Paris

Bike Tours

Paris bike tours: Everything you need to know

Paris dazzles with history and the world’s most well-known landmarks, like the magnificent Eiffel Tower and the commanding Notre Dame Cathedral. With 430 miles of cycling paths, your vacation will be the perfect opportunity to experience a Paris bike tour. Whether you plan to immerse yourself in the city’s architecture, art, or parks, there is a tour that will captivate you. There is no better way to burn off all those delicious French pastries. Mais oui!

What to expect on a Paris bike tour?

Whether you are a cycling pro or a novice to bike tours, follow these simple rules that will ensure the experience is safe and fun for everyone.

You’ll find that bike lanes conveniently wind through the best of what Paris has to offer and the city is continually expanding its network of bicycle-friendly paths. To make it easy for you, all lanes are clearly marked using white lines, bicycle symbols, and signs.

Cycling mania has grown so much over the past thirty years that the city now hosts a car-free day every year, transforming Paris into a cycling paradise. And every Sunday, the first four arrondissements (a fancy way of saying neighborhoods) open only to pedestrians and cyclists all day. Ooh, La La!

The most popular guided tours range from 3.5 to 4.5 hours. They typically offer flat, leisurely routes that are perfect for the whole family. Keep in mind that children under twelve are required to wear a helmet before joining in the fun.

Overindulged a bit in the decadent French wine the evening before? You can experience a ride along the breathtaking Seine River while enjoying the tour on an eco-friendly electric bike.

Summer in Paris is warm and sunny, so wear your sunhat, a generous helping of sunscreen, and your favorite comfortable outfit. Pack a light jacket as well for the early days of Fall. From November to February, it may be cold and drizzly, so pack that heavy coat and don’t forget your raingear! The Spring season will most likely offer chilly days with afternoon showers – bundle up in a light jacket and raingear to enjoy the parks’ colorful blossoms.

Which neighborhoods in Paris are the best for a bike tour?

As Paris is divided into twenty districts, you may wonder which are the best neighborhoods for bike tours in the city. For those who wish to explore Paris’s spectacular landmarks, its breathtaking river, or its charming parks, you’ll want to target four main areas.

1st District

One of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods is the 1st District. Its rich history includes some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Louvre Museum, Place Vendôme square, and the royal Tuileries Garden. The exquisite gardens, which opened to the public after the French Revolution, date back to 1564.

7th District

You will find the city’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, in the elegant and centrally located 7th District. This beautiful tower looms over 1,000 feet above the Champs de Mars, Paris’s sprawling greenspace named after the Roman god of war. It includes the famous Musée d’Orsay filled with French art dated from 1848. Go to Parc Rives de Seine, which is also in the area. This riverside promenade offers a peaceful oasis for walkers, skateboarders, and cyclists.

8th District

Don’t miss the Beverly Hills of Paris, the 8th District is home to one of the most recognized avenues in the world, the Champs Élysées. You will enjoy stunning views of the Arc de Triomphe, the historic Grand Palais museum, and the city’s largest square, the Place de la Concorde. It also offers one of the city’s favorite parks for exploration, the 20-acre Parc Monceau.

19th District

While on your bike, visit the 19th District, a hidden gem located off the beaten path in the northeastern section of Paris. One of the largest neighborhoods, this perfect blend of nature and city offers some of the best views of the City of Light. The 61-acre Parc des Buttes Chaumont features the Temple de la Sibylle, which is perched at the top of a 164-foot cliff overlooking a peaceful lake. When exploring this neighborhood, don’t be surprised if you peddle through one of the many outdoor festivals!