The routes at a glance
| Route | Distance | Surface and climb | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg Garden (perimeter) | about 2 km | soft gravel, flat | short jog, first run |
| Seine riverbanks, Tuileries to Pont d'Iéna | about 7 km | pedestrian quay, gravel in the Tuileries, flat | sightseeing on foot |
| Bois de Vincennes (signed loop) | 11 to 14 km | tracks and paths, 58 m of climb over 13.7 km | long, quiet run |
| Canal Saint-Martin | varies | cobbled and paved towpath, flat | urban morning jog |
Hours and safety
- Run early in the morning or late afternoon: gardens close at dusk, hours change with the season and are posted at the gates.
- The Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne are unlit: after dark, stick to the Seine quays or a loop of a central garden.
- Keep your phone and earbuds out of sight on busy quays, and watch for wet cobbles.
Races and clubs
The classic routes are the Seine from Pont de Sully to Pont d'Iéna and on to the Champ de Mars, then the Tuileries. For the canal, see our Canal Saint-Martin guide and, for a break, the Luxembourg Garden. On a rest day, a guided bike ride through Paris's hidden corners shows you other districts.
FAQ
Where to run in Paris if I stay in the centre?
The Luxembourg Garden and the Seine riverbanks are a few minutes on foot from most central hotels.
Can I run in the woods in the evening?
Running guides advise against the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes after dark because they are unlit.
What distance for a first run?
One or two laps of the Luxembourg Garden (2 to 4 km) are enough to get used to the ground and the Parisian pace.
The Paris Authority editorial team
