Paris has transformed into a cycling city. It might sound obvious now, but anyone who rode a bike here ten years ago knows it was a different story. Today, you’ll find bike lanes, storage facilities, and plenty of ways to navigate the city without squeezing into the metro. I cycle everywhere in Paris. My advice: opt for an electric bike. Paris is larger than it seems on the map, there are hills, and you’ll want to arrive without feeling like you've just worked out.
Baja Bikes: Cycle in Paris with a Dutch-Speaking Guide
If you’re not familiar with Paris, or if you want to explore without worrying about navigating through traffic, tourists, and your own coffee, then the Highlight Tour from Baja Bikes is an excellent idea. For three hours, you’ll bike past the city’s major landmarks, guided by a Dutch-speaking expert who knows exactly where to go. They’ll also share fascinating stories you wouldn't hear otherwise. The tour costs 45 euros per person with two time slots available 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 visiting less well-known sites; think the apartment from Emily in Paris or the Panthéon. This is perfect for those who know the city slightly better and don’t need to bike past the Eiffel Tower for the umpteenth time.
Good to know: after the tour, you can keep the bike for the rest of the day. This way, you get the best of both worlds. Start with the guide’s help, then enjoy the freedom to continue exploring on your own.
Explore the Baja Bikes tours
Looking for a hotel in Paris? I’ve previously written about the best hotels near Gare du Nord and the cutest boutique hotels in the Marais.
Holland Bikes: Ride Independently with a Quality E-Bike
For those who prefer to explore the city at their own pace, Holland Bikes is my go-to choice. Dutch-speaking staff, quality bikes; choose from a city bike, e-bike, cargo bike, longtail, or a custom model. Convenient pickup locations are near the Notre Dame, Opéra, and the Arc de Triomphe. Last time, we picked up our bikes near Notre Dame in an underground parking garage, absolutely perfect.
An e-bike costs 45 euros per day and is worth every penny. You can glide through the city without huffing and puffing, cover distances you wouldn’t otherwise, and park almost anywhere. But remember: you can’t always leave your bike on the street overnight, even if it’s locked. Check if your hotel or apartment has space for storage. You must also cycle to Quartier Latin. Want to know what to do there? I wrote a charming article about it: things to do in Quartier Latin.
Lime: For Quick Trips in Between
Lime bikes, electric shared bikes found and reserved via the Uber app or the Lime app, are on every corner. I use them throughout the day: popping over to another neighborhood, quickly moving from one restaurant to another, or simply because I’m not in the mood to walk. You pay a small starting fee and then per minute, which works perfectly for short trips.
In all fairness: the bikes aren’t always the cleanest or fully charged, and you can’t park them everywhere. There are designated parking spots, and sometimes you’ll need to cycle around a block to find one. Download the app in advance, check in the app where the nearest bike is, and reserve it if you need to walk there first. This way, it’s still there when you arrive. On a Lime bike, you can also quickly get to the best food halls in Paris.
Choose Your Own Route with a Cycling Guide
There’s also a fourth option for those who want to go entirely on their own: a cycling guide with mapped-out routes through the city center. Not down the busy boulevards where Parisians race to work, but through quiet streets and neighborhoods with few tourists, almost making you forget you’re in a city.
Fietsenparijs.nl offers three routes, about 25 to 30 kilometers each, along water, parks, cemeteries, and former railway tracks. You’ll visit popular spots and also lesser-known corners with an almost rural feel. Along the route, cafes and terraces are marked, and notable sights aren’t missed. Think of Parc de Bercy or the Paris Mosque.
An extra reason to take the guide: Cycling in Paris was good, but after the 2024 Olympic Games, even more investment has gone into bike paths. The downside is these paths are now quite busy. Passing through the Marais? Also, check out my article about the best restaurants in the Marais.
Cycling in Paris: These Are Your Options, and They All Work
Baja Bikes for those who want to get to know the city with a guide who does the planning for you. Holland Bikes for those wanting a day or more of independent exploring with a reliable bike. Lime for spontaneous trips throughout the day. And the cycling guide for cycling through serene streets without an audience. In all cases: choose the electric option. Cycling in Paris has become one of the best ways to explore the city. Trust me.
Still looking for great restaurants in Paris?
On my Google Maps map, you’ll find all my favorite hotspots (120+) neatly arranged. From restaurants and wine bars to breakfast places and addresses I’ve personally selected. Now it's just up to you to choose 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 over the past years, and you’ll notice it. The city center is manageable, especially if you’re not riding during rush hours. A bit of attention is always necessary, as this is 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 elevations, and you’ll want to conserve your energy for what truly matters. You can rent an e-bike from both Baja Bikes and Holland Bikes.