I'm not equipped: what can I do?
If you have no intention of buying a bike for the duration of your stay - which is understandable - then renting a bike is definitely the most efficient and economical alternative! It all depends, however, on your itinerary: if you're staying in the capital and intend to cycle for only a short time (less than half a day), self-service bikes are the most efficient way to go. If, on the other hand, your route requires a more robust bike, as you intend to cover several dozen kilometers or travel outside Paris, a "classic" rental company will be the best choice.
Self-service bicycles. Iconic for over 15 years, Vélib is the best-known and most widespread system. With over 1,000 stations, a simple and efficient pricing system and partly electric models - always very practical for the less athletic! Other services are also available in the capital, starting with the Dott brands. Here, bikes are geolocated: handy for finding them, handy for leaving them.
Classic bike rental. There are plenty of rental outlets! Beyond the big-box stores, you can head for one of the capital's many bike cafés. You'll find bikes for rent for one, two or even more days, and you'll also benefit from expert advice.
Basic equipment. Although not compulsory, helmets are highly recommended! Helmets are most often offered for rental with your bike-sharing arrangements, but not for self-service bikes. Nevertheless, helmets are easy to buy, and the first prices are affordable. A carrier bag, useful if you're pedaling all day, to carry your picnic for example, is very useful. It too is easy to rent. Finally, it's worth noting that, while all bikes are equipped with adequate lighting systems, it's not unwise to take an extra light with you.
Getting around Paris
For several years now, the network of cycle lanes in Paris has been expanding at a dizzying pace. Every district, every arrondissement can be covered on dedicated roads, large enough to allow cyclists to pass each other. At the same time, the entire road network is logically open to cyclists (except, of course, the ring road). Wherever possible, however, we prefer to use our own networks. Some streets are accessible to bikes in the opposite direction to cars: in our opinion, these are the least safe routes. The roads are shared, and cars come straight at you, leaving little space for your bike. Here are a few routes that can be taken within the city:
Paris from north to south, from Porte d'Aubervilliers to Porte d'Orléans, via Gare de l'Est, Strasbourg-Saint-Denis, Ile de la Cité, Denfert-Rochereau.
On the quays of the Seine, from the Bassin de l'Arsenal to the foot of the Eiffel Tower: note that in this case, you change banks (from the right bank to the left bank) by taking the Leopold Sédar-Senghor footbridge.
Paris from Bastille to Concorde, following the cycle path on rue de la Rivoli.
From Nation to Château de Vincennes: few exclusive cycle paths, but a great itinerary, including through the forest.
From Stade de France to La Villette, along the Canal de la Villette.
Routes in the region
Greenways or small roads: if you want to get away for a day or several, there's no shortage of itineraries. Just be sure to keep your Petit Futé guide handy, as it will help you find carefully selected restaurants and hotels along the way! Taking your time, exercising and enjoying the great outdoors are all compatible with these increasingly popular tour ideas. Here are a few of our favorite ideas, which will enable you to discover the capital region from a very different angle.
From Paris to Meaux, along the Ourcq Canal
For some 60 kilometers, you follow the course of the water. As you leave Paris, you gradually pull yourself away from the hustle and bustle. Your route takes you through Pantin and Bobigny, before beginning to take in the greenery at Parc de la Poudrerie. From Tremblay-en-France onwards, you're in the middle of the countryside. The cycle path stops at Claye-Souilly, but in fine weather, the towpath is widely accessible. As you pass through locks, small villages and vast expanses of grain fields, you arrive in the sub-prefecture of Seine-et-Marne, famous for its Brie cheese and its cathedral!
The Val de Bièvre green corridor
The Coulée Verte du Val de Bièvre is a singular itinerary: its lush, green route, dotted with many vast lawns, covers or runs alongside the TGV tracks, so that you can hardly ever see the latter! Located in the Hauts-de-Seine department and ending in Massy, Essonne, it gradually moves away from the city, passing through various residential areas, before reaching rural areas in the distance at the end. You won't see the slightest trace of the Bièvre, however: it's never far away, but buried everywhere.
Practical information
You can't be too careful! If you're taking public transport - on the way back from one of your long itineraries, for example - make sure that the train or RER you're using accepts bicycles! The same applies if you're planning to ride for several days and choose a hotel: before booking, make sure the establishment accepts your bike, and has a dedicated garage. Finally, for all practical purposes, a bicycle pump is essential, even if we hope you don't need one. Once you've ticked off these last points on your checklist, it's time for a great escape!
