My husband and I are going to Paris end of June. We saw the velib bikes when we were there last fall but didn't use them. Are they a good and fun way to get around paris?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
I try not to respond to questions when I don't feel confident about the answer, but in this case I'll state that I understand it's very difficult to use Velib without a European credit card. Has anyone been able to?
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
1 posts
Bicycling is the best way to explore any city! The sounds, the smells are esily captured on a bike to experience the city's real vitality. A bicycle lets you see more in less time. In large cities like Paris you can cross town faster than by bus, metro or taxi. Velib allows you to get directly to where you want to go with the 1400 bike stations around the city. With the bike system almost a year old, the Parisian drivers are now use to Velibist. Remember the first 1/2 hour is free and the the price increases the following 1/2 hours. You can return the bike and wait around 20 minutes and the free 1/2 hr. starts again. For non europeans Velib only takes AMERICAN EXPRESS!!!!!!
Posted by
Niceville, FL, USA
154 posts
I used the Velib last summer. For US citizens you need the "correct" american express card. Call AMEX for more information. I had a wonderful time riding my bike along the river banks... it's the best "thrill" ride ever.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
nic, have YOU used the Velib system??
Posted by
Newcastle, WA, USA
643 posts
Tricia,
Care to share with us which AMEX card is the "Correct" one? My wife and I both have the AMEX Blue Card.