BV25-46 Rivers and Canals

Rivers and Canals delivers exactly what the name suggests. It’s a great option if you want to stay off main roads and get in around 80 km with minimal climbing.

The route leaves Paris much like a Marne loop, but after about 11 km it cuts the loop short and goes across to stay on the Marne heading east. You follow the river until roughly 25 km, where a small climb takes you up to Champs-sur-Marne. From there, you parallel the river for a while before eventually rejoining it and crossing over to the north side. After about 43 km of flat riding along the Marne, the route turns north and hits the only real climb of the day.

Once you crest it, you continue north until meeting the Canal de l’Ourcq at around 61 km. From here, you take the bike path for roughly 20 km straight back into Paris. The path can get busy in the afternoon, but if you go earlier it’s usually manageable—as long as you’re not trying to set any speed records. The final stretch is straightforward, following the Canal Saint-Martin until you reach Bastille.

This is an ideal route for newer riders looking to push their distance while avoiding traffic and climbing.

GPX File