Gliding through Paris on a bicycle

The beauty of Paris is even more remarkable in summer. Why not take advantage of this season of sunshine and succumb to the lure of the outdoors by exploring the capital on two wheels? Paris by bike is the perfect way to have fun with your family or as a couple, see the city’s numerous attractions up close, tone your thighs and top up your tan. And speaking of pedal power, nearly 200 of the world’s best cyclists arrive in the capital on July 29th for the climactic day of the Tour de France. The Hotel Sophie Germain advises you to book your room today, so you can be sure to be there to cheer them on.

Paris via guided tours or freewheeling

The capital boasts an extensive network of cycle lanes that continues to grow. Look for markings in the form of white stripes on the pavements, the roads or the lanes reserved for buses. These indicate the paths you can use to discover the City of Light while keeping in trim. You can choose to ride solo, completely independently and at your own pace or go with an experienced guide who will unveil Paris and all its secrets to you. Companies such as Paris Bike Tour or Cyclopolitain offer thematic guided tours that invite you to discover, for example, ‘The Mystery of the Capital’ and the curiosities of ‘Unusual Paris’, admire the beauties of ‘Eternal Paris’ and the charm of ‘Popular Paris’ or take a look through the peephole at the scandalous ‘Libertine Paris’ ... You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the capital under the stars with the ‘Paris By Night’ rides organised every Friday evening by Paris Rando Vélo.

In each arrondissement hall or at the Maison du Vélo (37 Boulevard Bourdon 75004) you can find a free leaflet called Paris à vélo, le bon plan. This is a very useful guide to the bike lanes of Paris.

Be on the Champs-Elysées for the arrival of the Tour de France on July 29th, 2018

The world’s greatest cycle race reaches its climax on the most beautiful avenue in the world on July 29th. The 105th edition of the Tour de France has certainly produced some tough challenges for this year’s competitors, such as the hellish Roubaix cobblestones that will shake them up for 21.7 km on the July 15th stage from Arras Citadelle to Roubaix. This year the Tour de France is an atypical race of 3,329 km centred on the west / northwest and the south / south-east of France. It will end on July 29th with a final stage of 115 km from Houilles to the Champs-Elysees. Will this year feature Chris Froome's fifth win, Warren Barguil's best ever climb or Michael Matthews' crowning as sprint king? You'll soon know ...