Roam Paris like a Boss: Pedal Your Way Through the French Capital's Iconic Sites and Secret Gems
Exploring the multiple avenues to uncover the luminous city, Paris, or the City of Lights.
Vince B, our go-to guy
From Triumph's Arch to Liberty's Bastion
Duration: 32 minutes on your two-wheeler, then a stroll for 8 minutesDifficulty: Casual crusader
The lion's share of Paris's tourist attractions spew out along the grand boulevard straddling the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Bastille. Navigating on foot is a long shot (uh, two hours). However, hopping on a saddle, it's a breeze! Plus, Velib' stations line the path like daisies in a meadow.
1. The Arc de Triomphe
Gaze upon this Roman-inspired monument raised by Napoleon to celebrate the military victories of the French army. Then, jumpstart your pedal adventure.
2. The Eiffel Tower and Champ-de-Mars
You have a couple of options here: take a tour of the Eiffel Tower or unwind on Champ-de-Mars. Regardless, return your Velib' to save those pesky rental fees, buddy. Note: There's a dearth of Velib' stations near the Eiffel Tower. Swing by the Bourdonnais - Tour Eiffel station, nestled north-east of Champ-de-Mars.
3. The Musée d'Orsay
Lo and behold, Paris is brimming with museums. If your time is limited and you're keen on Impressionists, make a beeline for the Musée d'Orsay. FYI: there's a secluded Velib' station hidden behind the museum.
4. The Tuileries Garden/Louvre
Lose yourself in the Tuileries Garden, then nestle your Velib' next to the Louvre. The neighborhood's swarming with Velib' stations, mainly along Rue Saint-Honoré, a street north of Rivoli. You can either tour the Louvre or gawk at the Louvre Pyramid outside—you'll find a gaggle of tourists congregated there.
5. Place des Vosges/Place de la Bastille
Take a breather at Place des Vosges, nestled in the heart of the Marais neighbourhood. A heads up: Practically, there are scant Velib' stations nearby (We recommend the Neuve Saint-Pierre - Beautreillis Velib' nook, hidden in plain sight). After Place des Vosges, it's easier to stroll the remaining stretch to Place de la Bastille, a symbolic site of the French Revolution.
From Bassin de l'Arsenal to La Parc Joyeuse
Duration: 33 minutes on your two-wheelerDifficulty: Casual crusader
Parc de la Villette, under the same roof as Philharmonie de Paris and a colossal science museum, is worth investigating. Plus, you can access it by cycling along the Canal Saint-Martin.
1. Place de la Bastille
Conquer this northern base, pedaling your way towards Place de la Bastille.
2. The Bataclan
Next, curl through the eleventh district. Once you hit the intersection where Boulevard Richard-Lenoir and Boulevard Voltaire intersect, hop off your bike, tip your cap in memory of the victims of the bloody November 13, 2015 attacks at the Bataclan concert hall, situated just steps away.
3. Canal Saint-Martin
Once you reach the Canal Saint-Martin, follow in the footsteps of Parisians and whip out your stash for Benny's Tonic or Teddy's Meatballs riverside eateries—both are cracking spots to slurp down a drink or bite.
4. Philharmonie de Paris
Parc de la Villette is packed with family-friendly activities. Down south, you'll find the sleek architectural wonder, Philharmonie de Paris, which made its debut in 2015. Finish your tour here, parking your Velib' and zipping to the metro at Porte de Pantin station.
Insider Tip: North of the park lies the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie—one of the largest science museums in Europe. You can shelve your Velib' at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie station, explore the museum, and later, hop on the metro at the Porte de la Villette station, matey.
From the Sky Garden to the Woods of Vicennes
Duration: Stepping out for a 35-minute stroll, then mounting up for 30 minutes on two wheels (or a 41-minute bike ride)Difficulty: Casual crusader to Tough Guy (depending on your ride on the Polygone de Vincennes, go ahead and call yourself the latter)
The Sky Garden, also known as Coulée verte René-Dumont, is the most picturesque walk in Paris—imagine the High Line, but with fewer a**holes and a European touch. Unfortunately, the first part of the Sky Garden is a no-go for cyclists. After the Sky Garden, you'll arrive at the Woods of Vicennes, a vast wooded playground where you can wander at your leisure.
1. The Sky Garden (Coulée Verte)
Cycling's verboten on the initial section of the Sky Garden, elevated on an abandoned railway line. You can hoof it, then swipe a Velib' at the beginning of the Vivaldi alley, following the Reuilly garden. Alternatively, cross the Avenue Daumesnil on your bike, connecting with the Coulée verte at Rue Brahms.
2. The Woods of Vicennes (bois de Vincennes)
The Woods of Vicennes is one of the two largest forested parks in Paris. Stroll through this forest "Relic" (an urban forest consisting of several bike routes) and It's essential to stuff your phone with juice to locate yourself using Google Maps when navigating through these labyrinthine tunnels.
3. Polygone de Vincennes (Poulidor Velodrome)
If you're keen on shredding Benny Hill on a bike, test your mettle on the Polygone de Vincennes track—officially christened the Raymond Poulidor velodrome, in honor of a French cycling star who graced the Tour de France podium eight times. This three-kilometer track nestled within the Woods of Vicennes is a playground for road cyclists who'll zoom past like Missiles of the August.
4. The Château de Vincennes Esplanade
Alas, you've conquered the Woods of Vicennes. Find solace outside on the Kings' Esplanade of the Château de Vincennes.
5. Place Édouard-Renard
It's time to wind up your bike ride. Take Avenue Daumesnil westward until you chuck your Velib' and hop on the metro at the Porte Dorée station.
Read "Velib': Vroom, Vroom in the City of Love"
- Embark on an invigorating lifestyle journey through Paris by combining travel and a casual bike ride, exploring iconic sites like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
- Delve deeper into Paris' rich cultural tapestry with a travel adventure that takes you from the peaceful Musée d'Orsay to the bustling Place de la Bastille, all while embracing the city's unique ambiance on two wheels.
