Paris: a city of romance, fashion, art and… thrill seeking? Oh yes. Beyond the berets and baguettes lies a surprisingly daring side of the French capital. Think of it as the city’s alter ego, where adrenaline meets architecture and adventure collides with croissants.
So if you’re the kind of traveller who prefers zip lines over long lines and catacombs over cat cafés, you’re in for a wildly Parisian ride.
Ready? Let’s crank up the je ne sais quoi and dive into the top 10 adventure activities to try in Paris.
1. Zip Line Off the Eiffel Tower (Yes, Really)
🪂 Because why just admire the Eiffel Tower when you can launch yourself off it?
Every so often, Paris sets up the “Le Perrier Smash” zip line, giving thrill seekers the chance to fly from the Eiffel Tower at 90 km/h across the Champ de Mars. It’s limited-edition madness, but if you’re lucky enough to catch it—DO IT.
🎢 Bragging rights: You literally flew off one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Beat that, Venice.
2. Explore the Catacombs (Creep Level: Expert)
☠️ For those who like their sightseeing with a dash of “What was that noise?”
Descend into les Catacombes de Paris, a spooky subterranean maze lined with the bones of over six million Parisians. It’s eerie, it’s fascinating and it’s the only place in the city where you’ll say “This wall has excellent bone structure” and mean it.
💀 Top tip: Don’t wander off. It’s not a maze you want to get lost in…
3. Rent a Jet Ski on the Seine
🌊 Move over romantic river cruises, it’s time to rev the engine.
You can legally zip through the Seine on a jet ski. That’s right, take in Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, all while spraying water like a French James Bond on holiday.
🕶️ Bonus: Nothing says “I’ve arrived” like splashing past a tour boat in goggles and a life vest.
4. Go Urban Bouldering at Fontainebleau (Just Outside Paris)
🧗 Paris: 90% pastry, 10% pulling yourself up a giant rock.
Just an hour away by train is Fontainebleau, a legendary bouldering site nestled in a forest. Even if you’ve never scaled anything bigger than a curb, there are beginner friendly routes and the forest picnic game is tres strong.
🥖 Tip: Pack a baguette. Earn it on the rocks. Eat it in victory.
5. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the City
🎈 Paris looks stunning from the ground, now imagine it from the clouds.
In Parc André Citroën, you can hop aboard the Ballon de Paris, a massive tethered hot air balloon that lifts you 150 metres into the air. It’s a surreal way to see the skyline and pretend you’re in a very calm action film.
📸 Photo op: Eiffel Tower to your left, rooftops below, existential bliss all around.
6. Brave a Midnight Bike Tour
🚴 Paris by night… but make it pedal powered.
Join a night time cycling tour and glide past the glowing Notre Dame, the Louvre and twinkling bridges with a guide and fellow adventurers. Fewer crowds, more magic and way more wind in your hair.
🕰️ Warning: Cobblestones + night cycling = a bit of a cheeky workout. Worth it.
7. Kayak or Paddleboard on the Seine
🛶 Paris, but make it wet and wobbly.
For a unique (and splashy) view of the city, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and glide under Paris’s historic bridges. It’s surprisingly peaceful… until you realise how many muscles are involved in not falling in.
👙 Bonus: You’ll probably be the only person in a wetsuit with a view of Notre Dame.
8. Try Indoor Skydiving at iFLY Paris
🌬️ All the thrill of falling, none of the terror of a parachute malfunction.
Located in the 19th arrondissement, iFLY Paris offers indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel. Float, flip and spin while pretending you’re in Mission: Impossible – Baguette Protocol.
🎧 They even play epic music while you fly. Dramatic poses encouraged.
9. Go Parkour (Or Watch the Pros Do It)
🏃♂️ When in Paris, jump off a wall like you mean it.
Paris is the birthplace of parkour and while you may not be ready to leap between rooftops, you can take a beginner’s class or join a guided walk showcasing the sport’s origins. Or, simply find a bench and watch the pros defy gravity with a croissant in hand.
🧠 Bonus points if you learn the word “freerunner” in French. (It’s… just freerunner, but say it with flair.)
10. Wander the Covered Passages and Hidden Staircases
🌀 Less adrenaline, more “Alice in Wonderland meets Pinterest.”
Get off the beaten path and explore Passage Jouffroy, Passage Verdeau and the labyrinthine staircases of Montmartre. It’s low-key adventuring with a hint of mystery and a dash of cobblestone cardio.
🎩 Feels like: Exploring a movie set where all the shops sell vintage globes and artisan chocolate.
✨ Final Thought (With a Baguette in Hand):
Paris might seem all elegance and éclairs, but behind the chic cafés and sun-drenched boulevards lies a city bursting with adventure. So, the next time someone says Paris is just for romantics, hand them your helmet, your paddle and your jet ski booking.
After all, nothing says ooh la la like a full throttle, bone rattling, thrill filled trip through the City of Light.
