8 Best Outdoor Activities in Paris

Paris is a city to be explored at leisure, enjoying its streets, parks and banks of the Seine at any time of the year. In spring and summer, the terraces and gardens are full of life; in autumn, golden colours envelop the city, and in winter, the Christmas atmosphere turns every walk into a special experience. If you want to make the most of the City of Light in the open air, here are some of the best activities to do so.

Paris is also a perfect destination for animal lovers. You can visit the Paris Zoo, a modern zoo with habitats from around the world, or the Jardin des Plantes Zoo, the oldest zoo in France and a place steeped in history.

Both zoos offer open spaces where you can enjoy the outdoors while discovering exotic species and learning about wildlife conservation. An ideal option for a family day out surrounded by nature in the heart of the city.

If you've ever dreamed of stepping into an Impressionist painting, the Monet Gardens in Giverny are the place to be. Here you will find the famous water lilies and the iconic Japanese bridge that inspired many of his works.

Walking through this garden is like walking into a painting, with flowers of every colour and a tranquillity that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Paris. An ideal excursion for art and nature lovers.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most impressive sites in France, but it's the gardens that are truly breathtaking. Stretching over 800 hectares, its paths, fountains and sculptures will transport you to another era.

You can lose yourself among the plant mazes, rent a bicycle or even sail along the Grand Canal in a boat. Strolling through these gardens is the best way to imagine the splendour of the court of Louis XIV.

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the most stunning green spaces in Paris and an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle without leaving the city. With its hills, grottoes, waterfalls and a belvedere with spectacular views, this park is perfect for a stroll, a picnic or just enjoying the great outdoors.

Less touristy than other Parisian gardens, it is a place where locals come to relax, read or play sports. A perfect plan to discover a different and more authentic Paris.

The Loire Valley is an architectural and natural gem. It is home to some of France's most spectacular châteaux, surrounded by breathtaking gardens and landscapes that look like something out of a painting.

From the majestic Château de Chambord to the elegant Château de Chenonceau, touring this region is like stepping into a fairytale. In addition, many châteaux allow for cycling or boating in the surrounding countryside, a perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you are looking for nature without leaving the city, the Bois de Vincennes is an unbeatable option. This huge park in the east of Paris is the perfect place to walk, rent a bike or even paddle in the lake.

You'll also find the Parc Floral, a botanical garden with year-round flower displays, and the Château de Vincennes, a medieval fortress that will transport you to another era. It's an ideal alternative to the city's busier parks.

If you want to travel back in time without leaving Europe, Bruges is the perfect getaway. This Belgian city, known as the "Venice of the North", is full of canals, cobbled streets and medieval houses that look like something out of a fairytale.

A boat trip along the canals or a stroll around the Main Square and the Lake of Love is an unforgettable way to experience one of Belgium's most enchanting corners.

Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most magical places in France. This medieval abbey, situated on a rocky islet, changes completely with the tides, creating a breathtaking landscape that looks like something out of another world.

Wandering its narrow cobbled streets, climbing up to the abbey and taking in the views from the top is an experience that combines history, nature and adventure. It is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular excursions you can do from Paris.