Paris to Meaux by bike: along the Ourcq and Marne rivers
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / Ile-de-France
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AgeFrom 3 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions24.18 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Leave the hustle and bustle of Paris behind and let the Ourcq Canal guide you to a more bucolic side of the Île-de-France region. Over 3 days and 116 km by bike, cycle to Meaux along tree-lined paths and through waterside landscapes, all the way to the heart of the Brie region.
In Meaux, immerse yourself in heritage and local flavors: discover the Great War Museum and sample the famous Brie de Meaux cheese before continuing your journey. The banks of the Marne, with their villages and peaceful paths, will then lead you back towards Paris and the Bois de Vincennes.
Here, there's no need to backtrack: this bike loop allows you to return to Paris via a different route, so you can enjoy every last kilometer of this getaway between the Ourcq canal, the Marne valley, the heritage of the Île-de-France region and local gastronomy.
The highlights
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Escape Paris by following the peaceful landscapes of the Ourcq canal
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Discover Meaux and taste the famous Brie, an emblem of the Île-de-France region.
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Return along the banks of the Marne, between villages, heritage and nature
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for travelers in normal physical condition who are used to regular physical activity. You don't need to be an experienced cyclist: the stages are designed to allow everyone to ride at their own pace and fully enjoy the route.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 40 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 214 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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From the Ourcq canal to the gates of Brie
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h40
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 110 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departing from Paris , head east along the Ourcq Canal . The peaceful, shaded route leads to the Poudrerie Forest Park , perfect for a relaxing break in nature. Continue on to Claye-Souilly , then on to Précy-sur-Marne , on the edge of the Brie countryside . The day ends peacefully before the next leg towards Meaux .
Day 1 -
Between memory, local produce and the gentle charm of the Marne
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting from Précy-sur-Marne , you can leisurely follow the Ourcq Canal to Meaux . A stop is a must to visit the Great War Museum and savor the famous Brie de Meaux cheese . The route then changes scenery: head towards the Marne River for a more peaceful stretch, between verdant banks and charming villages. Passing through Coupvray , the birthplace of Louis Braille , you reach Montévrain , along a route that blends nature and heritage .
Day 2 -
Return to Paris along the Marne River
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h40
- Distance 38 km
- Positive elevation gain 180 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Montévrain , you begin your return to Paris , peacefully following the Marne River for approximately 38km . The route hugs the banks, offering lovely views of the river and the surrounding green landscapes . Before reaching the heart of the capital, you cross the Bois de Vincennes , the final natural interlude on this gentle journey.
Day 3
Note
Day 1: Paris to Précy-sur-Marne along the Ourcq canal
distance: 40 km
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
positive elevation gain: 110 m
Route type: 75% cycle path, 20% road (including cycle path), 5% trail
Day 2: Précy-sur-Marne to Montévrain via Meaux
distance: 40 km
Time: 3 hours
positive elevation gain: 350m
Route type: 20% cycle path, 35% road (including cycle route), 20% street, 25% path/trail
Day 3: Return to Paris along the Marne
distance: 38 km
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
positive elevation gain: 180m
Route type: 60% cycle path, 30% street and road, 10% path
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
From Paris-Nord train station :
- Metro : Take metro line 4 from Gare du Nord station to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The journey takes approximately 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to Rue de Cléry.
- Bus : Line 39 takes you from Gare du Nord to Poissonnière - Bonne Nouvelle in about 13 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
From Gare de Lyon :
- Metro : Take line 14 to Châtelet , then change to line 4 to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The total journey takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
From Montparnasse Station :
- Metro : Take line 4 directly to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in single, triple or quadruple rooms in B&Bs and hotels on Day 1 and Day 2
- Trip organization
- GPX track
The price does not include
- Luggage transport
- Transportation from your home
- Meals
- Bike rental (see options)
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF144.54 / unit
- E-bike rental : CHF227.79 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
The equipment mentioned is included as part of our bicycle rental service.
- Bicycle helmet
- Poncho
- Anti-theft
- Tire repair spray
- Phone holder
- Multi-tool
- 2 x 20L panniers
- Repair kit
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cap or buff
- Cycling gloves
- External battery
- Charging cables
Clothing to bring
- Cycling jersey or breathable technical t-shirt
- Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
- Thermal underlayer (if cold)
- Cycling shorts or bib shorts
- Long tights or waterproof over-trousers (if it's cold or raining)
- Lightweight gloves (summer) or thermal gloves (winter)
- Technical socks
- Buff / neck warmer
- Beanie under helmet (if cold)
- Comfortable T-shirt
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight trousers or shorts
- Tights or leggings (if cold)
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops
- Appropriate shoes
- Waterproof overshoes
- Rain pants
- Breathable waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
