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The département offers four itineraries that are surprisingly diverse: royal heritage, lush parks, canals lined with street art and the bucolic Marne riverbanks. These cycling outings proposed by IN Seine-Saint-Denis - the brand of the département - are accessible to everyone and an invitation to discover the 93 in a whole new way.
Seine-Saint-Denis is rapidly transforming into a cycling-friendly area. It now boasts a network of safe cycle paths linking parks, canals and cultural sites. The developments carried out as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have significantly improved the quality of the infrastructure, providing a sustainable legacy.
Today, the département offers more than 184 kilometres of adapted cycling routes across its departmental road network, comprising permanent infrastructure (120 km) and temporary infrastructure intended to become permanent (64 km). The 100% Cycling Plan, launched in 2019, aims to adapt all 342 kilometres of departmental roads for cycling by 2030, and forms part of a wider initiative to improve the sharing of public space. Another 14 kilometres were created for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, and eight additional kilometres were developed or made permanent in 2025.
These cycle routes provide safe conditions for cycling, separated from motor traffic. The canal banks have been redeveloped offering a pleasant green and tranquil environment in which to cycle.
The cycle paths in Seine-Saint-Denis link up with cycling itineraries in Paris. The Canal Saint-Denis and the Canal de l'Ourcq form two major routes that link the capital directly to the département. These waterside routes provide access to Paris from the north and east, bypassing major roads. RER, metro and tramway stations situated at the departure points of the cycle routes make it easier to go on daytrips.
| Route | Estimated distance | Estimated time | Difficulty | Main themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Puces à la Street Art Avenue | 15 km | 1h30 | Facile | Street art and royal heritage |
| Île Saint-Denis à la Courneuve | 20 km | 2h | Facile | Industrial wasteland and big parks |
| Canal de l'Ourcq | 25 km | 2h30 | Moderate | By the water and urban culture |
| Bords de Marne | 18 km | 2h | Facile | Bucolic atmosphere and guinguettes |
This first itinerary runs along the banks of the Canal Saint-Denis for around 10-15 km, starting at the Saint-Ouen flea market. It offers a glimpse into the diverse character of Seine-Saint-Denis, where contemporary street art coexists with a thousand-year-old royal heritage. The atmosphere is distinctly urban and cultural, with plenty of artistic and historical discoveries to be made along the way.
The cyclable banks of the Canal Saint-Denis offer a unique atmosphere for cyclists. Since 2016, Street Art Avenue has transformed this route into an open-air art gallery: more than 40 monumental works are interspersed along the 5 kilometres that link the Stade de France to the Parc de la Villette. Graffiti, collages, stencils and murals by French and international artists cover the walls, bridge pillars and industrial facades. Each year, new works are installed along the trail.
The canal is a reminder of the area’s industrial past and offers a peaceful setting with a series of locks, metal footbridges and plane trees lining the paths. The recently redeveloped cycle paths provide a safe route for cyclists, away from motor traffic.
Just a short cycle ride from the canal stands the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis, a true gem of Gothic architecture and the highlight of this cycling itinerary. Built in the 5th century on the tomb of Saint Denis, (the first Bishop of Paris who was martyred around 250), it has, over the centuries, become the burial place of the kings of France. More than 70 royal recumbent statues and tombs can be found here, from the Merovingians to the Capetians. This masterpiece of Gothic art impresses with its spectacular stained-glass windows, soaring vaults and monumental transept. Steeped in history, it is a reminder that Saint-Denis was a city of art and power for many years, long before it became a working-class town. A visit to the basilica offers a welcome cultural break after several kilometres of cycling. To extend your cycling adventure to other heritage sites: from Notre-Dame to Mont Saint-Michel by bike.
The route includes the famous Stade de France, an impressive structure built for the 1998 Football World Cup. Its 80,000-seat capacity and spectacular architecture make it a landmark site of Saint Denis. Just next to the stadium, the Parc de la Légion d'honneur is a perfect green spot to take a break. This 24-hectare urban park, formerly part of the Abbey of Saint-Denis, has grassy areas with shade, walking trails and play areas for children. With 8 hectares open to the public free of charge, it is a popular place to relax for locals and cyclists passing through. The 100-year-old trees and tranquil paths are a great place to catch your breath before setting off again along the canal, in the direction of La Villette or continuing to explore the area.
This route, which passes through urban and rural areas, invites you to explore the vast green spaces of the northern part of the département, ending with the Georges-Valbon Park as the highlight. The route is approximately 18 km long, starting from La Courneuve, and takes between 2hrs30 and 3 hours to complete; it is suitable for all fitness levels. This cycling route offers a variety of surprising landscapes, ranging from rolling meadows and woodland to lakes, against a backdrop of reminders of the area's industrial past.
The journey begins in a unique place: a listed heritage park Natura 2000 which occupies the northern tip of an island in the river. This 23-hectare strip of greenery is a unique natural setting, nestled between two arms of the Seine. As you cycle along the paths, you come across dense and wild vegetation that contrasts sharply with the hustle and bustle of Saint-Denis and Villeneuve-la-Garenne just opposite.
The park is an important refuge for local biodiversity. From the riverbanks, you can spot herons and cormorants in their natural habitat. The park is also an ideal starting point from which to head progressively eastward. On the way you’ll enjoy scenic views of the river and barges moored along the banks, before heading into the heart of the region.
With 417 hectares, the Parc Georges-Valbon is the third largest green area in the Paris region, after the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. This regional park spans five municipalities: La Courneuve, Saint-Denis, Stains, Dugny and Garges-lès-Gonesse. Meadows alternate with wooded areas, creating a mosaic of natural habitats relaxing and pleasing to the eye.
The park has a rose garden with 15,000 rose plants that fill the air with fragrance from late springtime, an educational herb garden as well as a beehive. The rolling countryside is surprisingly extensive and varied. The redeveloped pathways provide safe cycling through this vast green area with its changing scenery.
The itinerary finishes with a discovery tour of La Courneuve. Notably, the cinema l'Étoile, a popular local spot in the centre of town. This art house cinema, built in a remarkable architectural style, reflects the vitality of filmmaking in Seine-Saint-Denis. Just nearby, it’s well worth stopping to admire the impressive mural commemorating the ‘March for Equality and Against Racism’, a monumental piece of street art that recalls a key moment in the fight for social justice in the late 20th century.
Finally, the countryside changes again, with the sight of the old Babcock factories. This majestic industrial site, whose vast halls are emblematic of the département’s industrial heritage, is now dedicated to graffiti. Find out more on a guided tour.
Seine-Saint-Denis is only the beginning of your cycling discovery tour! Explore cycling itineraries in Paris to link up your cycling trips in the 93 with central Paris.
Looking to cycle longer distances? The ‘Seine à Vélo’ takes you as far as the Normandy beaches, whilst the Scandibérique is a cycle route that crosses the whole of France.
This 22 km cycle route starting in Pantin follows the Canal de l'Ourcq eastwards and offers a unique atmosphere, with a mix of urban buzz and rural charm. The route is easy, completely flat and follows safe cycle paths. Allow about one and a half hours of cycling, not including breaks.
The starting point is in Pantin, where the Canal de l'Ourcq crosses a very lively area. On the riverbanks contemporary guinguettes, floating bars and cultural establishments create a festive atmosphere. The Cité Fertile, an eco-friendly third place housed in former warehouses, offers a programme of activities and attractions throughout the year including outdoor concerts, producers’ markets, and workshops.
As you continue your journey towards Bobigny and Bondy, you’ll discover monumental street art pieces along the way. The colourful murals contrast with the industrial architecture, transforming the facades into canvases for artistic expression. Terraces along the canal are the perfect place to take a break, watch barges gliding along the water or enjoy a picnic on the landscaped lawns. At the weekend, the atmosphere is particularly lively, with walkers, joggers and families.
In Sevran, the Parc de la Poudrerie offers a welcome natural environment at the end of the cycle ride. This 137-hectare listed site has a singular history: it was a former gunpowder and explosives factory founded under Napoleon III. In activity from 1873 to 1973, it was subsequently converted into a forest park. Today the forest’s pathways are pleasant places to cycle or walk.
The Canal de l'Ourcq cuts across the park, creating a tranquil setting given over to nature. A few industrial buildings remain, testimonies to the military past: the director’s house, the former powder stores and laboratories all recall this remarkable history. The park’s rich biodiversity is comparable with the big forests of the Paris region and features century-old oak trees, wetlands and diverse fauna. Information boards can be found along the route for visitors to learn more about the industrial and natural history of the site.
The adventure finishes on a high on the former hunting grounds of the Kings of France. This 170-hectare area, scattered with ponds and century-old oak trees, provides a complete change of scene. The undulating paths and protected wetland areas make it a haven for biodiversity, the perfect way to round off your outing in the great outdoors.
This route takes you on a peaceful, rural ride along the Marne. The flat, family-friendly route follows towpaths and landscaped riverbanks, making it an easy outing into the countryside.
The bucolic surroundings of the Neuilly-sur-Marne riverbanks recall the paintings of the Impressionist painters. The route takes on a lively atmosphere at the marina, which attracts boating enthusiasts and sports enthusiasts. It’s a refreshing place to stop off and watch people canoeing and kayaking, before setting off again along the towpaths shaded by century-old plane trees.
The Parc de la Haute-Île is a 65-hectare natural sanctuary nestled in a bend of the River Marne. This natural area, designated as a Natura 2000 site, is made up of wetlands, widened channels, a vast central area of uncultivated land and preserved woodland.
The park is home to a remarkable number of protected wildlife: kingfishers, short-eared owls, meadow pipits, skylarks … Six wooden hides built on stilts enable visitors to observe the birds discreetly without disturbing them. Information boards guide visitors as they explore this fragile ecosystem.
Archéosite, in the Parc de la Haute-Île, is an interesting place to stop off at. This open-air museum offers some reconstitutions of the daily life of people from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic period, who previously populated the area. You’ll see demonstrations of traditional techniques and reconstructed dwelling places, giving a unique historical dimension to your cycle ride.
Before setting off, here is some essential information to get the most out of your cycling trips in the 93. These routes have been designed to make your cycling trips easy and enjoyable.
Good to know: all the routes described are adapted to electric vehicles. The gradients remain gentle and the well-maintained paths ensure a comfortable ride, whether you’re on an electric bike or a conventional one.
If you have an electric bike, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several charging points available in Seine-Saint-Denis, particularly in some parks and nearby train stations. Cycle stations also offer charging points for removable batteries. As the routes are relatively short (between 15 and 30 km), a fully charged battery is more than enough to cover the round trip.
You don’t have a bike? No problem! The Vélib' Métropole bike hire service offers 18,200 bikes (40 % of which are electric) at 1,452 stations across Paris and the Paris region. For longer-term hire, Véligo offers electric bikes from €10 per month, with subscriptions ranging from 3 to 12 months, including maintenance. Several local bike hire companies also operate in the département.
📍The starting points for the 4 itineraries are easily accessible by public transport:
💡Checklist of essentials to take with you:
