
Running is one of Parisians’ favorite sports, as evidenced by the various running groups and the number of motivated joggers on the quays on Sunday mornings! Whether you’re looking for places to start running or a seasoned runner in search of new routes, discover the best places to run in Paris. Put on your running shoes and follow us!
1. The quays of the Seine: the place to be
It’s the place to be for runners every day, and it’s easy to see why! A breathtaking view of the Seine and its barges, the most beautiful Parisian monuments along the way, street art frescoes… What’s more, when it comes to distance, anything’s possible. 5 km or half-marathon? The choice is yours, whether you follow the same riverbank or slalom from one to the other over the various bridges. Our favorite route is from Bastille to the Eiffel Tower. When night falls, you can even enjoy the illuminations on the mythical Iron Lady: magical!
2. The Coulée Verte: the bucolic run
We’ll let you in on a secret: this is our favorite spot! With its 4.5 km of elevated ground, this former railroad line takes you from Bastille to Parc de Vincennes, passing over the famous Viaduc des Arts and Jardin de Reuilly. Also known as the Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte lives up to its name: a bucolic stroll among trees and flowers, like a green oasis in the heart of Paris. A little bonus: the route is lined with fountains, ideal for quenching your thirst!
3. Les Buttes-Chaumont: the most cardio-friendly spot
With its 2.1 km loop and 40 m gradient, the Buttes-Chaumont is a bit of a Mecca for Parisian runners. It’s the ideal place to work on your cardio… and firm up your glutes! We recommend it for your split sessions, on short ascents and descents. Faux plat, steeper climbs, stairs… Variety is the name of the game!
4. The Bois de Vincennes: the natural run
What could be better than a wood to run in peace and quiet, far from Parisian traffic? Enjoy one (or more) lap(s) of the charming Lac Daumesnil, with its poetic boats and weeping willows, greeting the local swans and peacocks along the way. Continue on to the Bois de Vincennes, where you can choose from a number of different routes. Follow the various paths and trails, where cyclists, hikers and horses meet, and dare to get a little lost… Finally, don’t miss a detour to the Château de Vincennes: an unmissable monument!
5. Canal de l’Ourcq: the street-art spot
Running along the water’s edge is always more fun. Especially on the Canal de l’Ourcq, which is open at all hours: ideal if you’re an early riser! From Stalingrad or Jaurès, you can reach the Parc de la Villette via a flat course, ideal for beginners . It’s also a popular spot for Parisian runners to practice their splits between two street art frescoes. A course that’s both sporting and cultural!
6. Bois de Boulogne: for green running in Paris
Well-known to runners in western Paris, the Bois de Boulogne is an ideal playground for running. Entirely open to the public, this green setting covers no less than 846 hectares: you’ll never get bored! There are many possible routes, starting with the tours of Lac Supérieur and Lac Inférieur (and its famous Chalet des Îles), near the Hippodrome d’Auteuil. If you like cycling, you can also take a few strides alongside the Tour de France fans at the Hippodrome de Longchamp. Unless you prefer to follow the trails at your own pace… In short, a breath of fresh air, far from Parisian traffic!
7. La Petite Ceinture: the secret spot
A former railroad line, the Petite Ceinture is now enjoying a second life, much to our delight! A number of sections have been reopened to the public as living and running spots! In the 15th arrondissement, for example. Start at Place Balard, and follow the old railway line of the Petite Ceinture before arriving at Parc Georges Brassens and continuing to Porte d’Orléans. A very bucolic spot!
8. Montmartre: the legendary spot
Slopes, greenery and, above all, a mythical setting: Montmartre is one of the most popular running spots in Paris. If you like hills or need to work on your cardio, this is the place for you! The main ascent, opposite the Sacré-Coeur basilica, has 222 steps. Ready for the challenge? If you want to avoid the tourists, you’ll want to take an early morning run. As you make your way through the narrow streets, take a break to admire the view of the capital… Breathtaking!
9. Parc Monceau: the romantic spot for running in Paris
For the romantically inclined, Parc Monceau is one of the most beautiful flower gardens in Paris. Enjoy a lush landscape while jogging at your own pace. Ideal for beginners, the park is just 1 km in circumference! No need to think about it, just count the number of laps and you’ll know where you stand. The only problem is that the park is very popular with Parisians and tourists alike, so it can quickly become overcrowded… We recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds and strollers.
10. The Cité Universitaire: ideal for a quiet run in Paris
A little-known, yet green and peaceful area: ideal for running away from the crowds! Inside the Cité Universitaire park, take a tour of the various houses with their unusual architecture: Maison de l’Inde, Maison du Brésil, Maison du Mexique… Travel without leaving Paris! Then take a leisurely stroll through Parc Montsouris. With its 15 hectares, it’s a lovely playground for your weekend strides.