Cycling Route in Paris and Around the City of Love

Last Updated on 7 July 2024 by Cycloscope

Cycling in Paris is easy and a great way to explore the city but there are many spectacular cycling routes around the City of Love

Reaching France was never so easy, only 7 hour’s flight New York to Paris and you are in the city of Love. You can easily bring your bike on the plane or rent one once you arrive.

Cycling is part of the relaxed atmosphere that runs right through the city, so much so that it’s usually included as part of the clichéd stereotypes in Hollywood movies that are set in the French capital. 

It’s not just average Parisians who love cycling though. Every year, millions of cycling fans flock to the city to watch the biggest race of the year as the Tour de France comes to a climax in the City of Light. 

For these fans, it’s a dream to cycle through Paris, following in the tracks of their favorite cycling stars.

Thankfully, cycling in Paris is easy. It’s also a great way to explore the city and do some sightseeing around.

Sightseeing Route: Place de l’Alma to Notre Dame de Paris

If you only have one day in Paris and you want to see all of the main sights, then this route will bring you close to all of the major landmarks.

Running 6.5 km along the River Seine and through the city’s streets, you’ll get to experience Paris up close and personal. 

1. Starting off at the Place de l’Alma, you’ll have views of the Eiffel Tower over the river. There’s also the Glamme de la Liberte here, which is a 1:1 scale replica of the torch at the top of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
   As an alternative to this starting point, you can begin on the grounds of the Eiffel Tower and cycle over the river to rejoin the original route.
2. From Place de l’Alma, you can head along Avenue George V towards Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Along here you’ll see some of Paris’ most beautiful homes and the famous Fouquet restaurant at the Champs-Elysees.
   Again, you can extend this route if you want to get closer to the Arc de Triomphe. This way you’ll arrive at the Champs-Elysees from a different angle. 
3. With the Arc de Triomphe behind you, you’ll cycle along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees and then turn right onto Winston Churchill Avenue. Along this road, you’ll find the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, two of Paris’ most famous museums. 

Head along Winston Churchill Avenue until you get to the river; cross over the famous Pont Alexandre III bridge, admiring the columns with golden statues and the view over the water.

1. Take a left once you’re over the bridge, and you’ll find yourself on the Seine Quayside. Keep going until you reach Parc Rives de Seine, an area popular with cyclists, particularly in the summer months
2. Cross the river again when you get to Pont de la Concorde, one of the best-looking areas of the city. As you ride, you’ll come across the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Jardin des Tuileries. Just after the Louvre, the river forks in two; turn right onto Pont Neuf so you can cross the river again.
3. You’ll find yourself at lie de la Cite and you’ll see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.
4. When you’re finished admiring the Notre Dame, cross back over the river for the final time using Pont d’Arcloe. When you arrive back on the other bank, you’ll find yourself at Hotel de Ville de Paris, the end of this tour.

Canal de l’Ourcq Cycling Route

The cycling route along the Canal de l’Ourcq and Bord de Marne starts in Paris at the lively Bassin de la Villette, extending northeast. Early on, it passes through the expansive Parc de la Villette, home to cultural landmarks like the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Philharmonie de Paris. The path then moves through suburban areas such as Pantin and Bobigny, offering a mix of industrial and residential views.

As the journey progresses, the scenery transitions to a more rural setting with lush greenery, fields, and charming villages. The canal is bordered by tall trees and dotted with picturesque bridges, creating a serene atmosphere. Cyclists will encounter several locks and may see boats navigating the canal, enhancing the scenic experience.

Near Meaux, the Canal de l’Ourcq meets the Marne River, providing stunning river views. This section includes notable sights like the elegant Château de Champs-sur-Marne with its beautiful gardens. The route continues along the Marne, passing through quaint riverside villages such as Lagny-sur-Marne and Bry-sur-Marne, each offering historic architecture and charming cafes.

The journey typically ends in Joinville-le-Pont, known for its pleasant riverside ambiance and convenient train connections back to Paris. For those seeking further exploration, the path extends towards towns like Saint-Maur-des-Fossés and Nogent-sur-Marne, showcasing more picturesque landscapes and peaceful cycling paths.

Overall, this cycling route is characterized by its flat, well-maintained terrain, making it ideal for leisurely rides. The blend of urban excitement and natural beauty offers a delightful escape for cyclists, with a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural scenery complemented by river and canal views.

Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse

The cycling tour from La Celle-les-Bordes to Côte des 17 Tournants, looping back to Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette, offers a diverse and invigorating ride through the scenic landscapes of Île-de-France.

Starting at Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette, you navigate out of the bustling Parisian streets into the western suburbs. The initial part of the ride involves navigating through urban areas, transitioning gradually into more suburban and then rural settings.

Leaving the suburbs behind, the route takes you into the tranquil countryside, characterized by rolling fields, forests, and quaint villages. The roads are quieter here, allowing for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings.

As you approach La Celle-les-Bordes, the landscape becomes even more picturesque. This small commune in the Yvelines department is surrounded by dense forest and farmland, providing a serene backdrop for your ride. The roads here are undulating, offering gentle climbs and descents that add variety to the terrain.

The highlight of the tour is the Côte des 17 Tournants, a famous climb known for its 17 sharp turns. This section is challenging but rewarding, with each bend offering a new perspective on the surrounding countryside. The climb is well-regarded among cyclists for its technical demands and scenic beauty.

After conquering the Côte des 17 Tournants, the route continues to wind through the charming countryside, eventually looping back towards Paris. The return journey provides a different perspective, with opportunities to explore new roads and perhaps discover hidden gems along the way.

The final stretch brings you back into the urban environment of Paris, ending where you started at Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette. This cycling tour combines the best of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, making for a dynamic and enriching ride.

Overall, the La Celle-les-Bordes to Côte des 17 Tournants loop is characterized by its varied terrain, from city streets to quiet country roads and challenging climbs. The scenic beauty, coupled with the physical demands of the Côte des 17 Tournants, makes this a memorable and satisfying route for cyclists looking for a diverse and rewarding experience.