Paris
Family bike rides in Paris: flat, short and mostly on bike paths
Short, flat rides from the Hôtel de Ville to Paris parks and canals, chosen because almost none of the distance is on busier roads and toilets and drinking water are mapped on the way. Every ride comes back to the start.
The 6 rides side by side
| Ride | Distance | Climbing | Bike paths & quiet streets | Busier roads | Steepest 500 m | Riding time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baignade de la Villette | 8.7 km | 30 m | 96% | 0% | 1.4% | 20–25 min |
| Buttes-Chaumont | 10.2 km | 37 m | 90% | 0% | 1.5% | 25–30 min |
| Parc Montsouris | 11.3 km | 97 m | 89% | 0% | 3.3% | 30–40 min |
| Île aux Cygnes | 13.2 km | 61 m | 95% | 0% | 2.1% | 30–45 min |
| Parc de la Villette | 13.3 km | 52 m | 97% | 0% | 2.0% | 30–40 min |
| Parc André-Citroën | 16.1 km | 70 m | 94% | 0% | 2.0% | 40–50 min |
Distances are the whole ride, there and back (km). Riding time is our estimate at a sporty pace and counts the climbing; allow more for stops.
Each ride
1 Paris to Baignade de la Villette
- Along the water for 2 km
- 96% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- Almost flat: 30 m of climbing
- On the way: café, drinking water, beach
On the way: 10 toilets, 6 water points, 1 beach, 41 cafés mapped.
2 Paris to Buttes-Chaumont
- Along the water for 3 km
- 90% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- Almost flat: 37 m of climbing
- On the way: café, drinking water, beach
On the way: 12 toilets, 8 water points, 1 beach, 49 cafés mapped.
3 Paris to Parc Montsouris
- Along the water for 2 km
- 89% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- On the way: café, drinking water, viewpoint
On the way: 11 toilets, 9 water points, 50 cafés mapped.
4 Paris to Île aux Cygnes
- Along the water most of the way
- 95% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- On the way: café, drinking water, viewpoint
On the way: 12 toilets, 10 water points, 41 cafés mapped.
5 Paris to Parc de la Villette
- Along the water for 5 km
- 97% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- Almost flat: 52 m of climbing
- On the way: café, drinking water, beach
On the way: 18 toilets, 12 water points, 1 beach, 54 cafés mapped.
6 Paris to Parc André-Citroën
- Along the water most of the way
- 94% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- On the way: café, drinking water, viewpoint
On the way: 13 toilets, 12 water points, 42 cafés mapped.
How we chose them
From every ride we publish around Paris, these are the ones that meet all of:
- between 4 km and 16.5 km in all
- at most 100 m of climbing
- at most 1% on busier roads
- at least 80% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- no 500 m steeper than 3.5% on average
- toilets and drinking water mapped on the way
The numbers come from OpenStreetMap and terrain data, measured along each route by our engine (how rides are made). They are modelled, not checked on the ground, and say nothing about who should ride them: you know your riders best.
Before you go
- Even quiet Paris streets have delivery vans and scooters. Ride ahead of young children at junctions.
- The Bassin de la Villette bathing area opens in summer only.
Questions
What is the easiest family bike ride in Paris?
The flattest here is Baignade de la Villette: 8.7 km with 30 m of climbing. All these rides are at least 80% on bike paths and quiet streets.
More rides around Paris
Route data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation: Mapzen Terrarium. Catalogue paris-a3a00990619e81506830.