Beyond the Louvre: 7 Outdoor Adventures in and Around Paris for Active Travelers

There's something uniquely magical about seeing Paris from water level, where the grandeur of its architecture takes on new dimensions. Unlike the packed tourist boats (bateaux mouches), kayaking the Seine offers an intimate connection with the river that has shaped Parisian history for centuries.

I joined a guided twilight paddle with Paris Kayak, launching near Bercy Village in eastern Paris. As we glided past Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame, our guide shared historical tidbits about the Seine's role in everything from medieval commerce to the 2024 Olympics. The perspective from water level completely transforms familiar landmarks—you truly appreciate the engineering brilliance of Paris's bridges when passing beneath them.

The most memorable moment came as the sun began setting behind the Eiffel Tower, casting long golden reflections across the water. Our small group of paddlers fell silent, mesmerized by this quintessentially Parisian tableau from an angle few visitors experience.

For this adventure, I wore my quick-dry pants which proved perfect for occasional splashes while remaining presentable enough for the riverside café we visited afterward. The 2-hour tour cost €45, reasonable by Parisian standards for such a unique experience.

Paris has transformed itself into a remarkably bike-friendly city in recent years, with dedicated lanes now threading through neighborhoods once dominated by cars. One of my favorite cycling routes combines the industrial-chic Canal Saint-Martin with the elevated greenway of La Coulée Verte (Paris's answer to New York's High Line).

Begin at Place de la République and follow the canal northward, where hipster cafés and street art create a vibrant urban tableau. The canal's iron footbridges and lock systems harken back to Napoleon's era while housing some of Paris's most contemporary cultural spaces.

After exploring the canal district, head to Bastille and find the entrance to La Coulée Verte. This elevated park built on an abandoned railway viaduct offers a green corridor through the 12th arrondissement. Cycling here provides a fascinating cross-section of Parisian residential life, with glimpses into apartments and hidden courtyards normally invisible from street level.

I rented my bike from Vélib', Paris's bike-sharing system, but for a week-long stay, consider renting a proper city bike from Paris Bike Company. My compact binoculars proved invaluable for spotting architectural details and wildlife along La Coulée Verte—surprising how many birds make their homes in these elevated gardens!

The entire route covers about 15km at a leisurely pace, perfect for a half-day adventure with plenty of stops for coffee or photography.

Just 60km southeast of Paris lies what many consider the birthplace of modern bouldering: the magnificent Fontainebleau Forest. As someone who incorporated climbing into my training regimen while teaching in Japan, discovering 'Bleau' (as climbers affectionately call it) was like finding a historical treasure and playground in one.

The forest's distinctive sandstone boulders have challenged climbers for over a century, with thousands of problems (climbing routes) ranging from beginner-friendly to world-class difficult. What makes Fontainebleau special is its accessibility—you need only climbing shoes, chalk, and a crash pad to experience world-class bouldering in a stunning setting.

I spent two full days exploring different areas, beginning with the gentler circuits at Bas Cuvier (marked with colored dots corresponding to difficulty levels). The second day, I ventured to Elephant and Trois Pignons areas, where the combination of challenging climbs and fairy-tale forest scenery creates an almost mystical atmosphere.

My hands were certainly feeling the effects after two days on the sandstone, and I was grateful for the climbing salve I'd packed. The unique texture of Fontainebleau sandstone can be particularly abrasive if you're not accustomed to it.

What struck me most was the multigenerational aspect of climbing here—I watched French families with members aged 7 to 70 enjoying the forest together, sharing techniques and encouragement across language barriers. In Japan, we value activities that connect generations (sedai wo tsunagu), and Fontainebleau exemplifies this beautifully.

Paris's eastern woodland, the Bois de Vincennes, offers a refreshing escape from urban intensity without leaving the city limits. The park's Lac Daumesnil has become a popular spot for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), an activity I first fell in love with while teaching in coastal New Zealand.

I rented equipment from GLIGLI Club, which operates a seasonal paddleboard station near the lake's northern shore. After a brief refresher on technique, I was soon gliding across the lake's calm surface, circling its two picturesque islands with their 19th-century follies—artificial ruins built for Napoleon III's pleasure gardens.

What makes paddleboarding here special is the juxtaposition of natural tranquility with glimpses of Parisian life. Families picnic on the shores, joggers trace the lake's perimeter, and the occasional distant siren reminds you that central Paris is just a few Metro stops away.

I spent about two hours on the water, including a stop at the Temple of Love (Temple Romantique) on the larger island. The waterproof dry bag I brought proved essential for keeping my camera and phone safe while exploring.

Afterward, I rented one of the park's rowboats with friends, a more social experience that allowed for conversation while still enjoying the lake from water level. The entire afternoon cost under €40 per person, remarkable value for a Parisian adventure.

Growing up with a father who trained racehorses, I've always sought equestrian experiences during my travels. Just 40km southwest of Paris lies the magnificent Forest of Rambouillet, once a royal hunting ground and now home to some of France's most scenic riding trails.

I arranged a half-day trek with Haras de la Cense, an equestrian center known for its natural horsemanship approach. After being matched with a sturdy Norman Cob named Étoile (Star), our small group of six riders set out with a knowledgeable guide who shared insights about the forest's history and ecosystem.

The forest reveals itself differently from horseback—you notice subtle changes in terrain, catch glimpses of deer and wild boar, and access areas inaccessible by car or foot. We rode past the stunning Château de Rambouillet (a former presidential residence), through ancient oak groves, and alongside serene ponds that reflect the surrounding greenery.

What impressed me most was how the experience connected historical and natural elements. Our guide explained how the forest's management evolved from royal hunting preserve to sustainable woodland, with careful conservation practices that would have resonated with my mother's passion for historical preservation.

For this ride, my hiking boots proved perfect—comfortable in the stirrups yet suitable for the short walks we took to explore certain areas on foot.

The half-day experience cost €85, including equipment and guidance—a fair price for such a memorable adventure just outside Paris.

For families or groups seeking an adrenaline boost, Parc Aventure Floreval offers an exceptional forest adventure course just 35km south of Paris. This aerial playground features over 30 courses of varying difficulties suspended among magnificent oak and pine trees.

After a thorough safety briefing and practice session, I tackled progressively challenging courses, each color-coded by difficulty level. The green and blue courses offer accessible fun for beginners, while the red and black routes tested my limits with Tarzan swings, extended ziplines, and balance challenges that would make a ninja warrior proud.

What distinguishes Floreval from similar parks I've visited in New Zealand and Japan is its thoughtful integration with the natural environment. Rather than simply installing obstacles, the designers have worked with the forest's natural features, creating routes that showcase remarkable trees and viewpoints.

The highlight was undoubtedly the 300-meter zipline that crosses an entire valley, offering a bird's-eye view of the forest canopy. For those who prefer staying closer to the ground, the park also offers archery and orienteering courses.

The park uses a continuous belay system that prevents accidental detachment from safety lines—a feature particularly reassuring for families with younger adventurers. I spent nearly four hours exploring various courses, which felt like excellent value for the €28 entry fee.

Afterward, my muscles were pleasantly tired, and I was grateful for the electrolyte tablets I'd brought to add to my water. Staying hydrated is essential when spending hours actively engaged in the summer heat.

While millions visit the Palace of Versailles annually, few experience the transcendent calm of its gardens at sunrise. Several times each summer, the palace gardens open early for special yoga sessions that combine mindfulness with historical splendor.

I joined a 7:00 AM class organized by Yoga in the City, which arranges these exclusive sessions in partnership with the palace administration. Our group of about 20 practitioners gathered near the Grand Canal as the rising sun gilded the palace's famous façade.

Our instructor, Céline, led us through a 75-minute vinyasa flow that incorporated the gardens' symmetry and grandeur into our practice. Moving through warrior poses while gazing across André Le Nôtre's perfect geometric landscapes created a unique harmony between body movement and architectural space.

The experience reminded me of meditation sessions at Japanese temple gardens, where human design and natural elements achieve perfect balance. In both settings, there's a profound sense of ma—the Japanese concept of negative space that creates meaning through absence.

After our practice, we enjoyed a light breakfast of fresh fruit and pastries before the gardens opened to regular visitors. This exclusive early access allowed for peaceful photography and contemplation impossible during standard visiting hours.

My travel yoga mat proved perfect for this experience—lightweight enough to carry easily but substantial enough for comfort on the garden's gravel paths.

At €45 including garden entry and breakfast, this ranks among my most memorable yoga experiences worldwide, combining physical practice with cultural and historical immersion.