Hiking & Trekking in Paris

Paris isn’t just about cafés and museums, you know. If you step away from the typical city streets, you can actually find some pretty refreshing hiking and walking routes. The Bois de Vincennes on the east side is a favorite spot,I often jog around Lac Daumesnil there. It’s huge, with winding paths, quiet spots by the water, and some unexpected moments of calm just outside the city’s buzz.

The Promenade Plantée is another good bet, especially if you want to wander over old railway tracks 20 feet above the street. It’s not exactly a mountain trek, but the blend of greenery and urban views makes it feel like a little hike through Paris itself. And you don’t have to go far for a more serious trek either, places like the Forest of Fontainebleau are just a quick train ride away. It’s where locals escape on weekends to hike among massive boulders and dense trees.

One tip: go early or late spring when the weather isn’t too hot, and you’ll catch wildflowers along the edges on many trails,much nicer than the crowded summer months. Don’t forget good shoes, and maybe grab a picnic before heading out; trust me, there’s nothing like stopping at a grassy spot inside the Bois de Boulogne with a baguette and some cheese.