4.5
(564)
3,145
hikers
7
hikes
Urban hiking trails around Forêt d'Écouen offer a varied landscape just north of Paris. The region is characterized by its position on the western and southwestern slopes of a gypsum butte, providing views over the Plaine de France. Hikers can explore wooded areas, agricultural spaces, and wetlands along the Petit Rosne stream. The forest features diverse flora, including beeches, holly, maples, and chestnuts, with numerous pedestrian paths and historical hunting alleys.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.5
(4)
39
hikers
13.8km
03:31
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
6.29km
01:37
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
19
hikers
13.6km
03:28
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
13.2km
03:24
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
5.53km
01:25
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Did you know? You will discover the Ferme des Hautes-Bornes and its domestic animals, the Micheletty circus where shows take place every week, and the fishing ponds.
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Discover the large park in the north of Hauts-de-Seine with its little train, its educational farm, its ponds... The departmental park of Chanteraines is located straddling the communes of Gennevilliers and Villeneuve-la-Garenne. With its 82 hectares of greenery, it is one of the largest in the north of the department. A little secret, find this spot to get a magnificent view of Paris and Île-Saint-Denis.
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From here we have a nice view of the Chanteraines park and its lakes.
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perfect for challenging yourself
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The Parc départemental des Chanteraines, located in the communes of Gennevilliers and Villeneuve-la-Garenne in the north-western suburbs of Paris, is a large green space of 85 hectares that offers a real breath of fresh air close to the capital. Created in the 1970s, the park stretches along the Seine and offers a variety of activities for all ages, in a natural and peaceful setting. The park is divided into several thematic areas, including meadows, woods, lakes and gardens, offering visitors multiple opportunities for relaxation and outdoor recreation. Among the main attractions are the educational farm, which allows children to discover the farm animals, as well as the Train des Chanteraines, a small tourist train that crosses the park. The park is also an ideal place for cycling, jogging, picnics and bird watching. Why visit the Parc départemental des Chanteraines? Nature and relaxation: With its vast meadows, lakes and wooded areas, the park offers a perfect setting for a walk, a picnic or simply to relax away from the noise of the city. Educational farm: This is an ideal place for families, allowing children to discover animals such as sheep, goats, and chickens, while learning about agriculture and nature. Outdoor activities: Whether for jogging, cycling, or simply a stroll, the park has many well-appointed paths and cycle paths, offering varied routes. Train des Chanteraines: This little tourist train, popular with families, allows you to tour the park in a fun way and offers a beautiful view of the different areas of the park. Biodiversity: The park is home to a diverse fauna and flora, making it an excellent place for bird watching and discovering nature. The Chanteraines Departmental Park is a true oasis of greenery and tranquility in the suburbs of Paris, offering a multitude of leisure and nature discovery activities for families, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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In a region where the terrain is fairly flat, any climb and viewpoint is welcome! Take the opportunity to take photos of the pond.
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The park of the Hauts-de-Seine department was created in 1975. For athletes, it offers a nature health course with 33 pieces of equipment distributed in all sectors of the park, which makes this course the largest health course offered in French departmental parks but also the largest in Europe.
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This Gennevilliers park allows for a nature break with its valleys, groves and lawns. Its name comes from the green frogs (tree frogs) which were found here in numbers in the past.
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There are 8 urban hiking trails around Forêt d'Écouen, offering a variety of experiences for different fitness levels. These routes range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes near the forest.
Yes, several easy urban hikes are available. For a pleasant and accessible option, consider the Lake Enghien – Lake Enghien-les-Bains loop from Enghien-les-Bains. This route offers gentle terrain and scenic views, perfect for a relaxed outing. Another easy option is the Hiking loop from Saint-Gratien.
Urban hikes near Forêt d'Écouen offer a blend of natural and semi-urban landscapes. You'll find wooded areas, agricultural spaces, and wetlands along the Petit Rosne stream. The region is situated on a gypsum butte, providing commanding views over the Plaine de France, and features diverse flora like beeches, holly, and ancient oak trees.
Yes, many of the urban trails around Forêt d'Écouen are designed as circular routes, making them convenient for exploration. Examples include the Chanteraines Lookout loop from Épinay - Villetaneuse and the Lake Enghien – Lake Enghien-les-Bains loop from Saint-Gratien, allowing you to start and end your journey at the same point.
The region is rich in history. The most prominent attraction is the historic Château d'Écouen, which houses the National Museum of the Renaissance. Its park borders the forest, and from the château's panorama, you can enjoy magnificent views over the Plaine de France. Some trails may also pass by historical hunting alleys or features like the 'Porte du Pré Curé,' a stone wall that once marked the estate's boundary.
The komoot community highly rates the urban hiking experience around Forêt d'Écouen, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the blend of natural beauty and historical sites, the well-maintained paths, and the refreshing escape from city life that these trails provide.
Yes, the Forêt d'Écouen area is well-connected to Paris, making it accessible by public transport. You can reach the region by train, typically via the Transilien H line from Gare du Nord to Écouen-Ézanville station, which is a convenient starting point for many trails. Specific routes may have different access points, so checking individual tour details is recommended.
Absolutely. The forest is situated on a gypsum butte, offering excellent vantage points. From the Château d'Écouen, you can enjoy panoramic views over the vast Plaine de France. Additionally, some trails feature spots like the 'Carrefour de Luat' and a wooden staircase leading to views of a green theater, providing picturesque moments during your hike.
Forêt d'Écouen is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for urban hiking. In spring, the forest bursts with new growth and vibrant colors, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer provides lush greenery, though it can be warmer, and winter offers a serene, quiet atmosphere, especially after a light snowfall.
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, routes like the Chanteraines Lookout – Étang de Pêche loop from Épinay-sur-Seine offer a moderate difficulty level and cover a greater distance, allowing for a more extended exploration of the urban fringes and natural areas.

