Serres d'Auteuil 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.

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.

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.

A short hike that starts on a little-known path along the Seine. It then runs alongside the Longchamp racecourse and the Suresnes and Longchamp ponds. After a brief stop at the Grande Cascade, it reaches Lac Supérieur and explores its southern tip. The route ends with a crossing of the Auteuil racecourse, on days when there are no horse races, of course.

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.

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 route through two wooded areas on either side of the Seine. From one large waterfall to another, from one racecourse to another, the hike alternates between paths and urban passages, flower beds and sculpted heritage, ponds and lakes.

A short walk to relax and get away from it all. First, take the old Petite Ceinture railway line, which runs high above the city. Then stroll through Parc Georges Brassens, which offers a variety of paths and places to stop and rest. Finally, you pass through the 14th arrondissement and follow the Petite Ceinture line to the Porte d'Orléans.

From Pont de Sèvres to Pont de Saint-Cloud, with two long detours into the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, with its woods and French gardens. The route also includes a stroll through the quiet streets of Sèvres, Ville d'Avray and Marnes-la-Coquette, with their beautiful heritage. The Étangs de Ville d'Avray offer a peaceful setting just a few kilometres from the urban centres.