Closing of the Seine riverbanks: 10 even cooler spots to go running in Paris

undefined 16 juillet 2024 undefined 16h18

The Editor

© Shutterstock - Kevin Yuan

Well, maybe not even cooler, but at least at the same level. Casual Sunday runners or confirmed athletes, let go and shift your gaze: I promise, your little strides can flourish in countless parks, paths, and other natural spaces in the capital, as long as you know where to find them.

The Olympic Games are just around the corner in the capital city, and while the grand opening ceremony has led to some docks closing, there are still plenty of spots to enjoy this summer. Forget about the chaos and check out these 10 places instead. 1. Montsouris Park Just a stone's throw away from the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, Montsouris Park is a gem with its 1400 trees, many of which are over a hundred years old. Inspired by parks in London, this place is popular among local students and a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. You can admire the swans and ducks on the pond, check out some beautiful sculptures, and even watch athletes play on the soccer and basketball fields.
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Parc Monsouris
2 rue Gazan - 14e


2. The University City 

The University City is also a great place for a leisurely run. You have to zigzag through it while avoiding the international students napping around.Between the walls of the 40 student residences, yes, but at the same time we can admire the architectures of the 28 country houses it houses, from Sweden to the United States through Morocco, Armenia or Cuba. Between two strides, don't forget to open your eyes wide to soak up the surrounding nature: the park lists 179 plant species from around the world, 6 insect hotels, and 52 different bird species.

Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris
17, boulevard Jourdan - 14th arrondissement


3. The Canal de l'Ourcq

Accessible rain or shine, day or night, the Canal de l'Ourcq is ideal for joggers training at any time. The waterway runs through the entire North of the Paris region, so you can follow it for dozens of kilometers, starting your session at the Villette Basin, continuing to Bobigny and Bondy, and finishing at Vaujours! Perfect to show off on Strava...

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The Canal de l'Ourcq
From La Villette (19th) to Bobigny (93)


4. The Coulée Verte

Located on a former railway line, the Coulée Verte offers over 4 kilometers of greenery that run through the 12th arrondissement. You can go for a little run, or just sit and have a picnic in a secluded spot. But being the sporty people we are, of course, the first option is the one we choose. 

The Green Path
From Opéra-Bastille to Vincennes Park - 12th district


5. Vincennes Forest 

And once you've reached the Vincennes Forest, keep up the effort and try to complete the loop. A favorite spot for sports enthusiasts in the eastern part of Paris, it offers a wide range of activities and pleasures for runners looking for some nature. Challenge yourself to complete the 13-kilometer run through the forest that starts from Saint Mandé (Val-de-Marne), goes through the Daumesnil Lake forest, and ends at the Minimes Lake. Various sports equipment like monkey bars, balance beams, and vaulting boxes are scattered along the paths for a healthy workout under the shade of trees.

Bois de Vincennes
Route de la Pyramide - 12th


6. Parc Monceau

Spacious, with a beautiful pond, a few swings, and above all plenty of lawns to pick up speed on, Parc Monceau is the most elegant green space in the 8th arrondissement. Good news for night owls, it closes at 9pm, allowing time to catch your breath after work before enjoying a well-deserved good night's sleep.

Parc Monceau
35, boulevard de Courcelles - 8th arrondissement


7. The Bercy Park 

With three lovely gardens featuring footbridges, ponds, lawns, water features, and small staircases, the Bercy Park is perfect for running enthusiasts. There are several different routes you can take. The 1-kilometer circuit goes around the gardens and includes some stairs for an extra challenge. Another loop covers a 1.8-kilometer distance and even has a street workout area, great for additional exercises, warming up, or stretching!

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Parc de Bercy
128, quai de Bercy - 12th


8. The Luxembourg Gardens

This may not be the largest park in Paris, but its setting, in front of the Luxembourg Palace, and its wide open spaces have never been a problem for joggers. The loop is about 3 kilometers long, with a must-stop: taking a break on the benches facing the Medicis Fountain.

Jardin du Luxembourg
Rue de Vaugirard - 6th arrondissement


9. Charléty stadium 

More urban, the Charléty stadium is one of the multi-sports complexes in Paris, featuring a stadium with a capacity of about 19,000 seats. Popular on match nights, it has a 400-meter outdoor track and other athletics facilities like long jump and pole vault. If you're an amateur, it's time to show off your cardio skills to catch the eye of a top coach and go pro! 

Charléty Stadium
99, boulevard Kellermann - 13th arrondissement


10. La Petite Ceinture 

Finally, the Petite Ceinture is surely the most exotic corner of Paris to stretch your legs in a place far from the pavement and noise. This 32.5-kilometer double-track railway line offers everyone a green break around a Paris that has regained its splendor, starting with its colors. We recommend the route that starts at Place Balard (15th arrondissement), continues through Parc Georges Brassens and ends at Porte d'Orléans.

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Let's talk about The Petite Ceinture, a charming spot that you can easily access from Place Balard in the 15th arrondissement. Feel free to check it out on Google Maps by clicking here. Enjoy exploring this wonderful place!