Set off from the
Bassin de la Villette for this pretty
bike ride to the
Parc de la Poudrerie in Sevran: with
around 30 km round trip on the clock and virtually no change in altitude, the ride is accessible to all levels. You'll pass through Pantin, past the city's famous
Magasins Généraux, Bobigny along the
Parc de la Bergère,
Aulnay-sous-Bois and the pretty suburban town of
Pavillons-sous-Bois...
Along the way, you'll follow the course of the canal and its varied landscapes, sometimes very green, sometimes more urban. To be honest, the stretch between Pantin and Noisy-le-Sec isn't the prettiest, but once you've passed it, you'll be in for a complete change of scene as you cycle along the greenest part of the Canal de l'Ourcq, lined with tall trees and cosy little pavilions.
Just a few more kilometers of pedaling and you're in the
Parc de la Poudrerie. It's up to you to explore the paths of this little-known park by bike or on foot: as a family, we love the
climbing wall and the great
children's playground. If it's time for a
picnic, why not take a seat at one of the wooden tables provided, just a stone's throw from the
refreshment area (where you can eat, drink coffee, have a snack...). Afterwards, it's time to take a stroll (on foot or by bike) and discover the
remains of the 19th-century poudrerie: don't miss the
Maurouard pavilion and the Cartoucherie!
If the
Musée de la Poudrerie is open, it's a good opportunity to visit it too, to learn more about the park's industrial past. Before leaving, cross the small bridge over the
Canal de l'Ourcq to discover
the Bois de la Tussion, which is wilder than the park, but perfect for a stroll or even a
game of pétanque !
Then it's back to La Villette, taking exactly the same route as on the outward journey: in around 15 km, you'll be there! For a great ride, accessible to beginners or non-athletes, this bike tour is perfect!
