Top 4 Places to Run in Paris

Top 4 Places to Run in Paris

Have the endless Parisian bakery trips left you feeling like you could use some exercise? If you’re searching for the motivation to work out but can’t seem to find it, look no further. Paris boasts some of the most scenic running routes in the world, with views that will keep you going even when you’re out of breath and just want to stuff your face with a pain au chocolat or Nutella crêpe.

Besides burning off calories and getting in shape, you’ll be able to explore the City of Light the way it is meant to be discovered—by foot. Don’t let the crowds of tourists discourage you–Whether you’re looking for a metropolitan landscape for your run or more of a natural, tranquil running route, Paris has countless options if you know where to go.

Remember, the hardest part is getting yourself out the door, but the number of breathtaking views you have to choose from will make every step worth it! Whether you’re exercising alone or with friends, there are countless places to explore on foot in Paris, all accessible by train or metro. Here are four of the best running spots, enjoyed by both visitors and locals. And if you get tired of running, slow it down by joining one of our Walking Tours of Paris!

4. Les Bois de Boulogne

Bois de Boulogne, image sourced from Civitatis Tourist Site for Paris

Located along the western edge of the city’s 16th arrondissement is one of Paris’s largest parks, extremely popular among families and workout enthusiasts alike. The best place to start your run is from Port Dauphine (Ligne 2). From this point, you can enter the park from Route de Suresnes, and the best running routes are along Lac Inferieur and Lac Superieur.

There are over 55 kilometers of running trails throughout the park, so you won’t run out of new tracks to discover. Le Bois de Boulogne is spacious, green, and you genuinely feel like you’re miles from the bustling city. It’s a perfect escape for some peaceful meditation after your run, as the sound of birds chirping can be heard instead of the usual car honks and motorcycles.

The park is usually packed on Sundays with family picnics and outdoor enthusiasts, but there is a lot of open space for a moment of solitude. Try running at Bois de Boulogne on a Saturday morning to kick off a relaxing weekend of self-care. When you’re done with your run, you can explore the park even further by renting a canoe on one of the lovely lakes.

3. Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries, image sourced from Wazin Photos

Arguably the most popular garden in Paris, the stunning Jardin des Tuileries is a great place to run, especially if you’re a novice! On this path you’ll feel like a royal, running past statues, pretty flowerbeds, and fountains. Since the garden is centrally located, you can easily access the gardens from the Tuileries metro stop (Ligne 1).

Make sure to start your work out fairly early, especially if it’s the weekend to avoid large crowds. Tuileries is adjacent to The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, so the area tends to be densely packed with tourists in the afternoons. Need more motivation to jog at Tuileries? You’ll be able to reward your hard work with some delicious macarons at Angelina’s, right across the street from the park! (Located on Rue de Rivoli) With about a 2.6-kilometer loop around the garden, this doesn’t have to be a very intense workout.

Macarons you can find at Angelina’s, image sourced from Pixabay

You can even go all the way to the Champs Elysees for a longer jog, as it is not far from Tuileries. Try this run on a breezy Sunday morning before your brunch plans. If you’re planning to come here on a Saturday, make sure to check for metro closures on RATP, Paris’s public transportation website, as the yellow vests protests have caused some of the metro stations around the area to remain closed on Saturdays.

2. Quai de la Seine

Looking for a run that will make you feel truly Parisian? In the heart of the city lies the banks of the Seine River. This is one of the most popular work out spots for joggers of all levels and offers one of the most romantic views of the city. You’ll pass by almost every one of Paris’s major landmarks on your jog along the Seine; The Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, The Louvre, Notre Dame, and more.

If you want a bit of a challenge in your run, the city’s many bridges have stairs that will give you the opportunity to take your workout up a notch. Try running along the Rive Gauche (left bank) starting from Pont de l’Alma in the 7th arrondissement and ending at Pont de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement, a little over 6.6 kilometers.

Seine river banks, sourced from Pixabay

The path along the Seine also has benches and places to sit for a quick breather. Sometimes joggers will even high-five as they run past each other, as a friendly nod to keep pushing on. Need more convincing? The Seine is a great place to run at all times of the day! Try an evening run right before the sun goes down, and on your way back you may catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling!

1. Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Buttes Chaumont and it’s bridge, image sourced from Le Parisien journal

Are you looking for more of a challenging run? Head to Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement in the north-east of Paris. This is one of Paris’s biggest and most charming green spaces, with grassy hills and impressive views.

Here you’ll find caves, waterfalls, a suspended bridge, and a wonderful view of the Montmartre district. You can enter the park from Metro Buttes Chaumont (Ligne 7bis). The higher elevation will ensure your run is no ‘walk in the park’ as the hilly landscape provides a more intense workout. Buttes Chaumont doesn’t tend to get as crowded as other parks in the city and is more popular among locals than tourists. If you’re running with friends, be sure to stop by Rosa Bonheur, a charming open-air restaurant, and grab a drink to cool down!