One intriguing aspect of France’s bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics was the creation of a 50-kilometer hiking path around the perimeter of Paris.
Known as the GR75 (GR stands for grand randonnée, or long-distance hike, and 75 is the designated number of the Paris region of the country), the pleasant urban walk zig-zags into picturesque neighborhoods, meanders through verdant parks, follows out-of-use train tracks, wanders through busy shopping areas, crosses canals and the Seine River, and features lots of charming churches and fascinating architecture.
Here’s a sampling of what The idiot saw between Parc de la Villette, where the GR75 begins, and Cité Universitaire in the southern part of the city.
The Idiot bought a copy of the detailed GR75 guidebook before he launched his 50-kilometer hike around the perimeter of Paris.
The GR75 kicks off at the dome in the Parc de la Villette in northeastern Paris.
Like other GRs throughout France, the GR75 is identified by its white-over-red horizontal marks. However, a detailed guidebook helps The Idiiot learn everything about the ground covered by the hike.
The GR75 passes a pool used for training by swimmers during the 2024 Olympics.
One advantage of the urban GR75 is that there are bakeries around every corner.
The GR75 took The Idiot down this picturesque street in the 20th arrondissement.
One of many churches found on the GR75.
The GR75 followed a former train track known as the “Petite Ceinture.”
The Idiot frolicked on a zip line when the GR75 meandered through the Parc de Vincennes.
The Idiot enjoyed a temple on a lake in the Parc de Vincennes.
An urban section of the GR75 on the Seine River is complete with graffiti and views of high rises.
A military boat patrolled the Seine River near the Josephine Baker pool when the GR75 crossed the river during the 2024 Olympics.
An intriguing waterfall in the Parc Kellerman on the GR75.
The Idiot wandered into the headquarters of the French Olympic Committee when the GR passed the Charléty Stadium.
Don’t want to walk around the GR75? Take the tramway.
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