From Neuilly-sur-Seine, the Bois de Boulogne is just a few minutes’ walk away via the Porte de Neuilly. Three routes cover most needs: a short, flat loop around the Lower Lake (about 2.7 km), a loop around both lakes for a moderate hike, and the grand tour of the Bois, which circles the entire park (about 12.3 km). Details for each route are provided below.
In a nutshell
- Directions from Neuilly: Porte de Neuilly, at the edge of the woods, or the Pont de Neuilly metro station (Line 1).
- Short route: around Lower Lake, about 2.7 km, flat, paved path.
- Average route: both lakes (Lower and Upper), for a hike of 5 to 8 km depending on the route you choose.
- Long route: the full loop around the Bois de Boulogne, approximately 12.3 km, almost entirely flat (47 m elevation gain).
- Terrain: paved paths around the lakes; trails through the woods elsewhere, which are sometimes damp after it rains.
How do I get to the Bois de Boulogne from Neuilly?
The most direct entrance is the Porte de Neuilly, on the border between Neuilly-sur-Seine and Paris’s 16th arrondissement, at the edge of the woods. It is served by the Pont de Neuilly metro station (Line 1). From this gate, you can quickly reach the Jardin d’Acclimatation and then the paths through the woods. For a shorter outing without leaving Neuilly, the Parc de la Folie Saint-James, located within the city, also offers a warm-up loop before heading into the woods.
The Short Trail: Around Lower Lake
Lac Inférieur, the largest lake in the woods, is located near the Muette lawns. A full lap, following the path along the shore, is about 2.7 km. The terrain is flat and paved for most of the route, making it accessible to runners of all levels, including those getting back into running or taking a late-afternoon run. It’s also the easiest route to remember for a first run in the woods.
The average route: the two lakes
The smaller Lake Supérieur is located near the Auteuil racetrack. By combining a loop around both lakes with the paths connecting them, the run naturally extends to between 5 and 8 km, depending on the number of loops and the detours taken around the lawns and horse trails. It’s a good compromise for a long-distance run without leaving the lake area.
The Long Route: The Grand Tour of the Bois de Boulogne
For a long run, the “Grand Tour du Bois de Boulogne” takes you all the way around this 845-hectare park, following the lakes and paths. It’s about 12.3 km long, with virtually no elevation gain (47 m over the entire course, according to the City of Paris). This route is ideal for training for a 10-kilometer race or a half-marathon, as it takes place on flat terrain that doesn’t require you to manage elevation changes.
What kind of terrain, and what precautions should be taken?
The paths around the lakes and the wide horse trails are paved or stabilized and accessible year-round. The trails through the underbrush, deeper in the woods, are more uneven and can become slippery or muddy after rain: shoes with light cleats are useful in the fall and winter. The woods are crisscrossed by paths open to traffic in certain areas: it’s best to watch out for vehicles and cyclists on shared-use sections, particularly near the Longchamp and Auteuil racetracks.
Advice from the Coach
“I ran a full marathon in the Bois de Boulogne, with a friend on a bike who helped me with the refreshments. Running under the trees and along the lakes makes for a pleasant run and helps you avoid the intense heat,” says Louis Fabre.
How can you improve without getting injured?
The flat terrain of the woods is ideal for making steady progress: increase your distance or duration by about 10% each week rather than your pace, and make sure to take at least one recovery day between long runs. Adding strength training twice a week helps maintain your stride over time: see our article on progressive overload.
What if I prefer structured support?
To prepare for a specific goal (10 km, half marathon, getting back in shape), a good place to start is a 60-minute personalized assessment —covering your posture, abilities, and goals—followed by a plan tailored to your race schedule. For coaching packages, visit the Services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go running every day in the Bois de Boulogne?
Yes, the flat terrain is ideal for this, but vary your distances and make sure to have at least one lighter day each week to let your body recover.
Is the Bois de Boulogne a safe place to go running alone?
The main paths around the lakes are busy all day long. At the end of the day or at dusk, it’s best to stick to the busiest and best-lit sections, such as the path around Lower Lake.
What's the best course of study for beginners?
The loop around Lower Lake (about 2.7 km), which is flat and paved, is the easiest route for getting back into the swing of things or for a first outing in the woods.
Can you go running in the Bois de Boulogne in the winter?
Yes, the paved paths remain passable. On the trails through the woods, be sure to wear appropriate footwear if the ground is wet.
Are there any other places to go running near Neuilly?
Folie Saint-James Park, right in Neuilly, is perfect for a short warm-up loop before heading into the woods—or for a shorter run on a rainy day.
To learn more: sports coaching in Paris, progressive overload explained simply, or contact me.
Sources
- City of Paris, The Grand Tour of the Bois de Boulogne. https://www.paris.fr/pages/le-grand-tour-du-bois-de-boulogne-4968
- Wikipedia (English edition), Bois de Boulogne — area, lakes, racetracks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bois_de_Boulogne
- Wikipedia (French edition), Porte de Neuilly — location and directions. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porte_de_Neuilly
About the Author: Louis Fabre is a former tennis player (Roland Garros, NCAA Division I at Texas Tech) who holds dual master’s degrees in physical training and sports nutrition, with over 10 years of coaching experience and more than 2,000 clients.
