There’s nothing quite like exploring the French capital on wheels – it’s culture and exercise combined. Today, there are some 700km of cycle paths in the French capital and the bicycle is gaining ground thanks to the city council; as well as 200km of dedicated cycle lanes, an additional 70km of bus lanes will also be accessible to cyclists this year. On Sundays and public holidays some of the Seine expressways and canal roads are reserved exclusively for cyclists and rollerbladers (as well as pedestrians) as part of the ‘Paris Respire’ (‘Paris Breathes’) campaign. Rent a bike (External link) for a day, a weekend or a week from depots near the main train stations and along major tourist routes.
To tour without pedalling try the Segway, a mono-passenger electric vehicle with two wheels available at Mobilboard Paris-Invalides, or join anorganised rollerblade tour group (External link) – competent skaters can meet on Place Raoul Dautry in Montparnasse on Friday evenings at 10pm, and beginners at Boulevard Bourdon in Bastille at 2pm on Sundays.