If you’re planning to visit Paris, the chances are you will need to use public transport. Luckily for you, transport choices in Paris are excellent, there’s no need to take your own car, just sit back and enjoy the ride as we take a look at 5 great ways to travel in Paris….
5 great ways to travel in Paris
Paris by Tuk Tuk
Paris has been inspired by Asian rickshaws. Pedicabs and tuk-tuks are the new trendy ways of getting around. Make a quick telephone call to book a ride and your transport arrives in the form of an elegant tricycle with a driver. As fast as a bus in the city (sometimes faster), and of course there are no crowds. Electrically assisted tuk-tuks are also on the increase. (Details in link below)
Paris by Bike
There are all manner of bike tours available in Paris and hiring a bike is simple. Tandems, tricycles, electric or plain and simple – the choice is huge. One of the most popular bike hire schemes in the city is Vélib, a self-service bicycle hire system run by Paris City Council. There are more than 20,000 bicycles available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week all year long with 1,800 bike stations in Paris and neighbouring towns. The service is open to everyone. You will need to take out an annual subscription or buy a 1-day or 7-day ticket with a bank card details at velib.paris.fr. It is also possible to buy a 1-day or 7-day ticket at the terminal at the Vélib’ station.
You can ride alone or as part of a guided tour through parks and gardens, discovering monuments and medieval Paris, river paths and key sites. For an innovative excursion, you can hire a Vespa to see Paris, Versailles and two former royal estates. (Details in link below)
Paris by Boat
One of the most popular places to get around in Pais is via boat on the Seine. There is a great choice and you can pick them up at key sites along the river. Look out for Bateaux-mouches, Bateaux Parisiens, Vedettes Pont-Neuf and Les Yachts de Paris. The boats run throughout the day and into the night, some offer refreshments and dinner on board. Paris by boat is a great way to cross the city. (Details in link below)
Paris by Metro
The Paris Metro is famous for many things, including its often distinctive aroma. The first line was opened in 1900 in time for the Paris Word Fair, today there are 14 lines which cross the city and make access easy.
Arm yourself with a map of the stations and routes before embarking, and look for the end destination of the line to make sure you’re on the correct platform/train. Pick up a “carnet” of tickets at tabacs and the station if you’re going to make multiple journeys, it will save you a bundle on the fares. A handy App is the official Visit Paris by Metro, it’s free of charge and available in several languages and helps you plan your journey and geolocate your position with tips on nearby attractions.
5 tips for using the Paris Metro.
Paris by Horse and Carriage
Traveling by horse and carriage in Paris was popular for centuries (see our feature on gorgeous French carriages from Versailles).
Today you can still take a horse-drawn ride through the street of Paris. You can book a tour departing from the Eiffel Tower and take in key sites such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Trocadero and more. Rides take from one hour depending on which tour you book.
However you want to explore Paris don’t forget to enjoy the walk, it is the best way to see the city, get lost, make your own discoveries and enjoy the city’s many sites. Pop into the Paris Tourist office or go online to check out the Paris Transport Pass which offers unlimited travel on the bus, metro, tramway and RER networks in Paris and its suburbs with savings and the City Passport which offers saving on entry to museums and other tourist attractions.
Paris Tourist Office website for transport details parisinfo.com
