A cycling stroll along the river, tracing the bucolic and little-known quays of the Seine.

Want a stroll along the Seine’s quays? I can see you coming—the not-so-classic quays, the ones a little further north, lesser-known, but much more tranquil.

Sometimes a few hours or just a moment is all it takes to escape the bustle of Paris and the breakneck pace of life in the capital. Prenez votre vélo, and you’re off on a balade facile, suitable for all levels, along the Seine quays between the Val-d'Oise and the Seine-Saint-Denis.

Less than 5 kilometers from central Paris, simply take the Saint-Denis Canal bike path (from the Bassin de la Villette toward the Canal de Saint-Denis) up to Épinay-sur-Seine, skirting the Street Avenue. After a few kilometers, continue along the Saint-Denis Canal, pass the 6B and its iconic flying saucer (on your left, on the quay opposite the one you’re on). Now you’ll be riding along the bucolic quays of Épinay-sur-Seine (95), equipped with numerous places to sit and a very pleasant bike path. Along the Seine, you continue your journey, keeping an eye on the Île-Saint-Denis to your left.

Once you reach the Épinay Bridge—a massive concrete span—you simply cross it. This time, your stroll continues along Île-Saint-Denis, with the option to follow the Quai de la Marine (the relatively quiet road that runs along the island) or to cross the island via its departmental park. If you’re ready for a break, this is the perfect moment, since the park has plenty of spots to lie on the grass, enjoy the kids’ playground, as well as benches and picnic tables.

The Île-Saint-Denis departmental park, for a green walk along the Seine River
With its 25 hectares of lush greenery, the Parc de l'Île-Saint-Denis offers a place to unwind, just a few kilometers from the capital. Immerse yourself in this little-known park, which has all the makings of a green interlude in the Paris region. [Read more]

Continue your bike ride to the Saint-Ouen bridge, which you’ll need to cross to complete your two-wheeled excursion. Once you reach Saint-Ouen, take the most convenient route (a GPS can help if you’re unsure) to get back to your home base. If you wish, you can bring the bikes onto the RER C, which serves Saint-Ouen station, provided you avoid peak hours (Monday to Friday, not between 6:30 and 9:30, and not between 16:30 and 19:30).

Lovely walk, everyone!