What if we hiked from Paris?

 

 

Spring is back, bathing Paris and its surroundings in soft light and blooming nature. It's the perfect season to lace up your hiking shoes and explore trails that blend history, art, and enchanting landscapes. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual Sunday walker, the Paris region offers a variety of routes suited to all preferences. Let yourself be guided through these eight hikes that will make you rediscover the capital and its surroundings in a whole new light.

 

 

 

 

ROYAL GETAWAY
from Paris to Versailles

Distance: 13 km

Access from Paris: Departure from Porte de Saint-Cloud.

This hike is ideal for regular walkers looking to connect the capital to the majestic Château de Versailles. The route begins in the heart of Saint-Cloud Park, offering a panoramic view of Paris before leading into the Fausses-Reposes forest. Shaded trails will guide you to the famous gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece by Le Nôtre. Immerse yourself in royal history while enjoying the tranquility of the green pathways.

Starting point: Saint-Cloud Park, accessible from the "Boulogne - Pont de Saint-Cloud" metro station (line 10).

Main stages:

• Cross the park towards the Château Terrace for a breathtaking view of Paris.
• Follow the GR1 trail into the Fausses-Reposes forest.
• Follow the red and white markings through the forest, passing by the Ville-d’Avray ponds.
• Continue towards the Versailles estate, entering through the Queen’s Gate.

End point: Versailles Gardens.

Our tip: Plan a break at the Ville-d’Avray ponds to admire the landscapes that inspired the painter Corot.

 

FOLLOW THE PAINTERS
in the heart of the Oise valley

Distance: 13 km

Access from Paris: Line H of the Transilien from Gare du Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise.

Follow in the footsteps of the masters of Impressionism with this hike starting in Auvers-sur-Oise. This picturesque village inspired artists such as Dupré, Daubigny, and Pissarro. The trail takes you through charming villages like Valmondois and Butry-sur-Oise, following the peaceful banks of the Oise River. Reproductions of famous paintings line the route, allowing you to compare current landscapes with iconic works—an artistic immersion in nature!

Starting point: Auvers-sur-Oise Station.

Main stages:

• Visit the Notre-Dame Church in Auvers, immortalized by Van Gogh.
• Follow the towpath along the Oise River to Valmondois.
• Cross the village towards Butry-sur-Oise, taking the GR1 trail.
• Return to Auvers-sur-Oise through the fields and orchards that inspired many painters.

End point: Auvers-sur-Oise Station.

Our tip: Don’t miss the Daubigny Museum and Van Gogh's house for a complete immersion in the world of the Impressionists.

 

BETWEEN ROCKS AND PINES
The tour of the Gorges d'Apremont 

Distance: 12 km

Access from Paris: By car, approximately 1 hour drive.

Nestled around sixty kilometers south of Paris, the Fontainebleau Forest is a true paradise for nature lovers. The Denecourt-Colinet trail invites you to immerse yourself completely in the heart of the Gorges d'Apremont, winding between towering sandstone blocks, fragrant pine forests, and breathtaking viewpoints. Don't forget your camera to capture the wild beauty of this unique location!

Starting point: Croix d'Augas parking lot, accessible from D409.

Main steps:

• Follow the marked blue trail (Denecourt-Colinet n°6).
• Pass by the "Roche aux Écrits," famous for its engraved inscriptions.
• Continue toward the "Belvédère de la Reine Amélie," offering a panoramic view of the forest.
• Cross the "Grotte aux Cristaux," a remarkable geological curiosity.

End point: Return to the Croix d'Augas parking lot.

 

THE FAUVETTES VIADUC
A panoramic trail in the heart of nature

Distance: 9 km

Access from Paris: RER B, stop at Bures-sur-Yvette (approximately 45 minutes from Châtelet).

Ready to discover a hidden gem in Essonne? This hike immerses you in lush nature while offering spectacular panoramas. The Viaduc des Fauvettes, an old railway bridge now dedicated to climbing and walks, is the highlight of this route. With its imposing arches and breathtaking views of the valley, this unique place is a true treasure for hikers.

Starting point: Bures-sur-Yvette train station (RER B).

Main stages:

• Take Rue Charles de Gaulle and follow the signs for "Sentier du Viaduc."
• Cross Parc de Bures-sur-Yvette and follow the wooded path along the Yvette river.
• After 2 km, turn left to reach the forest of Gometz-le-Châtel.
• Reach the Viaduc des Fauvettes and take time to admire the view.
• Continue towards the Bel-Air educational farm before returning to the starting point through the forest.

End point: Return to Bures-sur-Yvette train station.

 

ALONG THE BIÈVRE VALLEY
Between nature and heritage

Distance: 20 km

Access from Paris: RER C, departure from Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines to Igny.

This hike follows the course of the Bièvre, a river that was once essential to the dyers and tanners of Paris. This countryside trail, bordered by marshes, meadows, and mills, offers a truly bucolic experience just a few kilometers from the capital.

Starting point: Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines station.

Main steps:

• Join the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Nature Park via GR11.
• Follow the Bièvre River passing by the Vauboyen Mill.
• Cross the Bois de Verrières, a green haven perfect for a stop.
• Reach the town of Igny to admire the Saint-Pierre Church, then return by train to Paris.

End point: Igny station (RER C).

Our advice: Bring a picnic to enjoy a break by the river, in one of the many small spaces set up in the heart of nature.

 

THE CROSSING OF PARIS
From the 20th arrondissement to Montsouris

Distance: 19 km

Access from Paris: Departure from Porte de la Villette, accessible by metro line 7.

What if you hiked through the heart of the capital? This urban hike offers a journey through time across Paris' iconic neighborhoods. From the 20th-century architecture of Buttes-Chaumont to the Haussmannian elegance of the Marais, passing through the bohemian Left Bank and the greenery of Montsouris Park, this route reveals an unusual and surprising Paris.

Starting Point: Porte de la Villette.

Main Steps:

• Start at Parc de la Villette and walk along the Canal de l'Ourcq.
• Climb to Butte Bergeyre, an unknown area with a beautiful view of Montmartre.
• Descend to Belleville to explore its street art and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Cross through the Marais, passing by Place des Vosges and the Saint-Paul district.
• Walk along the Seine, admire Notre-Dame, and get lost in the Latin Quarter's alleys.
• Take a well-deserved break at the Montalembert Hotel's bar, in the lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.
• Finish at Butte aux Cailles and its charming, flower-filled houses.

Ending Point: Parc Montsouris, accessible by RER B.

 

A GREEN ESCAPE
On Saint-Germain island

Distance: 4.5 km

Access from Paris: Tramway T2, stop Issy-Val de Seine.

In Issy-les-Moulineaux, Saint-Germain Island will surprise you with its tranquility and preserved beauty. A true green gem at the heart of the capital, and once a military wasteland, it has been transformed into a departmental park where contemporary artworks, ecological gardens, and peaceful riverbanks come together.

Starting point: Tramway stop Issy-Val de Seine.

Main stages:

• Cross the footbridge to reach the island.
• Start with the Jardin des Découvertes and its many plant species.
• Admire the Tour aux Figures, a monumental sculpture by Jean Dubuffet.
• Stroll along the landscaped riverbanks while observing the local wildlife.
• Explore the neighborhood of architect-designed houses for a glimpse of modern, creative Paris.

End point: Return via the same footbridge to Issy-Val de Seine.

 

Whether you're a fan of long hikes in nature or urban strolls blending heritage and greenery, spring is the perfect season to explore these paths that reveal another side of the capital and its surroundings. So, are you ready to put on your walking shoes and embark on an adventure?