Now that spring has well and truly sprung, consider swapping the metro for a bike in Paris.
Unlike many other European cities, the Parisian bike-sharing system is available to locals and tourists alike. Also unlike other cities, it’s open 24/7 and there is a bike station every 300 metres. Here, you can pay with your credit card for a single journey (one euro for the first half hour) or take out a seven-day subscription of unlimited half-hour rides for 5 Euros.
Whilst Velíb is cheap and convenient, it’s more of a ‘getting quickly from A to B’ option as opposed to enjoying the city’s hundreds of bike lanes at you leisure. For that, you’d be better off hiring a bike from one of the dozens of companies in the city that do so. Whichever one you choose, make sure you get a model with fat wheels (much better for cycling along cobble-stoned streets), a secure lock and basket for storing water, a picnic lunch etc (if not, bring a small backpack). Bike helmets are not obligatory, though many cyclists choose to wear one.
Even though Paris is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, common road sense should always prevail. Some bikes lanes are shared with taxis and buses, so always be aware of what’s around you. Another peril is the opening car door, so stay a metre or so away from rows of parked cars and never ‘jump’ lights.
But you can also avoid cars, lights and the stress of traffic altogether by taking a route along the canals and or through the parks of Paris. Don’t forget to pick up the free Carte Vélo à Paris at any tourist office or bike rental shop before you set off.
If you do plan to do a lot of cycling in Paris, it might be worth having special cycling insurance cover for Paris to be sure that you are protected in case you have any incident in the city. Cycling can be sometimes classified under dangerous sports insurance by some travel insurance companies.
Unlike many other European cities, the Parisian bike-sharing system is available to locals and tourists alike. Also unlike other cities, it’s open 24/7 and there is a bike station every 300 metres. Here, you can pay with your credit card for a single journey (one euro for the first half hour) or take out a seven-day subscription of unlimited half-hour rides for 5 Euros.
Whilst Velíb is cheap and convenient, it’s more of a ‘getting quickly from A to B’ option as opposed to enjoying the city’s hundreds of bike lanes at you leisure. For that, you’d be better off hiring a bike from one of the dozens of companies in the city that do so. Whichever one you choose, make sure you get a model with fat wheels (much better for cycling along cobble-stoned streets), a secure lock and basket for storing water, a picnic lunch etc (if not, bring a small backpack). Bike helmets are not obligatory, though many cyclists choose to wear one.
Even though Paris is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, common road sense should always prevail. Some bikes lanes are shared with taxis and buses, so always be aware of what’s around you. Another peril is the opening car door, so stay a metre or so away from rows of parked cars and never ‘jump’ lights.
But you can also avoid cars, lights and the stress of traffic altogether by taking a route along the canals and or through the parks of Paris. Don’t forget to pick up the free Carte Vélo à Paris at any tourist office or bike rental shop before you set off.
If you do plan to do a lot of cycling in Paris, it might be worth having special cycling insurance cover for Paris to be sure that you are protected in case you have any incident in the city. Cycling can be sometimes classified under dangerous sports insurance by some travel insurance companies.
