Description

In a city famous for croissants and fromage, Paris is a delight to the bon vivant, the gastronome, the epicurean.

However, to the trail runner, there are only so many macarons one can handle before the carb-overload is sending us flying up the walls.

In need of somewhere to dissipate this excess energy from all that boulangerie-hopping or just need a vertical fix amidst a natural setting? The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the north-east of Paris may well be for you.

One of the original green spaces of Paris, the Buttes-Chaumont Park boasts the steepest hills in the interior.

Located within the 19th District and known by many as the “Central Park” of Paris, there are approximately 5 kilometres of trails to get you warmed up before taking on the hills.

Remember to look up between gaining back your breath between repeats and appreciate the stunning views over beautiful Paris, overlooking the charming Montmartre district in particular.

Wind down from lung-busting hills with another easy loop within the park.

The area boasts waterfalls, caves, an artificial lake, and a temple viewpoint, as well as the popular local bar: Rosa Bonheur, which translates to “pink happiness” if that’s anything to go by.

Combine a loop here with Parc de Villette and [Promenade Plantée](https://fatmap.com/routeid/633126/@44.6255265,24.4978562,308877.4205652,-90,0,257.1036607,normal) for a longer run.

There is an abundance of cafes, bars, and boulangeries in the area.

Mouth-watering croissants can be found at Boulanger Patissier Chez Paco, just south of the park.

Pick some up and then stroll back and enjoy them by the lake.

Need hills? Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is easily accessible by the Metro.

Hop off at line 7bis at the station with the same name: Buttes Chaumont.

It is located on Avenue Simon Bolivar.

Sources: https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-do-in-paris/info/guides/where-to-go-running-in-paris https://greatruns.com/paris-parc-des-buttes-chaumont/