Bicycle in Paris
Hi everyone,
We are going to Paris for tree days in July and we don't know if it would be a good idea to take our bikes along. Do you have any tips or experience to share about it? Thank you!
Sophie :-)
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Cycling and walking are the best (and cheapest) ways to explore Paris!
If you take your own bikes, make sure you have a safe place to leave them. Otherwise you can try Vélib: http://www.velib.paris/
Thank you for the advice! They are supposed to be locked on the "porte-vélo" but I don't know if it's really sure. I'll check Vélib as well. I really want to explore Paris by bike. I will convince Fabien :-)
Thank you
Sophie,
If you want to use a bike for causal touring around Paris, I would follow Manu's advice and use Velib. For three days, it will only cost you 1,70 € per day (and you won't have to worry about someone stealing your bike or storing it somewhere).
Here is a link to a map showing all the stations for Velib bikes:
You can sign up online to use the bikes. The only thing you have to be careful about is returning your bike to a Velib station within 30 minutes. This is usually not too difficult, and you can download the Univelo app to your smartphone to use to find Velib stations.
-Mike
Hi, please can you explain what you mean by returning the bike every 30 minutes?
Vélib is really nice! If you already have your bikes, it might even be easier but be careful and have strong locks for them! Paris is excellent for a bike tour, especially in summer!
Definitely don't bother bringing your bikes and just rent Velib. Very easy and cheap
Thank you for the advice, it was just perfect... Since then I use "Villo's" in Bruxelles and I love it :-)
3 days ? Velib is the way to go.
Have a nice trip.
Veil worked great for us! Seems like a good fit for you...you could perhaps bring your own seat and put it in?? the bikes have a big basket in the front too...don't go too fast but 'ca marche'! Have a great time....
Riding in Paris is the best idea to explore the city. I ride about 5 days a week to go to work, and I may have some pieces of advice so you can do it safely. First of all, of course, be careful with the cars and respect the road signs and traffic lights... even if you see Parisians not doing it ! Never overtake a car, a truck or a bus by the right ! You may get into the blind angle (and this is one of the main causes of accident). When crossing a zebra crossing (pedestian crossway), beware of... pedestrian, even if there is a green light for you ! Parisians often cross road not watching if a car is coming, but listening it. And of course, a bike does not make sound... (I often get close to bump someone because of that). And if you ride on a cycle path, beware of... pedestrians ! They always walk on it without paying attention to bikes ! Enjoy Paris by bike ! ;)
It depends how much it costs to bring them to france. I will probably do the same
where can I rent the bike? near metro?
https://www.couchsurfing.com/groups/30053
Velib is the best way, we had a very nice trip :-)