Looking for a breath of fresh air and breathtaking scenery, without going too far from Paris? Then this article is for you! We've put together a selection of the 13 most beautiful and varied walks around the capital. Whether you're a Sunday walker or a seasoned hiker, there's something for everyone. From mysterious forests to panoramic views and historic routes, every itinerary promises adventure. So lace up your boots and get ready to explore the hidden treasures just outside Paris! Check out ourtop 10 destinations for great hiking!
1- Meudon-Val-fleuri loop - Forêt de Meudon
The Boucle Meudon-Val-fleuri hike in the Forêt de Meudon is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris without going too far afield. With its 14.6 km of trails, this hike offers a great opportunity to connect with nature. The route, which lasts around 4.5 hours, is classified as of medium difficulty, offering a good balance between physical challenge and walking pleasure. From the moment you set off from Meudon-Val-fleuri station, accessible by RER, you'll be immersed in a calm, soothing world. The Meudon forest, with its ponds and wooded areas, is also a great spot for picnics.
2- The Bièvre Valley
With a route of around 18.7 km, this day trip is perfect for those looking to escape the city and take a deep breath of fresh air. In just 35 minutes by train, you're transported to another world, where lush green meadows and the gentle murmur of water create an idyllic setting for walking and rejuvenation. This hike, accessible to all thanks to its moderate difficulty, will take you through varied parks and peaceful waterways, with picturesque views at every turn. It's the perfect opportunity to switch off, admire the local flora and fauna, and enjoy life's simple pleasures to the full. So don't hesitate to follow the course of the Bièvre for a memorable adventure in the heart of nature!
3- From Paris to Versailles by Nature
The "From Paris to Versailles by Nature" hike is a real adventure for those who want to combine business with pleasure: get some exercise while discovering enchanting landscapes. This 18.7 km itinerary starts in the Bois de Boulogne, one of Paris's green lungs, and takes you all the way to the prestigious Château de Versailles. The walk lasts an average of 5.5 hours and is classified as of medium difficulty, making it accessible to most walkers. The route takes you through remarkable sites such as the Parc Edmond de Rothschild and the Parc de Saint-Cloud, offering exceptional views and an immersion in nature. It's a unique way to link two of the most emblematic places in the Paris region, while enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the natural areas you pass through. Prepare yourself for a memorable experience, combining culture, history and nature.
4- Moulin de Noisement and Etang de la Vallière
On an easy 11.9 km route, this 4-hour walk is perfect for those looking to get away from it all in the Vexin Regional Nature Park, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the moment you arrive in Chars, which is accessible by train, you'll be immersed in a bucolic setting where historic heritage meets unspoilt nature. The Moulin de Noisement, although no longer in use, bears witness to a rich past and adds a picturesque touch to your walk. L'Étang de la Vallière, meanwhile, offers a peaceful setting ideal for a picnic break or simply to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Between listed woods and flower-filled villages, this hike is a wonderful way to discover the beauty and diversity of the Île-de-France landscape.
5- Circuit des 25 Bosses
The Circuit des 25 Bosses is an emblematic hike for challengers looking for a real physical challenge close to Paris. Located in the Trois Pignons forest, this 15.4 km course offers a series of climbs and descents that challenge endurance and agility. With a cumulative vertical drop of 476 meters, this hike is classified as difficult and is therefore aimed at experienced hikers keen to test their limits. The reward? Breathtaking forest scenery and, halfway up, an exceptional panorama of the surrounding forest. Allow around 4h30 for the walk, but be prepared to spend a little longer if you want to take full advantage of the views and nature. Pack water and snacks, and embark on the 25 Bosses adventure for a memorable experience.
6- The Caps d'Opale via the GR120
Discovering the Caps d'Op ale via the GR120 is a wonderful escape along one of France's most magnificent coastlines. This long-distance hike takes you through 175 km of breathtaking scenery, from the Belgian border to Berck Plage. In just two hours from Paris, you'll be immersed in a setting where the sea meets cliffs, dunes and wildly beautiful nature reserves. The wind, your travelling companion, sculpts the landscape and refreshes your thoughts. The route can be completed in several stages, giving you the opportunity to discover the ecological wealth and variety of panoramas of the Côte d'Opale at your own pace. From Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, nuggets of the region, you may evencatch a glimpse of the English coast on a clear day. This is both a physical and sensory adventure, ideal for lovers of nature and wide open spaces.
7-The Bossapas
The Bossapas is a sporty hike that challenges the challengers, with 33 km of trails and 1,100 meters of positive elevation gain, all at the gateway to Paris, in the Hauts-de-Seine department. This itinerary is a real adventure in the forests of Meudon, Clamart and Fausses-Reposes, offering an exceptional playground for those seeking to outdo themselves. Just 35 minutes from Paris, you'll find yourself immersed in a natural setting, where every climb rewards you with splendid views and a sense of accomplishment. Bossapas is designed to test your endurance and perseverance, while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Paris region. Whether you decide to take on the challenge in one day or savor it over a shorter course, this hike invites you to discover your body's unsuspected capacities and reconnect with nature.
8- Tour des Gorges d'Apremont
Accessible and pleasant, this 12 km hike, with a modest ascent of 168 m, is perfect for a day of exploration. Starting from the parking lot at Les Platières d'Apremont, you'll venture along paths that slalom between impressive rock formations and peaceful valleys, immersing you in this exceptional natural setting. The forest of Fontainebleau is revealed in all its splendor, with a rich flora and diverse fauna that will awaken your sense of adventure. The breathtaking views over the "âpres monts" ofApremont will take your breath away, making this hike a must for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Just an hour and a half from Paris, prepare to be enchanted by the wild beauty and tranquility of this magical place.
9- Nemours loop
The Boucle de Nemours is a hike that perfectly combines interesting discoveries with moderate physical effort. Over a distance of 8 km, accessible in around 1h50 of walking, this great loop takes you to the heart of the Rocher Vert forest, at the gateway to the Fontainebleau massif. From the start at Bois du Crot du Loup, the route is a sporty one, winding through sandy paths and offering breathtaking views over the Nemours countryside. The route is dotted with spectacular rock formations, such as the famous Rocher du Bibendum and the Tête de Singe, which capture the imagination of hikers. The Boucle de Nemours is ideal for those seeking both accessible physical activity and the opportunity to reconnect with nature.
10- Gorges de Franchard hike, Fontainebleau
The Gorges de Franchard hike, located in the famous Fontainebleau massif, invites you to discover one of the forest's most emblematic and captivating landscapes. Over an 8 km route, accessible in around 3 hours' walking, this hike offers a perfect blend of nature, history and physical challenge, with an ascent of 264 meters. The Gorges de Franchard are famous for their rock formations, pools and panoramic views. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a day's adventure, hiking the Gorges de Franchard promises unforgettable moments and a lifetime of memories.
11- Massif de la Dame Jouanne at Larchant
This 9 km circuit, with a 300 m difference in altitude, offers a 3-hour walk through one of the most famous sites in the Fontainebleau forest. The Dame Jouanne, standing proudly at a height of 15 metres, dominates the landscape and offers an impressive natural spectacle that attracts hikers and climbers alike. Following in the footsteps of the GR13, you'll cross a sandstone chaos, from the Marais de Larchant to the famous Rocher de l'Éléphant. This hike is a window onto a world where nature reigns supreme, with its fascinating rock formations and rich biodiversity. The Massif de la Dame Jouanne is undoubtedly one of those ideal destinations for disconnecting, exploring and recharging your batteries.
12- The Vexin Express
The Vexin Express is an adventure that takes you to the heart of the Parc naturel régional du Vexin, an area of greenery andhistory just an hour from Paris. This 57.7 km hike, spread over 2 or 3 days, is a real immersion in the diversity of the Vexin landscape. Accessible to all levels, it promises an experience rich in discovery, with passages over limestone cliffs, troglodytic caves, and picturesque villages with castles and old bell towers. The Vexin Express is not just a hike, it's an invitation to travel back in time, reconnect with nature and appreciate the tranquil beauty of this unspoilt region. This crossing offers a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, with the possibility of staying in gîtes or camping in the heart of inspiring landscapes.
13- Grande Traversée des Calanques
The Grande Traversée des Calanques is a spectacular hike that gives you the opportunity to discover the natural wonders of southern France, between Marseille and Cassis. Over two days, this 32 km route takes you through breathtaking landscapes of sea, cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, with a positive altitude difference of 1300 meters. This adventure is perfect for hikers with a good level of fitness looking to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the Calanques. From swimming in the turquoise waters to contemplative pauses in front of breathtaking views, the Grande Traversée des Calanques promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready for a weekend of exploration, wonder and rewarding physical effort that will live long in your memory. Book your guided guided cruise in the Parc des Calanques !
Want to discover other hiking spots in France? We recommend our selection of must-do hikes in the Pyrenees or the Alps! If you'd rather leave the continent behind, take a look at our top hikes in Réunion Island!
Where to walk in the Paris region?
The Paris region is full of superb places where you can enjoy beautiful walks and hikes. Here are a few suggestions of places to walk in the Paris region:
- Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes: These two vast wooded areas offer numerous paths, lakes, gardens and relaxation areas for a nature getaway right in the heart of Paris.
- Parc de la Villette: This urban park offers lush green spaces, picturesque canals and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a stroll or picnic.
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Nestled in the 19th arrondissement, this park offers winding paths, waterfalls, caves and panoramic views.
Where to go hiking in the Paris region?
The Île-de-France region offers many options for hiking and walking in the great outdoors. Here are a few popular places where you can enjoy superb hiking trails:
- Forêt de Fontainebleau: Famous for its sandstone rocks and picturesque landscapes, this forest is one of the region's gems for hiking enthusiasts.
- Forêt de Rambouillet: This forest offers a variety of trails through woods, ponds and historic sites such as the Château de Rambouillet.
- Parc naturel régional du Vexin français: Between the Île-de-France and Normandy regions, this park offers trails through rural landscapes and picturesque villages.
Where to go hiking in autumn?
Autumn is a wonderful time for hiking, thanks to the shimmering colors of the leaves and the cooler temperatures. Here are a few places in the Paris region where you can enjoy superb autumn hikes:
- Forêt de Fontainebleau: Autumn leaves add a splash of color to the rocky, wooded landscapes of this forest, making it a must-see destination for autumn.
- Forêt de Rambouillet: Sparkling ponds and tree-lined paths offer a magical atmosphere in autumn.
- Parc naturel régional du Vexin français: The valleys and hills of this region take on warm hues in autumn, creating picturesque panoramas.
