Family bike rides on the banks of the Seine

Discover the best family bike rides on the banks of the Seine: 52 kilometres of lush landscapes to explore

Eager for an outdoor family outing? The banks of Saint Germain Boucles de Seine offer 52 kilometres of routes dedicated to bike rides, with breathtaking views of the water and surrounding countryside. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cyclist, the London-Paris Avenue Verte and the “La Seine à Vélo” cycle route criss-cross the area, offering signposted, safe routes that are perfect for young and old alike. Ready to get on your bikes? Check out our suggestions for unforgettable family outings!

From Chatou to Le Pecq 7.7 km - 28 minutes

©Randonne Velo Seine Chatou|JOEL DAMASSE

©Walkers on the banks of the Seine at Port-Marly|JOEL DAMASSE

To kick off this beautiful walk, why not enjoy a family lunch on the Île des Impressionnistes? Here you can enjoy a picnic in the island park or lunch at Les Rives de la Courtille or the Fournaise restaurant, while admiring the reproductions of the Impressionist Trail. Then take advantage of your visit to admire the reproductions of the Chemin des Impressionnistes, push open the door of the Fournaise museum or observe the work of the volunteers from the Sequana association.

To reach the other bank, you’ll have two options: a short climb via the footbridge or, if you prefer an easier route, take the Chatou bridge with its safe pavements. We recommend the RER footbridge! To get there, take the Mail des Impressionnistes, passing under the road bridge and skirting a vast area where events such as the Cirque du Soleil and the Foire de Chatou regularly take place. Once on the other side, don’t miss the rose garden at the Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO, a peaceful and stunning place.

Your stroll continues along the banks of the Seine, with a stop at Chanorier in Croissy-sur-Seine, a place rich in culture, where you can discover the Musée de la Grenouillère or the Pavillon d’Histoire Locale. Château Chanorier will soon be home to a new “Bistrots pas parisiens” restaurant.

Once in Le Pecq you can continue the walk to Sartrouville or take the RER back to Le Vésinet Le Pecq station, or you can simply retrace your steps!”

From Le Pecq to Sartrouville 7.5 km - 23 minutes

From the Pont du Pecq, set off to discover Sartrouville. Your route first takes you near the Boucle de Montesson departmental park, an ideal place for birdwatching. Children will love these large green spaces and the observatories set up to watch the local wildlife.

Your walk continues pleasantly in the shade of the trees that surround this towpath all the way to Sartrouville. On arrival, a cycle path runs alongside the Seine to the Maisons-Laffitte bridge. Take a well-earned break in the Parc du Dispensaire, a haven of peace by the water.

A little anecdote for foodies: Paris-Brest, the famous pastry in the shape of a bicycle wheel, is thought to have originated here in Maisons-Laffitte in 1909, designed by pastry chef Louis Durand to celebrate the famous cycle race. A nod to the history of the bicycle to savour!

From Pecq to Port-Marly 4.5 km - 20 min

This shorter but equally enjoyable route takes you from Parc Corbière to Port-Marly, an ideal place for a family outing. By car? No worries, several large car parks make parking easy.

The Parc Corbière, with its vast expanses of grass, mini-farm and play areas, is a perfect place to relax before hitting the road. Once you’re ready, set off in the direction of Port-Marly. You’ll take a beautiful tree-lined driveway that leads to the Quai Voltaire, then continue along the towpath beside the Seine.

Along this walk, you’ll be able to see reproductions of paintings from the Chemin des Impressionnistes, a tribute to artists such as Sisley and Morisot. Be sure to stop and admire these outdoor works, a real trip back in time.

On arrival in Port-Marly, the rowing club is an ideal place for a break. Take time to watch the rowers in action and enjoy the tranquillity of the premises. If you’re ready for a little more adventure, you can cross the Seine via a footbridge and explore the park on Ile de la Loge, a perfect place to rest after this great outing.

Cast off your moorings and take a cruise on the Seine with Saint-Germain Boucles de Seine Tourist Office — ©Couple on a cruise on the Seine at Saint-Germain Boucles de Seine

A little story

A little anecdote for those with a sweet tooth: Paris-Brest, the famous pastry in the shape of a bicycle wheel, is thought to have originated here in Maisons-Laffitte in 1909, designed by pastry chef Louis Durand to celebrate the famous cycle race. It’s a nod to the history of the bicycle that’s sure to please!

Denise