Paris is a beautiful city, but the concrete can quickly weigh on your shoulders. When I need to clear my head, I don’t look far: just cross the gates of the capital or take a few minutes by train to find the smell of damp earth and the sound of leaves. Here’s my concrete selection of forests and wooded parks to recharge this weekend.
It’s the green lung of eastern Paris. With over 995 hectares, it’s vast. I particularly recommend the walk around Lake Daumesne or a visit to the tropical garden. It’s perfect for a long walk or a family picnic. The crowd can be heavy on Sundays, but the space is such that you always end up finding your tranquility.
Located just southwest of Paris, this forest offers a wilder setting than classic urban parks. The trails are well-maintained and varied, passing through open clearings and dense underbrush. It’s a popular spot for runners and walkers looking to escape the noise of the city while remaining close to public transport.
This forest is part of the national domain of Saint-Cloud and La Malmaison. It has undeniable historical charm, with centenary trees and avenues lined with oaks and hornbeams. It’s the perfect place to combine a nature walk with a cultural visit to the Château de la Malmaison, located nearby.
The western counterpart of Bois de Vincennes. It is closer to the center of Paris and therefore often more frequented by city dwellers looking for a lunch break or an evening run. Don’t miss the Lower and Upper Lakes, as well as the Jardin d'Acclimatation if you’re with children. The atmosphere is very lively.
Often overlooked in favor of the larger Parisian woods, Bondy Forest is a true gem for those seeking peace. It’s a state forest that spans several municipalities. The paths are less crowded, offering a rare sense of relative isolation in Île-de-France. Ideal for a quiet hike without the crowds.
To the north of Paris, this forest is famous for its panoramic views of the Montmorency Valley. The trails offer interesting elevation changes that wake up the calves. It’s also a historic site related to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who stayed here. A walk here combines nature, sport, and culture.
To access these places, prefer public transport or cycling. Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne are directly accessible via the Paris metro (lines 1, 8, 9, etc.) or RER A. For Meudon Forest, tram T2 or buses serve the surroundings. Montmorency Forest is accessible by train from Gare du Nord (stop Montmorency).
Local tip: leave early in the morning, especially on Saturdays, to enjoy the almost deserted trails. Remember to bring water, as fountains are not always operational depending on the season. Respect nature: stay on marked paths and take your waste with you.
Crée un compte gratuit pour bookmarker tes guides, recevoir le digest hebdo (changements officiels, nouveaux guides) et rejoindre ta communauté diaspora.
Paris is a beautiful city, but the concrete can quickly weigh on your shoulders. When I need to clear my head, I don’t look far: just cross the gates of the capital or take a few minutes by train to find the smell of damp earth and the sound of leaves. Here’s my concrete selection of forests and wooded parks to recharge this weekend.
It’s the green lung of eastern Paris. With over 995 hectares, it’s vast. I particularly recommend the walk around Lake Daumesne or a visit to the tropical garden. It’s perfect for a long walk or a family picnic. The crowd can be heavy on Sundays, but the space is such that you always end up finding your tranquility.
Located just southwest of Paris, this forest offers a wilder setting than classic urban parks. The trails are well-maintained and varied, passing through open clearings and dense underbrush. It’s a popular spot for runners and walkers looking to escape the noise of the city while remaining close to public transport.
This forest is part of the national domain of Saint-Cloud and La Malmaison. It has undeniable historical charm, with centenary trees and avenues lined with oaks and hornbeams. It’s the perfect place to combine a nature walk with a cultural visit to the Château de la Malmaison, located nearby.
The western counterpart of Bois de Vincennes. It is closer to the center of Paris and therefore often more frequented by city dwellers looking for a lunch break or an evening run. Don’t miss the Lower and Upper Lakes, as well as the Jardin d'Acclimatation if you’re with children. The atmosphere is very lively.
Often overlooked in favor of the larger Parisian woods, Bondy Forest is a true gem for those seeking peace. It’s a state forest that spans several municipalities. The paths are less crowded, offering a rare sense of relative isolation in Île-de-France. Ideal for a quiet hike without the crowds.
To the north of Paris, this forest is famous for its panoramic views of the Montmorency Valley. The trails offer interesting elevation changes that wake up the calves. It’s also a historic site related to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who stayed here. A walk here combines nature, sport, and culture.
To access these places, prefer public transport or cycling. Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne are directly accessible via the Paris metro (lines 1, 8, 9, etc.) or RER A. For Meudon Forest, tram T2 or buses serve the surroundings. Montmorency Forest is accessible by train from Gare du Nord (stop Montmorency).
Local tip: leave early in the morning, especially on Saturdays, to enjoy the almost deserted trails. Remember to bring water, as fountains are not always operational depending on the season. Respect nature: stay on marked paths and take your waste with you.