What are some hiking trails in Fontainebleau?

Fontainebleau offers a variety of scenic hiking trails. Explore the Forest of Fontainebleau with the Mont Aigu trail or wander through Les Platières. For a more adventurous route, try the Caverne des Brigands in the Gorges d'Apremont. The Circuit Barbizon takes you through the Tillaie Reserve, while the Gorges du Houx offers a picturesque path. For a rewarding hike, the Gorges de Franchard provide stunning views. Don’t miss the Apremont Gorges trail, which leads to Bas Bréau via Les Brigands, or the Avon Rock for a unique experience.

What mountains are near Paris?

The closest elevated area to Paris is Montmorency, standing at 195 meters (640 feet) and located approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the city. While not a mountain range, it offers a scenic escape from the urban environment.

Where can I experience nature in Paris?

Explore the natural beauty surrounding Paris by visiting nearby forests. Fontainebleau Forest offers expansive greenery and is known as the region’s natural lungs. Saint-Germain-en-Laye Forest provides a royal touch to your hike, while Rambouillet Forest combines nature with history. Montmorency Forest is ideal for a philosophical walk, and Dourdan Forest allows you to immerse yourself in tranquil woodland. Each location offers a unique outdoor experience just a short distance from the city.

What should I bring for a day hike near Paris?

For a day hike near Paris, it’s advisable to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, a map or GPS device, and a first aid kit. Depending on the weather, consider packing a rain jacket or sunscreen. A camera or smartphone is great for capturing beautiful scenery, and a reusable water bottle is eco-friendly and practical.

5 must-try hiking trails near Paris

From the lively parks of the Tour de Paris to the scenic trails of Fontainebleau Forest, explore the best hiking in Paris for every traveler.

Ashley Fischer

Jun 2, 2025·18 min read

The city of love, iconic landmarks, and delicious pastries, Paris is filled with remarkable experiences. Beyond the iconic boulevards and world-class museums, you might be surprised to find that some amazing hikes around Paris are within reach.

You may not typically associate the French capital with the great outdoors. Still, the Oise River Valley landscapes that inspired French impressionists and the rural pathways of the Vallee de Chevreuse are just some of the best hikes near Paris. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon walk or something more intense, this guide to the best hikes in Paris has you covered.

1. The Oise Valley of Painters

Best hike for art lovers

Historic villages await discovery while hiking near Paris.

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 8.3 miles (13 km); 833 feet

Hike time: 3 hours 15 minutes, complete loop

Difficulty level: Moderate

Terrain type: Mostly flat through meadows and forests

Distance from city center: 20 miles (33 km)

Hike highlights

Follow in the footsteps of Europe’s great painters on this half-day hike through the Oise Valley. The trial begins in the town of Auvers-sur-Oise and loops through the valley’s charming villages and dense woodlands that inspired famous painters like Van Gogh, Dupré, and Pissarro.

Stroll along the banks of the Oise River past the crumbling Château de Stors before turning towards the forested area. You’ll emerge into the picturesque French meadows straight out of an impressionist painting before you reach the trailhead again.

Know before you go

Don’t miss out on the House of Van Gogh museum near the trailhead, where the troubled artist spent the last days of his life.

Best time to hike

Avoid hiking on weekdays around rush hour, as a small section of the trail follows along a road that gets busy with commuter traffic.

Address

95430 Auvers-sur-Oise

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night

Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh's Room in Auvers from Paris

10 hours • Skip the line • Small group

Enter the painting, touch the roots and go back in time !

1 hour • Skip the line

Auvers-sur-Oise & Giverny Excursion from Paris

1 day • Skip the line • Pickup available

From Paris: Private Day Trip to Giverny and Auvers sur Oise

9 hours • Skip the line • Pickup available

Paris: Small Group Moulin Rouge & Sacré Cœur Montmartre Tour

2 hours

2. GR75: Tour de Paris

Best hike for exploring Paris’ parks and green spaces

Ballon_de_Paris_ _Parc_Andre_Citroen_ _Paris_(33145680103) - LOWRES.jpg

Photo: Guilhem Vellut

Great sites are accessible via the GR75 Tour Des Paris.

Route information

Distance and elevation: 31.2 miles (51 km); 3005 feet

Hike time: 2-3 days

Difficulty level: Moderate

Terrain type: Flat city sidewalks and paved park pathways

Distance from city center: 3.5 miles (6 km)

Hike highlights

Created to honor Paris’s Olympic history, the GR75 Tour de Paris takes trekking in Paris to a new level by leading walkers around the entire city's ring road.

En route, you’ll cross nine districts and through 75 unique parks and green spaces around Paris. Pass by iconic Paris landmarks like the National Library of France and the Parc des Princes stadium. Listen to the peaceful hum of the Seine as you pass through Parc André-Citroën and enjoy the flowers blooming in the René Binet garden.

Know before you go

Most hikers tackle the route clockwise from the start point to avoid a grueling uphill in the final few miles. Since you’re in the city’s heart, it’s easy to find a spot to grab a meal or rest for the night along the way.

Best time to hike

Spring and early summer (April-June) is an excellent time to explore the city on foot as the weather is pleasant without being too hot.

Address

75116 Paris, France

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Skip-the-Line Interior Guided Tour

1 hour • Skip the line

Likely to sell out

Paris:Notre-Dame Cathedral Interior and Exterior Guided Tour

1 hour • Small group

Likely to sell out

From Paris: Versailles Palace & Gardens with Transportation

5.5 - 9.5 hours • Optional audio guide

Certified by GetYourGuide

Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral Guided Tour with Skip the Line

1.5 hours • Skip the line

Likely to sell out

Paris: Notre Dame Introduction Tour with Direct Access

30 minutes - 1 hour

Likely to sell out

Paris: Notre Dame Reserved Access & Interior Guided Visit

1 hour • Skip the line

4 - 7 hours • Skip the line • Optional audio guide

Likely to sell out

#1 Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour w/Skip The Line Entry

1 hour • Skip the line • Small group

3. Massif des Trois Pignons

Best for diverse landscapes

Fontainebleau forest is a top destination for hiking near Paris.

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 7.3 miles (12 km); 485 feet

Hike time: 4 hours

Difficulty level: Challenging

Terrain type: Sandy with hills throughout, steep inclines in one section of the trail

Distance from city center: 42 miles (67 km)

Hike highlights

Nestled at the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, the Massif des Trois Pignons trail is one of the most challenging treks near Paris. Popular with trail runners, this loop trail starts and finishes at the Canche aux Merciers parking lot, near the village of Arbonne-la-Forêt.

Lace up your boots and tackle four of the 25 Bosses or “25 Bumps.” Trek past moss-covered boulders wedged between towering oak trees. At the top of the final incline, you’ll be rewarded by the most scenic part of the trail, the “sea of white sand”, a flat clearing that looks like a beach without water.

What to bring

Pack plenty of water, as there are no water points along the trail. Also, wear sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support, as the sandy trail makes it easy to twist an ankle. It is helpful to download the route guide offline, as numerous trails crisscross the Fontainebleau forest, making it easy to take a wrong turn.

Best time to hike

A beautiful hike any time of the year; just avoid it after extended periods of heavy rain.

Address

Chem. de la Vall. d'Arbonne, 77123 Noisy-sur-École.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night.

4. Jean Racine Path

Best hike for history lovers

Reserve_naturelle_regionale_du_val_et_coteau_de_Saint-Remy_au_croisement_de_la_rue_Ditte_et_de_la_rue_de_Paris_a_Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse_le_5_avril_2016_-_4 - LOWRES.jpg

Photo: Lionel Allorge

Countryside paths provide excellent hiking opportunities near Paris.

Route information

Distance and elevation: 12.4 miles (20 km); 935 feet

Hike time: 6 hours

Difficulty level: Moderate

Terrain type: Dirt trails with gentle inclines

Distance from city center: 26 miles (42 km)

Hike highlights

Named for the famous 17th-century playwright, the Jean Racine Path winds through the beech tree forests and quiet historic villages of the Chevreuse Valley, following the same roads Racine himself walked centuries ago.

The most popular section of the route runs from the Château de la Madeleine to the Abbey of Port-Royal, covering just over 3 miles. This shorter section is one of the best hiking trails near Paris for families. The kids will love playing pretend within the ivy-covered ruins of the Château de la Madeleine.

What to bring

Pack enough water, at least three liters, as there are limited refill points along the trail. In summer, bring sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day, as most of the trail has limited shade.

Best time to hike

Autumn is a beautiful time to hike the Jean Racine trail as the changing leaves paint the landscape in vibrant orange and red hues.

Address

Chem. Jean Racine, 78460 Chevreuse

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night

Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris

14 hours • Skip the line

Certified by GetYourGuide

Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket

1 day

Certified by GetYourGuide

Likely to sell out

Booked 143 times yesterday

Eiffel Tower Stairs Climb to Level 2 & Summit Option

2 - 3.5 hours • Access by Stairs

From Paris: Giverny Day Trip with Audio Guide or Live Guide

5 hours • Skip the line

Certified by GetYourGuide

From Paris: Giverny, Monet’s House, & Gardens Half-Day Trip

5.5 - 11 hours • Skip the line

Certified by GetYourGuide

Likely to sell out

1 day

Certified by GetYourGuide

Booked 87 times yesterday

Paris: Hop-On Hop-Off Seine Cruise Pass with 9 Stops

1 - 2 days • Skip the line

Certified by GetYourGuide

3 hours

5. The Marne Banks: Island of Charentonneau

Best hike for families

Bord_de_Marne_a_Bry-sur-Marne - LOWRES.jpg

Photo: Aridd

The Marne Banks offer the perfect sunny Sunday hike.

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 2.3 miles (3.7 km); 135 feet

Hike time: 1 hour

Difficulty level: Easy

Terrain type: Paved flat pathway along the Marne River

Distance from city center: 5.5 miles (9 km)

Hike highlights

One of the closest day hikes from Paris, a stroll along the banks of the Marne River, is a wonderful afternoon outing for the little explorers. The peaceful surroundings make it feel as if time is standing still. Stare up at the old trees leaning over the slowly churning waters below. Enjoy a picnic on the small Île Charentonneau, from where you can admire views over the river.

Know before you go

If you are up for an adventure, the Island of Charentonneau is a small part of a much longer Marne River trail, which stretches for 15.5 miles along the picturesque banks and offers some of the best hiking near Paris.

Best time to hike

Add this to your list of things to do in Paris in the summer for the best chance of blue skies and warm weather.

Address

53 Av. Foch, 94700 Maisons-Alfort

Opening hours

Open 24 hours, but not recommended at night

From Reims: Champagne and Family-Run Wineries Tour

4.5 hours • Skip the line • Small group

Booked 3 times yesterday

Champagne: Champagne Tasting Class with Lunch

3 hours

Booked 3 times yesterday

Epernay: Jeep tour of the vineyards with tasting and visits

2.5 hours • Pickup available

From Paris: Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch

10 - 11 hours • Skip the line • Small group

Booked 4 times yesterday

From Reims: Morning Champagne Tour and Tastings

4 hours • Skip the line • Small group

Booked 2 times yesterday

From Paris: Reims and Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour

11 hours • Pickup available

Likely to sell out

The Essential Tour from Epernay with Champagne Tasting

2 hours • Small group

Aÿ-Champagne: Champagne House Tour and Tasting Class

1.5 hours

About the author

Ashley is a London-based travel writer originally from the US. She’s spent the last four years solo traveling as a digital nomad, visiting over 30 countries on five continents. In her free time, she loves hiking and exploring national parks.

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Explore scenic trails just outside Paris, such as the charming path along the Marne River in Saint-Maur or the lush Park and Gardens of Château de Fontainebleau. Consider the GR 22 route from Paris to Versailles for a historical trek. Art enthusiasts might enjoy the Oise Valley of Painters, known for its picturesque landscapes. Each hike offers a unique experience and is easily accessible from the city.

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Outside Paris

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

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5 must-try hiking trails near Paris

1. The Oise Valley of Painters

Hike information at a glance

Hike highlights

Know before you go

Best time to hike

Address

Opening hours

Experience the House of Van Gogh

2. GR75: Tour de Paris

Route information

Hike highlights

Know before you go

Best time to hike

Address

Opening hours

Find walking tours in Paris

3. Massif des Trois Pignons

Hike information at a glance

Hike highlights

What to bring

Best time to hike

Address

Opening hours

4. Jean Racine Path

Route information

Hike highlights

What to bring

Best time to hike

Address

Opening hours

Explore outdoor activities near Paris

5. The Marne Banks: Island of Charentonneau

Hike information at a glance

Hike highlights

Know before you go

Best time to hike

Address

Opening hours

Taste French wine in the Marne region

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