Private Cycling Tours in Paris, France

Step one, book your trip to Paris. Step two… book a private cycling tour!

But how do you go about that? What’s included and what should you know before booking? We have the information you’re looking for.

If you already know you want to book a tour, by all means:

But if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, what’s available, and all that that entails, we’ll share everything you need to know to make sure you can make the best decision for you!

Private Guided Bike Tours in Paris

There are a couple of different types of cycling tours.

The first is a group bike tour that is less about cycling and more about seeing the city on a bike. You can find these all over the city through several different companies, including one of our partners, Bike About Tours. Group bike tours are going to offer a cushy cruiser-style and often a narrated element, like hidden spots in Paris, Versailles history, etc.

The second type, which we have an inkling is the type you’re looking for, is a private cycling tour. Private cycling tours focus more on the cycling aspect and less on the history/storytelling, though it’s not to say the tour is without great sights, monuments, and some narration.

We’re going to be talking about the second option today.

What comes with a private cycling tour

It depends on the company/tour guide you book with. We can’t speak for everyone, but generally, a private cycling tour will come with a local guide (who is also a cyclist), a bicycle (unless you’re bringing your own), and a route that takes you into the countryside/out a bit further than you’d go on a standard city bike tour.

At Paris Pedal Works:

• We create a route with your aspirations in mind.

  • Want to see the French countryside? See a medieval French village? We will design a route that gives you the experience you’re looking for.

• You set the pace.

  • Our cyclist will ride at your pace, whatever that is. Our guide will keep track of the pace so you can just enjoy the ride.

• You set the distance.

  • Are you looking to traverse a certain distance? (50km? 100? More or less?) Or maybe you’re looking for a time frame, like 3 hours. Let us know, and we will cater to it.

• Your safety is our priority.

  • Our guide is an experienced cyclist on and off-road, including leading group rides and participating in fast, big pelotons. We will always follow cycling rules in France and make decisions that prioritize the safety of our riders.

• We have road bikes for you to rent that come in a variety of sizes. This is through our partner, Le Peloton Café. We offer Ridley Fenix (carbon) road bikes and a couple of different pedal options. That said, you can bring your own bike if you have it.

• Our guide is both a former professional triathlete/Cat 1 Cyclocross rider and an esteemed mechanic (he was one in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics). If you have a bike problem, flat, or anything else, he’s ready.

• Our guide is a Paris local, but also a native English speaker (he’s American).

Always check with the company you’re looking to book to make sure that the tour offers what you want!

What to expect on a paris cycling tour

Again, it depends on the company you’re booking through.

At Paris Pedal Works, you can expect to meet us at our Marais location (Le Peloton Café). If you’re renting a bike, you’ll also receive your bike then, and we’ll help adjust it to you so your ride can be comfortable.

If you brought your own bike, please bring it with you and be in your kit, ready to go. You’ll want to bring your helmet, bike shoes, sunglasses, and a bottle.

You’ll meet your guide (you can learn more about him through our About Us page), and he will talk with you about the route, what to expect, etc.

Then, you’ll be off. He will guide you safely through the city to get to the countryside, wherever it is you are going.

Throughout the tour, he will give you information, context, history, etc. He will also share general knowledge about Paris.

Evan will guide you along the ride. Depending on the length and the route you’ve chosen, you may stop at a bakery or store in a small village to refill bottles/get a pick-me-up. You’ll also have the opportunity to get some photographs of your bike, and Evan will happily take some on your phone of you and your bike.

Keeping your desired timeframe and distance in mind, Evan will guide you back to your original meeting place. If you only rented the bike for the ride, you’ll return your bike. If you have chosen to extend your rental, you can take it with you when you leave.

At the café, you’re more than welcome to hang out, grab a coffee or snack, and calm the heart rate!

If this sounds fun to you, you can reach out to us here to book your tour: Paris Cycling Tours

• Are there private tours in Paris for cyclists?

  Yes! Paris Pedal Works offers a private cycling tour. Our guide is a retired professional triathlete/cat 1 Cyclocross racer. He is also an esteemed mechanic (he worked for the US and Canadian Triathlon teams in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He built their bikes 👀)

• How much does a private cycling tour cost?

  It depends on the company. At Paris Pedal Works, we typically charge around 300 euros for a private cycling tour. This includes the bike rental and a few hours out and about on the bike. It can vary though depending on how many bikes you’d like to rent (if you’re a couple, for example), and how long you want to ride. Reach out to us and we can give you a quote.

• How long are the tours?

  It’s up to you! We can go 50km, 100, 200, etc. Or, we can do it by hours, though make sure you let us know your pace.

• Do I need to bring my own bike?

  No, but you can. We offer bike rentals through our partner, Le Peloton Café.