Whether it's to get some fresh air on Sunday, explore a new neighborhood, or escape the city for a few hours, biking remains one of the best ways to slow down.
There’s no shortage of routes around Paris. With just a few turns of the pedals, you can go from bustling riverbanks to tree-lined paths, from canals to forests—without having to travel hundreds of kilometers. That’s what makes these rides so enjoyable: they give you the feeling of going far away, even though you’re still just a few metro stops from home.
We especially love those outings where we take our time—the ones where we stop for a coffee, change our route on a whim, or simply extend the walk because we don’t feel like heading home just yet. If you’re looking for ideas for a weekend outing, here are a few of our favorite routes around Paris.
The Ourcq Canal: A Must-See
If I had to recommend just one bike ride to someone who wants to rediscover Paris by bike, it would probably be this one. The Ourcq Canal offers a rather rare blend of nature and city life. You gradually leave the hustle and bustle of Paris behind as you ride along the water, pass through several neighborhoods, and discover another side of eastern Paris. The route is pleasant, accessible, and almost entirely equipped for cyclists.
What we especially love is that there are so many ways to enjoy it. Some ride to Parc de la Villette before heading back at a leisurely pace. Others go much farther—toward Pantin, Bobigny, or even Meaux for the most dedicated riders.
Our advice? Allow plenty of time. You’re bound to want to stop at a sidewalk café, browse through a few books at the used bookstores, or simply watch the barges go by.
The Banks of the Marne: A Getaway Outside Paris
It only takes a few kilometers to feel as if you’ve left the capital behind. The banks of the Marne offer a completely different setting: open-air cafés, tree-lined paths, houses along the water’s edge, and a much more peaceful atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where it’s easy to forget that you’re still in the Paris region.
We especially love this walk in the spring and early fall, when the temperatures are mild and the colors are slowly changing. The pace is slower, families are out for a stroll, cyclists take the time to stop, and you find yourself wanting to make the day last longer.
La Coulée Verte: A Different Perspective on the City
Many people are familiar with the Promenade Plantée on foot, but it’s just as worth exploring by bike. Heading south, the Coulée Verte gradually takes you to Sceaux and then Massy, passing through green spaces, tunnels lined with vegetation, and particularly pleasant bike paths.
This is the perfect route when you want to cycle for several hours without constantly having to share the road with cars. We especially love this ride for its tranquility. Even when Paris is bustling, you can still find a sense of space here that feels really good.
The Bois de Vincennes, for a spontaneous outing
You don't need to set aside a whole day to enjoy a bike ride. Sometimes, an hour is enough. The Bois de Vincennes remains one of our favorite spots when we just want to get some fresh air. You can ride along the shaded paths, circle the lakes, stop for a coffee, or continue on to the castle before heading back at a leisurely pace. It’s also an ideal ride for beginners or anyone getting back into cycling gradually.
The Chevreuse Valley: A Full Day Out
If you’re looking to get a little further away from Paris, the Chevreuse Valley is a must-see. The scenery changes completely. Narrow roads wind through the forests, the villages seem frozen in time, and every climb is rewarded with a new view of the countryside.
This hike requires a little more planning, but it gives you that wonderful feeling of truly getting away from it all. We recommend setting out early, packing a picnic, and not watching the clock. Some days are meant to be enjoyed without a set schedule.
The right bike makes all the difference
Before we talk about gear, let's talk about the bike itself. A comfortable bike makes you want to get out and ride more often. It transforms not only your daily commutes but also your impromptu weekend rides.
That's what we appreciate about Upway. Their selection of refurbished e-bikes lets you get high-quality models while giving existing bikes a second life. It’s a more responsible approach that also makes biking more accessible. Ultimately, the best bike is the one that makes you want to ride, even when you don’t have to.
What if rain were part of the walk?
We often tend to check the weather before heading out, and then postpone our walk when rain is forecast. Yet some of our favorite outings have actually started under gray skies. The trails are quieter, the scents change, the light becomes softer, and the scenery takes on a whole new dimension.
Of course, all of this is much more enjoyable when you're well-equipped. On sunny days or during the shoulder seasons, our waterproof trench coat is perfect for weathering light showers while staying stylish. The hood Fudini, lightweight, waterproof, and compact, it slips easily into a bag and can be put on in seconds when an unexpected rain shower hits.
And when temperatures drop, the wind picks up, and outings get colder, the hood Fudoon, our iconic water-repellent hood, becomes a true ally. Worn under a coat or jacket, it effectively protects your head, neck, and shoulders from the cold and rain, while allowing complete freedom of movement while biking.
The goal isn't to brave the elements, but simply to stop letting the weather dictate your rides. Because with the right gear, there really is no such thing as a bad season for getting on your bike!
What we take away from all these walks
In the end, it’s neither the number of kilometers traveled nor the speed that matters. What we remember most is the café we stumbled upon by chance along a canal, a sunset on the banks of the Marne, a conversation that lasted longer than expected, or an impromptu detour because a path looked promising. Cycling offers a rare kind of freedom.
It lets you see the city in a different light, slow down without even realizing it, and make a little room for the unexpected in weeks that are often too packed.
At Upway, that freedom starts with an e-bike you can trust.
At Fudoon, she continues with clothing and accessories designed so that the weather will never again be a reason to stay home.
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-By Margot Deleau