 km route with over 130 meters of elevation gain, offering a comprehensive exploration of central Paris.