Cycling has always been my way of feeling a city’s pulse. Cars isolate you, walking can sometimes be too slow, but biking? Biking places you right at the intersection of movement, rhythm, and freedom. And nowhere did I feel this more than in Paris, pedaling along the Seine with the wind brushing my cheeks, the scent of freshly baked baguettes floating in from side streets, and the sight of history rising up on both banks.
I spent several days exploring Paris by bike, focusing especially on the river trails that make the city both intimate and grand at the same time. In this article, I’ll take you through three activities I personally experienced on two wheels, and then I’ll recommend four others I wish I had time for—but I researched deeply and noted them for my next trip. Along the way, I’ll share honest impressions: what worked beautifully, what frustrated me, and why biking in Paris ended up being one of my favorite travel memories.
Part I: The Activities I Experienced
- Cycling the Banks of the Seine: From the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame
Location & Route
I started at the Eiffel Tower (7th arrondissement), rented a Vélib’ Métropole bike (Paris’s city bike-share system), and headed east along the Seine. The ride took me past the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, and ended at the shadow of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The route is mostly flat and stretches about 6 kilometers.
Getting There
• From Charles de Gaulle Airport: Take the RER B train to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, then hop on a Vélib’ nearby.
• From Gare de Lyon: A quick Metro Line 1 ride gets you to Tuileries or Concorde, both near the river.
My Experience
This ride felt like biking through the world’s most beautiful open-air museum. As I pedaled past the Pont Alexandre III, golden statues gleamed in the morning light. Tour boats honked below, tourists waved, and I waved back like an overexcited kid.
By the time I reached the Louvre, I parked my bike at a Vélib’ station and grabbed a coffee from a riverside kiosk. That’s the beauty of Paris’s bike system—you can drop off a bike almost anywhere, explore on foot, then grab another.
Pros
• Stunning landmarks at every turn.
• Flat, beginner-friendly path.
• Plenty of Vélib’ stations.
Cons
• Crowds can clog certain stretches, especially near the Louvre.
• Watch out for cobblestones—they shake your arms like a blender!
Personal Feeling
Cycling this route was pure joy. The blend of history, beauty, and accessibility made me feel like Paris had rolled out a red carpet just for my bike.
- Crossing the Bridges: A Loop Ride with a View
Location & Route
I created a loop by crossing bridges: Pont Neuf, Pont Marie, and Pont Alexandre III. Starting near the Île de la Cité, I biked across each bridge, switching from the Right Bank to the Left Bank and back.
My Experience
Each bridge felt like a stage in a play. On Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, I imagined the centuries of traders, nobles, and revolutionaries who had crossed before me. On Pont Marie, I slowed down to take in the view of Île Saint-Louis, one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. And Pont Alexandre III was the finale—wide, extravagant, lined with sculptures that made me feel like I was biking into a painting.
I stopped often to snap photos, though balancing a phone on a bike was tricky. I highly recommend pulling over instead of trying to multitask.
Pros
• Incredible perspectives of the Seine.
• Bridges feel safe for biking during off-peak hours.
• Easy to create loops of any length.
Cons
• Traffic-heavy at rush hour.
• Pedestrians sometimes stray into bike lanes.
Personal Feeling
This loop made me realize how interconnected Paris is. The bridges are not just connectors—they’re symbols of the city’s unity, history, and charm. Biking across them gave me goosebumps.
- Night Ride Along the Seine with Paris by Bike Tours
Location & Tour Provider
I booked a guided night tour with “Paris à Vélo” (parisvelotours.com). The ride started in the Marais, followed the Seine, and ended at the Eiffel Tower just as it lit up. Cost: around €45 for a 3-hour guided ride with bike and helmet included.
My Experience
This was pure magic. Paris at night is a completely different city—quieter, more mysterious, more romantic. Our small group stopped at landmarks like Hôtel de Ville and the Louvre Pyramid, glowing against the dark sky.
The highlight, though, was arriving at the Eiffel Tower on the hour, when it sparkled with thousands of twinkling lights. I actually got goosebumps and almost teared up—it felt like the finale of a movie.
Pros
• Knowledgeable guide with fun stories.
• Safe group setting at night.
• Perfect for solo travelers who want company.
Cons
• More expensive than going solo.
• Group pace can feel slow if you’re a confident cyclist.
Personal Feeling
This was my most unforgettable night in Paris. Cycling past the glowing Seine was like writing love letters with my wheels.
Part II: Activities I Recommend
- Canal Saint-Martin Ride
Why I Recommend It
This trendy area in the 10th arrondissement is lined with hip cafés, boutiques, and iron footbridges. Cycling here is less touristy, more local. It’s a 4.5 km canal, perfect for slow rides.
What to Expect
• Stop at Ten Belles café for excellent coffee.
• Watch locals picnic by the canal.
• Explore side streets filled with street art.
Pros: Quieter than the Seine.
Cons: Narrow paths can get crowded.
- Bois de Boulogne Ride
Why I Recommend It
Paris’s western forest park is enormous—twice the size of Central Park in New York. With over 15 km of bike paths, it’s ideal for long rides.
What to Expect
• Lakes with rowboats for hire.
• A rose garden and the Fondation Louis Vuitton (a modern art museum).
• Picnic-friendly lawns.
Pros: Peaceful, green, lots of space.
Cons: Can feel a bit isolated at night.
- Bois de Vincennes Ride
Why I Recommend It
On the eastern edge of Paris, this is the “other” giant forest park. It’s home to a zoo, botanical garden, and Château de Vincennes.
What to Expect
• Cycle through woodlands.
• Visit the Parc Floral (entry ~€2.50).
• Stop at the medieval castle (entry €9).
Pros: Family-friendly.
Cons: Farther from central Paris.
- Paris to Versailles Day Trip by Bike
Why I Recommend It
A full-day guided ride from Paris to Versailles (about 20 km each way). Companies like Fat Tire Tours offer packages (~€99) including bike rental, guide, and picnic.
What to Expect
• Scenic ride along the Seine.
• Stop at a local market to shop for picnic supplies.
• Explore Versailles gardens by bike.
Pros: Combines history, exercise, and food.
Cons: Long ride—better for intermediate cyclists.
Practical Tips for Biking in Paris
• Bike Rentals: Vélib’ Métropole stations are everywhere. Day passes start at €5. Guided tours cost €30–€100 depending on length.
• Safety: Always use bike lanes. Paris has improved its cycling infrastructure, but taxis can be aggressive.
• Best Time to Ride: Early mornings or evenings to avoid heavy foot traffic.
• Apps: Download the Vélib’ app for bike availability. Google Maps’ bike mode is surprisingly accurate here.
• Discounts: Weekly Vélib’ passes are cheaper if you plan to bike daily.
Paris in Motion
Cycling Paris wasn’t just sightseeing—it was storytelling. Every pedal stroke carried me deeper into the city’s soul: the grandeur of the Seine, the intimacy of hidden canals, the magic of nights under a sparkling Eiffel Tower.
• On my Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame ride, I felt like history itself was unfolding beside me.
• On the bridge loop, I understood Paris’s unity.
• On the night ride, I fell in love all over again.
The recommended routes—Canal Saint-Martin, Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, and the Versailles day trip—are already bookmarked for my next visit.
Biking Paris gave me something walking and metros never could: freedom. The freedom to pause, to rush, to explore, to breathe. If Paris is the city of love, then cycling its paths is the truest love story you can live.
