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It is possible to get "out and about" without leaving central Paris (the area 75), however there is a wide choice of activities in the Ile-de-France regions with an almost endless supply of things to do outdoors. There is plenty of useful information on activities available and most tourist offices have information brochures in English. Several also have websites with details on the facilities in each area. Below is information and contact details on:
ParksThe region has many "green spaces", which are utilised for sports and leisure activities.
Despite Paris being one of the largest cities in Europe it is also home to regional natural parks. Near Paris, and within the city limits of Saint-Quentin-in Yvelines (78), the area of the Valley of Chevreuse is a rural park which was granted protected status in 1985. The Parc Naturel Chevreuse covers 21 communes and is home to 46,000 inhabitants and comprises 24,000 hectares of protected parkland. The territory was established to preserve the history and protect the environment but it is not a museum. Visitors to the area can explore by bicycle (bikes can be rented there), take organised horse rides or simply follow one of the walking routes between the villages. More information from the website: Hiking & WalkingThe Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRP) is the overseeing body for all marked and maintained walking routes in France. It provides information and guide books (most in French) for walkers in the Paris, Ile-de-France area. Top 25 hiking maps issued by the Institut Géographique National (IGN) are available from newsagents (presse) and bookshops. All nationally recognised trails are categorised as follows:
Clear explanations of the waymarks, or blazes (balises), of the French route marking system on this website: A walk around the Paris and Ile-de-France area gives the option to trek across the region's forests and natural parks or along the rivers and through the valleys. The départements of Paris and the Ile-de-France each have a departmental committee dedicated to maintaining routes and providing information. Below are the contact details and web links for each of these. Paris (75)The Paris departmental committee provides information on the over 174 kilometres of marked routes in central Paris, with further details of various walks which pass interesting landmarks and sights. The routes are of varying lengths and difficulty. The offices are based at:
Paris City Centre Walks: Following a four and a half kilometre stretch of the old Strasbourg railway line, this walk passes many of the famous Parisian landmarks. The railroad was decommissioned in 1969 after a century in use; it has now been converted into a raised walkway through the city. The walk begins in the 12th arrondissement at avenue Daumesnil, and passes across the Viaduct des Arts which is nine meters above street level. For more information see website: Seine-et-Marne (77)The Seine-et-Marne has 2,800 kilometres of marked hiking routes across the département. Information is available from:
Yvelines (78)The Yvelines region has lots to offer the rambler with the website of the local committee providing information about forthcoming events, routes and potential problems to the routes, for example road closures. Contact details: Nature et Loisirs provide guided walks and rambles through the Montfort-l'Amaury area of the Yvelines countryside. The website, in English, lists upcoming events.
Essonne (91)Information on the hiking routes and services for individual tourists are available through the committee.
Hauts-de-Seine (92)Information for individual walkers is available from the committee. The offices are based at:
Seine-Saint-Denis (93)For advice and information for hikers in the region, contact:
Val-de-Marne (94)Information services for individual tourists about walking in the Val-de-Marne, also includes weather reports for your trip.
Val-d'Oise (95)The Val-d'Oise region has over 1,400 kilometres of routed walks taking the pedestrian through 2000 years of history in the Pays-de-la-France area. » See The AngloFILE, for Paris listings of Outdoors & Hiking Bikes & CyclingBicycling is a good way to get around the region, particularly following the smaller roads and forest trails. You will find pre-established routes in these areas:
Central Paris has over 200km of cycle lanes.
» See The AngloFILE, for Paris listings of Cycling, Bikes & Bike Rental Paris free bikeVélib' (free bike) is a bike rental system operating in Paris. Bicycles are available for rental 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from "bike dispensing" depots throughout the city. Bikes have protective mudguards, handlebar baskets and lights for night riding. Helmets are not provided. Use the touch screen at a bike station (station Vélib') to pay for and release a bike. Return the bike to any depot across. Subscription cards are available for one day, seven days or a year; these provide a discount.
RollerbladingEvery Friday night a group of 12,000 to 15,000 people take to the streets and tour the city with wheels on their feet. There are specially designated areas for skaters both in the centre of Paris and in Ile-de-France, with arenas for beginners and special skate parks for the proficient. For more information on skate parks and tracks see websites: GolfThere are over sixty golf courses in the Paris Ile-de-France region so if you would like to spend the day golfing there is plenty of choice. Many of the courses offer reduced green fees during the week and you can buy a golf pass, which allows entrance to a number of different clubs.
Flying, Aviation & AeronauticsOnce you've seen Paris from the ground it may be time to try something different. There are lots of venues around the Paris Ile-de-France area where you can try airborne sports. AérokartThis is the home of the world's largest free fall simulator, a new concept in entertainment. It is a giant wind tunnel, which was first used for trials in aerospace technology. The generators create a rush of air that simulates a parachutist during free fall. There are guides who speak English. The Aérokart also houses France's largest indoor karting track. The website, in English, lists opening times and prices. Booking is recommended. Cercle aéronautique de SGAC teach parachuting in the (78) region at the Ile-de-France parachute school; English spoken. GlidingTake a flight on an ultra light aircraft over the Ile-de-France sky. Then for 20 minutes the pilot will sit back and watch as you take the controls. The Veli plane leaves from the Aérodrome de Meaux-Esbly (77)
BallooningThere are several companies (where English is spoken) offering hot-air balloon flights over Paris and the Ile-de-France. » See The AngloFILE, for Paris listings of Ballooning, Flights & Kites ClimbingParis and Ile-de France is good for climbers. Climbing circuits are graded - and marked by a colour-coding system - from suitable for children/easy through to extremely difficult/expert routes.
Fédération française de la montagne et de l'escalade is the French national association for climbing and mountaineering (French speaking only).
Centre Européen d'Escalade: One of Europe's largest rock-climbing halls with over 1,200 m2 of climbing face and more than 160 routes. A place to train or learn rock climbing.
Antrebloc Escalade: Climbing centre open to all, introduction and training on the 1,000 m2 purpose-built climbing wall. There is also a shop specialising in climbing equipment.
Ice SkatingIn winter the Patinoire du Parvis de la Défense and Patinoire de l'Hôtel de Ville bring ice-skating into the public arena with these and other open-air rinks around the city. To find your closest ice-skating rink (patinoire) see website: Water Sports: Boating & YachtingThere are lots of activities available on Paris' many waterways, the Seine, Marne and Oise rivers as well as the canals. Aquatic centres offer facilities for sports such as waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, wakeboarding, rowing, pedal boating, yachting and boats for hire (with or without a license). Many of these centres are set in parkland with small beaches and other non-water based activities. For a list of aquatic centres see website: Any suggestions for extra information that should be on this page? |
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