10 great bike rides in Paris

Activities

Marie

Published on 07/08/2025

Paris has revolutionised its approach to cycling in recent years, transforming the capital into a veritable paradise for cyclists. With over 1,000 kilometres of cycle paths and redeveloped banks of the Seine, the City of Light now offers endless opportunities to discover its treasures on two wheels. From romantic quays to leafy parks, via emblematic districts, here is our selection of the 10 most beautiful bike rides to do in Paris, to rediscover the capital from a new and sporty angle.

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download

1. The banks of the Seine, the emblematic route

The banks of the Seine are undoubtedly the most emblematic cycle route in Paris. This 14-kilometre route crosses the capital from east to west, offering a unique perspective on the city’s most famous monuments. Start your journey from Parc de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement for a gradual discovery of the capital.

You’ll pass Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Île de la Cité, before continuing on to the Louvre and its majestic facades. The Eiffel Tower gradually comes into view as you progress, creating an emotional climb up to the Parc André Citroën. This flat, safe walk is suitable for all levels and lets you capture the essence of Paris in a single outing.

See also the Paris guide :

2. Canal Saint-Martin, the bohemian soul of Paris

The Canal Saint-Martin is one of the capital’s most charming cycle routes. This 4.5-kilometre route takes you from the République to the Bassin de la Villette, following the peaceful waters of the canal. This bike ride in Paris reveals a more intimate side of the city, far from the hustle and bustle of the main boulevards.

The route winds through the 10th and 19th arrondissements, offering magnificent views of the locks, swing bridges and century-old plane trees that line the canal. Trendy cafés and second-hand booksellers dot the route, creating a unique atmosphere.

To complete this discovery, let yourself be guided by theNavaway itinerary, which will reveal the hidden secrets of these districts in full renaissance. Continue on to the Parc de la Villette for a well-deserved nature break.

3. The Marais by bike, between history and modernity

Cycling in the Marais is like travelling through the centuries in Paris. This historic district, with its cobbled streets and private mansions, is ideal for exploring by bike, thanks to its many recently-developed cycle paths. Start your bike ride in Paris from the Place des Vosges, a jewel of 17th-century French architecture.

The route will take you to Rue des Rosiers and its cosmopolitan atmosphere, then to Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine with its shady terraces. The striking contrast between the medieval façades and the contemporary art galleries makes this walk a compendium of Parisian history. Don’t forget to stop and admire the courtyards of the old town houses, often visible from the street. For a more in-depth visit to the district, take one of the Navaway tours, which will reveal the historical anecdotes of these places steeped in history.

4. The ascent of Montmartre

Montmartre is a sporting challenge for cyclists, but it’s well worth the effort. This bike ride in Paris takes you to the top of the hill, at an altitude of 130 metres. Be prepared for a few demanding climbs, including rue Lepic and rue des Martyrs, but the panoramic views will generously reward your efforts.

The Sacré-Coeur basilica (35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google for over 180,000 reviews) dominates the Parisian landscape and offers a breathtaking view from the top. Descend through the cobbled streets of Place du Tertre, where artists perpetuate the district’s bohemian tradition. This walk combines physical effort, culture and exceptional views of the whole capital.

5. From the Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower

This short but spectacular cycle ride in Paris gives you one of the best views of the world’s most famous monument. Start at the Trocadero to admire the breathtaking view of the Iron Lady, then cycle down to the Champ-de-Mars gardens across the Pont d’Iéna.

Although the route is short (around 3 kilometres), it allows you to discover one of the most prestigious settings in Paris. The gardens of the Trocadero offer plenty of angles from which to photograph the Eiffel Tower, while the gardens of the Champ-de-Mars allow you to get up close and personal. This walk is particularly magical at sunset, when the illumination of the Eiffel Tower begins. Make the most of this outing to see Paris from its most emblematic angle.

6. The René-Dumont green corridor

A former railway line transformed into a green promenade, the coulée verte René-Dumont is one of the most original cycle routes in Paris. At 4.5 kilometres long, it rises above the former railway viaducts, offering a unique aerial view of the capital from the 12th arrondissement.

The route starts near the Opéra Bastille and winds its way through hanging gardens, green tunnels and covered passageways. This Parisian “High Line” takes you through a number of different districts, avoiding motor traffic altogether. The lush vegetation that has colonised this former railway infrastructure creates a refreshing microclimate in summer. The arrival at the Bois de Vincennes marks the end of this resolutely natural and ecological cycle ride in Paris.

7. Tour of the Bois de Boulogne

The Bois de Boulogne, the green lung of western Paris, is one of the capital’s best cycling destinations. With its 845 hectares of green spaces, lakes and shady paths, this former royal forest offers a complete change of scenery just a few kilometres from the centre of Paris.

The main route is around 15 kilometres long and takes you from Lac Inférieur to Lac Supérieur, passing through the Bagatelle gardens and their exceptional rose collections. The Parc de la Bagatelle (Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016 Paris, rated 4.3/5 on Google for over 2,000 reviews) is one of the jewels in the crown of this Paris bike ride. The bridleways allow you to cycle in complete safety, away from city traffic. This tour is perfect for families, with plenty of opportunities for picnic breaks.

8. The Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

Pedalling along the Champs-Élysées is a dream for many cyclists around the world. Since the introduction of protected cycle lanes, this “most beautiful avenue in the world” is finally open to bikes. The gradual ascent towards the Arc de Triomphe offers a magnificent view of this national symbol.

This 2-kilometre bike ride through Paris may seem short, but it captures the essence of Parisian prestige. The Haussmann façades, luxury boutiques and constant bustle create a unique experience. The Arc de Triomphe (Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google with over 85,000 reviews) dominates this regal perspective, while the flame of the Unknown Soldier is a reminder of French history. For a complete discovery of this emblematic district, the Navaway audio tour will reveal all the secrets of this legendary avenue.

Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own

Complement your bike rides with an in-depth discovery of the capital thanks to the Navaway audio tour of Paris. This immersive experience guides you through 18 emblematic points of interest, from the Champs-Élysées to the Trocadéro, enriching your knowledge of Parisian history. Let yourself be carried away by the audio commentaries that reveal the anecdotes and secrets hidden in the places you’ve discovered by bike, for a complementary and enriching approach to the City of Light.

9. The Bois de Vincennes and its lakes

The largest green space in Paris, covering 995 hectares, the Bois de Vincennes offers an exceptional playground for cycling enthusiasts. This green lung of eastern Paris offers a host of routes through woods, lakes and clearings, creating a real change of scenery on the outskirts of the capital.

The main 14-kilometre circuit takes you from the Château de Vincennes (Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes, rated 4.1/5 on Google for over 15,000 reviews) to Lac Daumesnil, via the Parc Floral and its botanical gardens. Forest paths alternate with lakeside vistas, offering a remarkable diversity of landscapes. The Lac des Minimes and its water sports activities complete this resolutely natural Paris cycle ride. The Vincennes racecourse adds a sporting dimension to this multi-faceted route.

10. The inner ring road in the 15th arrondissement

A former circular railway line, the petite ceinture ferroviaire is now one of the most unusual cycle routes in Paris. The 3-kilometre stretch in the 15th arrondissement offers a totally unexpected way of discovering Paris, through converted industrial wastelands and emerging green spaces.

This bike ride in Paris takes you through neighbourhoods undergoing radical change, where urban art rubs shoulders with the wild vegetation that has colonised the old railway lines. The route, which is completely safe and separate from motor traffic, reveals a little-known facet of the capital. Former stations transformed into cultural spaces dot the route, testifying to Paris’s ability to reinvent its industrial heritage. This tour is particularly suited to fans of urban exploring and street art.

In conclusion, these 10 cycle routes reveal all the richness and diversity of Paris, which in recent years has been transformed into the European capital of urban cycling. From the romantic banks of the Seine to unspoilt green spaces, historic districts and refurbished infrastructure, each route offers a unique experience of the City of Light. Suitable for all levels, these routes allow you to rediscover Paris from a sporting, ecological and authentic angle. To further enhance your exploration of Paris, don’t hesitate to combine these cycling tours with the Navaway audio tours, which will reveal all the secrets of the French capital.

FAQ

Where can I hire a bike in Paris for these rides?

Paris offers a number of bike hire options: Vélib’ stations throughout the city, specialist shops such as Holland Bikes or Baja Bikes, and private hire platforms. Vélib’ stations offer the greatest flexibility, allowing you to pick up and drop off a bike anywhere in Paris. For longer rides, opt for traditional rentals, which offer more comfortable bikes and adapted equipment.

Are these routes safe for novice cyclists?

Most of these cycle routes in Paris use protected cycle paths or green lanes separated from motor traffic. The banks of the Seine, the Canal Saint-Martin and the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are particularly safe. Only the ascent of Montmartre requires more experience because of the gradients and local traffic. Always wear a helmet and obey the signs posted specifically for cyclists.

When is the best time to go cycling?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is still very popular but can be hot, especially for climbing Montmartre. Winter allows you to discover Paris in a different light, but check the weather conditions and the state of the cycle paths. Wooden walks are still practicable all year round, thanks to the stabilised paths.

Is it possible to combine several of these itineraries in one day?

Some itineraries combine naturally: the banks of the Seine with the Trocadéro-Tour Eiffel, or the Marais with the Canal Saint-Martin. Allow 2 to 3 hours per walk, including photo and discovery breaks. For a full day, choose a maximum of 2 routes, including a lunch break. Experienced cyclists can consider the “grand tour” of the banks of the Seine + the Champs-Élysées + the Trocadéro for an exhaustive discovery of Paris’s most emblematic landmarks.