Paris by bike

More and more cycle routes

Thanks to initiatives carried out by the City of Paris over the last few years, the French capital has become a paradise for cycling enthusiasts with almost 1,000 kilometres of cycle paths available today. New stretches are still being planned, and eventually Paris - whose famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the setting for the final stage of the Tour de France - will have 1,400 kilometres of cycle paths.

Major roads are now safely accessible to cyclists, such as the Rue de Rivoli or the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, not forgetting the Parc Rives de Seine, which alone provides 10 hectares of cycling routes on both sides of the banks of the Seine and is reserved for pedestrians and non-motorized means of transport at all times.

As part of the initiative ‘Paris Respire’ (‘Paris breathes’), many neighbourhoods are also closed to car traffic on Sundays and public holidays (all or part of the year). These are ideal times to discover or rediscover the Montmartre district, the Villette canal basin, or the Marais…

For a longer ride, some cyclists might like to push on to the river Marne or continue along the canal Saint-Denis to explore natural habitats or the works of street art along the route. 

To get the most out of Paris by bike, remember to respect the Highway Code (to avoid fines), and remember to be equipped with the necessary equipment: a bell, 2 brakes, rear lights, and insurance. Helmets are strongly recommended. You should also have an antitheft device.

Map of cycle routes in Paris

Where to rent a bike in Paris

An ideal way to explore the French capital freely and at your own pace is to rent a bike for a day, a weekend, or a week. 

Town bikes, electric bikes, mountain bikes ... are available at Paris à Vélo.

See our ideas for sightseeing in Paris by bike

Rent a Vélib’

The Vélib' Métropole bicycle service, introduced by the City of Paris, provides self-service mechanical (green) and electric (blue) bikes for the public to hire. Everyone will find a hire option to suit them from among the various passes (from 1 to 7 days) or subscriptions. Affordable and available throughout the city (and even outside it), this mode of travel operates 24 hours a day and is ideal for getting around Paris.

Guide bike tours

Would you like to have a guide with you as you explore Paris by bike? There is plenty of choice for themed guided tours: a bike ride and tasting of local products with Paris Bike tour, a bike tour including a ticket to the Eiffel Tower with Fat Tire Tours, a guided tour on an elegant Dutch bike with Holland Bikes, a workshop on haute couture and an introduction to street art with Paris by bike or even free bike outings organized by Rando Vélo.

See below our list of service providers offering bike rentals and guided bike tours.