Sports activities in Paris

Running in Paris

Unsurprisingly, running is one of the most popular sports activities in Paris given the splendid backdrop provided by the city's architecture. Despite the busy urban environment, the city has several places where you can breathe in the fresh air and run in peace. You'll find parks and stone paths in many parts of the city, as well as special provisions for runners (and walkers). For example, the banks of the Seine River are now closed to vehicles, providing a running track on a beautiful riverside setting, especially during the hot summer months. There is no shortage of race tracks in the west of the city, the one in the Bois de Boulogne covers more than 8.6km² and the Parc Javel André Citroën more than 2.6km². But nothing beats a run around the Louvre and the Place de La Concorde in the early morning hours as the first light of day illuminates Paris. The Jardin des Tuileries (which covers 15km²) or the Parc Monceau (which covers more than 3.8km²) have charming trails with calm lakes and green surroundings.

In the heart of the city, the Luxembourg Gardens are also a wonderful place to run and relax. In the south, the slightly undulating terrain is home to the Parc de Bercy and the Parc Montsouris which covers 1.6km². The Buttes de Chaumont park in the east of the city offers breathtaking views of Paris, as well as spectacular trails and challenging paths. And finally, the Parc de la Villette offers 400-meter circuits.

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Swimming pools

There are swimming pools , from Olympic-sized to smaller neighborhood pools. Your options include the Olympic-sized pool at Les Halles shopping center, the Chateau-Landon pool - built in 1884 - the elegant 1924 Butte aux Cailles pool with its outdoor pools, the Pontoise pool a few steps from Boulevard Saint Germain, and the very popular Josephine Baker pool in the summer - housed on a boat. The latter offers a perfect option for the summer months. If you are a professional swimmer, take advantage of the discounted prices when you buy 10 entries at once. For family outings, Aquaboulevard is a huge water park with 10 slides and several large pools, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.

Playing tennis in Paris

You'll also find many tennis courts throughout Paris, most of which are located in beautiful parks like the Luxembourg Gardens. Reserve a court by registering on the official Paris Tennis service website, and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to reserve a court in Paris up to seven days in advance. An indoor court can cost up to 17 euros per hour, while an outdoor court only costs 9 euros per hour. Those under 26 can take advantage of reduced rates.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is an activity that is becoming increasingly popular in Paris. If you're looking for options in the heart of Paris, check out Escalad'Indoor or Arkose Nation or head out of town to find great climbing walls such as Murmur in Issy-les-Moulineaux, Hardblock in the southeast of the city, Block'Out in Saint-Ouen, and Blocbuster in Courbevoie. The price range is usually between 15 and 30 euros per session, and can also include rental equipment if necessary.

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Sports and fitness centers in Paris

Fitness enthusiasts and professionals will not be disappointed. Indeed, there are hundreds of gyms to choose from in the whole capital. You will be able to find all the classic practices such as group fitness classes, pilates, spinning, or crossfit. You can be followed by professionals if you want expert advice and nutritional help too. Subscriptions vary according to the gym and the area of Paris, but a month costs between 15 and 25 euros.

Other sports to practice in Paris

Being a big city and capital, Paris offers many other sports for all enthusiasts. To name just a few, you can find yoga schools where you can practice, equestrian centers where you can ride horses and take part in rides in the countryside of the region or even Padel lessons, this new fashionable sport. Search the internet to find out where you can practice your sport.

Good to know :

Distance learning and videoconferencing courses are becoming more and more common for some disciplines since the sanitary crisis, so don't hesitate to ask if the teacher offers it in case you can't move or if the center or school is far from your home.

Useful links:

Air quality index
What to do in Paris
Paris Marathon
Paris half marathon
Official website of Paris - Swimming pools
Official website of Paris - Tennis
Climbing walls in Paris
Molitor swimming pool
French Mountain and Climbing Federation - FFME
My gym