Who says city dwellers can't enjoy their bikes? Certainly not us! Paris is full of lovely spots for a pleasant ride on a bicycle or mountain bike. Alone, as a couple or with your children, discover Parisian walks that are out of the ordinary, with these 13 places suitable for bike rides.
1. Take a bike ride along the quays of the Seine
Whether you're a Parisian or just a visitor, the quays of the Seine are a must if you want to relax in Paris! With their relaxed atmosphere, houseboats and small restaurants, they offer a gentle interlude in this city that never stops. There are several pleasant cycling routes along the banks of the Seine. The bravest can take on the full 14 km loop.
You alternate smoothly between the right and left banks, passing several points of interest:
- parc de Bercy,
- parc André Citroën,
- Notre-Dame,
- The Louvre,
- the Eiffel Tower (of course!), etc.
If the walk is good for tourists, it's equally good for Parisian families looking for a bit of exercise.
2. A long bike ride around Paris
When we say "around Paris ", we really mean it! We invite you to follow the Maréchaux route around the city. You're off on a 48 km loop. This itinerary can be followed over a weekend in Paris, with a stopover in a hotel halfway along the way. You'll pass two famous Parisian landmarks along the way: the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne.
3. Admire Paris' landmarks by bike
The loop is a little smaller... but still requires some serious pedaling! You're off on a 20 km tour of the capital. Because of the dangers of city traffic, this tour is not recommended for children. Various arrondissements will be crossed, giving you the chance toadmire Paris' main monuments and places of interest. The Louvre is one of the highlights of this bike tour, as are the superb Champs-Élysées. Continue on to the Trocadero, the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides, to name but a few.
4. The Coulée Verte South of Paris by bike
Head for Massy, to finally see some greenery. Yes, yes, it's possible in Paris! From Place de la Catalogne, follow the Coulée Verte Sud to Massy-Verrières station. It's a really pleasant and relaxing walk in the heart of nature. The 13 km walk offers a pleasant escape from the heart of the City of Light. The route has been specially designed for pedestrians and cyclists, so you won't have to zigzag between cars. Don't hesitate to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
5. A bike ride from Paris to Versailles
Approximately 19 km long, this bike ride will take you through some beautiful scenery and points of interest. You start your cycle tour at Porte Maillot, then head for the Bois de Boulogne, which you'll cross. This tree-lined, bucolic ride is ideal for families. Your route continues through the Parc de Saint-Cloud and the heart of the Fausses-Reposes forest. A little more courage and you'll arrive at Versailles! If the ride has been a little long, we recommend that you spend the night in a nearby hotel, so that the next day you can take one of the 20 cycling routes around the château and its gardens.
6. Take to the bike paths around Versailles
Now that you've rested up, it's time to set off on one of Paris's finest cycling tours! There are plenty of cycle paths around this jewel of French heritage. The superb gardens of Le Nôtre await your astonished gaze. Stop for a moment to contemplate them... Today, you take your time. The Cour des Senteurs, the Jardin des Antiquaires and many other wonders punctuate your discovery tour. No doubt you'll want to come back later to visit France's most emblematic château!
7. Cycling in Paris: from the historic center to Montmartre
Ahhh... Montmartre and its Sacré-Coeur Basilica! For visitors to Paris, this is a great opportunity to see some of the city's most beautiful buildings. You'll set off from the historic center of Paris, passing by Notre-Dame, the Pantheon and, of course, the Sacré-Coeur. Along the way, you can admire the Champs-Élysées and the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. We told you you'd be touring the capital's must-see sights!
The icing on the cake: you finish your tour in Montmartre, one of the most romantic places in Paris. In fact, it's one of the most popular places for young lovers to plan a successful date!
8. The Canal de l'Ourcq, for an escapist interlude
Start your bike ride in the Parc de la Villette (yes, the same one as on your Monopoly board...). From there, you can follow the course of the Canal de l'Ourcq on a beautiful cycle path. The terrain is flat, as is often the case in Paris, and well signposted. Your walk begins in Paris, and extends into the inner suburbs. Between city and country, you pass through changing landscapes, including the Parc forestier de la Poudrerie. The entire route covers some twenty kilometers, but can be interrupted at any time to return by bike or public transport.
9. Discover the banks of the Marne by bike
The banks of the Marne also boast a beautiful cycle path, much appreciated by Parisians. You'll ride your two-wheeler through a green setting nestled in the city, stopping from time to time for a drink or to contemplate the scenery.
The entire cycle path is almost 35 km long. Sporty adults can complete it in around 3 hours. But we advise you to take your time, admiring the sights at your own pace. If you live in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, Noisy-le-Grand or Joinville-le-Pont, you'll be able to reach the cycle path in just a few pedal strokes.
10. Discover the Bois de Vincennes on your two wheels
Parisians love the Bois de Vincennes for the change of scenery it offers. Nestled in an inviting green space, it's the perfect place for walkers and cyclists alike. Along the way, you'll come across :
- lac Daumesnil,
- the Grande Pagode,
- the Paris Zoological Park,
- the tropical agronomy garden,
- the Parc Floral.
For those who don't know it yet, this outing is also an opportunity to discover the Château de Vincennes. Away from city life, the walk is ideal for families looking for an outdoor activity to do with children.
11. The wonders of Chantilly by bike
Chantilly is another castle you can visit on a bike tour. Don't hesitate to visit the town itself, which is rich in history. During your little tour, you'll have the chance to see, among other things:
- notre-Dame de l'Assomption church,
- the Bois-Saint-Denis,
- the mills and locks lined with André Le Nôtre's creations.
The surrounding villages also offer a particularly charming setting for a bike ride. You'll ride between forests and towns, villages and castles: surely one of the best bike rides around Paris! If you're planning a two-day trip, we recommend you pull up to the medieval city of Senlis.
12. Domaine de Saint-Cloud, a nature getaway on the outskirts of town
This short ride takes less than an hour. Perfectly suited to families, the Domaine de Saint-Cloud features an easy bicycle path. This 460-hectare park was also designed by Le Nôtre. Your outing could also include a visit to the Château de Saint-Cloud museum, set up on the site of the former château, now demolished.
In the heart of this exceptional park in Paris, there's no shortage of points of interest:
- a superb view of Paris,
- the Franconi circus, and a Guignol show,
- the Piqueur educational farm,
- évasion Verte's tree courses.
If you don't have a bike with you, there are bicycle rental companies on site.
13. From Colombes to the banks of the Seine by mountain bike
We start in the suburbs of Paris, as your route begins in Colombes. You pass through Nanterre and Rueil-Malmaison, following a signposted path. As you cycle along the Seine, you'll find yourself in a relaxed atmosphere. The area is relatively uncrowded, making the outing all the more enjoyable. At one point, take the Pont de Chatou, passing over the Île des Impressionnistes... It's a pleasant ride to take on a romantic trip to Paris. The route follows a loop that allows you to follow the Seine from one bank to the other, returning to your starting point.
After all that, you'll have earned a spot on a rooftop with a drink and a panoramic view of the river!
A bike ride is a great way to introduce your children to Paris during a stay in the capital. Your two-wheeler allows you to discover the city in a different way from running between two metro stations. The Parisian dolce vita exists, you just have to take the time to enjoy what's around you... There are many beautiful places in Paris just waiting to be discovered by your mountain bike or bicycle. Are you tempted?
