Cycling in Paris

Exploring a city by bike is a great way to care for the environment, go at your own pace, and feel truly free. It's also an affordable way to travel while keeping fit as you discover a destination. 

Reasons to Visit Paris by Bike

The biggest advantage of getting around Paris by bike is that it's an inexpensive mode of transport. You'll also be moving through the city without polluting, with no fixed schedules, and entirely at your own pace. We can't think of a simpler way to experience true freedom while sightseeing.

Here are even more reasons:

• It's very easy to rent a bike in Paris (we'll tell you all about that later!) and when you do, you'll have access to maps and apps that show you different routes, offer recommendations, and much more, so you can feel confident on the road.
• You'll be getting exercise while discovering everything there is to see in Paris. Breathing in fresh air as you ride along the Seine River or cross the Pont Neuf, will keep you active and full of energy.
• In some Paris neighborhoods such as Le Marais, Montmartre and several others, the Paris Breathes initiative is put into effect every Sunday and on public holidays. This means streets are closed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to reduce traffic and give priority to pedestrians and cyclists, allowing everyone to get around without polluting.

Cycle Lanes in Paris

These lanes are marked by white lines on the ground featuring bicycle pictograms, so following the designated routes won't be difficult at all.

New sections are still being built today, with plans to add at least 500 more kilometers.

And here's some good news! Before the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games, around 60 new kilometers of bike lanes will be available to connect Seine-Saint-Denis (where a large part of the Olympics will be held) with various points across the city.

Paris Bike Lane Map

Click to download the Paris Bike Lane map in high resolution.

Cycling itineraries around Paris

When you head out for a bike ride around Paris, it's important to follow the basic safety rules: wear a helmet and use your bike bell while riding. This will help you avoid fines and let you enjoy the city freely.

Now that you know this, here are some 6 to 7 kilometer itineraries for exploring Paris by bike. Though remember you can ride any route you like:

On this route through classic Paris, you'll ride along the Seine and see Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Pont Neuf, and the Pont des Arts. 

From Les Invalides to the Bois de Boulogne

You can start the ride at the Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon is buried, and continue along the banks of the Seine all the way to the Eiffel Tower, passing the Pont Alexandre III, the Pont des Invalides, and several other attractions.

You can then go around the Champ de Mars gardens, pass through the Trocadéro area and continue on to the Bois de Boulogne, one of the largest parks in Paris.

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path cycling route through Paris, this tour along the city's canals is sure to appeal to you.

Guided bike tours of Paris

• Bike Tour of the Latin Quarter and Le Marais: this 4-hour tour takes you through smaller streets, away from the most visited monuments. It's your chance to discover where Parisians actually go and their favorite local spots, covering key points between the Latin Quarter and Le Marais.

Renting Bikes in Paris

When you visit Paris, you'll notice plenty of bicycles parked along the sidewalks. These are Vélib' bikes, and there are more than 20,000 of them spread across the city, available to rent by the hour or for several days. It's the simplest and most popular option among travelers.

The Vélib' bike rental is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All you need to do is buy a ticket at any of the 1,800 bike parking stations.