The 10 Best Hikes In Paris
The diverse landscape of France, especially around Paris, makes for some breathtaking hikes for those looking to spend time outdoors. With hiking trails winding throughout the countryside just outside the city, you will definitely find a trail that you will fall in love with. Some of the hikes in the city are just as fabulous as those that take you on an adventure through nature.
If you are looking for a more challenging hike, the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional National Park is beckoning, while history buffs will fall head over heels for the Remembrance Circuit. And there are many more spots with lovely scenery. The natural beauty of this country awaits! So after you've discovered sights like the Louvre, get ready to explore the countryside.
Before heading out on one of the best hikes in the area, find a Paris luggage storage service and drop your extra belongings for safekeeping. You don’t want to lug too much with you when hiking, but make sure you bring along a well-equipped pack with water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
Our Top Hiking Trail Picks in Paris
Bois de Vincennes
Length: 9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: 12th Arrondissement, Paris
This very popular hiking trail makes a loop around the 12th Arrondissement and winds through Bois de Vincennes which covers over 2,400 acres. The trail is accessible all year long and has several different activities along the way such as feeding the ducks at the lake. Dogs are allowed on this trail but they do have to stay leashed.
Locals and tourists find it very refreshing to hike along this trail and it is great for any skill level, including beginners. Check out Floral Park while you are here as well as the Tropical Agronomy Garden, both just off the trail. You can even sign up for a half marathon that the Bois de Vincennes hosts each year. Whether you hike the entire nine-mile loop or not, it is great fun to explore this trail before taking a walk to find Paris street food!
Haute Somme (Somme Battlefields Remembrance Circuit)
Length: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Peronne to Albert
The Remembrance Trail, also called the Remembrance Circuit, connects Peronne to Albert. This well-marked trail will take hikers past battlefields, museums, WWI cemeteries, and memorials. There are 48 walking paths to choose from as you explore the area. This trail is just under two hours from Paris but well worth the travel time.
Visit during the springtime to see the bright red poppies blooming on the battlefields and in the cemeteries. The red poppy is the symbol of memory and sacrifice and seems fitting that these historic places are blanketed with this bright flower. Take a self-guided tour or sign up for a guided tour with a professional guide.
While here, check out the Little Train of the Upper Somme. This is the same train that transported soldiers during World War I and was built in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme and runs along the River Somme to carry artillery and supplies.
GR1 Segment 1
Length: 11.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: 16th Arrondissement, Paris
This 11-mile trail is located close to the 16th Arrondissement of Paris and goes from Paris to Saint-Cloud. You will hike along one segment of one of the oldest trails in France, the Grande Randonnée which has also been called Tour de Paris or Tour de I’lle-de-France. This trail is over 372 miles long with several stopovers and lodges along the way.
But you can easily hike Segment 1 in a day if you are a moderate to experienced hiker. This small portion of the Grande Randonnée trail is only a little over 11 miles and is mainly used as a walking, running, or jogging trail for Parisians. It's a fun free activity in Paris if you are on a budget for the day!
Gorges de Franchard
Length: Varies
Difficulty: All Levels
Location: Fontainebleau Forest
While the Fontainebleau Forest is about an hour outside of Paris, the hike through Franchard’s Gorges is definitely worth the car ride. Best known for the breathtaking views along the trail as well as the lush greenery and interesting formations you will see throughout the forest, this trail is great for all skill levels. The more difficult areas are well marked so those with limitations know where to stop or which part of the trail is easiest.
Access the trail along the A6 highway and exit near Auxerre at the Fontainebleau exit and follow signs to the Franchard trailhead. Stop along the way and check out Ermites’ Fountain, Ermites-de-Franchard’s Well, the Jockey’s Hat, and the Roche-Qui-Pleure. You will also hike past the oldest religious temple in the forest, the Franchard Priory.
La Petite Ceinture du 12th Arrondissement
Length: 19.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Location: 12th Arrondissement
This great trail is accessible from 21 Rue Rottembourg and actually runs along the Petite Ceinture or the Little Ring Road with is an old train track that winds through Paris and is just under 20 miles long. The train track was one of the main tracks from 1869 until 1934 when it was replaced by the metro and other more efficient public transportation options.
Today, the area around the tracks has been turned into a fantastic green space for everyone to enjoy. With over 200 different plant species growing near the old tracks and over 70 different animal species, you will feel like you have stepped out of the city and into the untamed countryside. While some parts are easy to hike, there are several sections that are moderate to difficult to pass through.
Sentier Nature du 16 eme
Length: 1.05 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Boulevard de Beauséjour
Grab some friends and plan on trekking along the Sentier Nature du 16 eme where you will be able to commune with nature without having to even leave the city. Head over to Boulevard de Beauséjour and the Sentier trailhead.
You can choose to walk the entire trail or just explore specific sections. Either way, you will find plenty to see. Bring along your camera so you can post some fantastic photos to social media. Plan to spend an hour, or maybe two, depending on how fast you hike and what grabs your attention.
Nemours to Souppes-sur-Loing
Length: 11.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Nemours
Located outside of Paris, this trail goes from station to station; from Nemours to Souppes-sur-Loing along the Rochers Verts where you will meander through a lush, green valley and through park-like lands. The trailhead is accessible by taking the RER B and getting off at Bures-sur-Yvette.
Plan on taking at least five hours to fully hike this trail, it may take you longer if you are not used to walking so far. You can also explore the City of Nemours. If you are more adventurous, you can even try your hand at rock climbing and feel the exhilaration as you rappel down the rocky cliffs.
Haute Vallée de Chevreuse
Length: 28 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional National Park
Ride the Transilien train line N and disembark at the Gare du Perray station, which is about 45 minutes outside of Paris. This hiking trail is not for the faint of heart as it winds through the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse National Park and it is perfect for those who love strolling through the forest.
Expect to spend at least ten hours hiking along this 28-mile trail. You will make your way through the upper valley and enjoy panoramic views of the entire park. The trailhead begins near Perray pond and takes you past Ru des Vaux and the Vaux de Cernay Abbey. It's important to note this trail goes one way. Bring adequate food, water and supplies, and two cars because it is not a loop.
Provins
Length: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Provins
While not a typical wilderness hike, spending time strolling through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Provins, should still be considered one of the best hikes in Paris. The walled city of Provins dates back to medieval times and is great for people of all ages. Provins is only about an hour outside of Paris and is a picturesque easy to moderate hike.
Meander through the ramparts and explore the different historic sites throughout the countryside. You can easily spend most of the day on a medieval stroll through Provins. You may even visit during one of the towns many medieval fairs and that makes for a fun and exciting day of hiking through the countryside and exploring the village.
Alsace (Parc Naturel Regional des Vosges du Nord)
Length: 4.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Location: Parc Naturel Regional des Vosges du Nord
This picturesque hike is of moderate difficulty and runs from Bergheim to Riquewihr. Along the way, you will pass medieval and historic towns, some dating back to the 13th century. The quaint village of Mittelwihr is on the path. It is filled with charming houses and almond orchards. There are also several great hiking trails leading off from Mittelwihr ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.
Stroll through the Parc Naturel Regional des Vosges du Nord, where these small Alsatian villages are located. The entire area is listed as a UNESCO historic site and really should not be missed. There are a few tricky spots along the trail, but overall an interesting hike through the Alsace countryside. This hiking trail is about four hours from Paris but if you are looking for an amazing weekend hiking trip outside of Paris, this is the place to go.
Easy Hikes In Paris
Take the chance to get out of the city and check out some of the amazing trails that are just a short distance away. Easy hikes near Paris are great for those looking for a shorter, easier path to take on. Those new to hiking should look at these interesting trails.
Bois de Vincennes
Provins
Sentier Nature du 16 eme
Intermediate Hikes In Paris
It is pretty easy to find hiking trails near Paris that are moderately difficult, giving you a good workout. Intermediate hikes are generally longer than the easier trails and the terrain is also a bit rougher. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes and take a small pack with you that includes sunscreen, water, and a first aid kit. Check out these intermediate hikes.
Remembrance Circuit
GR1 Segment 1
Gorges de Franchard
Difficult Hikes In Paris
Experienced hikers will look for more difficult trails and one of the most difficult hiking trails in Europe is not far from Paris; the GR20 Trail is an extremely difficult trail full of steep climbs, overgrown trails, and rugged terrain. You may want to try it one day! Be prepared when taking on a difficult trail by bringing along a pack with the essentials. Here are three difficult hikes near Paris for experienced hikers to explore.
La Petite Ceinture du 12th Arrondissement
Haute Vallée de Chevreuse
Alsace (Parc Naturel Regional des Vosges du Nord)
Les beaux Villages de France
Not every hiker has the skills to take on the Pyrenees Mountains or the spectacular Mont Blanc. Still, there are treks for every level in the Paris region. Even rock climbers can find a spot to test their knowledge near the City of Lights!
Discover routes with easy access and those that may involve planning and road trips. No matter if the highest peak is your goal or just a light trek for fresh air, the best hikes in Paris are just around the corner!
