The best running trails around Paris

Paris offers a surprisingly varied landscape for runners. You'll find extensive woodlands like the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, providing natural trails and a true escape from the city. Additionally, there are numerous urban parks such as the Luxembourg Gardens and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, offering flat paths, gentle inclines, and even challenging hills. The banks of the Seine River also provide iconic, mostly flat paths through the heart of the city.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement is known for its varied topography, including 1,001 slopes, hills, and stairs, making it ideal for interval training. While many routes in central Paris are relatively flat, the extensive woodlands like Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes can also offer more undulating terrain.

Absolutely. The Bois de Vincennes, for example, is the city's largest park and features extensive greenery with options for long runs up to 15 kilometers on mostly flat terrain. The Bois de Boulogne also offers vast woodlands with numerous trails suitable for longer distances. For a unique experience, the Canal de l'Ourcq provides a pleasant, extended running path along its banks.

Many of Paris's parks are excellent for family runs. The Luxembourg Gardens offers flat, soft paths in a beautiful setting, perfect for a relaxed run with children. The Jardin des Tuileries also provides wide avenues and a 2.6-kilometer loop that is easy to navigate. These parks often have amenities and open spaces for families to enjoy.

Running along the banks of the Seine River is an iconic choice, offering views of major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Musée D'Orsay. The Champ de Mars, directly in front of the Eiffel Tower, provides a flat, open green space with unparalleled views of the landmark.

Yes, many parks in Paris offer well-defined circular routes. The Luxembourg Gardens features a 2-kilometer loop, while Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has a 2.1 km periphery loop with elevation changes. Parc Monceau offers a 1-kilometer loop, suitable for quick sessions. These loops make it easy to track your distance and return to your starting point.

Paris has an excellent public transport system. Major parks like the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are easily accessible by metro and RER. Central parks such as the Luxembourg Gardens, Jardin des Tuileries, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are also well-served by various metro lines, making it convenient to reach your preferred running spot.

Yes, the Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte René-Dumont) offers a unique elevated greenway built on former railway tracks, providing a peaceful and different perspective of the city. It's about 4-5 kilometers long and lined with trees and flowerbeds. The banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq also provide a less green but delightful alternative for a pleasant run.

Many running spots in Paris, especially the larger parks, are equipped with drinking fountains, which are very useful on warmer days. While some parks like Champ de Mars are open 24/7, most other parks and gardens have specific opening and closing hours, so it's good to check in advance, especially if you plan an early morning or late evening run.

Runners often praise the incredible variety of landscapes available within an urban setting, from the serene woodlands of Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes to the iconic city views along the Seine River. The accessibility of these green spaces via public transport and the presence of amenities like drinking fountains are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, several routes offer access to interesting sights. For instance, the Lower Piedmont Overlook – Upper Piedmont Overlook loop from Ashby Gap can bring you close to the Upper Piedmont Overlook. Another route, the Waterfall – Buzzard Hill viewpoint loop from Ashby Gap, is near the Buzzard Hill viewpoint. These offer great spots to pause and take in the scenery.

There are over 9 jogging routes detailed in this guide for the Paris region, catering to various fitness levels. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every runner.

A popular moderate-difficulty option is the Running loop from Sky Meadows State Park. This 6.5 km (4.0 miles) path typically takes about 51 minutes to complete and includes a moderate climb of over 150 meters, offering a good workout without being overly strenuous.