Paris–Maisons-Laffitte by Bike

This one-day ride follows the Seine from the heart of Paris out to Maisons-Laffitte. Starting at the Parvis of Notre-Dame, the route heads out along Boulevard Sébastopol, one of the capital's busiest cycling routes, before threading through Place de la République and along the Canal Saint-Martin, passing its small locks and picturesque footbridges.

From Bassin de la Villette, the route follows the Quai de la Seine and Canal Saint-Denis, taking in the Sainte-Marthe district, Parc des Buttes Chaumont and the Centquatre cultural centre, before turning to follow the Seine itself towards Chatou, a riverside town about 30km from Paris and a popular lunch stop.

After lunch, the route continues along the Seine past the Château of the Count of Monte-Cristo and Saint-Germain-en-Laye, finishing at the 17th-century Château de Maisons-Laffitte, with time to visit its park and equestrian stables.

Highlights:

• Boulevard Sébastopol and Canal Saint-Martin's locks and footbridges
• Bassin de la Villette and Canal Saint-Denis street art
• Sainte-Marthe district and Parc des Buttes Chaumont
• Riverside lunch stop in Chatou
• Château of the Count of Monte-Cristo and Saint-Germain-en-Laye
• Château de Maisons-Laffitte, its park and equestrian stables

Surface and terrain:
Urban bike lanes and canal paths through Paris, then riverside paths along the Seine. Little elevation gain.

Suitable for:
Families and beginners; described as easy, with little elevation gain.