Going to a forest to breathe in the fresh air is a real pleasure for Parisians! But without a car, and without taking public transport, it's hard to go far... Here are 5 forests and parks to discover in the Ile-de-France region, accessible by bike from Paris, so you can follow in the footsteps of the Tour de France riders and train to become the next yellow jersey!
From Porte de Brancion, in the south of Paris, you can walk to Massy through the Coulée Verte. Considered one of the green lungs of southern Paris, this pedestrian and bicycle path offers a gentle 12-kilometer route! Along the way, you'll pass through the Domaine départemental de Sceaux and the Domaine de la Vallée-aux-loups in Châtenay-Malabry.
La Coulée Verte de Paris, the unusual and hidden walk from Bastille to Vincennes
Paris's Coulée Verte René-Dumont, formerly known as the Promenade Plantée, is a beautiful, little-known walk for Parisians, taking us on a verdant journey from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes over the Viaduc des Arts. It's an unusual and shady way to discover Paris, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. [Read more]
With a surface area of 9.95 km2, the Bois de Vincennes is the largest green space in Paris. While Parisians are expected to visit the Vincennes Pagoda, the shores of Lake Daumesnil, and around the Château de Vincennes, there are many other areas to explore. Have you ever seen the view from the Butte aux Canons? Ever been to the forest reserve bordering Lac des Minimes?
Why is the Bois de Vincennes becoming the place to be this summer in Paris?
Every summer, Paris changes and uncovers great concept for Parisians’ and tourists’ greatest joy! This year, the Bois de Vincennes is likely becoming the most coveted places in town. Let us explain why! [Read more]
Located between La Courneuve, Saint-Denis and Stains, Parc de la Courneuve offers 417 hectares of fresh air just a few kilometers from Paris. Discover a rose garden, an apiary and a large lake, as well as wooded areas with sheep, foxes, martens and weasels!
Parc Georges-Valbon, one of the largest green spaces in Ile-de-France, at La Courneuve (93)
It's the third largest green space in Île-de-France, after the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne in the inner suburbs: the Parc Georges-Valbon, also known as the Parc de la Courneuve, is located in the northern suburbs of Paris and is a real gem for walks, bike rides and family outings... [Read more]
Close to the Château de la Malmaison, between Rueil-Malmaison, Vaucresson and Bougival, this 200-hectare forest offers a breath of fresh air. With its sports trail, discovery trail and cycle path, the La Malmaison forest invites you to breathe in the sweet smells of oak, chestnut and Scots pine, and to relax around its huge pond.
Located on the left bank of the Seine, the Forêt Domanial de Meudon is the largest forest in the Hauts-de-Seine department. Accessible by bike from the Pont de Saint-Cloud, or from the RER C station at Meudon, you'll have to be brave to climb the hills of Meudon, but once there, you'll be in for a treat. With over 1100 hectares, the forest offers a green break west of the capital. Walkers will find 16.5 kilometers of trails, for a 5-hour stroll through woods, ponds and vast expanses of green.
And to go a little further afield in Ile-de-France :
Stroll in Ile-de-France: from Paris, go vegetable picking by bicycle
Looking for adventure? The bike path along the Ourcq canal allows you to escape Paris by bike. On the program: a forest park, and, for those who want to continue, the possibility of picking fruits and vegetables in Seine-et-Marne. On your marks, get set, pedal! [Read more]
La Seine à Vélo: a new cycle route from Paris to the sea
Grab your bike and ride it to the Havre beach or the famous Planches in Deauville, leaving from Notre-Dame in Paris, it will be possible very soon! Starting from October 15, 2020, the boldest cyclists will be officially able to ride the “La Seine à Vélo” route, a new cycle route covering 420km (260.97 miles). The occasion to safely ride across 8 departments along the Seine! [Read more]
TheOffice National des Forêts warns:"In Ile-de-France, the forest is primarily perceived as an escape from the city, a natural, quiet and unpolluted space. It's also a place for socializing and sharing, a privileged place for exchanging ideas with friends and family. Highly solicited, forests are also undermined by the number of people who come to walk in them".
