Where to walk in Paris and Ile-de-France? The best hikes for a change of scenery

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Updated on September 23, 2025 at 09:26 a.m. · Published on April 19, 2019 at 02:39 p.m.
Feel like going for a hike or a walk just with your Navigo pass? There is no lack of long walks in the capital or in the vast Ile-de-France region, here is a selection of our favorites!

What could be better than a walk in the fresh air just outside Paris ? Whether the weather's fine or grey, it's always a real pleasure to get out into the fresh air and enjoy a nice hike to get away from the capital and recharge your batteries! Thanks to the Navigo Pass, 100% natural hikes are accessible to you, on foot or by train, less than an hour from Paris! What's more, some walks can even take place in the city, on unusual themes.

And yes! If we tend to forget it, there are still a few irreducible forests and magnificent parks to discover throughout theIle-de-France region. And let us reassure you: they are much less crowded than the intramural parks. Some lovely walks are even more accessible than these crowded green spaces, and take even less time to get to.

Welcome adventures and getaways close to home, where you can breathe in fresh air and walk through stunning forests or along the water's edge. Whatever the season, you're sure to find something to suit your physical abilities! Many of these walks in the Paris region are accessible to all, so all you have to do is go at your own pace! Come on, let's discover some unlikely landscapes just a few kilometers from Paris!

Ready to choose your day's hike?

La Route Eiffel, une randonnée équestre  Paris La Route Eiffel, une randonnée équestre  Paris La Route Eiffel, une randonnée équestre  Paris La Route Eiffel, une randonnée équestre  Paris The Eiffel Route 2026: an exceptional horseback ride in Paris and Rambouillet
During Paris Eiffel Jumping, horses will once again invade the capital for the Route Eiffel, an equestrian trail ride through the heart of the city. See you from June 19 to 21, 2026, in the heart of Paris, and two days earlier in Rambouillet! [Read more]

Balade sur la Petite Ceinture du 17e : la promenade PereireBalade sur la Petite Ceinture du 17e : la promenade PereireBalade sur la Petite Ceinture du 17e : la promenade PereireBalade sur la Petite Ceinture du 17e : la promenade Pereire Walks along the Petite Ceinture in Paris, for strolls in the heart of nature
Have you heard of the Petite Ceinture? This abandoned 32-kilometer railway line encircles Paris and offers pretty green spaces, increasingly open to the public, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Shall we go for a walk off the beaten track? [Read more]

Randonnées à Paris : les deux parcours des "Rando dans le vent" de l'été 2021Randonnées à Paris : les deux parcours des "Rando dans le vent" de l'été 2021Randonnées à Paris : les deux parcours des "Rando dans le vent" de l'été 2021Randonnées à Paris : les deux parcours des "Rando dans le vent" de l'été 2021 GR15: the 10 stages of the great hike along the banks of the Marne in Ile-de-France
From Paris to Château-Thierry, come and walk the brand new Grande Randonnée, the GR15 and its 10 stages, for a walk along the banks of the Marne in the heart of nature. [Read more]

Paris-Rambouillet à pied - nos photos - D75E4A73 64B0 4B6E 98CC EE1F139AD148Paris-Rambouillet à pied - nos photos - D75E4A73 64B0 4B6E 98CC EE1F139AD148Paris-Rambouillet à pied - nos photos - D75E4A73 64B0 4B6E 98CC EE1F139AD148Paris-Rambouillet à pied - nos photos - D75E4A73 64B0 4B6E 98CC EE1F139AD148 From Paris to Rambouillet (78) on foot: the great itinerant trek on the paths of Compostela
Paris, a stage on the famous route to Santiago de Compostela? You'd better believe it. At least, it's possible to walk on one of the paths of this mythical itinerary and enjoy a beautiful hike through the Île-de-France region: we've tested it for you, and we'll tell you all about it. [Read more]

Vétheuil, village du Val d'Oise - 4B08CEA2 C41B 4649 BF10 10A03F463F33Vétheuil, village du Val d'Oise - 4B08CEA2 C41B 4649 BF10 10A03F463F33Vétheuil, village du Val d'Oise - 4B08CEA2 C41B 4649 BF10 10A03F463F33Vétheuil, village du Val d'Oise - 4B08CEA2 C41B 4649 BF10 10A03F463F33 The Vexin Express: the great touring trek in the French Vexin Regional Park (95)
The Val-d'Oise département is home to the Parc Naturel du Vexin, a protected green space and a gem of a hiking area. We invite you to cross it on the Vexin Express. [Read more]

Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7923Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7923Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7923Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7923 Hiking: our favorite routes and circuits in the Fontainebleau massif and forest (77)
In Seine-et-Marne, the Fontainebleau massif is a must for hikers, so we've selected our favorite itineraries in this natural corner of the Île-de-France region. [Read more]

Houdan, ville médiévale et balade historique dans les YvelinesHoudan, ville médiévale et balade historique dans les YvelinesHoudan, ville médiévale et balade historique dans les YvelinesHoudan, ville médiévale et balade historique dans les Yvelines GR de pays des Yvelines: the great hike across the 78
Île-de-France, a land of hikers? It could well be, especially in the Yvelines department, where a long-distance hiking trail crosses the département. [Read more]

Balade sentier : Conte de Mélida, l'esprit de la forêt en forêt de Méridon (78) - A7C02306Balade sentier : Conte de Mélida, l'esprit de la forêt en forêt de Méridon (78) - A7C02306Balade sentier : Conte de Mélida, l'esprit de la forêt en forêt de Méridon (78) - A7C02306Balade sentier : Conte de Mélida, l'esprit de la forêt en forêt de Méridon (78) - A7C02306 Interactive stroll in the forest of Méridon: "Mélida's tale, the spirit of the forest" in the Yvelines department
We're taking you to the Forêt de Chevreuse for a family-friendly stroll through the Forêt de Méridon. Discover two nature trails, accessible via an app or a booklet-game, that plunge you into a fantastic tale or an original forest exploration. A fun experience for the whole family or for adults. [Read more]

Randonnée à Fontainebleau : le sentier sur les pas de Denecourt jusqu’à la Tour Denecourt -  A7C7603Randonnée à Fontainebleau : le sentier sur les pas de Denecourt jusqu’à la Tour Denecourt -  A7C7603Randonnée à Fontainebleau : le sentier sur les pas de Denecourt jusqu’à la Tour Denecourt -  A7C7603Randonnée à Fontainebleau : le sentier sur les pas de Denecourt jusqu’à la Tour Denecourt -  A7C7603 The Denecourt trail to the Denecourt Tower in Fontainebleau, the historical walk
We take you back in time to the forest of Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne with the Denecourt-Colinet trail no. 2, a signposted route lasting around 1h30. This historic trail combines rocky landscapes, fountains and artistic curiosities, all the way to the mythical Tour Denecourt. Did you know? Denecourt was the inventor of the world's first signposted trails in the Fontainebleau forest, and the forerunner of green tourism. [Read more]

Les 25 bosses - photos - image00085Les 25 bosses - photos - image00085Les 25 bosses - photos - image00085Les 25 bosses - photos - image00085 Hiking: the 25 moguls circuit, the GR 20 in the Fontainebleau forest in the Paris region
In Corsica, they have the GR 20, reputed to be the most difficult of the French Grande Randonnée (GR) trails. In the Île-de-France region, we're a long way from rivalling the circuit's 200 kilometers and 11,000 meters of ascent, yet it's here, in the forest of Fontainebleau, that you'll find one of the region's most demanding hikes. [Read more]

l'Île des Impressionnistes à Chatoul'Île des Impressionnistes à Chatoul'Île des Impressionnistes à Chatoul'Île des Impressionnistes à Chatou Hiking: from l'île des Impressionnistes to Sartrouville, along the long-distance footpath
Follow in the footsteps of the famous Impressionist painters on a stroll along the Seine, from Chatou to Sartrouville, discovering pretty riverbanks and bucolic greenery. [Read more]

Bassin - étang de la Boissière à ElancourtBassin - étang de la Boissière à ElancourtBassin - étang de la Boissière à ElancourtBassin - étang de la Boissière à Elancourt Hiking: a walk on the Colline d'Elancourt, the highest point in the Île-de-France region
Did you know? The Colline d'Elancourt, located in the Yvelines département, is the highest point of our forests, massifs and other natural parks in the Paris region. So what better way to discover the area than on a hike? [Read more]

Le Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil - IMG 1570Le Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil - IMG 1570Le Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil - IMG 1570Le Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil - IMG 1570 The GR75, the long-distance hiking trail around Paris on foot
Paris, a great hiking terrain? Well, yes, because since 2017, the French Hiking Federation has opened up a fully-marked trail for all walking enthusiasts to take around Paris. [Read more]

Le kiosque du belvédère de Chatillon à Risny-sur-Seine en Yvelines -  A7C6160Le kiosque du belvédère de Chatillon à Risny-sur-Seine en Yvelines -  A7C6160Le kiosque du belvédère de Chatillon à Risny-sur-Seine en Yvelines -  A7C6160Le kiosque du belvédère de Chatillon à Risny-sur-Seine en Yvelines -  A7C6160 Did you know? This Belvédère kiosk in the Yvelines is a remnant of the Universal Exhibition.
How about discovering the Kiosque du Belvédère de Châtillon, nestling in the Rosny-sur-Seine forest in the Yvelines department? We tell you all about its history and how to find it. [Read more]

Balade cheval forêt FontainebleauBalade cheval forêt FontainebleauBalade cheval forêt FontainebleauBalade cheval forêt Fontainebleau Discover the forest of Fontainebleau on a supervised horseback ride
The Fontainebleau forest is particularly well known for its hiking trails, natural climbing blocks and beautiful vegetation. Less than an hour from Paris, you can also discover the forest on horseback! [Read more]

Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7913Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7913Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7913Arbor&Sens, l'Arboretum de Franchard en forêt de Fontainebleau - les photos - IMG 7913 The free Arbor&Sens walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, the Franchard Arboretum
Arbor&Sens is the name of this free, easy-to-use walking trail in the Fontainebleau forest, near the Château. Free, accessible to all and educational, this walk takes us on a discovery of tree species, their origins and their uses. [Read more]

L’île Fanac à Joinville-le-Pont, un lieu incontournable à découvrir dans le Val de MarneL’île Fanac à Joinville-le-Pont, un lieu incontournable à découvrir dans le Val de MarneL’île Fanac à Joinville-le-Pont, un lieu incontournable à découvrir dans le Val de MarneL’île Fanac à Joinville-le-Pont, un lieu incontournable à découvrir dans le Val de Marne Discover the islands of Paris and Ile-de-France where you can stroll along the Seine River
With the Seine River flowing through it, the Île-de-France region has its fair share of pretty little islands. Whether pedestrian, inhabited, accessible by bike or kayak, discover these unusual islets that make for charming strolls along the Seine. [Read more]

Barbizon Barbizon Barbizon Barbizon What to do in Barbizon, the famous village between art and nature?
How about a trip to Barbizon? This charming village, 50 km from Paris, immerses us in art and nature on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. Discover our tips for the perfect day out or weekend break. [Read more]

Le sentier de l'érosion à Fontainebleau - balade en forêt -  A7C4620 HDRLe sentier de l'érosion à Fontainebleau - balade en forêt -  A7C4620 HDRLe sentier de l'érosion à Fontainebleau - balade en forêt -  A7C4620 HDRLe sentier de l'érosion à Fontainebleau - balade en forêt -  A7C4620 HDR Le sentier de l'érosion, an accessible walk in Fontainebleau, discovering the Apremont gorges
Among the beautiful walks and hikes to be enjoyed in Fontainebleau, don't miss the Sentier de l'érosion loop. Less than 2 kilometers long, this family-friendly walk takes you through the Apremont gorges, between forest and beautiful rocks sculpted by nature. [Read more]

Le Gué, l'installation éphémère du Domaine de Sceaux qui fait marcher sur l'eau -  grand canalLe Gué, l'installation éphémère du Domaine de Sceaux qui fait marcher sur l'eau -  grand canalLe Gué, l'installation éphémère du Domaine de Sceaux qui fait marcher sur l'eau -  grand canalLe Gué, l'installation éphémère du Domaine de Sceaux qui fait marcher sur l'eau -  grand canal La Ceinture Verte d'Île-de-France, the long-distance hiking trail in the inner suburbs of Paris
If you think the Île-de-France region isn't a great place for hiking, think again! On the contrary, with its forests and large natural valleys, it's a veritable paradise for walkers, with numerous long-distance footpaths (GR) such as the Green Belt of Ile-de-France. [Read more]

Déconfinement : les balades et randonnées à moins de 100 km de Paris Déconfinement : les balades et randonnées à moins de 100 km de Paris Déconfinement : les balades et randonnées à moins de 100 km de Paris Déconfinement : les balades et randonnées à moins de 100 km de Paris France's favourite long-distance hiking route: discover this year's contenders
After last year's award for the GR de Pays route around Suisse Normande in Calvados, the Fédération Française de Randonnée has just revealed the eight trails in the running to become the 2024 edition of France's favorite GR. [Read more]

Bassin - étang de la Boissière à ElancourtBassin - étang de la Boissière à ElancourtBassin - étang de la Boissière à ElancourtBassin - étang de la Boissière à Elancourt Our favourite autumn walks in Paris and the Île-de-France region
In autumn, we love to watch the leaves slowly fall to carpet the sidewalks, streets and large parks of Paris... With the return of slightly cooler temperatures at the end of September, it's time to get out your raincoat and hiking boots and discover the region's beautiful autumn landscapes. [Read more]

Le Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de ChevreuseLe Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de ChevreuseLe Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de ChevreuseLe Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de Chevreuse Le Sentier des Maréchaux, the educational forest walk in the Chevreuse Valley
How about exploring the Sentier des maréchaux in the Vallée de Chevreuse? Just an hour from Paris, we're off on an educational walk through the Rambouillet forest, where nature and history meet. [Read more]

Discover the Parc du Sausset in Aulnay-sous-Bois, the 2nd largest green space in Seine-Saint-Denis
In the Seine-Saint-Denis département, near Aulnay-sous-Bois and Villepinte, you'll find the second largest park in the département: the Parc Départemental du Sausset. [Read more]

Village de Bois-le-Roi : les Affolantes en bord de Seine -  A7C8869Village de Bois-le-Roi : les Affolantes en bord de Seine -  A7C8869Village de Bois-le-Roi : les Affolantes en bord de Seine -  A7C8869Village de Bois-le-Roi : les Affolantes en bord de Seine -  A7C8869 GR 2: the long-distance hiking trail along the Seine, from Montereau to La Roche-Guyon
Did you know? Although the Île-de-France region is far from having the rich mountainous terrain of some of our French massifs, there are still some great walks and hikes to be had, notably on the GR 2, which crosses the region along the Seine. [Read more]

Issy - parc de l'île Saint Germain et Tour aux figures Issy - parc de l'île Saint Germain et Tour aux figures Issy - parc de l'île Saint Germain et Tour aux figures Issy - parc de l'île Saint Germain et Tour aux figures A day in the open air in Issy: walk on the islands and visit of the Tour aux Figures
Looking for a free family outing? We have just what you need. Go to the West of Paris, towards the Issy Val de Seine train station for a few kilometers walk between the islands of the city, the time to see the last colors of autumn. [Read more]

Le Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à Sevran - image00011Le Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à Sevran - image00011Le Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à Sevran - image00011Le Parc forestier de la Poudrerie à Sevran - image00011 Parc de la Poudrerie, a listed green nugget in Sevran (93)
Fifteen kilometers from the Bassin de la Villette, along the Canal de l'Ourcq, lies a lovely 137-hectare forest park in the Seine-Saint-Denis municipalities of Livry-Gargan, Villepinte, Sevran and Vaujours. Combining remnants of the area's industrial past with immense tree-lined avenues, it's one of the green spaces not to be missed for a bike ride, family outing or jogging session... in the 93. [Read more]

Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083 The Maincourt Trail, a Natural Oasis in the Chevreuse Valley to discover
The Vallée de Chevreuse is home to a natural gem, the Sentier de Maincourt, a stone's throw from the Château de Dampierre. Accessible all year long by families, even with strollers and people with reduced mobility, this jewel offers a beautiful nature walk between fauna and flora, only 40 minutes from Paris. [Read more]

Rando Jouy-en-JosasRando Jouy-en-JosasRando Jouy-en-JosasRando Jouy-en-Josas The bucolic walk from Jouy-en-Josas to the Aqueduct of Buc (78), to do with the family
Need to get away without leaving the Ile-de-France? Head for Jouy-en-Josas. This charming town is full of wonders: country walks, the Toile de Jouy Museum, bucolic landscapes, and even a pick-your-own at the Viltain Farm! So, follow us for a day of disconnection, between poetry and wonder, in the middle of the Parisian countryside. [Read more]

FontânebleauFontânebleauFontânebleauFontânebleau The unusual walks of Fontânebleau, to discover the forest with donkeys
If you are looking for an original activity to do with or without children during the vacations, Fontânebleau organizes hikes on request, ranging from one hour to four hours in Achères-la-Forêt, where donkeys live peacefully. [Read more]

Visiter Paris en roller : les randonnées gratuitesVisiter Paris en roller : les randonnées gratuitesVisiter Paris en roller : les randonnées gratuitesVisiter Paris en roller : les randonnées gratuites Pari Roller, the free night ride to discover Paris on rollerblades
Every Friday evening of the year, take advantage of the Pari Roller event to discover the city of Paris in a different way, thanks to a totally free night stroll, on rollerblades, scooter or bike! [Read more]

Déconfinement : les randonnées campagnes et forêts à découvrir autour de Paris Déconfinement : les randonnées campagnes et forêts à découvrir autour de Paris Déconfinement : les randonnées campagnes et forêts à découvrir autour de Paris Déconfinement : les randonnées campagnes et forêts à découvrir autour de Paris Discover the countryside and forests around Paris
Fancy a hike in the Ile de France this summer? Helloways has put together a selection of the best walks and hikes in the countryside and forests of the Paris region, within easy reach of Paris. [Read more]

HellowaysHellowaysHellowaysHelloways The 5 best waterside walks near Paris
Fancy some fresh air and fresh water? Just what you need! Sortiraparis.com and Helloways have put together a small selection of the best hiking itineraries to relax by the water near Paris. [Read more]

And for running, check out our favorite spots!

The most beautiful locations for a run in Paris
If you like running, here are a few locations in Paris enabling you to run a few miles in peace and in great places to enjoy the beauty of at the same time! [Read more]

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