Paris, the capital of France, is a city full of wonders and has many attractions. It is covered by a large network of bicycle paths, which is constantly expanding.
Whether it’s for a day or a weekend, discover this city and its history by bike, in complete safety thanks to its cycling facilities. These spaces are located on the roadside, in bus lanes, or on sidewalks. They can be recognized by the white stripes on the ground and the signs representing a bicycle.
A brochure entitled “Paris à vélo, le bon plan” (Paris by bike, the good plan), available in the city halls or at the Maison du Vélo, will show you all the bike paths and itineraries in the city. And don’t forget Vélib’, the self-service electric bicycle system!
For your future bike rides, we suggest the following itinerary, suggested and created by the Paris tourist office:
First step: It starts on the “Place de l’Alma” which has a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower. Don’t miss the Flame of Liberty, a life-size reproduction of the torch held by the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Second step: Stroll down one of Paris’ beautiful and grand avenues: Avenue George V, which is home to elegant mansions, most of which are now embassies. This avenue leads you to the Champs-Élysées.
Third step: Walk along the most beautiful avenue in the world, with the Arc de Triomphe in the background, until you reach the avenue Winston Churchill: on your right the Grand Palais, on your left the Petit Palais, two museums not to be missed. Here you are again on the banks of the Seine facing the superb Alexandre III bridge, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris.
Fourth step: On this bridge, turn left, to be closer to the Seine: you are now in the Rives de Seine park, a relaxing space reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, where it is pleasant to wander on sunny days!
Fifth step: At the foot of the Concorde bridge, go back up to the docks and cross the river to visit “Place de la Concorde”, well worth a visit. Come back to the docks and continue your way. On your left: Jardin des Tuileries, on your right, on the other side of the Seine: the Musée d’Orsay in the old Orsay station. After a few turns of the pedals, you will see the Louvre Museum on your left.
Sixth step: Continue along the banks, cross the Pont des Arts and cross the Seine on the Pont Neuf to reach “Ile de la Cité”. Go along the island by “Quai des Orfèvres” until you reach Notre-Dame cathedral which you can visit for free.
Seventh step: Take “rue d’Arcole” to cross the Seine again on the Pont d’Arcole and continue straight on: You are on the square of the magnificent Hôtel de Ville de Paris where this 6.5 km walk ends.
If you take “rue de la Cité” to cross the Seine again, you can do the same itinerary in the other direction and reach “Pont de l’Alma” on the other bank of the Seine.
For more information, please visit the website of the Paris tourist office.
