On a long weekend in Paris I used the Velib shared bike scheme to cycle between the most popular tourist spots including along the left bank of the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame. They are very cheap, as low as 5 euro a day but the touch screen terminals are a nightmare to buy the 1 or 3 day pass as you have to enter in a lot of identifying information on screens that often no longer work.
In this video I show you how to instead book online and then how to unlock your bike with the codes you will be given. Then I show you footage from my cycling around Montmartre, Pigalle, Trocadero and down and across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower and finally along the cycle path that runs all the way from there along the left bank to Notre Dame.
My route map linked to below then takes you to Pere Lachaise cemetery before returning to Notre Dame via Place Republique
https://cycle.travel/map/journey/676468
Paris has been transformed in recent years for cycling because of the creation of lots of segregated cycle lanes and more recently a ban on through traffic in the city centre. From the footage you’ll be able to judge whether for you it is now safe enough to cycle – I enjoyed it.
The velib website can be found at
https://www.velib-metropole.fr
8 Comments
I went to paris , and considered trying those green bikse, but gave up instantly, -watching your video about it, makes me glad I did not waste anymore time, trying to make it work😊
I am going to go to Paris friday.I like the views and excessibility of bike in that crowded city.Definitely try Velib.Wish me luck
Another question
If I pay 5€ beforehand in my home country and not using a bicycle is it still expire after 24h?
what type of pouch is that so I can keep my phone secure while on the bike?
Thank you for the info. When you sign up for one of the Velib temporary pass, let's say the 24hr pass Classic 5€, do you have 30 minutes included and get charged beyond that time? Or do you need to return you bike within the 30 minutes to avoid charges? I am not clear how the timing works. Please let me know if possible. Happy riding!
We will be six people. Do we need multiple accounts to rent enough bikes, or can we all do it off one account?
Sounds like a complicated pain in the arse, tbh. I think I'll walk!
Thanks really appreciate it🎉