Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Paris, Île-de-France, France

Paris, France, Paris, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Best Hiking Trails Around the World

Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Paris, Île-de-France, France

1. Bois de Boulogne

A large public forest in western Paris, offering a variety of hiking trails and horse riding paths.
  • Urban Escape: Allows city dwellers to escape the bustle of Paris while still being close to urban amenities.
  • Natural Beauty: Showcases diverse flora and fauna within the heart of a major city.
  • Recreational Activities: Offers additional activities like boating, tennis, and horse riding along the hiking trails.

2. Parc de Sceaux

An 18th-century garden that has been transformed into a beautiful hiking trail.
  • Historic Landmark: Offers a unique blend of history and nature on the former estate of Madame de Pompadour.
  • Aesthetic Experience: Features stunning landscapes designed by André Le Nôtre, the famous gardener of Versailles.
  • Tranquil Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful escape from the noise and crowds of Paris.

3. Grandes Chaumes de Montmartre

A series of hiking trails located on the hill of Montmartre, showcasing breathtaking views of Paris.
  • Iconic Views: Offers panoramic vistas encompassing many of Paris' most famous landmarks.
  • Cultural Experience: Passes through the historic district of Montmartre, home to artists and writers for centuries.
  • Uphill Challenge: Includes some steep ascents, providing a physical challenge for active hikers.

4. Bois de Vincennes

A vast forest park located in the eastern part of Paris, offering numerous hiking trails.
  • Historical Site: Includes several historical sites such as the Château de Vincennes and the Grande Ceinture.
  • Diverse Landscape: Features forests, meadows, and waterways, offering a varied hiking experience.
  • Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for horse riding, cycling, and other outdoor activities alongside the trails.

5. Parc Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse

An expansive regional park located on the outskirts of Paris, offering scenic hiking trails.
  • Natural Habitat: Protects a diverse range of flora and fauna, providing a unique opportunity to observe wildlife.
  • Picturesque Villages: Passes through picturesque villages offering a glimpse into rural French life.
  • Length and Diversity: Includes multiple trails of varying lengths, catering to both casual and serious hikers.

6. Sentier des Oiseaux

A birdwatching trail located in the Marais Poitevin wetlands near Paris.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of birds and other wildlife.
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a tranquil, relaxing environment for birdwatching and hiking.
  • Natural Wonders: Traverses the stunning marshlands of the Marais Poitevin, often referred to as the 'Green Venice'.

7. Forêt Domaniale de Fontainebleau

A forest located near Fontainebleau, offering rock climbing and hiking opportunities.
  • Rock Climbing Destination: World-renowned for its rock climbing routes, attracting climbers from around the globe.
  • Scenic Hiking Trails: Features numerous hiking trails through beautiful landscapes and historical sites.
  • Outdoor Adventure: Offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping and horse riding.

8. Parc de Saint-Maurice

A large park located in the eastern suburbs of Paris, offering various hiking trails.
  • Urban Oasis: Offers a peaceful escape from the city, while still being close to urban amenities.
  • Historical Significance: Features remains of the ancient Roman baths and a medieval castle, providing a glimpse into history.
  • Diversity: Includes forests, meadows, waterways, and even an area for wildlife watching.

9. Parc de la Vanoise

A nature reserve located in the French Alps, offering hiking trails through pristine wilderness.
  • Alpine Wildlife: Provides opportunities to observe rare alpine wildlife such as ibex and chamois.
  • Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the French Alps, with numerous mountain peaks and glaciers.
  • Alpine Hiking: Offers challenging alpine hikes for experienced hikers seeking adventure.

10. Parc National des Écrins

A national park located in the French Alps, offering a variety of challenging hiking trails.
  • Alpine Peaks: Features numerous alpine peaks over 4000 meters, including Mont Aiguille and Barre des Écrins.
  • Scenic Grandeur: Offers stunning views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and the surrounding mountains.
  • Challenging Trails: Includes technical hiking trails suitable for experienced mountaineers.

11. Parc National de Cévennes

A national park located in south-central France, offering a variety of hiking trails.
  • Historic Villages: Passes through charming historic villages with stone houses and cobblestone streets.
  • Diverse Landscape: Includes forests, gorges, plateaus, and limestone mountains.
  • Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage, including its unique dialect and traditions.

12. Parc National de la Vanoise Royaume

A national park located in southeastern France, offering hiking trails through pristine wilderness.
  • Alpine Wildlife: Provides opportunities to observe rare alpine wildlife such as ibex and chamois.
  • Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the Alps, with numerous mountain peaks and glaciers.
  • Alpine Hiking: Offers challenging alpine hikes for experienced hikers seeking adventure.

13. Parc National du Mercantour

A national park located in southwestern France, offering a variety of challenging hiking trails.
  • Scenic Grandeur: Offers stunning views of the Alps, with numerous mountain peaks and glaciers.
  • Diverse Landscape: Includes forests, alpine meadows, and limestone cliffs.
  • Challenging Trails: Includes technical hiking trails suitable for experienced mountaineers.

14. Parc National des Pyrénées

A national park located in southwestern France, offering a variety of hiking trails through the Pyrenees mountains.
  • Alpine Peaks: Features numerous alpine peaks over 3000 meters, including Mont Perdus and Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and the surrounding mountains.
  • Cultural Experience: Provides opportunities to learn about the unique culture and history of the Pyrenees region.

15. Parc National des Côtes de Gascogne

A national park located in southwestern France, offering hiking trails through rolling hills and vineyards.
  • Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into the region's rich wine-making culture.
  • Scenic Beauty: Features picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages.
  • Moderate Trails: Includes easy to moderate hiking trails suitable for families and casual hikers.