 Paris by bicycle
The bicycle provides an unexpected and economical means of exploring the lesser-known sights of Paris. The city has long been synonymous with traffic jams and impatient drivers but the humble bicycle is experiencing a revival.
Although not renowned as the greenest of cities, Paris does have over a dozen parks. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a relaxing place to visit on two wheels. The park's Temple of Love is dedicated to one of Apollo's priestesses and it offers magnificent views of the Parisian skyline, including the church of the Sacré Coeur.
The Marais is another area well-suited to exploration by bicycle: it is conveniently flat as it was built on swamp land in the 17th century. It is a charming enclave in the heart of the city with pleasing architecture and picturesque streets. In the centre of the Marais is the Place des Vosges whose arcades were once a favourite venue for duels. The Père Lachaise cemetery, in the east of Paris, is also a surprisingly interesting place to visit. Many great luminaries like Bizet, Chopin, Balzac, Molière, and Proust are buried there among the other elaborate tombs of the cemetery.
Links
Paris
General information on the French capital. In English.
Visit Paris
In French and English, more information on hotels, tours, transport and monuments
Le Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the Buttes-Chaumont park
More information on this park, in French.
These links do not constitute an endorsement by the BBC of the companies, their services or products. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. |
