Discover Paris by Bike with 1K Paris
The Covid-19 epidemic and lockdowns did not take away from the beauty of the City of Light. Since the summer of 2019, new cycling paths have emerged. These developments were part of the bike plan implemented by the Paris City Hall to encourage eco-friendly mobility and reduce pollution in the capital. Today, Paris offers around 1,000 kilometers of cycling routes for cyclists to enjoy. For instance, the famous Rue de Rivoli is now completely closed to motorized traffic (except for authorized vehicles like buses). Indeed, this iconic Parisian street stretching between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Concorde has recently been exclusively reserved for bicycles, as well as Parisians and tourists who enjoy exploring Paris on foot. Cyclists and walking enthusiasts can now ride or stroll along the Tuileries Garden and visit the Louvre Museum using this central artery.
Furthermore, since the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, many Parisians have changed their habits and now prefer cycling over public transport to avoid crowded spaces.
DISCOVER PARIS DIFFERENTLY!
Bike rides are no longer just for countryside vacations. On sunny days, and especially during the summer season, Paris is easy to discover by bike.
Travelers' home 1K Paris has therefore chosen to offer daily bike rentals for guests who wish to prioritize this sustainable mode of transport and avoid sometimes overcrowded public transit. This is the perfect opportunity to discover Paris from a different perspective—a Paris you can admire at your own pace during your rides.
EXPLORE Paris BY BIKE WITH 1K PARIS
Make the most of your stay in Paris by pedaling through the most beautiful city in the world, discovering its magical spots stress-free and at your own pace. For just an additional €15 per night on your booking, you will have access to a city bike, electric bike, or tandem bike provided by our partner «Paris à vélo».
WHICH ROUTE SHOULD YOU TAKE TO DISCOVER Paris DIFFERENTLY FROM THE TRAVERLERS' HOME ?
Travelers’ home 1K Paris suggests a prime itinerary, accessible to everyone, to discover the Paris of local Parisians along the Canal Saint-Martin—stretching from the Port de l’Arsenal, where it flows into the Seine, all the way to the Bassin de la Villette, where it becomes the Canal de l'Ourcq.
First, head to the Port de l’Arsenal, a charming little urban marina, and then reach the iconic Place de la Bastille. Discover the July Column (Colonne de Juillet) and admire the impressive glass and metal architecture of the Opéra Bastille before heading onto Boulevard Richard-Lenoir. At this section, the Canal Saint-Martin is covered by a large central median featuring numerous squares, pétanque courts, and lively open-air markets like the Bastille Market or the Popincourt Market. The bike paths here are particularly pleasant as they are separated from car traffic.
Next, head to the large Place de la République, located just a few minutes from 1K Paris, by riding down Boulevard Voltaire. Place de la République is a mostly pedestrianized square where you will spot skateboarders and people out for a stroll. Use the car-free section on the right to access Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple before rejoining the Canal Saint-Martin at Quai de Jemmapes.
The neighborhood around Quai de Jemmapes is a hotspot for locals who love to gather with friends for picnics as soon as the weather allows. There are plenty of small, popular restaurants and bars around Quai de Jemmapes. Take this opportunity to pause, grab a drink, or enjoy a bite to eat before hopping back on your bike. In this area, the canal features several bridges and footbridges; you might recognize the footbridge where Amélie Poulain, the heroine of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's famous French film, loved to skip stones. Continue a bit further to the Hôtel du Nord, which served as the backdrop for Marcel Carné’s famous French movie.
Follow the canal up, staying on Quai de Jemmapes, until you reach Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad. Here, you'll find its beautiful Rotunda, a registered historical monument that houses a bar and restaurant facing the Bassin de la Villette. At this point, the canal is divided by a double lock. The route then continues along the Bassin de la Villette from Quai de la Loire, another favorite spot for Parisians on sunny days. During the summer, numerous installations are set up here as part of the "Paris Plages" (Paris Beaches) event. If you ride down this quay, you will eventually reach the Parc de la Villette—a massive 55-hectare park filled with green spaces, contemporary artworks scattered throughout, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, the Grande Halle de la Villette (which hosts exhibitions), and even a submarine or the Géode, a giant metal sphere that reflects its surroundings. Parc de la Villette is also famous for its massive buildings designed by major contemporary architects like Christian de Portzamparc, Adrien Fainsilber, or the renowned Jean Nouvel. Finally, you can admire the Philharmonie de Paris, a recent Parisian landmark dedicated to music.
This 7km itinerary starting from the 1K Paris takes you through the trendiest spots in central and north-eastern Paris where locals love to hang out. If you want to discover Paris differently, take advantage of the offers at the 4-star Travelers’ home 1K Paris and its partnership with "Paris à Vélo".
