What could be better than a relaxing day by the water just outside Paris? After the festive Fête de la Musique weekend, we're all looking forward to a relaxing day on the banks of a lake, pond or peaceful river.
In any case, don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's a selection of the best hiking itineraries, all close to water and easily accessible from Paris by public transport. Enough to recharge your batteries.
Parc de Sceaux and Coulée verte
Accessible by RER B "Parc de Sceaux" or "Croix de Berny" stop. Journey time: 1h15
Like any self-respecting partygoer, you're tired on Saturday morning. Don't panic, get some rest, find your Navigo pass at the bottom of your bag and head for the famous park designed by André Le Nôtre: the marvellous Parc de Sceaux, of course. French-style gardens, a majestic château, endless lawns and, above all, huge pools you'll want to dive into. It's the perfect place for a stroll.
Accessible by RER C "Meudon Val Fleury" stop. Journey time : 35 mn
Meudon is all about the city, cultural wealth and a superb forest, but it's also about 3 super-cool ponds. All you need to do is take this forest walk, which takes you through the ponds to the Bel-Air forest house, the Y hangar and the Meudon Observatory. For an even more complete walk, we invite you to visit the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Meudon and the Parc Paumier, so you can come back from this day even more cultured!
The Impressionist Trail from Carrière-sur-Seine to Louveciennes
Accessible by RER A "Gare de Houilles" stop. Journey time: 30 min.
In an unspoilt natural setting, yet so close to Paris, you'll discover the bucolic landscapes made famous by the artists who were inspired by these peaceful settings. Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Seine to be lulled by the lapping of the water and, who knows, maybe your artistic soul will awaken in the face of so much beauty.
Crossing the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse
Accessible by Transilien Line N "Gare du Perray" stop. Journey time: 45mn from Gare de Lyon
All your nature needs will be satisfied on this hike in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse. And you'd better be fresh from the night before, because 28 km (although it's definitely worth it) is not something you can improvise! Embark on a quiet day among ponds, waterfalls, castles and rivers, just 45 minutes from Paris.
Crossing the Rambouillet forest
Accessible by Transilien Line N "Gare du Perray" stop. Journey time: 1h15
We end up in the Rambouillet forest for a whole weekend of nature immersion. Going from one station to another, all you need is a Navigo pass to get there. And as a little bonus, we've got the perfect spot for a great long break by the water: the superb Etangs de Hollande. With this tour, you're sure to spend a unique weekend!
