The Cycle Pretty Tourist: Paris, Pedals and Autumnal Petals...
- Bea Gonzalez
- Oct 4
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 24
Paris is known as the City of Love, though the true origins of this nickname are unclear. However, it’s easy to understand why, with its romantic atmosphere, rich art and culture, and exceptional food. It might seem like the perfect place for a date, but the city also draws in solo travellers, and groups of friends and families from all over the world, offering a unique experience for everyone, whether you're exploring its beautiful streets, seeking inspiration, or simply enjoying its beauty.
Like many before me, I've always had a love for Paris, having visited the city a few years ago. A good friend of mine from university, Ale, now lives there, and she kindly invited me to spend a few days with her in this beautiful city. Since she was working during the day, I decided to embark on a solo adventure, cycling across Paris to explore the sights on my own.
Visiting new cities by bike is a fun, active way to get around and a great example of sustainable tourism. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it! And if you're a fan of France, I also wrote a blog about exploring Nice by bike. Check it out here:
I didn’t want to carry too many things on my journey around the city since I was already bringing my camera with me. So, I packed light and brought along this cute Fable England bag. It’s very small, just enough to carry my phone, money, and the basics. The bag is incredibly cute, with a soft, velvety exterior...
11 Unforgettable Things To Do in Paris
on Your Cycling Adventure
I wanted to share some of the highlights from my own adventure and hopefully inspire you with ideas for your next trip.
1 . Rent a Bike to Explore Paris At Your Own Pace
I decided to hire a bike for the day from Paris Bike Tour...
I booked my bike online a week in advance, and I’d recommend reserving ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. However, in the low season, they likely have plenty of bikes available for walk-ins. The bike also comes with a lock and I opted for a basket, which was super handy for carrying my things, and a bike helmet, which is not compulsory for adults when cycling in France but is something I would highly recommend for safety. There are also bike-sharing options like Vélib’ Métropole, as well as app-based electric bikes and scooters from companies like Lime.
2. Find the Perfect Flowers at Marché aux Fleurs - Reine Elizabeth II
Once I had my bike from the rental service, I decided to head over to Île de la Cité. My first stop was at the Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II...
The market was founded in 1808 and was renamed "Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II" in honour of Queen Elizabeth II after her visit in 2014. She loved the market, and visited it on her Honeymoon!
The market is open every day, year-round, so no matter when you visit Paris, I’d recommend you check it out. They sell colourful flowers, plants, and garden supplies, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Plus, shopping here supports local businesses and helps keep Paris's market culture thriving.
For my bouquet, following Ashleigh’s suggestion, I chose a beautiful mix of burgundy hydrangea, soft pink and vibrant orange roses, chrysanthemums...
...and a touch of limonium for a delicate finish, all put together by a talented florist...
I placed the bouquet on the basket of my bike, which added a wonderful touch! It drew attention wherever I went, and people couldn’t help but look at it. I even received compliments and questions about where I got it from.
3. Discover the Wonders of Notre-Dame
After exploring the market, I wanted to see the rest of the island. Île de la Cité, meaning 'Island of the City,' is connected to the mainland by nine bridges and often considered the historic heart of the city. It is home to some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
This beautiful Gothic cathedral began construction in 1163 and is renowned for its stunning architecture. The cathedral is also famous for its role in Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. In 2019, a devastating fire broke out at Notre-Dame, causing significant damage to the roof and spire. After five years of meticulous restoration, Notre-Dame is now open to the public once again!
I left Île de la Cité and cycled along the river, taking in the scenic views of Paris. I found cycling in the city easy and enjoyable. Some areas had more traffic, but overall, it wasn’t difficult. I’m always happy when I can get around by bike, it feels good knowing I’m not adding to the pollution and can move through the city in a way that is sustainable.
Paris has dedicated bike lanes with their own traffic lights and some even had "PARIS 2024" markings on the road to commemorate the recent Olympics.
I was lucky it didn’t rain, and the temperature was perfect. I could get to places really quickly by bike and I would definitely recommend cycling around the city. Just a reminder: they ride and drive on the right side of the road, unlike in the UK!
4. Admire Art and History at the Louvre Museum
In less than 10 minutes, I arrived at the Louvre, ready to continue my Parisian adventure. The Louvre, once a royal residence, is now home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.
As the largest museum in the world, it houses an immense collection that spans thousands of years and includes a wide range of art from different cultures. It is also one of the most visited museums globally, drawing millions of visitors each year.
As it is very popular, it’s best to book your Louvre tickets in advance. The main entrance is the iconic glass pyramid, designed by architect I. M. Pei...
...Its modern design contrasts with the historic architecture of the former palace. I wasn't able to go inside this time, as it takes too long to fully explore...
When I visited in the past, I went three times, as there is simply so much to see!
5. Stroll Through the Elegant Gardens of Jardin des Tuileries
Afterward, I headed to the Jardin des Tuileries, which is right next to the Louvre. However, cycling is prohibited in the gardens, so I had to walk my bike in hand to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
A couple noticed my flowers and kindly offered to take a picture of me. I was happy to strike a pose in my elegant black blouse, lent to me by my friend Ale, paired with a soft pink Whispering Willows scarf by Fable England
It added a lovely touch to the outfit... perhaps a hint of Parisian style?
The Jardin des Tuileries, named after the tile factories that once stood there, was created in 1564 when Queen Catherine de Médicis had the Tuileries Palace built, though the palace no longer exists today. In 1664, the king's gardener, André Le Nôtre, designed its current French garden layout.
The greenery and flowers were beautiful, and there are also sculptures by famous artists like Jean-Antoine Houdon and Auguste Rodin scattered throughout the park. It almost feels like you're stepping into a period drama, as if you were a queen promenading along the fountains, surrounded by history and art.
These gardens are historically significant, having hosted key events in French history, including the 1793 "Olympiad of the Republic," a series of celebrations inspired by the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, as well as the 1792 Fall of the Monarchy, when revolutionary forces stormed the Tuileries Palace, leading to the imprisonment of King Louis XVI and his family and marking the end of the French monarchy.
6. Indulge in Iconic Macarons at Ladurée
After my pleasant stroll through the gardens, I made sure to stop by Ladurée, the iconic Parisian patisserie known for inventing the double-shell macaron over 160 years ago. As someone with a major sweet tooth, I couldn’t resist trying their famous macarons.
The shop was beautiful, and the packaging was just as stunning as the treats themselves. With so many flavours to choose from, it was a tough decision. In the end, I went with macarons that matched the colours of my bouquet!
7. Visit the Historic Place de la Concorde
Box in hand, I cycled through Place de la Concorde, one of the most famous squares in Paris, known for its rich history and stunning monuments. There are two beautiful fountains there. I took a picture in front of the Fontaine des Mers. This fountain represents the sea and maritime themes, with statues of people holding fish.
8. Relax in the Tranquil Gardens of Petit Palais
I continued my journey along the Champs-Élysées and eventually found myself in the peaceful gardens of the Petit Palais. It is incredible how much greenery exists right in the middle of the city. The city gardens are meticulously cared for and the calm atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind for a while.
If you have time, the Petit Palais is worth a visit, as it houses the Museum of Fine Arts with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
I found a bench and settled in, enjoying some macarons. They’re just as beautiful as they taste!
Each box even includes a little guide with pictures of the macarons and their flavours...
After my break, I got back on my bike and continued cycling through the gardens. I found a massive tulip sculpture by Jeff Koons. I later learned that this piece is a tribute to the victims of the 2015 Paris attacks. The profits from the sale of the sculpture go to the families of those affected.
9. Take in the Beauty of The Eiffel Tower
I carried on my journey along the River Seine, stopping to admire the famous Eiffel Tower, locally nicknamed "La Dame de Fer" (French for "Iron Lady").
Standing tall at 330 meters, it was initially criticized for its design but has since become a symbol of the city and an architectural marvel. At night, the tower lights up with flickering sparks, making it feel magical! The Eiffel Tower has made memorable appearances in many films, including Midnight in Paris (2011), The Da Vinci Code (2006), and numerous James Bond films.
The tower has been used for making radio transmissions since the beginning of the 20th century, playing a crucial role in advancing communication technology. Today, it is the most visited paid monument in the world, attracting millions of tourists each year who come to admire its breath-taking views of Paris and its iconic design.
10. Appreciate the Majestic Arc de Triomphe
Wanting to experience one more iconic landmark, I made my way to the Arc de Triomphe before the day ended. It was built to honour those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and it's the second-largest triumphal arch in the world! There was quite a lot of traffic, but I still managed to cycle around, though it was impossible to get a picture without cars in the shot.
There are countless things to do in Paris, from exploring the beautiful neighbourhoods of Montmartre and Montparnasse or museums and galleries such as Musée d'Orsay, to enjoying exquisite French cuisine and wine. But with just one day on my bike, I managed to cover a lot of ground!
11. Unwind at a Cosy Parisian Café
By the end of the day, I was exhausted, so I stopped at a lovely café to enjoy a warm hot chocolate and recharge.
After returning my bike to the rental place, I headed to my friend's apartment to give her the flowers. She was very happy with them, and they added a lovely touch to her place. We spent the evening together, enjoyed a nice dinner, and the next few days were just as wonderful.
If you've had the chance to explore Paris by bike, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your favourite spots and tips in the comments below.
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