La Défense is Paris’ version of London’s Canary Wharf/Docklands. It’s a business-centric district of modern office buildings on the edge of town. It started in the 1970s but it is still growing. As with most things Paris, this area has been built on a grand, post-modernist scale. It’s located 3 km from the Convention Center. We’ve put together a nice run here, combining the Grande Arche and wide plazas, Parc André Malraux, and the new Rose de Cherbourg Elevated Promenade.
Prom. Rose de Cherbourg
Start at the Esplanade de Défense or anywhere in that vicinity, and run for 1 km along the Eslanade La Défense to the Grande Arche de la Défense, which is a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe. It’s an area of wide, open plazas. Continue along the Jardin de la Grand Arche toward Nanterre and the Parc André Malraux (it’s a bit tricky). Enjoy a loop around the park — there are several km of paths here (mainly open, and some hills), and a running track at the Stade Jean Guimier. On the return, pass by the “Cloud Towers”, and Rue Hoche leads to a bridge over the freeway and and the new Rose de Cherbourg Elevated Promenade (NEW!) — an elevated green space above the highways, modeled after NYC’s High Line. It’s a ~ 1 km loop. Complete the run along the Esplanade La Défense.
Add-ons: A popular run is the ‘Arc to Arche’, which is an exactly 5 km straight shot along Av. Charles de Gaulle between the Grande Arche de la Défense and the Arc de Triomphe. Along the way (nearer the Arc) is the Bois de Boulongne.
La Défense is Paris’ version of London’s Canary Wharf/Docklands. It’s a business-centric district of modern office buildings on the edge of town. It started in the 1970s but it is still growing. As with most things Paris, this area has been built on a grand, post-modernist scale. It’s located 3 km from the Convention Center. We’ve put together a nice run here, combining the Grande Arche and wide plazas, Parc André Malraux, and the new Rose de Cherbourg Elevated Promenade.
Prom. Rose de Cherbourg
Start at the Esplanade de Défense or anywhere in that vicinity, and run for 1 km along the Eslanade La Défense to the Grande Arche de la Défense, which is a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe. It’s an area of wide, open plazas. Continue along the Jardin de la Grand Arche toward Nanterre and the Parc André Malraux (it’s a bit tricky). Enjoy a loop around the park — there are several km of paths here (mainly open, and some hills), and a running track at the Stade Jean Guimier. On the return, pass by the “Cloud Towers”, and Rue Hoche leads to a bridge over the freeway and and the new Rose de Cherbourg Elevated Promenade (NEW!) — an elevated green space above the highways, modeled after NYC’s High Line. It’s a ~ 1 km loop. Complete the run along the Esplanade La Défense.
Add-ons: A popular run is the ‘Arc to Arche’, which is an exactly 5 km straight shot along Av. Charles de Gaulle between the Grande Arche de la Défense and the Arc de Triomphe. Along the way (nearer the Arc) is the Bois de Boulongne.
One of the great urban runs of the world. Several sections have been turned into below-road pedestrian-only paths, with great views of Paris’ wonderful buildings and landmarks. Numerous loop options. Video Excerpts!
This route has all the best of the heart of Paris, combining parts of the Seine paths with some of the city’s most famous landmarks and beautiful places. Video Excerpts!
The heart of Paris is graced by wonderful and historic parks. All have dedicated pedestrian paths wide enough for running. There are many options to combine parks with Seine paths and other sites. Bastille, Luxembourgg, Tuileries, Invalides, Jardin des Plantes & more!
This is the loveliest, shadiest place for running in the heart of Paris. You’ll find hundreds of fellow joggers on a nice evening. There are some 35 miles of trails in the park. 16e.
The largest park in Paris, with beautiful paths for running. Highlights include the medieval Chateau de Vincennes, an arboretum, floral gardens, and numerous other natural sites.
This is a favorite Paris off-road path. Created out of an abandoned metro line, "PlantPé "is an elevated, paved linear park that runs 2.4 miles from Bastille in the Eleventh arrondissement to Porte de Montempoivre.
A great park to do some hills. Unveiled at the 1867 World’s Fair, this park is sometimes referred to as the ‘Central Park’ of Paris. About 5km of trails, with the hilliest in the interior.
Another wonderful linear park option from the heart of Paris. It follows the Canal St. Martin, meandering from near the Bastille to Parc de Villette. Lovely chestnut trees shading some sections.
A wonderful running option south of the 15th arrondissement, and not far from Bois de Boulogne. Some of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, with wonderful allées and paths for running.
One of the most significant palaces in the world is also a great running destination. Start at Versailles City Hall, and enjoy the Palace grounds and paths
While most runners around Paris stick to parks and bike paths for their routes, we couldn’t resist this course through the charming streets of Montmartre. Our 2 mile tour includes a look at the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica and other sights.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!