Secrets of Paris Bike Tour in English or Dutch

If you’re looking for a different way to see Paris beyond the usual must-see landmarks, the Secrets of Paris Bike Tour offers an exciting alternative. This 3.5-hour guided ride takes you through parts of the city most visitors miss, revealing hidden treasures and captivating stories from local guides. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just enjoy a leisurely ride, this tour promises a blend of history, mystery, and authentic Parisian charm.

What we love about this experience is its focus on off-the-beaten-path sights, the energetic and knowledgeable guides, and the intimate small-group setting. Plus, the ability to choose between English and Dutch makes it accessible for a broader audience. However, keep in mind that this tour requires some experience riding in city traffic and covers about 12 km (roughly 7.5 miles), including some small hills. It’s best suited for confident cyclists who enjoy discovering the lesser-known sides of Paris.

This tour will appeal most to travelers who already know the main attractions and want to uncover the city’s hidden stories, secret spots, and intriguing mysteries. If you’re after a more personal, storytelling-rich experience that moves at a relaxed pace, this bike tour might be perfect for you.

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Key Points

Hidden gems and secret stories of Paris shared by enthusiastic local guides
Small group sizes ensure a personalized experience
About 12 km of easy to moderate cycling, suitable for experienced riders
Explores lesser-known areas away from the crowds
Includes iconic sights like the Seine and Eiffel Tower as starting points
Rain or shine, with rain ponchos available for purchase

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Secrets of Paris Bike Tour

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Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins directly at the Fat Tire Tours office located at 24 rue Edgar Faure in the 15th arrondissement. It’s a straightforward walk from the Dupleix metro station (line 6), and the office is clearly marked with “Bike Tours & Segway Tours” signs in the window. The nearby La Motte Picquet Grenelle station offers additional transit options. The meeting point’s central location makes it easy to combine with other Paris activities or sightseeing plans.

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, which includes cycling, storytelling, and stops along the way. Tour start times vary, so checking availability in advance is recommended. Participants are provided with a bike and a live guide—the latter speaking either English or Dutch—ensuring a smooth, engaging experience.

What the Tour Covers

This journey begins near the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you’ll get a quick glimpse of one of Paris’s most beloved landmarks. From there, you’ll cycle along the Seine River, passing familiar sights that set the scene before branching out into less-traveled neighborhoods.

What makes this tour special is its focus on uncovering hidden treasures and mysteries—details that most travelers never see. For instance, you might come across a forgotten Salvador Dali sundial or an unassuming mansion with a cannonball lodged in its wall, each with its own story. These small surprises turn what could be a typical city ride into a treasure hunt, revealing stories that add depth and color to your Paris experience.

The Guides: Enthusiastic and Knowledgeable

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their passion and storytelling skills. One reviewer mentions Mia, who was described as “fun and energetic,” making the tour both informative and lively. The guides are well-versed in the city’s history and legends, often providing anecdotes and context that turn simple sights into fascinating stories.

The guides’ enthusiasm transforms the ride from a sightseeing activity into a storytelling adventure, enriching your understanding of Paris’s lesser-known history and secrets. Their ability to share captivating stories, combined with their local knowledge, makes this tour stand out from more generic city bike rides.

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The Ride: What to Expect

Expect to cycle at a comfortable pace—about 12 km over 3.5 hours—making it accessible for those with some cycling experience. The route includes some small hills and occasionally shares roads with cars, so confident riding in urban traffic is essential. The group size is kept small, ensuring plenty of individual attention and space to ask questions.

You will visit areas that are not on the usual tourist radar. This could include quiet cobbled streets, secret courtyards, and intriguing historical sites. The tour is designed to balance sightseeing with storytelling, so you won’t just be riding past sights—you’ll learn the stories behind them.

There's plenty more to explore in Paris

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Treasures

According to reviews, the real value lies in the insider knowledge the guides share. One traveler noted, “Saw cool things I wouldn’t recognize without a tour,” emphasizing how this experience reveals details and sites you might overlook alone. This makes it ideal for those who want a richer, more layered understanding of Paris beyond the typical postcard sights.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is designed to be engaging and manageable, it does require a certain level of cycling confidence. The route includes city streets, some hills, and occasionally crowded areas, so beginners might find it challenging. However, for experienced cyclists, the ride offers a good mix of activity and relaxation.

Weather-wise, the tour operates rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and are sold rain ponchos on-site if needed. The cost includes a bike and guide, making it a good value for the level of personalized storytelling and access to secret spots.

Reviews and Feedback

Both reviewers agree on the high quality of the guides and the unique sights visited. One mentions, “Very interesting! Great information and enjoyable attractions visited,” while another appreciated the fun and energetic guide, Mia. The reviews highlight the authentic stories and lesser-known sites, reinforcing the idea that this tour offers more than just a sightseeing ride—it’s a glimpse into Paris’s hidden soul.

Price and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of a bike, guide, and personalized storytelling suggests a strong value for the 3.5-hour experience. The small group size and focus on secret spots mean you’ll likely get more attention and a richer experience than larger, more generic tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who already know Paris’s main attractions and want to see its secret side. It suits those comfortable cycling in busy city streets and eager to hear captivating stories from passionate local guides. If you’re after a fun, authentic, and intimate way to explore Paris’s hidden corners, this tour hits the mark.

It’s less suited for families with very young children or those with limited cycling experience, given the physical aspects and traffic conditions. Also, if you prefer a more relaxed, sit-down sightseeing tour, this active experience might be less ideal.

Final Summary

The Secrets of Paris Bike Tour provides a refreshing way to see the city’s lesser-known facets, blending lively storytelling with scenic cycling. The knowledgeable guides, like Mia, make the experience engaging and authentic, bringing to life the stories behind Paris’s quiet corners and mysterious relics. The small-group format ensures an intimate atmosphere where questions are welcomed and insights deepen.

This tour represents excellent value for those who want a more personalized, insider’s view of Paris. It’s especially appealing to travelers who enjoy active exploration, storytelling, and uncovering hidden gems that most travelers never encounter. If you’re comfortable on a bike and curious about the city’s secret stories, this could be one of your favorite Parisian adventures.

FAQ

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
Yes. The tour is designed for riders who are comfortable biking in busy city traffic and can handle some small hills.

How long is the cycling part of the tour?
You’ll cycle about 12 km over 3.5 hours, which includes stops and storytelling.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes suitable for biking and walking. Rain gear is available for purchase if needed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is not recommended for children under 12 due to the cycling demands and city traffic.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak either English or Dutch, allowing you to choose your preferred language.

Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes, operate rain or shine. Rain ponchos are available at the office for purchase.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s more suited for independent, confident cyclists rather than families with young children or those unfamiliar with city biking.

Where does the tour end?
The tour finishes back at the starting point at the Fat Tire Tours office on Rue Edgar Faure.