Top Walking Trails Rated by Distance and Difficulty

Paris has 450 kilometres of walking trails, offering a wide range of options for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the city while staying active.

The city's walking trails are especially relevant now, as many Parisians are looking for ways to stay healthy and active during the summer months. With the Seine riverbanks and Bois de Boulogne providing ample opportunities for outdoor exercise, it's no wonder that walking has become a popular activity among locals and tourists alike. The universal healthcare model in France also emphasizes the importance of preventive care and regular physical activity, making walking an attractive option for those looking to stay fit.

In Paris, some of the top walking trails can be found in the city's many parks and gardens, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The Rue de Rivoli, which runs along the Seine, is also a popular spot for walkers, offering stunning views of the river and the city's historic landmarks. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Bois de Boulogne offers several trails of varying difficulty, including the 4.5-kilometre Sentier des Lacs trail and the 2.5-kilometre Sentier de la Grande Cascade trail.

Rating the Trails

According to data from the City of Paris, the most popular walking trail is the Promenade Plantée, a 4.5-kilometre trail that runs along a former railway line and offers stunning views of the city. The trail is rated as easy to moderate, with a total elevation gain of 50 metres. The Sentier des Lacs trail in the Bois de Boulogne, on the other hand, is rated as moderate to difficult, with a total elevation gain of 100 metres and a distance of 4.5 kilometres. As of 2025, the City of Paris reported that over 1.2 million people used the city's walking trails, with an average of 3,000 users per day on the Promenade Plantée alone.

For those looking to explore the city's walking trails, the Mairie de Paris recommends starting with one of the many guided tours available, which cost between 10 and 20 euros per person. The Paris Tourist Office also offers a range of free walking maps and guides, which can be downloaded from their website or picked up at one of their many locations throughout the city. With so many options available, there's never been a better time to get out and explore the city on foot.