Among lots of things to do in the City of Lights, biking ranks high. And of all the cities in the world, taking the bike routes around the beautiful Paris is just the perfect vacation getaway you need. Environmentally friendly, vibrant diversity, healthy, and incredibly convenient for navigating unsafe congested streets, biking in Paris is now the preferred means of transport. This is a sentiment that both locals and tourists share.

You have the chance to discover what makes Paris special when you go on a bike tour. Also, stop at significant spots and enjoy your guide’s commentary on the city’s history and life.

The city intends to become the world’s cycling capital in 2020. And thanks to the City Council’s policy, bikes in Paris are pulling ahead on the roads with more than 200 km of bike lanes and an additional 70 km of bus lanes accessible to cyclists. Looks like there is no better way to see the city.

Here Are Some of The Best Bike Routes in Paris to Enjoy In Paris:

Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad to Bois de Vincennes (1.4km) 

Fascinating and exciting- this bike route in the very trendy Canal Saint-Martin district, where you should make some early stops at the restaurants, shops, and bars. For a stop at Bastille, follow the canal and the gardens that cover it when it goes underground. Just so you know, things can be quickly frightening here, so you will need to dismount if you are a nervous rider.

A short distance from the roundabout, you can ride up to the Promenade Plantée, a 19th-century railway bridge made into a tree-lined garden pathway, which will lead you to the Bois de Vincennes. You will find many palaces to explore in the 995-hectare park; however, the Château de Vincennes is definitely a spot to see. Conclude the trip at the Lac des Minimes for some nice views.

Parc de Bercy to Noisiel (25.1km) 

Beginning proceedings from the Parc de Bercy-, which is unusually furnished with wildlife for an urban park- this bike route skirts around the Bois de Vincennes to maximize Paris’ second, less popular river, the Marne. Then after cycling through the suburb of Saint-Maurice, the former home of Eugéne Delacroix and the Marquis de Sade, you can savor the voie vertecycle route which touches the river and meanders to the Noisiel. Covering 25.1km on a bike is quite some doing, but you do not have to conclude as you can turn back when you want.

Place de la République to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (5.1km)

Though shorter than Parc de Bercy to Noisiel, the Place de la République to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont can be interesting and intense. In the case that you are up to the challenge, get on your gear at Place de la République and rise east in the direction of the metro station “Parmentier”. There, turn left along rue Oberkampf and rue de Ménilmontant and commence the ascent towards Télégraphe metro station.

When it is time for a cool off, you will see bars around to select. As soon you reach the 485-foot peak, you have some stunning views of Paris to adore as you move towards the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the perfect spot to pass out on a blanket and take great mirth from reaching the mountaintop. 

Trocadero Gardens to Bois de Boulogne (9.8km)

For those who prefer to see Paris’ popular spots without getting wrapped up in a crowd of slow-moving tourists, this is the ideal bike route for you. Start proceedings in the Trocadero Gardens, from where you can go on a selfie spree, then move to the base of the Eiffel Tower and into the Champ de Mars. 

Retrace your steps once you have taken a slightly more tangled selfie from the other end of the Eiffel Tower and curve left along the river towards Île aux Cygnes, an island in the west. You would love to see what is on the other side after crossing the river. This is because there is a splendid architecture of the city’s most expensive arrondissement before heading into the 850-hectare Bois de Boulogne, a majestic hunting ground turned voguish playground with boating ponds and a zoo. 

Seine and the (Sunday) City 

Even though the Paris center’s roads and cycle routes might not be overwhelming for locals and seasoned cyclists, it can be a big thing if you are not accustomed to the bustles and flow. In good faith, the Paris Respire carefree scheme is designed to eliminate the hassle. Son Sundays and official holidays, large parts of the city are closed to vehicles between 9 am and 5 pm. Some of the top spots for a stress-free cycle are along the banks of the Seine, the Marias, and parts of Montmartre. 

Parc Monceau to the Foret de Sevran (20.9km)

Long but worth every minute- this big route offers you a fantastic cross-sectional view of the city. Kick-off the adventure in the lush streets around the Parc Monceau, then you can move through the former red-light district and home of the Moulin Rouge before getting to the Stalingrad metro station.

Then turn to the left and head north through the Parc de la Villette, a good example of 19th arrondissement gentrification. The canal-side route, which has some great street art, will lead you to the inner-city suburbs like Pantin and Bondy, few industrial areas, and to the Foret de Sevran. If you continue, you will arrive at a countryside space. 

Paris to London (408km)

Perhaps, covering such long distances on a bicycle in the afternoon might not be helpful, but it will certainly help you build up your thigh power. You should consider this trans-Channel task. The Avenue Verte is an international cycle route that will take you between Paris and London by way of the Dieppe to Newhaven ferry. Open on June 23, 2012, it is widely known among cyclists and a prominent feature on Parisian cyclists’ list. If you want an engaging challenge as a cycling enthusiast, we recommend this bike route. It will surely enhance your cycling experience. 

Tips for Cycling in Paris

City Lanes

The city has an enormous network of cycle lanes, and new lanes are usually being added in different districts of the capital. Made particularly to allow people to move around Paris with ease on the bike, with signs, bicycle symbols, and the lanes are marked out using white lines. Meanwhile, boundary markings are placed on the road, and sometimes on pavement or bus lanes. 

Technology is a good companion as it comes in handy when it comes to our mobility. There are apps that let you plan your journey on the basis of different conditions like the shortest and flattest route. In addition, you can choose to either be led by voice prompts or simply follow the instructions shown on the screen of your mobile device.

Safety and Highway Regulations

As it pertains to safety, everything has to be considered. Taking on Paris can be fun but try to follow basic safety rules. The rules also apply to all road users, and cyclists can be fined, just like car drivers, for noncompliance. 

You are not permitted to ride on the pavement, in the pedestrian-only area, or in an enclosed garden. Do not forget to take along all the equipment before setting out. A bike bell, two working brakes, front and rear lights, and reflectors on the wheels and pedals are important. Children under 12-years of age are mandated to wear a helmet. 

Car-Free City

As a yearly tradition, Paris organizes a car-free day since 2015. The event, which is observed in end-September or early October, has solidified Paris’ credentials as a cyclist’s paradise. Cars are banned in many districts, including the Canal Saint-Martin, Abbesses, Rue de la Roquette, Quai de la Loire, and Butte-aux-Cailles, with only cyclists and pedestrians permitted on the roads on Sundays and holidays. 

Guided Bike Tours

It is absolutely pleasant to explore Paris by bike in the course of a guided tour of one or many of Paris’s iconic districts. Many companies offer different bike tours and packages for cyclists from all over the world. They also organize themed bike tours with a guide, with themes ranging from ‘Unusual Paris’ to ‘Eternal Paris’. These uncommon tours led by seasoned guides are usually tailored to meet the whole family’s needs. These services are also offered in several languages. And for the newbies, some companies have electrically-assisted bikes available to all.