Cycling
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Cycling

Since 1996 the Mairie de Paris has made great efforts to introduce dedicated cycle lanes in the city, which now add up to some 250km. You can pick up a free leaflet, Paris à Vélo, outlining the routes, from town halls, the tourist office, or bike rental outlets (see below). You can also download it from the web at www.paris.fr – click on the "Sport" link. If you prefer cycling in a more natural environment, the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes have extensive bike tracks. A town hall-sponsored scheme closes off the following roads on Sundays and public holidays between May and September, making them popular places for cyclists and in-line skaters to meet up: the right bank of the Seine in the 8^e and 12^e arrondissements, along voie Georges Pompidou (10am–6pm); the left bank from quai Anatole France to quai Branly, in the 7^e (10am–6pm); around rue Mouffetard, rue Descartes and rue de l'Ecole Polytechnique in the 5^e (10am–6pm); on quai Valmy and quai de Jemmapes, in the 10^e (2–6pm).

Several outlets detailed below rent bikes, by the hour, day, weekend or week. Prices depend on the type of bike, but usually range from about €15–20 a day, or upwards of €50 for a week; you have to leave a variable caution (deposit) or your credit-card details. If you want a bike for Sunday, when all of Paris takes to the quais, you'll need to book in advance. Some companies also offer bike Tours.

Bike 'n' Roller 38 rue Fabert, 7^e tel 01.45.50.38.27, www.bikenroller.fr. Also rents out rollerblades. M° Invalides. Daily 10am–7pm.

Bois de Boulogne near the Porte de Sablons entrance. For rides through the wood. M° Les Sablons.

Mike's Bike Tours 24 rue Edgar Faure, 15^e tel 01.56.58.10.54, www.mikesbiketoursparis.com. Bike rental and four-hour guided bicycle trips in English, with a choice of day (€24) and night (€28) Tours. Groups meet and leave from the base of the Eiffel Tower, March to mid-Nov only. Good exercise and cheerful camaraderie for those looking to cruise the streets of Paris, but don't want to go it alone. Reservations required. M° Dupleix. Daily 9am–7pm.

Paris À Vélo C'est Sympa/Vélo Bastille 37 bd Bourdon, 4^e tel 01.48.87.60.01, www.parisvelosympa.com. One of the least expensive (from €24 for the weekend) and most helpful for bike rental. Their excellent three-hour tours of Paris – including one at night and another at dawn – all cost €30, under-26s €26. M° Bastille. Daily 9am–7pm, closed weekdays 1–2pm.

Paris-Vélo 2 rue du Fer-à-Moulin, 5^e tel 01.43.37.59.22. 21-speed and mountain bikes. M° Censier-Daubenton. Mon–Sat 10am–12.30pm & 2–7pm.