Paris is a perfect city for cycling.
Yes, it sounds like a tired cliché, but it's true! There's something about cycling in Paris that goes beyond getting from place to place, it's part of the fabric of the city. It wasn't until I got on a bike myself that I realized how different the experience was. It's not like walking and stopping at every corner, but it's also not like taking the metro through the city without paying attention and maybe missing a few hidden corners. It's right in the middle.
When I moved to Paris, I wanted to discover it in a way I didn't know, like a local. And what's more Parisian than taking a bike and starting to pedal through the streets?
But it didn't happen that quickly, between desire and reality I had a way to go. You see, the bike paths in Paris look quite intimidating from the outside to those who are not used to it. Imagine it: cyclists passing you at lightning speed, cutting corners without warning, pedestrians jumping into the road like there's no tomorrow, everyone acting as if the road belongs to them... a bit scary, isn't it?
In short, what goes on there is one big chaos, or as the Parisians say - a brothel.
And Parisians are not the most encouraging crowd for beginners on the road. You know how they are, they ooze impressive self-confidence, and on the other hand, patience is not their strong suit.
I felt like every hesitant movement of mine would result in a sideways glance, a sarcastic remark in French that I wouldn't understand, or a typical French "pep" that made it clear to me in the most Parisian way possible: "Move over now."
So now you understand why it put me off. But eventually I realized that the way to start was to just jump in. One day I said to myself: “This is it, I’m going for it. People are doing it, what could be worse?” I left the house and went to one of the Vélib’, or “tele-bike” stations. Paris"As I call him."
The stations are scattered in every corner of the city, you can't miss them. I arrived at a station packed with bikes waiting, looking at me and telling me: "Come on, Dana, get on." I chose the bike that seemed most suitable for my first ride, checked that the bell worked, that I could count on the brakes to work at the right moment, and started pedaling.
At first I was a bit stressed, riders passing me made me miss a beat, my hands were locked on the handlebars as if my life depended on it. But slowly something in me calmed down and after a few minutes of riding everything was released. The wind was liberating, and the city, what a city… Paris spread out before me in all its glory.
I fell in love with it. I realized that there was something completely different about seeing Paris from a bike. It’s not the same city you see on foot, and there’s no metro or bus window separating me from the street. I can pedal along the bike paths and see the Parisian street unfold before me with nothing to hide, as I pass by the elegant buildings, the grand monuments… and I, inside my bubble, surrender to the most beautiful city in the world.
I used to see cyclists passing by me, humming a song to themselves, a small basket hanging from the handlebars with a fresh baguette inside. I always smiled to myself and thought: “How magical this is, like from some old romantic movie.” And today I am part of it. I pedal elegantly (or at least try to), with a little smile, a song playing in my head, and in the basket a hot baguette from the boulangerie. Without intending to, I became part of the image that had always enchanted me.
So, how does it work?
There's nothing to panic about, it's really easy!
Paris is full of bike rental options:
Vélib' – the “Parisian Metro”
Vélib It is Paris' public bike-sharing system, and it's not just part of the city, it's become a Parisian symbol. The system includes more than 1,400 (!!) stations scattered all over the city, so wherever you go, you'll see a Velib station, which makes them very accessible.
Payment is made via credit card at the machines at the station or via the app. If you only want to try it out for a few hours, there is a daily, weekly or monthly subscription, so you can choose what suits you.
But Vélib' also has its drawbacks. Because it's so popular with Parisians (and tourists, after all), during rush hour you might arrive at a centrally located station and find it empty of bikes.
Furthermore, to rent a bike through Vélib, you have to register for the service in advance through the app or at the vending machines at the stations. So if you're like me, you might prefer to save yourself the hassle and register through the app before you set off.
Lime, Dott, Tier, Jump
If you are looking for something a little lighter and more flexible, there are also international companies that offer a similar service, such as:
All of these companies offer electric bikes that are easily unlocked and locked via an app. There are no fixed stations, you simply find a nearby bike on the map, scan the code and get going. There's something more liberating and spontaneous about it - the ability to stop wherever you want and leave your bike without worrying about finding a station and maybe arriving and finding that it's full and there's no place to put your bike.
There is a catch here too - these services are usually a bit more expensive than Vélib'. These are per-minute rates, which means that long trips could cost you quite a bit. Additionally, there are areas of the city where you can't park your bike for free, and you need to pay attention to the permitted parking areas marked in the app.
When is the best time to ride a bike?
Welcome to Paris! It's cold here.
Yes, this city is beautiful in every season, but the weather here can be a bit challenging at times, especially when it comes to cycling. The cycling experience in Paris changes completely depending on the season.
The ideal time to ride in Paris is from April, when the weather starts to warm up, to the end of September, when the days are still bright but starting to get cool and pleasant. Between November and March, Paris can be cold and wet. There is rain and wind, the sun rises late and sets early, days like these are less pleasant for riding.
Winter Paris is absolutely magical! But more so when you're sitting in a small cafe and hugging a cup of hot chocolate between your palms, and less so when you're pedaling in the cold with frozen hands, it's less fun 🙁
Cycling tips
- If this is your first time, try to start slowly and on less busy paths, such as on the banks of the Seine or in less central areas.
- Paris has made great efforts to become a green city, and in recent years the city has networked the city with marked bike paths. Pay attention to the marked bike paths and ride only on them. If you come to a road that does not have a bike path, stick to the right, but never on the sidewalk, it is dangerous and illegal.
- My initial fear of cycling in Paris was not unfounded. As a Parisian once told me, there is one rule here, and that is that there are no rules. Impatient cyclists will cut you off, pedestrians will jump onto the road, cars will turn without signaling… So enjoy the ride, but be alert to what is happening around you and be prepared for surprises.
- Pay attention to the bike return times. Each subscription has a time limit for riding before they start charging extra. Check in advance how long you are allowed to ride each trip, to save yourself any nasty surprises.
So next time you're in Paris, leave the metro for a moment. Grab a bike, and from there Paris will take care of the rest. Let the city lead you and experience Paris like you've never experienced it before. I promise you'll fall in love.
Want to get more information about public transportation in Paris?
You are welcome to enter the article. Public transportation in Paris And get information about the metro, buses, taxis and other ways to get from place to place easily using public transportation.
I took the valib which is electric. And it really wasn't electric. My legs broke after an hour! I didn't understand what the point was.