Hike 50 km in Paris without leaving the city: this little-known GR trail passes through 9 arrondissements and 75 green spaces
Hiking in Paris might seem surprising at first. Yet the French capital has 8 marked Grandes Randonnées (GR) trails and 75 green spaces that are crossed by some of these routes. It’s the perfect excuse to lace up your sneakers and see the city in a whole new light.
The GR 75, a trail created for the Olympic Games
Inaugurated in 2017 to support Paris’s bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the GR 75 offers a 50-km loop that runs entirely through Paris. The route passes through nine arrondissements and crosses no fewer than 75 green spaces between the Périphérique and the Boulevards des Maréchaux.
The route is also a journey through Paris’s sporting history. The Bois de Vincennes hosted the cricket matches of the first Paris Olympic Games in 1900. Later, the Tourelles Aquatic Stadium—now the Georges Vallerey Swimming Pool in the 20th arrondissement—saw Johnny Weissmuller become the first swimmer to complete the 100-meter race in under a minute in 1924.
The GR 75 also passes through sites associated with the 2024 Games, such as the Parc des Princes, Roland-Garros, and the Accor Arena. This makes it a must-see loop for sports and history enthusiasts.
Three trips across Paris, door-to-door
For those who prefer to go from one point to another, three marked trails offer great walking options in Paris. The first, 21 km long, connects the Bois de Vincennes to the Bois de Boulogne. Along the way, walkers follow the Seine, catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, and pass by the École Militaire, the Jardin du Luxembourg, and Montagne Sainte-Geneviève with its Panthéon.
Route No. 2 winds through some of the capital’s liveliest neighborhoods. After passing through the Parc de la Villette and the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, the route follows the Canal Saint-Martin, winds through the streets of the Marais, and then passes by the Picasso and Carnavalet museums. The route then continues via the Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, with Notre-Dame de Paris as a backdrop.
Further south, the Latin Quarter leads into the 13th arrondissement, which was created following the city’s expansion in 1960. The effort is rewarded by the highest point on the Left Bank, at 78 m: Montsouris Park, just before the Cité Universitaire.
“The GR 75 is a true journey into the heart of the city’s sports history.”
Route No. 3, from Porte Maillot to Porte Dorée, stays on the right bank. It takes you through the capital as it was before certain municipalities were incorporated into the city. Your calves will be put to the test as you pass through Place de l’Étoile, Montmartre, the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, and the Parc de Belleville. The Square des Batignolles, Parc Monceau, and the village of Charonne are also on the itinerary, before heading into the greenery along the Promenade Plantée.
Les Panamées: Free, Themed Walking Tours in Paris
Les Panamées are free urban walking tours, open to everyone, organized by the Paris Departmental Hiking Committee. Each month, a themed route invites participants to explore the city’s streets from a unique perspective. You can follow in the footsteps of Victor Hugo, discover Le Corbusier’s architecture, or stroll to the rhythm of songs paying tribute to Paris.
These guided walks are a great way for anyone who wants to go hiking in Paris without any special gear or a big budget to get started. They combine a leisurely stroll with culture, in a way that’s accessible to people of all fitness levels.
- The GR 75: a 50-km loop through 9 districts and 75 green spaces
- Route No. 1: 21 km from the Bois de Vincennes to the Bois de Boulogne
- Route No. 2: From Parc de la Villette to Parc Montsouris via the Marais
- Crossing No. 3: from Porte Maillot to Porte Dorée on the right bank
- Les Panamées: Free, Monthly Themed City Walks
The woods and the banks of the Seine: walking destinations in their own right
The Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes also offer great hiking options. You can hike around the Bois de Boulogne in just under 3 hours, following a trail that runs alongside a stream and passes under a waterfall. In Vincennes, there are two loop trails. The longer one is 11 km, starting at the Château and passing near the Tropical Agronomy Garden and Lake Gravelle.
The GR2, which stretches over 800 km, crosses Paris via two separate routes. The first runs from the Bois de Vincennes to the Porte de Sèvres. The second connects the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Parc André Citroën. On both routes, Paris unfolds along the river.
Trails for all types of hikers
Hiking in Paris caters to all paces. History buffs might prefer Route No. 3 or the GR 75, which is rich in sports-related landmarks. Those seeking nature will opt for the woods or the GR 2 trails along the Seine.
For walkers interested in culture, Les Panamées offers a different perspective on the city every month. These walking tours of Paris are a practical, free, and accessible way to (re)discover neighborhoods that are often overlooked.
Generally speaking, hiking in Paris lets you see the city at eye level, away from the usual tourist routes. The eight marked GR trails that crisscross the capital are all invitations to walk differently—at your own pace, with your eyes wide open.
