To ride along a river is already possible with La Seine à vélo, that great cycling route that connects Paris to Le Havre or Paris to Deauville in Normandy, spanning more than 300 kilometers. It’s now feasible to follow the banks of the Oise in Île-de-France, with a bucolic cycling stretch, to feel like you’re in the countryside for a few days or just a few hours.
Traversing the picturesque village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final days, you can discover l'Isle-Adam and its pretty shores and stroll along the Oise at a relaxed pace, its tree-lined and tranquil banks. That’s the program offered by the cycling trail along the bords de l'Oise à vélo, which also forms part of the Avenue Verte linking Paris to London. To follow it, simply head toward the green signs pointing in that direction.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Pontoise, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and its floating fleet of barges where the annual National Pardon of the Batellerie is celebrated, then on to Neuville-sur-Oise with its countryside charm. You’ll ride close to the Abbey of Royaumont, and if you’re lucky around Champagne-sur-Oise (just after Isle-Adam), you might spot Shetland cattle, the Scottish breed known as the Hairy Cows, as one meadow shelters several of them!
If you’re planning multiple legs along the Greenway, at least on the “Oise” version of the cycling route, it’s feasible to link Paris to Chantilly (outside Île-de-France but very well served by the TER, just two stops to Gare du Nord) in a weekend (you’ll stay in Maisons-Laffitte, as noted in the official stages), with a bit more than 100 kilometers covered. For full details of the route, all information is available on the Avenue Verte official site, including the GPX track to have on you for your trip.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
From May 18, 2026 to December 31, 2029
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.avenuevertelondonparis.com
