How to Rent a Bike in Paris

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By LostInTransit
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Rent a Bike in Paris

When the weather is nice sightseeing Paris with a bike is an adventure and leaves lasting memories. Although there are numerous private bike rental companies from which tourists can rent a bike in Paris, the new public bike system – called the Velib – provides and inexpensive and easier alternative.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

credit/debit card (or a NaviGo– Paris 1 yr transport card)
1-2 euros
biking spirit

Step 1

Before traveling to Paris go to the Velib website (link found in Resources, below article). On the Velib website go to the upper right hand corner to change the language to English. Bike rental stands in Paris are located throughout the city and you will most likely pass one during your stay. However, before you go to Paris you can search where the Velib bike stands are located based on the location where you will want to start, whether it is a bike stand near your hotel or near the Eiffel Tower.
Step 2

One you are in Paris and have located a nearest Velib bike stand be prepared to have your credit or debit card with you. This is the only way you will be able to rent a bike In Paris through the Velib system as the credit card number is taken for security purposes. If for some reason the bike was not returned to a bike stand you will be charged a fee for the bike. Quite simply, you break or lose it, you pay for it.
Step 3

Once at the bike stand, go to the booth located in between the bike stands. Follow the screen instructions located in the renting booth. The price of the bike rental will depend on the amount of time you plan to use it. If you plan to use it for a day, you will be charged a subscription fee of 1 euro for that day. If you plan to subscribe to the system for a week you will pay more.
Step 4

In addition to the subscription fee there is also a per hour bike rental fee. The Velib bike rental in Paris costs 1 euro for the first hour. However, the first 30 minutes of the bike rental are free. The trick here is to find a bike stand before your 30 minutes are up and you will pay nothing – except for the subscription fee.
Step 5

Once you have correctly followed the instructions and received a subscription number you are ready to rent a bike and start peddling through Paris! Make sure to stay on designated bike lanes which are indicated on the sidewalks, otherwise be very careful of traffic, Parisian drivers are intimidating.