How to Stay Gym Active in Paris: A Survival Guide

One of the hardest parts of studying abroad isn’t the language barrier or the 6 AM alarms for early classes. It’s figuring out how to keep up your workout routine when the city is actively working against you. Croissants for €1. Wine for €4. No campus gym down the street where you can just show up and wing it on the elliptical. So here’s my breakdown of my favourite places to stay active and work out that I’ve found so far—including some very humbling moments along the way.

Barry’s Bootcamp

Address: 84 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris

Price: ~€36/class (available on ClassPass or direct membership)

Workout Type: High-intensity interval training — alternating between treadmill sprints and floor weight work

This is my all-time favorite, but it didn’t start that way. The first time I walked into Barry’s, I had no idea you were supposed to switch between your floor spot and your treadmill halfway through class. I just... stood there. Confused. The coach had to physically guide me to my own personal treadmill like I was a lost child. Humbling? Yes. Did I go back? Also yes.

I originally booked classes through ClassPass and then got so hooked I bought a membership. The workout is strong but so, so good. You alternate between high-speed running on the treadmill and weights on the floor, so you need stamina. The difficulty level is moderate to high, and the instructors are incredibly energetic and motivational with perfect music. The studio gets packed, so book in advance. What I love most? The Fuel Bar. Their smoothies are amazing—my go-to is Barry’s and Brunch. They also provide towels, and the locker rooms have showers stocked with really great shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and hygiene products. Perfect for a workout-and-shower situation before class or work.

Sore

Address: 7 Square Adanson, 75005 Paris

Price: €69–€179/month depending on package (also available on ClassPass)

Workout Type: Strength and HIIT classes — Pilates, Sculpt, Strength, or hybrid combinations

Sore is very hip and cool, which I say as someone who does not naturally fit into “hip and cool” fitness spaces. This one is solely weights and HIIT—no cardio machines—but they offer classes in Pilates, sculpt, strength, or even a combination of all three. Classes are 50 minutes and much more personalized since the groups are smaller. The coaches are incredibly kind and attentive, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying not to embarrass yourself. They also have showers and locker rooms, and the location is way closer to my classes than Barry’s, which makes it easier to squeeze in a morning session without completely derailing my day.

KeepCool Paris 14 Denfert Rochereau

Address: 5-7 Rue Dareau, 75014 Paris

Price: Starting at €36.90/month

Workout Type: Traditional gym — cardio machines, weight equipment, private rooms with video classes

I got a 2-month membership here and honestly, it’s been the closest thing to my campus gym back home. This isn’t a class-based studio—it’s a private gym about 10 minutes from the IES Abroad center, and there are multiple locations across Paris. It has all the machines you need (except a hip thrust machine, but there are weights and blocks you can use to build your own setup). They also have private rooms with huge screens that you can book with friends to train using online workout videos, which is perfect if you miss the group accountability but don’t want to commit to a full class. The staff is helpful, the environment is clean, and they sell water and energy bars inside.

Fitness Park Alésia

Address: 93 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 75014 Paris

Price: Starting at €19/4 weeks

Workout Type: Traditional gym — cardio, weight machines, cross-training area, video fitness classes

I haven’t personally been here, but friends say it’s solid. It’s a budget-friendly option with 1600 m² of space, open 6 AM–9 PM daily. They have Technogym and Hammer Strength machines, a cardio section, and a studio for video-guided group classes. Good if you want variety and affordability without the boutique fitness price tag.

Running: The Best (and Free) Option

If gym memberships feel overwhelming or you just want to move your body without thinking too hard about it, running in Paris is genuinely one of the best options. I’ve run multiple times throughout different neighborhoods, and the routes are stunning. Here are my favorites:

Along the Seine (Notre Dame to Grand Palais and back): This is around 11 km round trip. You run along the river, passing iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Place de la Concorde. The views are unreal, and there’s something calming about running next to the water. Tourist-heavy but worth it.

Louvre → Tuileries → Place de la Concorde → Champs-Élysées and back: This route takes you through some of the most beautiful and famous parts of Paris. You start at the Louvre, run through the Jardin des Tuileries, past Place de la Concorde, and all the way up the Champs-Élysées before looping back. Very touristy too. 

Parc Montsouris loop: This is a local favorite in the 14th arrondissement. The outer loop is about 1.6 km, and the inside paths are slightly shorter. It’s a beautiful park with a lake, rolling hills, and way fewer tourists than the Seine routes.

Running at any hour is great, but early mornings are especially clear and peaceful—you get the city before it wakes up, which feels almost cinematic. Just invest in good running shoes before you come.