This Parisian Girl’s Favorite Weekend Walks Through the City of Light
You may have seen me in the background of the Osé offices lately but may not realize what an integral part of the company I actually am. Writer, cuddler and along with my friends Max and Happy, general Chief Joy Officers, we contribute a lot to the success and running of Osé. We really keep these people sane. I decided, as an official Parisian and loud mouth, I would contribute some of my favorite places around the city that welcome me with open arms and sometimes a nice treat!
Let’s start off with one of my favorite activities in Paris, a nice walk, a balade if you will. Especially now with the nicer weather (that’s for my mom, being part husky I thrive in the frigid winter temperatures), I am insisting we get out and explore the city more. Some of the best walks are undiscovered even to the most seasoned of locals like myself but there is no gate keeping here. I am happy to share my routes through the city but if you see me, make sure to give me a good booty scratch and low carb treats are always welcome!
Bois de Boulogne
Bois de Boulogne with mom
From the time I was allowed out of the house this was my favorite place to be. Whether it was to play off leash with my puppy friends or get in trouble by chasing the horses through the woods, only to be brought back to my mom by the police (13 years later and she won’t let it go!), this park was my go to for a good time, a social hour or just to take in the fresh air. This place is huge! It’s got over 65 km of defined pathways, a horse racing track, lakes you can boat on, cafes all around and even outdoor gyms (the walking is enough for me). They even have an area for hunting (being part beagle, every area is a hunting area for me!)!
My personal favorite is a walk around the large lake because despite our bitter rivalry, I love to look at the swans. Ducks are more my speed for hunting and when I was a puppy I would chase them around the lake. One time I got so excited I ran after them, not paying attention and I fell into the lake in a huge splash, so embarrassing! The lake is nice though because you can walk around it, enjoy the cafe on the lake and, if you’re human, rent a boat.
I have spent so many days and early evenings running, playing and hunting in these woods, it really defined my puppyhood!
Metro: Porte d’Auteuil or Porte Maillot
La Campagne à Paris
La Campagne à Paris with auntie Farah
This is my mom’s favorite place because she dreams of having a house in the neighborhood. It’s mine because it’s the best place to get the local news. Every dog in the area goes to La Campagne à Paris when their owners get home from work, probably for the same reason as my mom, so I get to spend all my time sniffing and wandering the flower lined streets. La Campagne à Paris means the countryside in Paris and it’s fitting because everyone there has huge (for Paris) gardens, it’s so quiet and calm, and the buildings are all townhomes. It’s the cutest little neighborhood. In the Spring, it smells so good with wisteria covered gates and rose bushes as tall as the houses. It’s something most don’t even know about until they are in this very specific area of the 20th arrondissement in Paris.
Metro: Porte de Bagnolet
Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg
This one goes without saying but I am going to say it anyway! While not all of the park is available to dogs, it’s one of my favorites because of all the well dressed humans walking through it and the ponies, (I love the smell of the horse family). Famed by the impressionists for a reason, it is the only park in Paris you will still find people strolling in their Sunday best. As the dogaugther of a former fashion girl, you learn to appreciate these things.
Luxembourg has a lot of history when we get to go. It’s a special treat, my mom really makes a day of it. We take a picnic, stroll the area I am allowed in and get ice cream on our way out (now that I have diabetes, ice cream has been replaced by a low carb cheese stick). The park itself is filled with statues, fountains, flowers, tennis courts and even old men, usually with diabetes too, playing chess in the shade. It’s one of my favorites even if I end up needing two days of sleep after we go!
Metro: Notre Dame Des Champs or Luxembourg
Honorable Mention: Gorge du Houx in Fountainebleau
Gorge du Houx Fountainebleau
While it’s not in Paris it is one of my favorite hikes of all time. Let’s start with how beautiful Fountainebleau is! Flowers everywhere, cute shops where strangers share their cheese (my favorite!) with me. First things first you find a nice café, Luwei is my favorite, to enjoy your second breakfast before exploring the forest. Tons of rocks to climb and sniff, it’s amazing! Once you get to the peak you have the most incredible view of greenery, cliffs and valleys.
Photo of the author