In our humble opinion, the best way to explore Paris is by bike. Though Paris is by no means a big city in the geographical sense, its density means that there are endless things to see and do around every corner. From the notorious Notre Dame cathedral to the majestic Eiffel Tower and everything in between, bike tours are the perfect ways to cover a lot of ground and see the city’s most famous attractions.
There’s nothing better than cycling through the winding streets, taking in the breathtaking architecture of the quaint Haussmanian buildings that surround you. Or maybe, you’ll want to make your way to the Arc de Triomphe and see other famous Paris landmarks. With so many bike tours offered, you’ll have your pick in what best suits your plan to discover Paris. So, keep reading to see our list of the best Paris bike tours, for all interests and ages.
Table of Contents
- Best Bike Tours in Paris, France
- Off the Beaten Track Guided Paris Day Bike Tour
- Evening Bike Tour in Paris
- Versailles Bike Tour
- Street Art Paris Day Bike Tour
- Monuments Tour Paris Cycling Tour
- Highlights of Paris Day Bike Tour
- Culinary Bicycle Tour in Paris
- Paris Day Bike Tour Along the Seine
- Electric Bike Tours, Paris France
- Fat Tire Tours Monet’s Garden Bike Tour
- Find Things to Do in Paris
- Find Accommodation
- Explore Paris With Our Guides & Reviews
Best Bike Tours in Paris, France
Off the Beaten Track Guided Paris Day Bike Tour
Set off to explore the streets of Paris and its secret, off-the-beaten-path areas that are often overlooked by tourists on traditional guided bike tours. Take the stress out of planning, and head on this bike tour hosted by a knowledgeable guide that takes you through local neighborhoods and landmarks stretched across the city.
Starting at Hotel De Ville, in small groups, you’ll cruise through the lesser-known streets of the busy Le Marais district. This includes the historic Jewish Quarter all the way to Place des Vosges. You’ll then make your way to Place de la Bastille, getting to see the infamous opera up close and personal. Afterward, you’ll get a chance to bike along the canal to the Latin Quarter where your guide will share secrets of some of the most iconic landmarks around.
You’ll get a chance to explore the botanical gardens of Paris, and pass by the incredibly beautiful Grande Mosque. This tour’s a great way to go off the beaten path and check out some of the Parisian gems that tourists often miss out on.
See related: Best Tours in Paris, France
Evening Bike Tour in Paris
When the sun goes down, the Parisian streets come alive! Let the city of lights guide you on this night bike ride and Fat Tire Tours take you to the most popular spots and back. Starting in the 15th arrondissement, you’ll cruise down the dimly-lit streets to make your way to the other side of the Seine.
This bike tour is less-narrative based than the other ones, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights. You’ll have lots of photo ops as well, so make sure you set your camera to night-mode!
Once passed the river, your tour guide will take you to the famous Louvre pyramids illuminated at night, without the typical day crowds. You’ll then stop at the famous ice-creamery Berthillon for a quick recharge, though this will be at your own expense. After eating your ice cream on the quays of the Seine, you’ll cross Île Saint-Louis to the Latin Quarter, taking in some of the most famous structures while learning about the history of them all.
You’ll meander your way back to the banks of the Seine river, where you’ll hop aboard a barge with your bikes. Here, you can sip on a complimentary glass of wine while you float back to your starting point.
See Related: Best Farmers Markets in Paris: A Comprehensive Guide
Versailles Bike Tour
Though this bike ride isn’t technically in Paris, it’s still close! The Versailles bike tour takes you to the history-rich Palace of Versailles, located a short train ride from the city center. Starting at Gare Saint Lazare, your trusty tour guide will accompany you on this full day bike tour.
Upon arrival in Versailles, you’ll pick up your bicycles and go for a quick tour of the surrounding town. Each bike tour includes a timed, skip-the-line entrance into the Palace, giving you a secured time to explore the endless twists and turns of the grand estate. Once inside, you’ll have plenty of time to take pictures, explore the gardens and visit some of the most famous rooms of the palace.
Make sure to pack your own lunch, as you’ll share it with the rest of your group along the Grand Canal. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the Petit Trianon, a small-scale castle made for Louis XIV, as well as the Hall of Mirrors, a reception hall completely covered in- you guessed it- mirrors. After a day spent exploring the Palace grounds on this iconic Versailles bike tour, you’ll hop back on the train and be back in the city by sunset.
See related: Best Versailles Tours from Paris, France
Street Art Paris Day Bike Tour
For fans of street art, this Paris bicycle tour is the perfect one for you. Guided by a trusted local, this Paris Street Art Tour will lead you to some of the lesser-known street art hotspots away from the large crowds. Personally, I think this is one of the best Paris bike tours and allows you to see a side of the French capital you might not get the chance to otherwise.
You’ll spend the day in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, exploring the best-kept secrets of some of the city’s most creative minds. You’ll first start at Hotel de Ville, or City Hall, and weave along the quays of the Seine towards the 13th. Here, you’ll first make your way to the National Library of France. This neighborhood has recently become full of young creatives and students, all adding their own artwork to the area.
Your tour guide will take past the huge murals, eventually ending in the Gallerie d’Intinerrance. This is a large indoor gallery that hosts a variety of street art exhibitions, as well as their showcase of permanent installations. Your bike tour will stop here for a bit, so you have the options to go in, or simply take in the frescoes of the surrounding buildings.
The bike ride will then stop at Station F, an innovative center created to host a multitude of startups. The old train station has been converted into offices, as well as the largest indoor food hall in Paris called La Felicita. You’ll have a quick coffee (or more!) break here before heading back to the starting point.
See related: Top 10 Art Museums in Paris
Monuments Tour Paris Cycling Tour
The name says it all! Arguably the best bike tour in Paris, this is your best chance to explore all of the historic monuments the city of lights has to offer. When you’re in Paris, you have to see the sights. And with so many in so little time, discovering them by bike is the best way to make sure you get your ground covered.
You’ll start the bike tour by stopping at the Notre Dame Cathedral. This iconic building is one of the oldest in Paris and still stands today, despite its recent history. From there, you’ll pedal off along Ile Saint Louis, then down along the Seine taking in the picturesque view of Paris. You’ll soon cycle west towards Invalides, the military house of the city. Soon after, your tour guide will continue the tour down the quays.
Hopping across the other side of the river, you’ll get to see the Louvre, all before continuing to the 7th arrondissement. Here, you’ll take a break on the bustling Rue Cler, picking up something fresh from the daily market. This street is only minute’s away from the grandest landmark of Paris – the Eiffel Tower.
Here, you’ll cruise along the Champ de Mars with a picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower before heading to the Champs Elysées. As far as bike tours go, this one is definitely packed with the most history and highlights rolled into one.
See Related: Off the Beaten Path Things to do in Paris
Highlights of Paris Day Bike Tour
Though this tour also covers some major landmarks, the focus here is more on the buildings that have given Paris its reputation. This Highlights of Paris tour is the perfect way to get a real feel of the city and explore some of the most iconic locations in just three hours.
On this guided tour, you’ll get to cycle down the charming streets of inner Paris, admiring the Haussmanian architecture that surrounds you. Starting at Opéra, you’ll hear some of the most intriguing facts about the famous music hall, while carrying down to the Place de la Concorde. On the way, you’ll get to window shop as you pass through some of the most luxurious designer shops.
You’ll weave through the most historic bridges on the Seine. After stopping to admire the views of the water, you’ll then move towards the Notre Dame where you’ll brush up on some of your history skills. The Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and Hotel de Ville are just some other highlights your tour will cover.
This is an excellent choice for kids, as the layout of the bike ride is family friendly. With regular stops at the monuments to explore, you can bike happily knowing safety is the guide’s number one priority.
See related: Best Free Walking Tours in Paris, France
Culinary Bicycle Tour in Paris
Whether a foodie or not, you’ll still appreciate the tasty sights and stops on this Paris bike tour. The Culinary Bike Tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the French culture while getting a real feel for the city. 4 hours of cycling will make you hungry, so what better way to refuel with some of the best cuisines?
You’ll explore Le Marais, stopping for tastings at some of the district’s trendiest traders. You’ll then cruise along to Place de la Bastille for a quick history buffer.
Most of this bike tour will be spent in the 11th and 12th arrondissements of Paris, home to some of the city’s most authentic spots. Not only will you stop to sample, but you’ll get to explore some of the coolest workshops in the hip Faubourg Saint-Antoine area.
You’ll get to sample some food from the city’s freshest daily markets while sipping on a coffee outside a typical Parisian Cafe. From there, you’ll pedal off to Parc de Bercy, one of the prettiest green spots in Paris. Your stroll through the park still leaves you with plenty of time to continue the tour to finish by viewing sculptures in the gorgeous Jardin Tino Rossi.
See related: Marchés Bastille et Popincourt
Paris Day Bike Tour Along the Seine
Although most bike tours include a small portion of it dedicated to cruising down the Seine, you can also opt for one solely dedicated to the coveted river. On this tour, you’ll start from the Pompidou Centre before heading to the banks of the river, taking in the stunning architecture.
Your guide will provide plenty of information about the various monuments you pass, as well as going you the inside scoop on some of the lesser-known secrets. You’ll scoot down towards the major museums of Paris, including Musée d’Orsay and the exterior of Musée du Quai Branly. Although the tour doesn’t allow for free time inside, you’ll still get a great overall look at Paris before carrying on.
If you’re a fan of architecture, this bike tour is for you. Along the quays, you’ll explore the architecture of the Belle Époque along Pont Alexandre III, sneaking a peak at the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Not sure what the Belle Époque is? Not to worry! You’ll be an expert at the end of the day. From the Petit Palais to the Tuileries Gardens, this riverbank bike tour will leave you in awe of all that the city has to offer.
See Related: Best Skip-the-Line Tours in Paris
Electric Bike Tours, Paris France
If you’re looking for a Paris day bike tour outside of the box, this is the one for you. The Hidden Gems Electric Bike Tour is an option for those who want a bit of luxury while discovering the city. With a sleek electric bike, you’ll have no problem zooming up hills and around tight corners.
This tour will take you to some of the city’s most interesting spots. From iconic landmarks, passing palaces, and neighborhood hidden gems, you’ll get a look at Paris from all sorts of perspectives. Starting near the bougie Place Vendôme, you’ll pick up your electric bike before making your way across the river up towards the Montagne Saint Genevieve, a hilly viewpoint looking out over central Paris.
Pedaling your way through the busy Saint Germain des Près, you’ll still get the chance to pass through some cozy corners, discovering different nooks and crannies as you stop in the Latin Quarter.
If you’re worried about getting tired during this 4-hour tour, your electric bike will do all the work for you! From personal experience, electric bike tours are such a unique and fun experience. For the night owls, you can also opt for an evening tour that lasts 3 hours, still covering some of Paris’s top spots.
See Related: Best Ghost Tours in Paris, France
Fat Tire Tours Monet’s Garden Bike Tour
This is one of our favorite bike tours that isn’t quite set in the city but is still extremely accessible from Paris. This full day bike tour, hosted by Fat Tire Tours, starts at their office in the 15th arrondissement where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group. From there, you’ll take a scenic bus ride as you drive through the Normandy countryside. The bike ride itself starts in the idyllic town of Vernon, known as the famous painter Monet’s home for over 40 years.
There, you’ll check out the local farmer’s market, picking up some pieces for your afternoon picnic. Soon after, you’ll spend the day biking down the outer-city banks of the Seine. You’ll familiarize yourself with the picturesque landscape that heavily inspired Monet’s work.
Once you arrive in the town of Giverny, here you’ll be taken to even more charming spots of the town like Hotel Baudy, where Monet and Renoir used to meet. After this, you’ll visit perhaps the highlight of the bike tour- the famous Monet’s Garden where you’ll have some time to explore independently.
To finish off the bike tour, you’ll enjoy a lovely picnic in France’s charming countryside, absorbing the beauty that inspired the work of one of the country’s finest artists. You’ll then take the coach back to central Paris after a full day of exploring.
Related Resources:
- Best Wine Tours in Paris, France
- Best Boat Tours in Paris, France
- Best Tours in Paris, France
- Spa Le Galet
- Electric bike tour of Paris