Wheel Through Paris: Exploring the City of Lights by Bike
Explore the Three Pathways to Unveil the Radiant Metropolis: The City of Lights
Let's dive into three thrilling bike routes that take you from iconic landmarks to hidden gems in Paris, the City of Love. Whether you're an avid cyclist or a casual rider, these routes offer a delightful mix of famous sites and off-the-beaten-path locations.
From the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Bastille (32 mins by bike, 8 mins on foot) - Easy Ride
Paris has many tourist attractions along its grand axis, from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Bastille. Although you can walk, it's quite the long haul (around two hours). By bike, it's a breeze! With plenty of Velib' stations along the route, you'll be zipping through the city in no time.
1. Arc de Triomphe
Take a moment to appreciate this Roman-inspired monument constructed by Napoleon to celebrate the French Army's victories. Once admired, hop on your bike and begin your journey.
2. Eiffel Tower and Champ-de-Mars
You can visit the majestic Eiffel Tower or unwind at Champ-de-Mars. After a quick break, head back to a nearby Velib' station. Note that Velib' stations are scarce near the Eiffel Tower, so you might want to grab your bike from the Bourdonnais – Tour Eiffel station, which is north-east of Champ-de-Mars.
3. Musée d'Orsay
Paris boasts endless museums, and if you can only visit one, we recommend the Musée d'Orsay, a treasure trove of impressionist art. Happily, there's a hidden Velib' station just behind the museum, waiting for your return.
4. Tuileries Garden/Louvre
Lose yourself in the enchanting Tuileries Garden before parking your Velib' near the Louvre. Plenty of Velib' stations can be found on Rue Saint-Honoré, which runs north of Rivoli. Take some time to visit the Louvre or take in the breathtaking Louvre Pyramid while mingling with tourists.
5. Place des Vosges/Place de la Bastille
Take a breather at Place des Vosges, right in the heart of the Marais neighborhood. Keep in mind that Velib' stations nearby are limited, so we suggest the Neuve Saint-Pierre – Beautreillis station. After Place des Vosges, venture on to Place de la Bastille, a symbolic site of the French Revolution.
From Bassin de l'Arsenal to Parc de la Villette (33 mins by bike) - Easy Ride
Parc de la Villette, home to the Philharmonie de Paris and a massive science museum, is an excellent destination worth exploring. With its picturesque Canal Saint-Martin, you can reach this enchanting park with a bike ride.
1. Place de la Bastille
Start your bike journey northward, heading up Bassin de l'Arsenal towards Place de la Bastille.
2. The Bataclan
You'll find the 11th arrondissement next, and just steps away from the intersection of Boulevard Richard-Lenoir and Boulevard Voltaire, you may pause to remember the victims of the 2015 terror attacks at the Bataclan concert hall.
3. Canal Saint-Martin
Reach Canal Saint-Martin and take a break, à la Parisienne, near the waterway.
4. Philharmonie de Paris
In Parc de la Villette, you'll discover a variety of family-friendly activities. The south part of the park houses the Philharmonie de Paris, an architectural marvel worth visiting. Park your bike and take the metro at Porte de Pantin station after returning it.
Pro-tip: Head north to the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, one of Europe's largest science museums, and leave your bike at the Vélib' station Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie. Then, visit the museum and take the metro from the Porte de la Villette station.
From the Coulée verte René-Dumont to the bois de Vincennes (35 mins on foot, 30 mins by bike) - Easy to Intermediate Ride
The Coulée verte René-Dumont offers a delightful walk with a European charm, suitable for all levels. However, due to construction, the first part of the route is not bike-friendly. Follow these instructions to most enjoy this leisurely ride through Parisian nature:
1. The Coulée verte
Since the first part of the Coulée verte is only walkable, join it from Vivaldi alley, after the Reuilly garden. Alternatively, cross Avenue Daumesnil on your bike to meet the Coulée verte at its second section by turning left at Rue Brahms.
2. The bois de Vincennes
Welcome to the bois de Vincennes, one of Paris's two massive wooded parks. Explore this charming forest at your leisure. Remember to keep your phone charged, as GPS navigation can help you find your way through the labyrinthine bike routes.
3. The Polygone de Vincennes
If you're up for a challenge, try the Polygone de Vincennes bike circuit, officially known as the Raymond Poulidor velodrome, named after a renowned French cyclist with eight Tour de France podium finishes. This three-kilometer route in the heart of the bois de Vincennes attracts speedy road cyclists who will undoubtedly pass you by.
4. The Esplanade of the Château de Vincennes
Take a well-deserved break outside on the Esplanade of the Château de Vincennes.
5. Place Édouard-Renard
When you're ready to conclude your bike ride, head west on Avenue Daumesnil to exit the park at Place Édouard-Renard and drop off your Velib' at the nearby Porte Dorée métro station.
Brush up on your bike knowledge with "Velib': Paris by bike"
- The Arc de Triomphe, built by Napoleon to commemorate the French Army's victories, kicks off the easy ride from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Bastille.
- After visiting the Eiffel Tower or relaxing at Champ-de-Mars, continue the journey to the Musée d'Orsay, a treasure trove of impressionist art.
- The easy ride from Bassin de l'Arsenal to Parc de la Villette leads travelers to the Philharmonie de Paris, an architectural marvel and home to the Philharmonie de Paris.
- The journey from the Coulée verte René-Dumont to the bois de Vincennes provides a leisurely ride through the charming enclaves of Parisian nature, featuring the Polygone de Vincennes bike circuit.
