Anyone who cycled in Paris ten years ago knows it wasn't always easy. Now there are bike lanes, parking spots, and plenty of ways to move around the city without having to push through the metro. I cycle everywhere in Paris. My advice: choose an electric bike. Paris is larger than it looks on the map, there are hills, and you want to arrive without feeling like you've had a workout.
Baja Bikes, cycling in Paris with a Dutch-speaking guide
If you're not familiar with Paris, or want to see the city without having to navigate while watching out for traffic, tourists, and your coffee, the Highlight Tour by Baja Bikes is an excellent choice. For three hours, you ride past the city's major sights, led by a Dutch-speaking guide who knows their way around. They share entertaining insights you wouldn't hear otherwise. The tour costs 45 euros per person and offers two time slots daily.
Baja Bikes also offers other bike tours: a day trip to Versailles, a combination of cycling through the city and a Seine cruise, or a tour through less-known spots; think of the apartment from Emily in Paris or the Panthéon. This is for those who know the city a bit and don't want to cycle past the Eiffel Tower for the umpteenth time.
Good to know: after the tour, you can rent the bike for the rest of the day. This way, you get the best of both worlds: a guide to get you started, and then the freedom to explore on your own.
Check out the Baja Bikes tours
Looking for a hotel in Paris? I've previously written about the best hotels near Gare du Nord and the nicest boutique hotels in the Marais.
Holland Bikes; cycling on your own with a quality ebike
For those who prefer to explore the city at their own pace, Holland Bikes is my go-to place. Dutch-speaking, quality bikes; city bike, ebike, cargo bike, longtail, or custom model. And pickup points in logical locations: close to Notre Dame, the Opéra, and the Arc de Triomphe. Last time, we picked up our bikes at Notre Dame, in a parking garage, just perfect.
An ebike costs 45 euros per day and is worth every penny. You cycle through the city without huffing and puffing, covering distances you otherwise wouldn't, and you park almost anywhere. But keep this in mind: you can't just leave your bike outside overnight, even locked. Make sure your hotel or apartment has storage space. Be sure to cycle to Quartier Latin too. Want to know what to do there? I've written a fun article about it: what to do in Quartier Latin.
Lime. For quick trips in between
The Lime bikes, electric shared bikes you find and reserve via the Uber app or the Lime app, are on every street corner. I use them all day: going to another neighborhood, quickly heading from one restaurant to another, or just because I don't feel like walking. You pay a small start fee and then per minute, which works out perfectly for short rides.
Let's be honest: the bikes aren't always spotless or fully charged, and you can't park them just anywhere. There are designated parking spots, and sometimes you have to cycle a bit to find one. Download the app beforehand, search in the app where the nearest bike is, and reserve it if you need to walk there. That way, it'll still be there when you arrive. On a Lime bike, you're quickly at the best food halls in Paris.
Choosing a route with the help of a cycling guide
There's also a fourth option, for those who prefer to do everything on their own: a cycling guide with mapped routes through the city center. Not on the busy boulevards where Parisians race to and from work, but through quiet streets and districts where tourists rarely venture, making you almost forget you're in a city.
Fietsenparijs.nl offers three routes of about 25 to 30 kilometers, along water, parks, cemeteries, and former railway paths. You'll see well-known places, but also hidden corners with a almost rural feel. Cafés and terraces are indicated along the route, and unique sights aren't skipped. Think of Parc de Bercy, or the Paris Mosque.
Another reason to take the guide: Cycling in Paris was already good, but after the 2024 Olympic Games, even more investment has been made in bike lanes. The downside is that those lanes are now quite busy.
Passing through the Marais? Then also check out my article on the best restaurants in the Marais.
Cycling in Paris: These Options Work for Everyone
Baja Bikes for those who want to learn about the city with a guide doing the work. Holland Bikes for those who want to cycle independently for a day or more with a bike that truly performs. Lime for short rides throughout the day. And the cycling guide for those who wish to ride through quiet streets without anyone watching. In all cases: choose the electric option. Cycling in Paris is now one of the best ways to see the city. Trust me.
Looking for great restaurants in Paris?
On my Google Maps map, you'll find all my favorite hotspots (120+), clearly organized. From restaurants and wine bars to breakfast spots and addresses I've personally selected. So you only have to decide where to go first.
Check out the Mapped by Carole map of Paris
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling in Paris
Is cycling in Paris safe?
Paris has heavily invested in bike lanes in recent years, and you can tell. The city center is manageable, especially if you're not riding during rush hour. A bit of caution is always needed, it's still a big city, but it's not dangerous.
Which bike is best for a day in Paris?
The electric bike, without a doubt. Paris is larger than it appears on the map, there are elevation changes, and you want to save your energy for the things that matter. Both Baja Bikes and Holland Bikes offer ebike rentals.
