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Gonesse

Attractions and Places To See around Gonesse - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Gonesse include a blend of historical sites, cultural venues, and natural green spaces. Located in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, Gonesse offers opportunities to explore Gothic architecture, 19th-century mansions, and remnants of its agricultural past. The area features extensive waterways and parks, providing options for outdoor activities. Visitors can find both historical landmarks and tranquil natural environments.

Best attractions and places to see around Gonesse

  • The most popular attractions is Canal de L'ourcq, a waterway trail that offers a pleasant and beautiful route for cycling and walking, often running through parkland. It is part of the extensive Parisian canal network, constructed between 1802 and 1825.
  • Another must-see spot is Pond and Château de la Chasse, a historic castle and pond. This location provides a peaceful break in the Montmorency forest, featuring notable architecture and wildlife in its pond.
  • Visitors also love In the shade of the Canal de l'Ourcq, a shaded cycle path. This route offers an easy and pleasant escape from Paris by bike, though it can get crowded during busy times.
  • Gonesse is known for its historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural green spaces. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to expansive parks and waterways.
  • The attractions around Gonesse are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 480 upvotes and over 160 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Canal de L'ourcq

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The cycle path along the canal is - especially in the beginning - very pleasant and beautiful for cycling. In principle, the cycling and walking parts are separated. There was also a fair amount of recreational traffic on a weekday. Part of the cycle path runs through a park. As you approach Paris, the cycle path occasionally also crosses industrial estates, sometimes resulting in a short section on cobblestones. You keep following the canal, switching banks a few more times (it actually shows itself) until you reach the outskirts of Paris. Before you know it, the cycle path ends at Avenue Jaurès next to a metro station and a brasserie.

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In the shade of the Canal de l'Ourcq

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A "royal road" for an easy and pleasant escape from Paris by bike

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Ourcq Canal Bridge

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Bridge that offers a beautiful view of the canal Ourcq.

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Canal de L'Ourcq

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Waterways of the Seine basin. The Ourcq and the Ourcq canal are to the north-east of Paris.

Along the forest park of Sevran, a trench had to be dug to pass the canal.
Before starting at Mareuil-sur-Ourcq to join the Villette basin in Paris, the Ourcq river is canalized and navigable from the “Port aux Perches” in the town of Silly-la-Poterie.

With the Canal Saint-Denis, the Bassin de la Villette and the Canal Saint-Martin, it constitutes the network of Parisian canals, 130 km long and belonging to the city of Paris. Its construction began in 1802 and was completed in 1825. It was subsequently subject to several changes including the addition of five locks, a factory supplying the water to the canal at Trilbardou and the widening of the gauge on the first eleven kilometers.

Originally, the main objective of the canal was to supply Paris with drinking water; today, its use is reserved for roads. Until the 1960s, it was traversed over its entire length by the Ourcq flutes, barges adapted to the small size of most of the canal. Since 1962, only the first eleven kilometers, between the basin of Villette and Aulnay-sous-Bois, free of locks, have been open to commercial traffic: approximately one million tonnes are transported each year by barges, the deadweight of which are cannot exceed 400 tonnes. Beyond that, the canal, whose depth is now 80 cm, is intended for yachting. The Ourcq canal has also been used since its creation to supply the Saint-Martin and Saint-Denis canals with water. Since the end of the 1990s, the surroundings of the canal located in the Parisian agglomeration have been rehabilitated and developed to make it a green axis open to leisure activities such as cycle tourism and hiking.

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Poudrerie Forest Park Road

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The park is very pleasant. Beware of pedestrians, however, and check the closing times. A beautiful section a few minutes from Paris!

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Popular around Gonesse

Gravel biking around Gonesse

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Road Cycling Routes around Gonesse

MTB Trails around Gonesse

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Alice Rabot
July 22, 2025, Canal de L’Ourcq

Quite busy in the morning, especially on weekends

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Part of the Team Rynkeby Berlin tour in 2024. Unfortunately solo on this particular day.

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This canal is the route of the Eurovelo 3 (Norway Spain) and the V52 Paris Strasbourg cycle route

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Ourcq Canal

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This bridge offers a very beautiful view of the Ourcq canal. It is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

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A quiet cycle path, follow the canal

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This part of the Canal is very pleasant to ride, especially in summer.

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At night it's great!! 👍👍👍

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions and green spaces can I explore in Gonesse?

Gonesse offers several beautiful natural areas. You can enjoy the extensive Parisian canal network along the Canal de L'Ourcq, which is popular for cycling and hiking. Other green spaces include the Poudrerie Forest Park Road, the centrally located Parc de la Patte d'Oie, the tranquil Espace naturel du Vignois, and the peaceful Parc de l'Églantier.

Are there historical sites to visit in Gonesse?

Yes, Gonesse is rich in history. The magnificent Gothic Church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul, dating from the early 13th century, is a classified Historic Monument. You can also see the Town Hall of Gonesse, housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion, and the capital sculptures on the ruins of the former Hôtel-Dieu.

What cycling opportunities are available around Gonesse?

The Canal de L'Ourcq is a prime spot for cycling, offering a pleasant and beautiful route, often running through parkland. The highlight In the shade of the Canal de l'Ourcq specifically mentions a shaded cycle path, providing an easy escape from Paris by bike. For more challenging rides, you can explore gravel biking routes like the one to the Pond and Château de la Chasse, as detailed in the Gravel biking around Gonesse guide.

Can I find family-friendly activities in Gonesse?

Many of Gonesse's parks and green spaces are suitable for families. The Canal de L'Ourcq offers a family-friendly cycle path. Additionally, the Parc de la Patte d'Oie and Parc de l'Églantier provide ample green spaces for outdoor activities and relaxation for all ages.

Are there any cultural venues or events in Gonesse?

Gonesse supports several cultural facilities, including an auditorium at Coulanges and 'Micro-Folie,' a digital arts and live performance space within the Maison des Habitants Louis Aragon. The town also hosts a street arts festival in May and a short film festival in June, alongside its annual Fête du Pain (Bread Festival).

Where can I go for a peaceful walk or hike near Gonesse?

For peaceful walks, consider the Espace naturel du Vignois, known as an 'oasis of greenery' with paths for tranquil strolls. The Parc de Coulanges, Parc d'Orgemont, and Parc Saint-Blin also offer pleasant walking opportunities. For more structured hikes, you can find routes like the 'Parc de Roissy – Cemetery of Roissy-en-France loop' in the Hiking around Gonesse guide.

What are some unique historical landmarks beyond the main church?

Beyond the Church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul, you can discover the Old 1913 Post Office with its distinctive yellow brick facade, and the Old Mill of the town, the last remaining vestige of Gonesse's five historical watermills. The historic Dovecots of Garlande and Orgemont are also registered as Historical Monuments.

Is Gonesse suitable for outdoor activities like running?

Yes, Gonesse offers several options for runners. The cycle paths along the Canal de L'Ourcq are popular for jogging, and parks like the Parc de l'Églantier provide suitable terrain. You can find various running loops, including a 'Parc de l'Eglantier loop from Gonesse,' in the Running Trails around Gonesse guide.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Canal de L'Ourcq?

Visitors frequently praise the Canal de L'Ourcq for its very pleasant and beautiful cycle path, especially in the initial sections. Many appreciate the green surroundings and the separation of cycling and walking paths. It's considered a relaxed and enjoyable route, offering a great escape from Paris by bike.

What kind of wildlife might I spot in Gonesse's natural areas?

In natural areas like the Espace naturel du Vignois, you can observe a rich variety of plants and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The Pond and Château de la Chasse is specifically noted for its wildlife, including Florida turtles among the ducks in its pond.

What is the best time of year to visit Gonesse for outdoor activities?

The spring and summer months (May to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Gonesse, offering pleasant weather for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the parks. However, some cycle paths, like those along the Canal de l'Ourcq, can get crowded during busy times in peak season, so consider visiting during weekdays if you prefer a quieter experience.

Are there any accessible trails or attractions in Gonesse?

While specific wheelchair-accessible trails are not explicitly detailed, many of Gonesse's parks and the well-maintained cycle paths along the Canal de L'Ourcq offer relatively flat and smooth surfaces that may be suitable for varying levels of mobility. It's always recommended to check specific conditions before visiting.

Where can I find local markets or festivals in Gonesse?

Visitors can explore the local market in Gonesse for regional specialties and fresh produce. The town also hosts annual events such as the Fête du Pain (Bread Festival), a street arts festival in May, and a short film festival in June, offering cultural experiences and local flavor.

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