3 Great Family Bike Rides

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Updated on 18/03/2026

Parents on Bikes — Photo credit : Josephine Brueder/Ville de Paris

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Around Lake Daumesnil, in the heart of the Left Bank, or in the Bois de Boulogne… Combining nature and city life, here are three one-hour walks for all ages!

A short loop to Lake Daumesnil via the René-Dumont Greenway (12th arrondissement)

Duration: About 1 hour
Distance: 9.28 kilometers
Who is it for? Young cyclists just starting out

map of the route, with the route shown in blue along the green corridor and through the Bois de Vincennes — A short loop around Lake Daumesnil via the René-Dumont Green Corridor (12th arrondissement)

Crédit photo : Komoot

Let’s head out for a nice dose of nature right in the heart of Paris! The route starts at the beginning of the René-Dumont Green Corridor (^{12th arrondissement}), near the Viaduc des Arts. You’ll need to carry your bikes up the stairs leading to this old, disused railway line, but trust us, the rest of the way is a breeze. Families love coming here, especially those with children who want to learn to ride a bike.

All along the riverbank, up to the Daumesnil metro station, you’ll discover the Jardin de Reuilly (^{12th arrondissement}) and its suspension bridge, as well as the Allée Vivaldi (^{12th arrondissement}), and you’ll be able to admire the surroundings from the elevated vantage point of the walk.

Back on Avenue Daumesnil (^{12th arrondissement}), head to Place Félix-Éboué, then continue on to Square des Anciens-Combattants-d’Indochine, a charming spot with its palm-lined paths. Next, take a stroll around Lac de Daumesnil (^{12th arrondissement}). When it’s time for a snack, enjoy a light bite on the lawns bordering this artificial lake!

For the return trip, follow the same route in the opposite direction, or finish the walk by heading along Daumesnil Avenue back to the starting point.

Lake Daumesnil — Daumesnil Lake (12th arrondissement)

Crédit photo : Ville de Paris

A stroll through the heart of Paris's Left Bank

Duration: About 1 hour
Distance: 13.7 kilometers
Who is it for? Young cyclists who aren't afraid of crowds

map of the route, with the route shown in blue through the heart of Paris — A stroll through the heart of Paris's Left Bank

Crédit photo : Komoot

This bike tour showcases Paris’s landmarks! Meet in front of the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes (^{5th arrondissement}). Before starting the tour, you can take a stroll (without your bikes) through this lovely park, which is also home to the National Museum of Natural History and beautiful greenhouses open to the public.

Next, take Boulevard Saint-Marcel and Boulevard Arago (^{5th arrondissement}) to see the Lion of Belfort, an imposing^19th-century statue that stands in the center of Place Denfert-Rochereau (^{14th arrondissement}). Designed by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi (1834–1904), this hammered copper statue embodies the courage and determination of the colonel after whom the square is named during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

The walk continues toward a strange building… Completed in 1927, the current Institute of Art and Archaeology (^{6th arrondissement}), built of red brick and inspired by Moorish architecture, stands out in the landscape.

Next, head to the Esplanade des Invalides (^{7th arrondissement}), where you can admire the Alexandre III Bridge, named after a Russian tsar. Cross the Seine, then walk along the Tuileries Garden (Central Paris). Take the opportunity to walk past the Louvre Pyramid and continue on to the Palais-Royal (Paris Center) to see Buren’s columns. Two perfect spots for taking souvenir photos!

Next, walk along Rue de Rivoli and turn off in front of the Saint-Jacques Tower (Paris Center) to take the Pont au Change and cross Île Saint-Louis, where you can admire the Palais de Justice. Once you reach Saint-Michel, follow the Seine to the left, and you’ll find yourself back at the starting point.

View of the lion statue in Denfert-Rochereau Square from Froideveaux Street — View of Place Denfert-Rochereau (14th arrondissement) from Rue Froidevaux

Crédit photo : Ville de Paris / Christophe Belin

A trip to the lake in the Bois de Boulogne (16th arrondissement)

Duration: About 1 hour
Distance: 10.4 kilometers
Who is it for? Experienced young cyclists who love the outdoors

map of the route, with the route shown in blue in the Bois de Boulogne — Bike ride in the Bois de Boulogne (16th arrondissement)

Crédit photo : Komoot

After admiring the giant balloon floating above André-Citroën Park (^{15th arrondissement})—if you have time, you can go inside; it’s a guaranteed hit with the kids—head to the Mirabeau Bridge, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower (^{7th arrondissement})!

Next, head toward the Porte d’Auteuil (^{16th arrondissement}), then walk along the racetrack via the Allée des Fortifications. Here, a lovely tree-lined bike path awaits you. Continue to the Porte de Passy (^{16th arrondissement}), then turn left. After a few meters, you’ll find the Upper Lake on your left. On the other side, you’ll discover a waterfall at the edge of the lower lake. Continue in this direction to complete a loop to the northern end of the lake. There, you can rent small boats for a ride on the water!

Next, follow the path to Porte de la Muette (^{16th arrondissement}), then take the bike path again to Porte Molitor (^{16th arrondissement}). On the way back, cross the Garigliano Bridge, which offers one last panoramic view before returning to André-Citroën Park (^{15th arrondissement}).