Fat Tire Bike Tour - Paris

We used a smaller outfit called Bike About Tours and absolutely loved our half-day tour...probably the highlight of our time in Paris. We chose them because they limit each group to about 7-9 people...never a problem hearing the guide or staying in the "pack." Highly recommend you take this on the morning of your first full day in Paris to help you get oriented and give you a glimpse of things you would otherwise miss.

We took them three years ago for a trip to Versaille. We had an amazing time. They helped us accommodate our 6 year old with a tandem attachment and the guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. I had terrible motion sickness the entire journey from the US and we were scheduled the next morning for a tour. The thought of 8 hours of riding was overwhelming but I do not regret it at all. We are headed back next month and Fat Tour is on our list. I have a friend who took her son and 70 year old mother on the evening tours and they raved.

After a trans-atlantic flight, getting on a bike is a great way to get acclimated.

After a trans-atlantic flight, getting on a bike is a great way to get acclimated.

Rick agrees:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjOU029ciOM

I didn't know about the Bike About Tours so will check them out. We will actually not be jet-lagged, having come from Germany on the train that day. I'm anxious to get out and about with the kids as soon as we arrive, but also thinking that we should use that evening for a less crowded time at Louvre. But, not a problem, as these are two really wonderful choices! Thanks for the input.

used Fat Tires in Barcelona and loved them---could be totally different in PAris, but just wanted to chime in that it is a legit company--and was one of the best parts of our trip!

I have never used Fat Tire Bike tour, but while in Paris saw them on a tour during an evening right by the Louvre. So although I haven't tried them, as someone else has mentioned, it is a legit company. I can vouch for that.

Good luck!

p.s. if you don't decide on a bike tour, you may want to look in to roller blading...in the summer you will always see LARGE groups of roller bladers going down major roads through the city. Looks amazingly fun, but doesn't suit us yet until our 3 year old son is older. With teens...could be an awesome experience and fun way to see Paris and meet the locals too.

http://www.minitraveler.ca

We just got back and did the Bike About Paris tour with our 2 kids (8 & 13)...it was one of their favorite things we did in Paris! All through the neighborhoods of the Marais, Boul Mich area, Louvre, Ile St Louis, etc. You cover a lot of ground you could never cover walking, with excellent commentary on all the areas and Paris. Relaxed pace and very enjoyable!!

My husband and I did 2 years ago. They meet under the Eiffel tower every evening. Quite fun and educational. Our bike guide was full of wonderful information. A bit dicey on the roads as there are many cars. We had a good time. Still have the t-shirt. Would use them again. Be sure to bring money for ice-cream as they stop for it.

Totally recommend, I guess I am a bit of an addict by now, having taken all of their Paris tours, and now one in London. LOL I love bike riding so its a fun and cheap way to enjoy any city.

I like the fact that they use these super comfy big fat tire bikes, best on cobble stones etc,, the "other" company uses smaller bikes. I also like traveling in a pack, frankly, its safe in city traffic to be in a bunch,, the cars won't hit a pack, they are more likely to hit a lone biker, less visable.. LOL sorry, bad joke, but really , for all but youngest felt rides were very safe.

My favorite ones were the one to Giverny and the Paris Night bike tours, but all were enjoyable.

I did the Paris Fat Tire bike tour on a Saturday night last summer and loved it. I wouldn't describe it as relaxed. The bike lane is also the taxi/bus lane, so you really need to pay attention to stay with the pack. The night tour ends with a Seine river cruise. We got "home" after midnight, so we were glad we didn't do it on the first night.

We used the Fat Tire in Paris and found the people to be excellent. Instead of biking , we took the segway tour. What great fun. Both of us are over 60 and we had no problems whatsoever. Recommended.

Kent, Segway, hmmm... I have been curious about the Segway tours in major cities (Paris, Madrid). Did you have any sense that the "locals' were bothered by your group zipping along through the foot traffic? We have a couple of Segway companies that try to do business in Waikiki and it is a constant battle in our neighborhood board to try keep them off the sidewalks. I haven't pushed anyone off a Segway yet ... but I've been tempted. (LOL) About as welcome as someone weaving through the pedestrians on a Vespa on a crowded sidewalk, no?

Hi my husband and I love biking and definitely want to try this out.

We'll arrive at 11 so most likely we'll try the 3pm Fat tire tour. The evening tour sounds lovely with the boat ride on the Seine, but I don't know how I would feel about the late end time on the first night.

Maybe we'll rent bikes for our own evening rides.

Thanks for the post

I just did two more FT tours. I tried the daytime FT tour in Paris, it was fun, but not as fun as it could have been as weather was cold and a little rainy.

I also tried the one in London, weather wasn't much better, but it really was fun.I did it in the last day of my visit and kick myself for that as guide mentioned a few sights that I would have visited if I had more time in the city.

I'm an out of shape 67 yr old & just got back from Berlin, which included the Fat Tire Bike Tour. Had a ball -- rode thru the Brandenburg Gate & saw most of the historic sites. Have also loved their tours in Barcelona, Paris & to Versailles.