Paris is now one of Europe's most cycle-friendly cities, offering ideal conditions for cycling. In recent years, hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths have been created, many major roads have been redeveloped with secure cycling infrastructure, and for many Parisians, cycling has become a genuine daily mode of transport, whether for commuting to work or university.
But even in a city with a well-developed cycling network, cycle commuting can take many different forms. Some head straight through the city centre, while others prefer to cross parks and green spaces or don't hesitate to slightly extend their journey to enjoy more beautiful scenery or less frequented routes.
Here is our selection of six itineraries suited to different uses: from comfortable rides along the Seine to the climbs of Montmartre, not forgetting connections to the suburbs for more experienced cyclists.
Table of Contents:
The banks of the Seine: the best route for beginners
Rue de Riv Rivoli: the best route to quickly cross the centre of Paris
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur hill: the most picturesque route
Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l'Ourcq: the best waterside route
Coulée Verte and Bois de Vincennes: the best nature route
Paris – Versailles via Saint-Cloud: the best route to the suburbs
Conclusion
The distances and journey times indicated are approximate and may vary depending on the chosen route, traffic conditions, and the cyclist's pace.
The banks of the Seine: the best route for beginners
Route: Parc Rives de Seine → Louvre → Hôtel de Ville → Bastille
Distance: 9 to 11 km
Journey time: 35 to 45 minutes
Level: easy
If you're new to cycle commuting in Paris, this route is an excellent starting point. A large part of the journey uses cycle paths separated from traffic, as well as car-free quays. This allows you to focus on the joy of riding without having to deal with dense urban traffic.
The route starts easily from the Eiffel Tower or Pont de l’Alma, then follows the Seine to Bastille. Throughout the journey, you'll enjoy remarkable views: the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, Hôtel de Ville... as well as many historic bridges crossing the river.
The road surface is good throughout the route, and there is almost no elevation, making it accessible even for beginner cyclists or urban bike users.
The beautiful banks of the Seine
Public transport access
The route crosses the centre of Paris and remains close to many metro stations. You can easily reach Concorde (lines 1, 8 and 12), Châtelet (lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14 and RER) or Bastille (lines 1, 5 and 8). To continue your journey with a bike, RER and Transilien lines remain the most practical depending on authorised times.
Highlights
- very little car traffic;
- easy-to-follow route;
- quality road surface;
- no difficult climbs;
- numerous metro / RER connections;
- iconic views of Paris's historic centre.
Rue de Rivoli: the best route to quickly cross the centre of Paris
Route: Nation → Bastille → Rue de Rivoli → Concorde → Arc de Triomphe
Distance: 10 to 12 km
Journey time: 40 to 50 minutes
Level: easy
This route follows one of the most emblematic cycling axes of contemporary Paris. Since its redevelopment, Rue de Rivoli has become a true royal road for the thousands of cyclists who cross the capital from east to west every day.
From Place de la Nation, the route passes Bastille, the Marais, Hôtel de Ville, the Louvre, the Tuileries, Concorde, and then ends at the Arc de Triomphe. Almost the entire journey is on dedicated and well-maintained cycling infrastructure.
Rue de Rivoli is one of Paris's iconic thoroughfares
Its main asset is its fluidity: it is one of the fastest ways to cross the centre of Paris without constant interruptions or detours.
Public transport access
Several points along the route allow easy access to public transport, notably at Nation (lines 1, 2, 6, 9 and RER A), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11) and Charles-de-Gaulle – Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6 and RER A).
Highlights
- fast crossing of Paris;
- secure cycling infrastructure;
- very little elevation;
- numerous metro / RER connections;
- passes by the major sites in the centre.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur hill: the most picturesque route
Route: Place de Clichy → Rue Lepic → Montmartre → Sacré-Cœur
Distance: 4 to 6 km
Journey time: 20 to 35 minutes
Level: difficult
Montmartre is probably not the most practical route for commuting, but it is undoubtedly the one that allows you to discover the Paris of postcards and cinema.
The route begins at Place de Clichy before gradually climbing up the famous Rue Lepic to the top of the hill. You pass through old residential neighbourhoods, alongside the Moulin de la Galette, artists' studios, and small squares offering superb views of the city. The journey ends at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur basilica, which offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Paris.
This is a journey to vary your daily routine, enjoying beautiful views and a Parisian atmosphere, not for speed. Its main challenge remains the elevation, to which a few cobblestone sections are added. During peak hours, pedestrian and tourist traffic is also higher here than on the other routes in this selection.
A visit to Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur can break the routine of daily commutes
Public transport access
The area is served by Place de Clichy (lines 2 and 13), Abbesses (line 12) and Anvers (line 2).
Highlights
- exceptional panorama of Paris;
- famous Montmartre atmosphere;
- interesting terrain;
- opportunity to turn your cycle commute into a training session;
- many cafes and bakeries along the route.
Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l'Ourcq: the best waterside route
Route: République → Canal Saint-Martin → Bassin de la Villette → Canal de l’Ourcq
Distance: 10 to 18 km
Journey time: 40 to 70 minutes
Level: easy
This route reveals another side of Paris: less touristy, more peaceful, and sometimes even slightly industrial. It follows the Canal Saint-Martin then the Canal de l'Ourcq, connecting the city centre to its northeastern districts.
You follow old locks, movable bridges, lively quays with cafes, and recent public spaces developed around the Bassin de la Villette. Here, cycle paths are well integrated into the urban environment, and car traffic is less present than on the large boulevards of the centre.
The length of the route can be easily adjusted. Some cyclists stop at the Bassin de la Villette, while others continue their journey towards Pantin or Bobigny by following the Canal de l'Ourcq.
Cycle commuting is an excellent way to stay fit
Public transport access
The area is continuously served by République (lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11), Jaurès (lines 2, 5, 7bis) and Stalingrad (lines 2, 5, 7).
Highlights
- peaceful atmosphere;
- beautiful canal views;
- quality cycling infrastructure;
- very little elevation;
- ideal for both cycle commuting and evening outings.
Coulée Verte and Bois de Vincennes: the best nature route
Route: Bastille → Coulée Verte René-Dumont → Bois de Vincennes
Distance: 10 to 13 km
Journey time: 40 to 50 minutes
Level: easy
This route uses one of Paris's most original green corridors. Developed on an old railway line, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont connects the city centre to its eastern districts.
After the Coulée Verte, the route continues on the cycle paths of eastern Paris before reaching the Bois de Vincennes, the city's largest green space with its lakes, shaded avenues, and resting areas.
Over the kilometres, the urban landscape gradually gives way to vegetation, and urban noise fades into a much more peaceful atmosphere.
At Routes and Roads, you'll find cycling gear and good coffee
The route passes near the Routes and Roads store, in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. You can rent a bike, have it serviced in the workshop, or choose equipment for cycle commuting, cycle touring, and bikepacking, all while enjoying a good coffee. Thanks to the cycling infrastructure in the area, it's easy to immediately try out a new bike, panniers, or accessories after your visit.
Public transport access
The route is connected to Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8), Daumesnil (lines 6 and 8) and Château de Vincennes (line 1).
Highlights
- lots of greenery;
- comfortable infrastructure;
- little car traffic;
- suitable for cycle commuting as well as family outings;
- one of the most peaceful routes in Paris.
Paris – Versailles via Saint-Cloud: the best route to the suburbs
Route: Bois de Boulogne → Parc de Saint-Cloud → Sèvres → Versailles
Distance: 18 to 22 km
Journey time: 1 hr to 1 hr 30
Level: moderate
This route perfectly illustrates the distances that can be covered by bike without leaving comfortable infrastructure.
After the Bois de Boulogne, the route crosses the Parc de Saint-Cloud, which offers magnificent views of the Seine valley and the western communes. It then continues through Sèvres before reaching Versailles, one of the most famous destinations around the capital.
Remember to hydrate regularly during your journeys
Despite its length, the route can easily be adapted for daily use. Many cyclists only do part of the journey, to the Bois de Boulogne, Parc de Saint-Cloud or Sèvres. And several Transilien and RER stations make it easy to combine cycling and public transport.
Public transport access
The route passes near Pont de Sèvres (line 9), Saint-Cloud (Transilien) and Versailles Château Rive Gauche (RER C) stations.
Highlights
- beautiful panoramas of western Paris;
- numerous green areas;
- flexible route;
- good intermodality;
- excellent option for longer commutes.
Conclusion
One of Paris's great assets is that cycling here isn't necessarily about speed. Sometimes, adding a few kilometres through a park, along a canal, or on the banks of the Seine transforms a simple journey into a truly enjoyable experience.
Don't hesitate to try different routes, combine cycling with public transport, and explore new neighborhoods to find the path that will make you want to cycle every day.
