Paris Travel Forum

Hi again. Have been so busy the past couple of weeks, I haven't been able to do the research I wanted to re: my visit (next week!!! I'm getting so excited!!:-)
However, one thing I did find that fascinated me was bike tours (in preference to open top bus tour, which I found had quite a few bad reviews).
Any advice on whether the bike tours are a good way to see your city please?

Hello Janet,
Good idea to discover Paris on bike. We did 2 week ago walking from east to west in 2 days.
Useful is Velib': You can use bikes from the city: for only 5 euros you can use a week.
See more on my Paris page (for pics about the bike see transportation)
For more information look at this site:
http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/abonnements_tarifs/abonnement_1_an/le_cout_de_l_abonnement_1_an_est_de_29__1
Good luck and enjoy !
Jean-Pierre

Congratulations on your upcoming trip. I hope you have a wonderful time. Let me preface
this reply: I am not a biker so the thought never crossed my mind to do it in Paris. I can see
that it would be a lovely way to see the city however..... the traffic and the drivers in Paris
are insane! Crossing a street is risky business. If you are biking BE CAREFUL! Be sure and report on
your trip when you return. Au revoir!

Normally I would never entertain cycling anywhere being 'over 50, overweight and definately not fit' but this companys website quoted things like:
'Small Groups', 'English Speaking Guides', 'Expert Guides will help you navigate the city with ease. You'll see the best part of town as we cruise along bike paths, riversides and quaint Parisian Streets', '.... we have a 100% safety record as we stick mainly to footpaths, sidewalks, one way streets and bike lanes' and (most importantly :-) ' ....no need to worry the Parisian Bike Tour is not the least bit strenuous (in fact Paris is surprisingly flat).'

I sent them an email asking if my lack of fitness etc would be a problem and they sent a prompt, friendly reply inc: 'our tours are in fact quite leisurely. We have had all types, shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels on the tour. I’m sure all will be fine. It will save your feet from wandering around all day as well!!'

The only thing I'm dithering about now is the weather over the next week. It has take a decided turn for the worse in the UK, so I'm watching the forecasts to see which days from next Tues. to Friday are likely to be bad.

If I do do this tour, which I feel will be quite likely, I'll definately write on VT to let you all know how I got on!!

Hi Janet, Could you please post the link for that bike tour? I'll be in Paris on the 26th and the bike tour sounds like fun. I've been to Paris before, but it sounds like a fun, new way to see the city. Thank you!

Do your tour on a Sunday if you can, by far the best day, the rest of the time it is not ideal, still relatively pleasant I suppose but far from ideal, could be a bit of a hairy experience (depends where it goes), not bad to get your bearings round the place but soon you'll be eager to explore teh city on foot

AAAHHH, now that sounds much better. Out of the way streets and bike paths. I admire your spirit. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Unfortunately, exParisian, I am only in Paris from Tues to Fri, so Sunday is a no no. I think if I do this, it will be on my first day, purely to give me a taster of where I would like to explore further


Laurel194: The link for their website is www.bikeabouttours.com

So if any of you see a large, blonde on an out of control bike careering around Paris next Tues. afternoon, give me a smile and a friendly wave!!!

Oh well, you'll come back don't worry, when you do you could always try something really original and impossibly French: swan around Paris in a 2 CV.

There are a number of companies but the best one is probably "4 roues sous un parapluie" (which was the name that the creator of the 2 CV gave to its car in 1939 -the war interrupted the beginnign of theproduction, which could only start in 1948), they offer a wide range of tours (secret Paris, historical Paris, etc.), some of their tours go where tourists never venture (Menilmontant, Buttes-aux-Cailles, Cité Universitaire Internationale -an amazing place- etc.),prices are reasonable (approx. €50/person for 90 minutes -3 pple max in a convertible 2CV). Watch their Virtual tour on their website:

http://www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com/paris-lyon/concept.php?langue=anglais

For lovers of this most quintessential of French cars, the Cité des Sciences at La Villette is celebrating its 60th anniversary, here are 2 excerpts from their website:

"Several groups of 2CV enthusiasts will be showing off sixty of these iconic little cars, of all types and ages, in front of the Cité. And don't miss an incredible performance at 3pm: a team of six people will completely dismantle a 2CV – and then reassemble it – as fast as possible!

Hats off to the Citroën 2CV! This superb exhibition pays tribute to a tiny but technically advanced car that anticipated the needs of millions of drivers. Some of the finest models produced since 1948 are presented in a spectacular "fashion parade". You'll also find this legendary car on display in the Automobiles permanent exhibition"

http://www.cite-sciences.fr/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=NewsLetter/indexLC&lang=Anglais

CB<
HA! We do need a photo of you careening out of control in the streets of Paris ( as long as you make
a safe landing!) I hope your trip is as wonderful as mine was- with or without a bike.

It'd be funnier if CB was to drive the damn 2 CV, and, say, end up in the Seine. Safely, of course, could land on a barge for instance (en route for the North sea)

Now you two!! When you've finished imagining me in the Seine LOL!! Don't laugh, it could happen yet (visions of my going head first over the handlebars come to mind :-)

Yeehaa!! Less than 24 hours and I'll be in Paris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

24 hours! You're almost there. Got your
bike pants on??? Those tight pants would be
another reason I don't bike!HA