The best waterfall hikes and walks around Paris
4.6
(943)
15,489
hikers
12
hikes
Waterfall hiking trails around Paris offer diverse natural landscapes, from expansive urban woodlands to protected regional parks. The region is characterized by its varied terrain, including dense forests, gentle hills, and river valleys. While the city itself provides green spaces with artificial cascades, the surrounding areas feature natural rock formations and streams. This blend creates opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes.
Best waterfall hiking trails around Paris
- The most popular waterfall hiking route is Bois de Boulogne – Boat dock loop from Porte Maillot, a 7.6 miles (12.3 km) trail that takes 3 hours 9 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores the extensive woodlands of Bois de Boulogne, featuring its waterways and green spaces.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bois de Boulogne – Stone Bridge loop from Ranelagh, a moderate 6.1 miles (9.9 km) path. This trail winds through the Bois de Boulogne, offering views of its small waterfalls and tranquil sections.
- Local hikers also love the Bois de Boulogne – Boulogne Forest loop from Ranelagh, a 8.8 miles (14.2 km) trail leading through dense woodlands, often completed in about 3 hours 39 minutes.
- Hiking around Paris is defined by dense woodlands, river valleys, and urban green spaces, including areas like the Bois de Boulogne and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to more difficult trails.
- The routes in Paris are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews. More than 14,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Paris's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.4
(8)
36
hikers
12.3km
03:09
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
34
hikers
9.87km
02:32
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
hikers
14.2km
03:39
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
20.0km
05:09
100m
90m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
hikers
7.55km
01:56
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
An unobstructed view of the Seine, with La Défense downstream. From the access on the St Cloud side, you can see the 3 tallest towers in Paris in the background (Eiffel, Montparnasse, Triangle). A peaceful passage, a striking contrast with the other surrounding bridges (Sèvres, St Cloud, Suresnes...) which are inhuman highways. I love it.
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The Pont de Bir-Hakeim was built in 1878 and connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements. It serves a dual purpose: a road for traffic and, on top of that, a railway bridge for metro line 6. The bridge for traffic is divided into three sections: a sidewalk, a bicycle path, and a road. All these sections are separated by cast-iron columns. The bridge is 237 meters long and approximately 25 meters wide. The sides of the bridge are decorated with cast-iron ornaments. On a central extension stands a statue from 1930 by the Danish sculptor Wederkinch, a gift from the Danish community in Paris. From here, you have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. The bridge literally and figuratively pierces the 16th arrondissement to reach the Passy metro station. The bridge owes its somewhat unusual name to the Battle of Bir-Hakeim. A battle between the French army under General Marie-Pierre Koenig and the German/Italian Afrika Korps under the command of Marshal Rommel. This famous and fierce battle took place in 1942 in Libya near the town of Bir-Hakeim. Incidentally, the bridge only received its name in 1948; previously, it was called the Passy Viaduct and was more of a walkway with trees and benches. This bridge also features in the film "Inception," starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
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The Eiffel Tower is considered the symbol of Paris and France, a must-see landmark when visiting the City of Lights. Standing 330 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower has a fascinating history dating back to the late 19th century. Its creator, the engineer Gustave Eiffel, was already famous for his bridges, viaducts, and steel structures before he erected this iconic iron structure. The tower was originally designed as a temporary installation for the 1889 Paris Exposition to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower is open to visitors daily from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (9:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. in July and August). Visitors can explore three levels of the Eiffel Tower: the first floor, the second floor, and the top. The Eiffel Tower is a highlight of Paris.
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Lady Diana was in Paris on August 31, 1997, when she died in a car crash. The accident happened in this tunnel. She spent the evening with Dodi Fayed, had dinner at the Ritz Hotel, and left shortly afterward to drive into the Pont de l'Alma tunnel, where the crash occurred. The Flame of Liberty in Paris is a life-size, gold-leaf-covered replica of the torch flame from the Statue of Liberty. The approximately 3.5-meter-high monument is a flame sculpture made of gilded copper, supported by a gray-black marble base. Drive to the Ritz Hotel: They had previously been on vacation in Monte Carlo but cut it short due to the paparazzi and made a stopover in Paris. The memorial is located on Avenue New York.
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We then took another walk and spent the rest of the wait in the café. The meeting point was at the South Security Entrance (Entrance No. 1) at 12:00 p.m. It took almost an hour before we could climb the Eiffel Tower. This wait is worse than moving. We climbed the first and second floors. There are 675 steps to the second floor 😅. It was still a bit hazy in the morning, but by midday the weather cleared up and the ☀️ shone brightly until sunset. Including the wait, we were there for about four hours. Viewing Paris from the Eiffel Tower was 😁incredibly beautiful. A visit is highly recommended 👍.
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A boat tour on the 🛶Lac Inferieur 💙 is as stunningly beautiful as the photo. A visit is highly recommended 👍.
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Beautiful view from the terrace 😊. Rowboats are available for rent for a trip on Lake Inferieur. A visit is highly recommended 👍.
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A wonderful, beautiful restaurant with several different dining rooms. The terrace is stunning and beautifully laid out. A visit is highly recommended. The restaurant has just been renovated and features a beautiful, large winter garden overlooking Lac Inferieur. A truly stunning view. The outdoor terrace is also beautifully laid out and highly recommended. Several rooms are available to guests, each with its own unique character. A visit is highly recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many waterfall hiking trails are available around Paris?
There are over 25 waterfall hiking trails around Paris, offering a variety of experiences from leisurely strolls to more challenging routes. The komoot community has explored these paths extensively, providing valuable insights and ratings.
Are there any easy waterfall hikes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Paris offers several easy waterfall hikes. For a gentle introduction, consider exploring the urban green spaces like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which features picturesque waterfalls and rolling hills. While specific easy routes aren't detailed in the provided data, the region has 4 easy tours out of 26 total, suggesting accessible options.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on waterfall hikes near Paris?
Beyond the city's charming artificial cascades, the surrounding region boasts diverse natural landscapes. You can expect to find dense woodlands, unique sandstone rock formations, and river valleys, particularly in areas like the Fontainebleau Forest and the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park. These areas provide a natural backdrop for streams and, in some cases, natural waterfalls.
Are there any circular waterfall walks around Paris?
Many of the trails around Paris are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Bois de Boulogne – Boat dock loop from Porte Maillot is a moderate 12.3 km circular route that explores the extensive woodlands and waterways, including areas with small waterfalls. Another option is the Bois de Boulogne – Small waterfall loop from Ranelagh, a 9.9 km moderate path also within Bois de Boulogne.
What are some challenging waterfall hiking trails near Paris?
For those seeking a more demanding experience, there are several difficult routes available. The region offers 3 difficult tours out of 26 total. While not exclusively focused on waterfalls, these routes often traverse varied terrain. An example of a longer, more challenging hike is the Rond de la Balustrade – Mont-Valérien Memorial loop from Boulogne - Jean Jaurès, a 28.8 km difficult route with significant elevation changes.
Can I reach waterfall hiking trails near Paris using public transport?
Yes, many of the natural parks and forests around Paris are accessible by public transport. The Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, for instance, is easily reached, offering wooded hillsides and well-marked paths. Within the city, large urban parks like Bois de Boulogne are also well-connected, providing access to trails with water features.
What do other hikers say about the waterfall trails around Paris?
The waterfall hiking trails around Paris are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the blend of urban green spaces with more wild forest areas, and the opportunities for both leisurely walks and more strenuous adventures.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions near the waterfall hiking trails?
Yes, many trails are close to interesting landmarks. For example, within Saint-Cloud Park, you can find the impressive Grande Cascade of Saint-Cloud Park. Other nearby attractions include historical sites like Vincennes Castle and the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, which can be combined with a hike for a richer experience.
What is the best time of year to go on a waterfall hike near Paris?
While waterfalls can be enjoyed year-round, spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for hiking around Paris. Spring brings lush greenery and increased water flow from seasonal rains, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm, but the shaded forest trails offer a cool escape. Winter hikes can be serene, especially after fresh rainfall or light snow, enhancing the natural beauty of the cascades.
Are there any urban parks in Paris with waterfalls?
Yes, within Paris itself, the Eiffel Tower – Eiffel Tower loop from Suresnes, a 15.8 km moderate trail, leads through urban parks and along the Seine. Additionally, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is particularly known for its picturesque waterfalls and a tranquil lake, providing a serene escape within the city limits.
Can I find viewpoints along waterfall hiking trails in the Paris region?
Yes, many areas around Paris offer excellent viewpoints. For instance, within the Fontainebleau Forest, the Gorges d'Apremont features elevated viewpoints. Similarly, the Vexin Français Nature Park provides hilly countryside with views of the Seine Valley. While not all viewpoints are directly adjacent to waterfalls, many trails combine water features with scenic vistas.
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