Place Balard walks

A route in the city to discover the iconic architectural inventiveness of two successive artistic movements: Art Nouveau, from the late 19th to the early 20th century, and Art Deco, between the two world wars.

The Coulée Verte in southern Paris is a series of green spaces that have been created near or above the Atlantic TGV railway lines. The route, in the inner suburbs, follows this green corridor to its end. An urban walk in green surroundings that can be enjoyed in all seasons, on foot or by bike.

We start by exploring Billancourt's industrial past on the former Renault factory sites, with a detour to the Ile Seguin. We then continue on to the Ile Saint-Germain, with its residential area and large green park. We end with a tribute to French cinema. This is an urban itinerary, but numerous parks and gardens, as well as many passageways, alleys and even footpaths, allow you to avoid the inconveniences of traffic.

This urban but relatively open route allows you to discover the main monuments of Paris on foot. You will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral, among others. The start and finish points are accessible by underground.

Set off on a pleasant bike ride in the heart of the Hauts-de-Seine, combining contemporary art, greenery and local culture. This approximately 6-kilometre route connects the modernity of the Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt with the originality of the Playing Card Museum in Issy-les-Moulineaux, passing by the unusual Tour aux Figures on Île Saint-Germain.

After following paths through the town, this walk from station to station offers the chance to discover the Meudon Observatory and admire the sweeping views from the terrace of its park. The rest of the route is mainly through forest.

The route mainly follows the Seine towpath, close to the river, and should not be attempted during periods of high water. Many houseboats are permanently moored along the route, which ends at the foot of the impressive towers of La Défense. Do not undertake this trip when the Seine is in flood.

This hike first takes us up the hill of Saint-Cloud, then through the park of the same name with its gardens, flower beds, ponds and Greco-Roman-inspired statues. We then walk through a residential area with beautiful houses. After crossing the Bois de La Celle, we walk through the "village" of La Celle Saint-Cloud to reach Bougival station.

Although highly urbanised, western Paris offers a considerable density of green spaces and forests, which this series of hikes, from station to station or in a circular route starting from a station, invites you to (re)discover. Several forest areas are on the programme: Saint-Cloud, La Celle, Marly, Versailles, Les Tailles d'Herbelaye and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. There is also a rich heritage to discover, particularly in the parks of Saint-Cloud and Marly, in Marnes-la-Coquette, Chambourcy and Poissy.

A hike that starts on the banks of the Seine and then crosses the Parc de Saint-Cloud, passing by its main lakes. You then stroll through Marnes-la-Coquette and Ville-d'Avray at the foot of beautiful, large houses. After winding your way between the Étangs de Ville-d'Avray, you walk through the southern part of the Forêt de Fausses-Reposes. The hike ends in a residential neighbourhood of Versailles.