© Skitterphoto
Paris has almost 60,000 parking (metal hoop stands) places above ground. They are primarily situated in front of buildings open to the public, such as museums and monuments. The free bike stands are easy to find and located throughout Paris.
Secure facilities are also available for bikes throughout the capital:
© Jean Baptiste Gurliat Mairie de Paris
To cycle in Paris, some equipment is obligatory, and some is strongly recommended. A quick overview.
The following equipment is obligatory:
The following equipment is strongly recommended:
Remember to equip yourself with an anti-theft device to be attached to the frame (rather than the wheels) and to a fixed point, as there are many bike parking places in Paris.
© Paris Tourist Office Photographe Amélie Dupont
Cyclists in Paris must observe the highway code, the same as for vehicle users.
Use bike paths and bike lanes, respect essential traffic signs (compulsory lane, non-compulsory lane, authorized shared bus lane, ‘entrée de zone de rencontre’ [‘a set of lanes where pedestrians have absolute priority’], pedestrian area, the give-way at traffic lights for cyclists, etc.) and be aware of blind spots, do not ride up past a line of vehicles on the right and do not overtake a bus even if it has stopped at a station.
Finally, it is forbidden to make phone calls when on a bike and to cycle while wearing headphones. You risk being fined.
© Vlad B Unsplash
With over 1,000 kilometres of bike paths and bike lanes in Paris and almost 6,000 kilometres in the Paris region, it is easy to see why one might want to cycle in and around the capital and discover our cycle routes in Paris and the major cycling routes starting from or passing through Paris. ‘Paris à vélo, le bon plan’ is a map guide with cycling routes and practical information, available in Paris’s town halls, as well as at the Maison du Vélo (37 boulevard Bourdon, Paris 4th) and at some bike shops/bike repair shops.
The Paris Respire initiative makes cycling in Paris particularly attractive. On these occasions, some districts of the capital are only accessible to non-motorized forms of transport.
© Smowengo
Vélib’ Métropole consists of 18,200 self-service bikes (including 40% electric), and 1,452 stations spread across Paris and the Paris region. Available in the form of a pass or as a subscription.
More info on Vélib’ Métropole
See the map of Vélib' stations and bikes available in real time:
© Christophe Prevotat
Véligo Location offers the opportunity to rent an electric bike for 6 months (4 models available) before buying your own bike. The subscription includes additional services. The Véligo itineraries offer 24 thematic routes to choose from depending on your geographical location in Île-de-France.
Other companies provide self-service bike rentals for Parisians and visitors in Paris. These include Dott, Lime, Zoov (available in the Hauts-de-Seine and Essone), and Pony, whose stations are situated at the exits to metro lines 1 and 13), Cristolib in Créteil and Vélo2 in Cergy-Pontoise.
© Parisjetaime
Would you rather rent a bike of your own for as long as you want? There are many possibilities for renting a bike (classic, electric ...) to visit Paris at your own pace and in the open air. Or maybe, you would prefer to take a guided bike tour with an enthusiastic guide? Many guides offer guided bike tours. Also worth noting is the Paris Passlib’, the official Paris city pass, which also includes many options for visiting Paris by bike.
More info on bike hire addresses in Paris
More info on guided tours of Paris by bike
More info on bike activities included in the Paris Passlib’
© Jour de Vélo à Paris
A whole wave of bike cafes – also called cyclist cafes – has opened in the capital. The concept, inspired by English and German examples, is to bring together in the same place a cafe, a shop (bicycles, clothing, and accessories), a repair workshop, an advice area, plus the possibility of renting a bike. They are ideal places for urban cyclists. Below is a selection of bike cafes in Paris:
Le Peloton – 17 rue du Pont Louis Philippe, Paris 4th
Storm Cycling club - 27 bis rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 5th
Pastel Cycles - 4 rue Richer, Paris 9th
La Chouette Paris - 20 rue du Château d’Eau, Paris 10th
Steel cyclewear & coffeeshop - 58 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, Paris 11th
Ça redémarre – 99 rue de Charonne, Paris 11th
Jour de vélo - 41 rue de Cîteaux, Paris 12th
© C Thinkstock
The Maison du Vélo is a reference place in Paris for cycling enthusiasts: general information, events, Bycicode ® (bike) marking … It is situated at 37 boulevard Bourdon, Paris 4th.
The association AICV (animation, insertion, culture, bikes) has a wealth of information on bikes in the Paris region: repairs, bike riding courses, sale, and rental of bicycles, cycling for people with disabilities, etc.
Paris has some great shops where you can buy a brand new or second-hand bike, find essential accessories, have your bike repaired or simply get advice from professionals. Go to Bicloune on the Viaduc des Arts or Mobicity at the BHV Marais.
As part of a sustainable and environmental approach, some hotels offer their guests free bike hire. These include the Hôtel du Nord - le pari vélo, and the Solar Hôtel.
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Looking for ideas for bike rides in and around Paris? Discover RunnrZ, the free application that creates customised routes in 3 seconds from your current position.
The Geovelo app is an essential companion for cyclists in Paris. Available in web and mobile versions (Android and iOS), the app advises you on the most suitable and safest routes to take and also suggests themed bike outings. Available in English.
The website France Vélo Tourisme and the page about bikes and cycling on the website of Paris City Hall also have lots of useful tips and practical information for visiting Paris by bike. The ‘Vélo in Paris’ trade show is also an opportunity to find out more about the latest trends and take part in many events, aimed at both seasoned cyclists and beginners.