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Simple Questions

Im going to Paris in the 3rd week of November. Im thinking of renting a bicycle to get around town and see the sights. Good idea? Is there bike parking (and lock up's) at most locations? Also, do the tour boats run in November? What about the water taxi? Thanks in Advance

Bill, this web address is commercial, but it gave us a good idea of what's available biking wise in Paris: http://www.insiderparisguides.com/parisbiking/index.html That said, it's not the way I'd choose to go, even though I live in a major US city and bike its downtown areas all the time. On Sundays, biking around the Seine is great--they close some of the lanes, the traffic is much lighter, etc. We've never gotten to do it because of our schedule, but we'd do so in a heartbeat. On weekdays, I think you'd have to be nuts. It would be like biking the middle lane of a California interstate. But I am going to contradict myself and say that there are areas of Paris you could bike all the time...some of the parks, etc. Bike lock ups in Paris, from what I've observed, is anything you can attach the bike to, plus take either the seat or one wheel with you. At one location, I saw they took both. There are at least some tour boats operating year round. The Batobus, however, ends November 3rd this year. Hope this is helpful. If you do bike on a weekday along the Seine, please report back.

Oh Bill, I forgot to tell you our kids' favorite Paris memory: there was a guy who did bike along the Seine on a weekday. Only it wasn't on the road. It was along a ridge inside the river channel. I swear the thing was less than a yard wide and had steps at intervals. Plus the Seine was flooded, so that added even more interest to the observation. Try that, too!

Also, you could utilize an organized group to avoid the pitfalls of biking in heavily trafficked areas.. see this one: http://www.mikesbiketoursparis.com/

Sure you can. here's some info from my book on Paris: Bicycling in Paris Here's some information about renting bicycles in Paris: You can rent bicycles at several locations, and rental includes helmets, locks, all necessary stuff including baby seats. The first four places also have organized tours at various levels; some of the others may - you should call them if you're interested in a tour. Many quais along the Seine are closed to automobiles for a time on Sundays - good time for riding. Maison Roue Libre (at Les Halles) 95, bis Rue Rambuteau Tel: 1-53-46-43-77 Fax: 1-40-28-01-00 all year Rent a Bike Tel/fax 01-47-81-38-18 Daily tours in English ot French run 3 1/2 hours or longer with a maximum of 7 people. Bike Shop 9, rue Jacques Coeur 75004 Paris Tel: 01-48-87--6-0-01 Fax: 011-33-1-48-87-61-01 several different tours in Paris Mike's Paris Bike Tours http://www.bullfrogbikes.com Paris Vélo Rent a Bike 2 r Fer à Moulin Tel: 01-43-37-59-22 Escapade Nature Tel/Fax: 1-53-17-03-18 Paris à vélo c'est sympa 37 Boulevard Bourdon 75004 Paris France Tel: 01-48-87-60-01 Fax: 01-48-87-61-01 E-mail : [email protected] Paris Bike: Tel: 1-43-27-13-84 Fax: 1-43-20-71-93 Paris-velo Tel 1-43-37-59-22 Fax: 1-47-07-67-45 For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]