One of the best ways to experience Paris is simply to go for a run in Paris. Anyone who has run the Paris Marathon will tell you the same. In Paris, you will find countless running routes. Here are two of our favorites: a city run that strings together the must-see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, and a second route in the Bois de Vincennes that takes you to INSEP.
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Running in Paris: the Eiffel Tower and the city’s iconic historic landmarks
The first 9 km route takes you on an unforgettable run through Paris, starting at Notre-Dame Cathedral and finishing at the Eiffel Tower.
Along the way, you will pass legendary spots like Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe.
This route is a perfect highlight reel of Paris. It is hard to imagine a better way to discover so many treasures in such little time, while getting in a quality endurance run.
Start in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Start from the plaza in front of Notre-Dame and head to the tip of Île de la Cité. Cross the Seine via Pont Neuf, then turn left and follow the river alongside the Louvre.
Once you have passed the Louvre, turn right to reach Place du Carrousel. Go through the Carrousel du Louvre and continue into the Tuileries Garden.
Next up is Place de la Concorde, the starting point of the famous Champs-Élysées, 1,910 meters long. When you reach the Arc de Triomphe, take the perpendicular avenue on the left, Avenue Kléber.
Run right in front of the Eiffel Tower
Keep going for a little over a kilometer and you will arrive at Trocadéro, the Eiffel Tower is right there waiting for you. Cross the Trocadéro Gardens and then the Pont d’Iéna. Welcome to the forecourt of the Eiffel Tower.
You can then extend your run to the far end of the Champ de Mars to reach École Militaire, bringing the total to 9 kilometers. From there, you can take the metro at École Militaire station (Line 8). Or head back to the start by following the Seine along the Left Bank.
Another Paris running route: explore the Bois de Vincennes and INSEP
The second 11 km route lets you run in Paris in one of the city’s most famous green spaces, the Bois de Vincennes.
It is also a great chance to discover the charming Château de Vincennes and the renowned National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP), where many Olympic medalists train. You might even spot a few champions during your easy run.
Discover the area around INSEP
There are plenty of options in the Bois de Vincennes. Here is a loop starting at INSEP. Head toward the Château de Vincennes, running alongside the Parc Floral de Paris. Then take the road south of the château and, 500 meters later, turn right toward the Paris Zoological Park.
Continue south, then either loop around the park or add a little extra distance through the park paths, like on the route drawing. Next, head toward the Hippodrome de Vincennes, then finish back at INSEP.
If you are looking for sightseeing running routes in Paris with an audio-guided tour, the French app Jooks should be right up your alley.
Find a road race in Paris
And if you are hunting for races in Paris, check out our top 10 races in Paris. It is a great way to run in Paris safely on car-free roads reserved for runners, perfect for pushing the pace and chasing a new PB.
Enjoy your training in Paris, and enjoy the visit.