10 Best Hiking Spots Near Paris

Are you looking for the best hiking spots near Paris?

Paris, in itself, is a historic and scenic urban trail filled with beautiful architecture, iconic landmarks, secret passages, and pretty neighborhoods.

There are green spaces in between, and they make for fantastic morning or afternoon strolls if you fancy a picnic or a change of scenery.

However, if you want to explore the area surrounding Paris and escape the city hustle, there are plenty of countryside and forest trails that you can explore.

From historic small towns to a forest close to a chateau, these trails are easily accessible from Paris via rail. Here are the best hiking spots near Paris that should be part of your itinerary.

10 Best Hiking Spots Near Paris

Related Read:

• Best Gardens And Parks In Paris
• Amazing Beaches Near Paris
• Best Chateau/ Castles Near Paris

1. Bois de Vincennes

Travel Time from Paris: 19 minutes

Length: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)

Level: Easy

The Bois de Vincennes is one of the most accessible hikes from Paris. After a quick ride on Metro Line 1, you’ll arrive at the expansive fields and winding forest trails.

Located to the east of Paris, this is one of the most popular hiking spots for families in the capital city. It features a wide variety of activities and facilities that have been specifically built for children.

The Bois de Vincennes is home to a wealth of attractions, including lakes, floral gardens, the Paris Farm, a race track, and an arboretum. This trail has a lot of things to discover, whether you go by foot, horse, or boat.

In the Vincennes Forest, you’ll find several unexpected attractions, such as a hidden Colonial Exhibition garden, a Belvedere with a breathtaking view of the city of light, and winding paths reminiscent of an older era

2. Compiègne Forest

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour 48 minutes

Length: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)

Level: Easy

Compiègne, in the Oise department of Hauts-de-France, is a town steeped in World War II lore. In 1918, the First World War finally came to an end when the Armistice was signed in a railroad wagon deep in the woods.

Adolf Hitler, seeking more humiliation for a defeated France, in 1940 ordered an Armistice to be signed there to formalize the French concession.

The site of the Armistice Clearing now houses a museum. In addition to being a popular hunting spot for kings and queens, the forest also served as a tranquil refuge for Empress Eugénie, who enjoyed long strolls among the towering beech and oak trees.

So that she would never get lost in the woods, Emperor Napoleon III had 310 white signposts set up in various clearings across the woodland. Finding the red line on the post and turning her back on it would have led her directly to the Palais.

Chateau de Pierrefonds is a storybook castle that was recreated by the architect Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century to be the perfect example of a medieval chateau.

You can take a stroll in the Compiègne forest after leaving the castle and admire the Beaux-Monts’ picturesque alignment.

3. Vallée de Chevreuse

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour 6 minutes

Length: 55 km (34 miles)

Level: Moderate

This trek, which will take you out into the countryside, is sure to provide a welcome change of ambiance. The walk is only 9 kilometers long, but it will take you through some picturesque villages, forests, and farms.

There is something for everyone in the Chevreuse Valley, which is located to the south of Paris. If you are searching for a more challenging hiking option close to Paris, the Chevreuse Valley might be your best bet.
There are some challenging trails here as well. The “90 Bosses et des 500 Arpents” trail is a route that is 55 kilometers long and has a total elevation gain of 2,000 meters.

While hiking through the Chevreuse valley, you can see the Chatillonmill, the castle of Dampierre, and the blacksmith’s shop. You will also pass by the villages of Fourcherolles, Senlisse, Choisel and Chevreuse, and the Chateau de la Madeleine.

4. Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour

Length: 3.9 to 10.8 km

Level: Easy to Moderate

Located in both Picardy and Île-de-France, the Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park is a protected green space covering over 20,000 hectares, the majority of which are forested areas.

Large trees like oaks, beeches, and hornbeams populate the woodland areas, providing cover for the hazelnut, holly, and hawthorn that flourish on the forest floor.

The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including woods, grasslands, moors, and wetlands, all of which are important for the survival of the park’s native flora and fauna. If you’re quiet and watchful, you might see deer, foxes, badgers, owls, bats, spiders, and other insects during your walk.

5. Fontainebleau Forest – Artists Trail

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour 17 minutes

Length: 6 km (3.7 miles)

Level: Easy

Fontainebleau Forest is one of the most visited in Europe, and it is only a half-hour train journey from Paris. Hikers can also take advantage of the area’s 500 kilometers of clearly defined paths.

Those interested in art, nature, and unusual geology can all find suitable pathways in the Fontainebleau woods. But let’s focus on the easiest trail, the one that gave rise to artistic expression.

Barbizon, on the outskirts of the Fontainebleau forest, is known as the “village of the painters” due to its significance in the development of pre-impressionist art in France.

Ganne Inn, located in this little woodcutters’ settlement, began catering to artists in search of subject matter in 1830.

Subsequently, they would spend time in both Barbizon and Chailly-en-Bière, searching for inspiration in the rural areas and the surrounding Fontainebleau forest.

Cobblestone alleys and a proliferation of quaint shops and art galleries have transformed the area into a picturesque town.

From the village of Barbizon, you can retrace the steps of the 19th-century landscape painters who lived and worked there.

You’ll pass the jumbled rocks depicted by Camille Corot, the mentor of the young painters who founded the Barbizon school, and the hundred-year-old oak trees where painter Simon Mathurin-Lantara kept his cows.

6. Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour

Length: 3.7 to 10.4 km

Level: Easy to Moderate

Hikers are in for a treat when they explore Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Something awaits at every turn, such as a castle, a terrace with a spectacular view of western Paris, a lovely garden, and a forest.

Expect all of these when you tackle the scenic trail that stretches up to roughly 12 kilometers. Alternatively, depending on your interests and fitness level, you can go on shorter hikes in specific areas.

The Château-Vieux de Saint-Germain park’s central French and English gardens offer a great place for a hike. You can take this stroll to see the stunning Seine Valley scenery.

The Mesnil-le-Roi trail, which spreads out at the base of Saint-Germain-en-Laye’s hillside, is a somewhat difficult hike. It is surrounded by forests and has numerous communal gardens and meadows.

The route features many panoramic vantage spots thanks to this special location. A sound physical condition is necessary because there are steps and a noticeable respite. If you have a mountain bike, you can also complete the journey on it.

7. Forêt d’Halatte

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour 39 minutes

Length: 9.3 km

Level: Moderate

Located in the Oise department between Senlis and Pont-Sainte-Maxence, this old-growth forest is another of the best hiking spots near Paris. It is home to majestic oak and beech trees.

As you make your way up Mont Pagnotte (222 meters), you’ll find yourself in a forest that feels like a cathedral. The ancient Celts and Gauls revered the Fôret d’Halatte, so much so that they constructed an oppidum there. Menhirs are still visible in the area.

It will take an average of 2 hours and 25 minutes to hike this beautiful path. Even though this is a popular hiking route, you might find peace if you go at less busy times.

The starting point of this hike is the Verneuil-en-Halatte located in the Oise region.

The Ponds of Commelles Loop, the Trail to the Castle of the White Queen, the Forêt de Verbeuil-en-Halatte, and the Domain of Chantilly are some of the best trails in the area.

8. Forêt domaniale de Meudon

Travel Time from Paris: 46 minutes

Length: 16.5 km (10.2 miles)

Level:  Easy

The Meudon forest is the largest in the Hauts-de-Seine department and the closest forest to Paris. Trails go over 16.5 kilometers. The reeds, water lilies, herons, cormorants, and coypu rodents inspire amateur painters and tourists out for a stroll.

The Forest of Meudon trail is unexpectedly lovely. There are deciduous trees, as well as lakes, streams, clearings, and an abundance of flora.

Late Stone Age artifacts, such as the ‘Pierre aux Moines’ menhir, can also be found in the Meudon forest. Note that some parts of the path are more steep than others, making them potentially dangerous when wet.

There are restaurants in the area, but their hours of operation are rather restricted. Parking is available in the area where most hikes begin.

If you plan on taking public transportation, the closest bus stops are either at the Place du Garde or the Cimetière de Trivaux.

9. Forêt de Rambouillet

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour 24 minutes

Length: 92 km

Level:  Easy to Moderate

With its abundance of hiking routes and an incredible variety of flora and fauna, the picturesque Rambouillet National Forest draws visitors from all over France.  This area is pretty easy to reach by train or car from Paris, which is only 60 kilometers away.

The National Forests Office is responsible for the preservation and sustainable management of the forest’s one-of-a-kind ecosystem. This is done to guarantee that people who visit have a pleasant experience that is in keeping with their natural surroundings. The forest spans an area of 14,000 hectares.

A family-friendly hiking spot that also attracts seasoned hikers, photographers, and bikers, Forêt de Rambouillet is one of the best hikes near Paris. With its 92 kilometers of trails and 60 kilometers of biking routes, it’s a quick getaway from Paris that showcases another side of the French landscape.

10. Vexin Regional Park

Travel Time from Paris: 1 hour 35. minutes

Length: 8 to 13 km

Level: Easy to Moderate

Located in the northwest of the French capital, close to Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, the village of La Roche-Guyon is known as one of the “plus beaux villages de France.” Close to Vexin Regional Park, this chateau sits atop a hill and looks out over the Seine River’s dramatic bends.

Have a picnic on the cliffs above the Seine after a hike through the Arboretum and watch the kayakers navigating the river below. Fantastical rock formations line the riverbank here, and troglodytes have long made cave homes in the surrounding cliffs.

This hike through the forests and past the castles is not difficult, but it is quite long. This trail, beginning at Arthies, travels through many habitats, including forests, fields, and villages. The castles of Villers-en-Arthies, Arthies, and Maudétour-en-Vexin are also located close to the route.

The trail surrounding La Roche-Guyon is a good option for hikers who like a bit more of a challenge. Starting at the castle of La Roche-Guyon, this historical and natural walk takes you through the woods via an arboretum and out to breathtaking views of the Seine Valley.

Tips When Hiking in France

• Don’t leave home without your sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water! Whether you’re tackling a couple of kilometers or ten miles, you need to stay hydrated and your skin protected.

• Check the forecast for the days before and following your hike. Great weather should be at the top of your list of concerns before exploring any path, no matter how easy or difficult it is.

• After your hike, look everywhere for ticks and especially if you are bringing a pet with you. It would be wise to double-check everything to ensure that no human or animal gets infected.

Useful French Words to Know When Hiking

• la randonnée – a walk, a hike; walking or hiking
• une carte – map
• un chemin – path
• un sentier– path, trail
• sentier balisé – marked trail
• grande randonnée – long-distance hiking trail

• la forêt – forest
• le lac – lake
• les montagnes – mountains
• un col – mountain pass
• la plaine – plain
• la rivière – river
• le ruisseau – stream
• la vallée – valley
• la cascade – waterfall
• le paysage – the landscape, the view
• premiers secours – first aid
• trousse des premiers secours – first-aid kit