If you're seeking a moderate-distance cycling route that showcases iconic landmarks of Paris, this route is worth considering!
What Parisian ride is complete without a loop around the Champs-Élysées? If you've ever watched the Tour de France, this segment is undoubtedly on your bucket list. The route guides you along the Champs-Élysées, where a protected bike lane leads all the way to the Arc de Triomphe.
The route includes a lap around the infamous roundabout, but I'll admit, it's not for the faint of heart. While I believe it's safe enough, it might be wise to ride with someone who has navigated it before. It's important to note that this roundabout operates differently from the ones most people are accustomed to; here, vehicles entering the roundabout have the right of way. If you're feeling uncertain about tackling it, there's always the option to take the ring road, which provides a convenient alternative route.
After checking that off your list, you'll head down to the Seine for a quick flyby of the Eiffel Tower. Of course, you could always veer off the route for a closer look, but there's something special about simply riding past it as well.
As you continue along the river, you'll eventually turn off and begin the climb out of the city through Issy and Clamart. It's a steady ascent that culminates in a forested area with a satisfying little kick at the end. After traversing through more woodland, you'll arrive in Bièvres. From there, the route winds through rolling terrain, offering lovely views en route to Jouy-en-Josas. You'll find it hard to believe you're only 25km from the center of Paris.
After departing from Jouy-en-Josas, you'll embark on a gentle climb up the opposite side of the valley to Les Loges-en-Josas. Once you reach the summit, you'll encounter a charming little town and church along the way. The next segment of this route never fails to captivate me, even after having passed by it nearly a hundred times.
As you descend the hill, you'll pass by an iconic aqueduct. The Aqueduc de Buc, constructed in the 1600s to supply water to the fountains of Versailles, holds a special charm. There's something uniquely quintessential about racing downhill beside it that captures the essence of French cycling.
Next, you'll arrive in Versailles, where the route leads you up to the entrance of the château. While it's certainly worth exploring with a tour and a stroll around the gardens, I'd suggest returning to do that separately.
"The next stop is a fantastic overlook in Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. After traversing through the park towards the city, you'll find yourself at a large roundabout. As you navigate around it, the vista unfolds, offering a breathtaking view over the city. From this vantage point, you can marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the dense urban landscape in between.
From there, it's an easy cruise along the river all the way back. As you pedal beside the water, you'll encounter even more sights along the way, including Paris's Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower once again, Pont de Bir Hakeim (the inception bridge), and more. Riding along the nicely separated bike lanes, you'll emerge right at the foot of the tower on the other side of the river. This vantage point truly provides a sense of the massive scale of the monument.
As you continue along the path back to the center of the city, you'll cross two more iconic places. First, Pont Alexandre III, often hailed as one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. Its extravagant golden statues are sure to catch your eye as you pass by. Finally, you'll pass through Place de la Concorde, where you can admire the seemingly out-of-place Egyptian obelisk positioned at the end of the Tuileries Gardens.
While there is certainly much more to see and explore around Paris, if you're seeking a shorter ride that encompasses key monuments while still taking you out of the city, this route is an excellent option.