10 Outdoor Activities in Paris Beyond the Typical Tourist Trail

The Coulée Verte René-Dumont transforms an abandoned railway line into a spectacular elevated park stretching 4.7 kilometers across eastern Paris. This unique green corridor rises above street level on the Viaduc des Arts, offering cyclists an extraordinary urban adventure through gardens, tunnels, and bridges. The route passes through diverse landscapes from manicured flower beds to wild vegetation, connecting Bastille to Vincennes. Cyclists enjoy car-free riding with panoramic city views, architectural details of converted railway infrastructure, and peaceful garden spaces. The path features gentle slopes and well-maintained surfaces suitable for all cycling abilities. Multiple entry and exit points allow flexible route planning.

How to get there. Start at Bastille Metro station and locate the entrance near Opera Bastille. The elevated section begins at Viaduc des Arts on Avenue Daumesnil. Follow the marked cycling path eastward through the park. Multiple access points exist at major street crossings. The route ends at Bois de Vincennes.

Walk along sections of Paris's abandoned railway line that once circled the city. This elevated green corridor offers unique views of residential neighborhoods rarely seen by tourists. The 32-kilometer circular path passes through multiple arrondissements, connecting parks and providing peaceful escape from busy streets. Several accessible segments feature wildflowers, street art, and glimpses into local Parisian life. The railway operated from 1852 to 1934 before becoming this urban hiking trail. Perfect for discovering hidden corners of Paris while enjoying nature within the city limits.

How to get there. Multiple entry points exist throughout Paris. Popular starting points include Parc Montsouris (14th), Porte de Vincennes (12th), or near Boulevard Sérurier (19th). Look for green metal gates or stairs leading up to the elevated path. Download offline maps as cellular service can be spotty. Plan route segments as the entire path isn't continuously walkable.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont hides artificial grottos and caves beneath its rolling hills, remnants of former gypsum quarries transformed into romantic underground spaces. The Temple de la Sibylle sits atop dramatic cliffs overlooking artificial waterfalls cascading into hidden caverns below. Visitors can explore winding paths that lead to stone bridges spanning deep ravines and discover mysterious tunnel entrances carved into rock faces. The park's underground network includes natural-looking caves with stalactites and flowing water features that create an otherworldly atmosphere just minutes from central Paris. These secret spaces offer cool refuge during summer and mystical exploration year-round through one of Paris' most unique landscapes.

How to get there. Take Metro Line 7bis to Buttes Chaumont or Line 5 to Laumiere station. Enter the park through the main entrance on Rue Botzaris. Follow paths toward the Temple de la Sibylle and look for stone steps descending toward water features. The cave entrances are located near the artificial waterfall and around the lake's perimeter. Explore carefully as pathways can be steep and uneven.

The Montparnasse Tower offers Paris' only 360-degree outdoor rooftop terrace from its 56th floor, standing 210 meters above the city. Visitors access both an indoor observation deck on the 56th floor and the open-air terrace on the 59th floor via high-speed elevators. The panoramic views encompass the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, and the entire Paris skyline. Unlike other observation decks, this rooftop provides unobstructed outdoor viewing without glass barriers. The tower features interactive displays, telescopes, and a champagne bar. Sunset visits are particularly spectacular, offering golden hour photography opportunities. The experience includes access to both levels and typically lasts 1-2 hours.

How to get there. Take Metro Line 4, 6, 12, or 13 to Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station. Exit following Sortie 1 - Tour Montparnasse signs. The tower entrance is on Rue de l'Arrivée. Purchase tickets at ground level, then take express elevators to the 56th floor observatory. Access the 59th floor outdoor terrace via stairs from the indoor level.

How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at the official Tour Montparnasse website or at the entrance. Online booking offers small discounts and skip-the-line access. Tickets include access to both the 56th floor indoor observatory and 59th floor outdoor terrace.

Bois de Vincennes offers exceptional trail running through Paris's largest public park spanning 995 hectares. Multiple marked paths wind through diverse terrain including woodlands, lakes, and meadows. Runners enjoy well-maintained trails with varying difficulty levels from flat lakeside routes to challenging hill sections. The park features dedicated running circuits, stunning lake views, and peaceful forest sections away from city noise. Popular routes include the loop around Lac Daumesnil and longer circuits connecting multiple lakes. Distance options range from 3km beginner loops to 15km+ advanced routes. The terrain includes paved paths, dirt trails, and grassy areas providing excellent variety for training.

How to get there. Take Metro Line 1 to Château de Vincennes station, then walk 5 minutes to main park entrance. Multiple entry points available around the park perimeter. Download trail maps from park website or pick up at visitor centers. Popular starting point is near Lac Daumesnil. Follow marked running paths - red markers indicate 5km circuit, blue markers show 10km route.

Parc de Belleville offers Paris's highest public garden with stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and Eiffel Tower. This elevated park features terraced gardens, historic vineyard plots, and winding paths that create an urban hiking experience through 20th arrondissement's hillside terrain. The 4.5-hectare space combines natural landscapes with urban exploration, allowing visitors to discover remnants of Montmartre's wine-making heritage while enjoying a moderate climb through varied elevations. Stone steps and gravel paths wind through different garden levels, offering photo opportunities and rest areas with benches overlooking the sprawling metropolis below.

How to get there. Take Metro Line 11 to Pyrénées or Belleville stations. From Pyrénées, walk uphill on Rue de Belleville to Rue Piat entrance. From Belleville, head east on Rue de Belleville. Enter at multiple points including Rue Piat, Rue Julien Lacroix, or Rue des Couronnes. Follow terraced paths upward through vineyard sections to reach summit viewpoint.

Walk through Paris' oldest covered market while sampling French delicacies with a knowledgeable local guide. This culinary journey takes you through Marché des Enfants Rouges, dating back to 1615, where vendors serve everything from Moroccan tagines to Japanese bento boxes. Taste artisanal cheeses, fresh oysters, organic produce, and traditional French pastries while learning about the market's fascinating history. The intimate group setting allows for personal interactions with vendors who have operated family stalls for generations. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and include multiple food tastings that constitute a full meal. You'll discover hidden gems within the market's red-painted iron framework while gaining insights into Parisian food culture and daily life.

How to get there. Take Metro Line 3 to Filles du Calvaire station or Line 8 to Saint-Sébastien-Froissart. The market is located at 39 Rue de Bretagne in the 3rd arrondissement. Look for the distinctive red iron gates and covered pavilion structure. Tours typically meet at the main entrance on Rue de Bretagne.

How to buy tickets. Book through tour companies like Paris Food Tour, Eating Europe, or Secret Food Tours. Prices range from 60-90 euros per person. Tours fill quickly, especially weekends, so advance booking is essential.

The Musée Rodin's sculptural garden provides an extraordinary outdoor gallery experience where Auguste Rodin's masterpieces stand among manicured lawns and rose gardens. Visitors discover iconic works like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell while strolling tree-lined pathways. The 7-acre garden features over 30 bronze sculptures positioned throughout themed sections including a formal French garden and wild natural areas. Spring brings blooming roses that complement the bronze patina beautifully. The garden café offers refreshments with sculpture views. This peaceful retreat combines art appreciation with garden tranquility in central Paris. Photography enthusiasts capture stunning compositions of sculptures against seasonal foliage.

How to get there. Take Metro Line 13 to Varenne station or Line 8 to Invalides. From Varenne, walk 2 minutes south on Boulevard des Invalides to 77 Rue de Varenne. Enter through the main museum entrance and access gardens through the museum or purchase garden-only tickets at the separate garden entrance.

How to buy tickets. Purchase tickets online at musee-rodin.fr for timed entry slots, especially during peak season. Garden-only tickets available for reduced price. Museum pass holders receive free garden access.

This scenic bike route follows Canal de l'Ourcq from Paris 19th arrondissement to Pantin, covering approximately 8 kilometers of flat, car-free path. The journey takes riders past industrial heritage sites, converted warehouses, street art murals, and waterside cafes. The canal path connects multiple cultural venues including La Villette park and Le Centquatre arts center. Cyclists enjoy peaceful water views while discovering transformed post-industrial neighborhoods. The route passes through locks, bridges, and green spaces that showcase Paris's urban renewal. Perfect for leisurely exploration, the path accommodates all skill levels on smooth paved surfaces. Local bike rental stations make access convenient for visitors without their own equipment.

How to get there. Start at Bassin de la Villette near Metro Jaures (Lines 2, 5, 7bis). Follow the dedicated bike path east along the canal's north bank toward Pantin. The clearly marked route passes through Parc de la Villette, continues past cultural venues, and ends at Parc de la Bergere in Pantin. Return via the same path or take Metro Line 5 from Eglise de Pantin station.

Père Lachaise Cemetery offers peaceful walking paths through its 44-hectare grounds, combining history with natural beauty. Winding cobblestone trails lead past ornate tombs and monuments while mature trees create a serene canopy overhead. The cemetery functions as an urban park where visitors can explore famous gravesites including Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. Tree-lined avenues and quiet corners provide respite from bustling Paris streets. Maps available at entrances help navigate the maze-like layout of divisions and sections. The elevated terrain offers gentle hills and varied landscapes throughout the expansive grounds.

How to get there. Take Metro Line 2 or 3 to Père Lachaise station, or Line 2 to Philippe Auguste. Enter through main gates on Boulevard de Ménilmontant. Free maps available at entrance. Follow numbered divisions and street signs within cemetery. Main paths are paved, with smaller trails branching off. Allow 2-3 hours for full exploration.