The best walks and hikes around Val-de-Marne

Val-de-Marne offers a diverse range of hiking trails, primarily characterized by riverbanks, urban parks, and lake loops. You'll find options for various fitness levels, including easy strolls, moderate excursions, and a few more challenging routes. In total, there are nearly 200 hiking routes available in the region.

Yes, Val-de-Marne has over 80 easy trails suitable for families. A popular choice is the Lac de Créteil – Île de la Roselière loop from Val-de-Marne, which is about 4.7 km long and takes just over an hour to complete, offering pleasant views around the lake and its island.

The most prominent natural feature is the Marne River, which meanders through the department, creating serene waterways and lush banks. You can also explore various islands like Île Sainte-Catherine. Other significant green spaces include the Bois de Vincennes, the substantial Lac de Créteil, and numerous parks such as Parc du Val-de-Marne and Parc des Hautes-Bruyères.

Many of the hiking routes in Val-de-Marne are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the moderate Joinville Bridge on the Marne loop from Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is an 8.9 km circular path exploring the riverbanks. Another option is the Réveillon Valley – Allée des Tilleuls loop from Villecresnes, a moderate 10.3 km route.

While hiking, you can encounter several points of interest. The banks of the Marne offer scenic views, particularly around Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. You might also come across the Small Bridge of the Sainte-Catherine Arm or the Chinagora Pagoda and Marne Riverbank Cycle Path. The region also integrates cultural attractions like the Château de Vincennes and the Rose Garden of L'Haÿ-les-Roses into longer routes.

The hiking routes in Val-de-Marne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the beautiful river views, and the peaceful green spaces so close to Paris.

Yes, you can find trails that explore the Yerres River. An easy option is the Le Moulin de Jarcy – Banks of the Yerres River loop from Varennes-Jarcy, which is about 5.5 km long and offers a pleasant walk along its banks.

One of the longer moderate hikes is the Château des Marmousets – Carrefour des Huit Routes loop from Créteil. This route spans approximately 15.8 km and typically takes around 4 hours to complete, offering a good challenge for those seeking a longer excursion.

Absolutely. Many trails in Val-de-Marne offer a blend of river scenery and park environments. For instance, the Beach Garden – Quai de Halage loop from La Varenne - Chennevières is a moderate 14.5 km trail that follows the Marne River, providing extensive views of its banks and surrounding green areas.

Yes, some routes incorporate historical elements. The Villiers Fountain Brook – Fort of Sucy-en-Brie loop from Sucy - Bonneuil is a moderate 10.9 km hike that allows you to explore the area around the Fort of Sucy-en-Brie, blending nature with a touch of history.

Hikes in Val-de-Marne generally feature relatively low elevation gains, making them accessible for most. The terrain is characterized by gentle slopes along riverbanks and through parks. For example, a moderate route like the Réveillon Valley – Allée des Tilleuls loop from Villecresnes has an elevation gain of less than 100 meters.