Getting around Paris by bike

GETTING AROUND PARIS BY BIKE

One of the best ways to see Paris- is with "VÉLIB". Its cheap, healthy, green for the environment, and so easy to use! You can purchase your pass directly from the machines at any vélib point. The points can be located on a map directly from http://www.vélib.paris.fr/ For 24 hours you will pay €1 or €5 for 7 days. You will need a debit/credit card for this as they take €150 from your account as a deposit for the bike which is refunded upon return.

The bikes are as biker friendly as you can get with an adjustable seat, basket, gears and even a bell which is a must have for busy pedestrianised parisian streets! Look out for special bike routes around the city. For one of the most scenic routes a ride along the Seine is a must! There is also a special biking route that begins at the Bastille near the opera house that runs as far as Bois de Vincennes and its medieval castle. Jardin d'Acclimilation is beautiful particulary during spring time when the flowers are blooming! The weekends can be very busy though and crowds make it difficult to cycle. If your planning a long cycle then prehaps Versailles may be your destination located about 18km from the very centre of Paris. A very scenic route through woods and streets but be warned- only suitable for those with alot of stamina! :D

You can pick up and return the bike as many times as you like to any station throughout the city! You can find them around most tourist attractions and busy streets. My advice is to print out a map showing where the stations are located to avoid wasting time looking for somewhere to leave your bike when your finished.

For those on a budget like us étudiants, vélib is a must and is a perfect way to get around the city! Avoid dishing out €€€'s for expensive restaurants and try a picnic by the Eiffeal Tower instead- far more enjoyable especially on a summers day!