Friday 29 May 2009

Enjoy Paris on two wheels...

City Segway Tours
24, rue Edgar Faure
75015 Paris

http://www.citysegwaytours.com/paris/
Telephone
01-56-58-10-54 (calling from within France)
+33-1-56-58-10-54 (calling from outside of France)
1-866-614-6218 (toll-free from North America to our Paris office)

Direction from Hotel Monte Carlo to City Segway Tours office :

By Metro
Get on at the metro station “Grands Boulevard” on line n° 8 and take direction “Balard” to the station “La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle”. From there transfer to line n° 6 direction “Charles de Gaulle Etoile” and get off at the station “Dupleix.

By waliking from metro station “Dupleix” to 24 rue Edgar Faure :

Take the street “Auguste Bartholdi” and go strait ahead, you ‘ll see on your left after few blocs the “street “Edgar Faure” at South Leg ("Pilier Sud") of the Eiffel Tower

Read reviews on Tripadvisor about City Segway Tours :


“Awesome experience” by City Segway Tours - Paris, by gorpo59 on 3 janv. 2009
City Segway Tours - Paris


"Awesome" is much overused but this time it is about the only word that will do. The sheer fun of running around Paris on a Segway (which looks like it shouldn't work but is very easy to ride) is beyond expectations. Our guide was great and set everyone at ease within minutes. Proper training is given and all people on our tour picked it up really easily. It is safe for young and old alike and there is no better way of saving your legs and seeing the sights at speed. You can then go back to more traditional sightseeing when you have time. You'll not want to hand the Segway back at the end. Book a tour now!

Biking on Velib !

Nearest Velib bike stations to Hotel Monte Carlo:

1- station n° 9014 on 55 rue Faubourg Montmartre
2- station n° 9101 on 24-26 rue Cadet
3- station n° 9013 on 20 rue de la Grange Bateliere
4- To see all stations:

http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/trouver_une_station/(x)/48.87702213659352/(y)/2.3398303985595703



Velib’: quick and easy for short journeys

How does it work?

Taking a bicycle from one station and putting it back in another, nothing could be easier, because Vélib' is an innovative self-service hire system which is very simple to use, available 24/7, so you can move around the city as you please.

The system is accessible from the age of 14 years (1.50 m minimum height), and can adapt to all your needs: going out for an evening, doing a spot of shopping, going to work. Because it is so simple to use, it is the ideal means of transport for your short journeys in Paris. With thousands of bicycles available from hundreds of stations, there is always a bicycle near to where you are.

The Vélib’ stations are spread out across the whole of Paris, with an increased density of stations close to major public transport nodes. At the stations, the computer terminals will enable you to:
- obtain one-day and seven-day subscriptions,
- obtain information, and particularly find out which other stations
are nearby and whether they are available,
- contact the call centre: +331 30 79 79 30
- see the state of your account

The identification, withdrawal and the return of bicycles are all operations that can be carried out in just a few seconds.

Taking a bicycle: nothing could be simpler

All you have to do is identify yourself at the terminal and then use the menu to choose your bicycle from among those which are offered on the screen.
You have 60 seconds to take the bicycle you have selected. Brake hard or press the button on the stand. Pull the bicycle towards you. The bike attachment point flashes and beeps twice. Have a good journey!

Putting the bicycle back: just a click

Once you have finished your journey, all you have to do is put the bicycle back in any Vélib' station (a station every 300 metres).
Clip the bicycle onto its stand. The stand will beep and flash to indicate that the bicycle has been locked. That's all!
If however there isn't any space to put your bicycle back in the station, brush your card over the terminal and you will be given 15 extra minutes free to find another station.

Protect your bicycle

Although you do not own the bicycle, you are responsible for it.
For your own peace of mind, the bicycle has an antitheft lock which you must use every time you stop away from a Vélib' station.

How much does Vélib’ cost ?

1- Subscription rates

Three types of subscription are planned :
- 1-day Vélib’ subscription priced at 1 Euro
- 7-day Vélib’ subscription priced at 5 Euros
- Annual Vélib’ subscription priced at 29 Euros

These subscriptions grant you the right to use the Vélib’ service and enable you to borrow a bike as many times as you wish during the subscription period.

2- Rates for using Vélib’

The vast majority of journeys made by bike in Paris last less than half an hour, which is enough time to travel quite a long distance (you need to pedal for 25 minutes to get from Châtelet to the Porte d’Italie). The first half hour of use of a Vélib’ is systematically free of charge. The fact that the first half hour of travel is free is a major factor in the success of Vélib’.
After the first half hour of every journey, the following half hours are charged according to the rates which apply :
- 1 Euros for the 1st additional half hour
- 2 Euros for the 2nd additional half hour
- 4 Euros from the 3rd additional half hour.

The aim of these rates is to encourage the turnover of bikes so as to satisfy the greatest number of users. These rates have also been specially designed to avoid competing with private bike hire companies, the majority of whose customers use the bikes for more substantial periods of time (half a day or longer).

How to subscribe ? A week, a day: choose the formula which suits you best!

Three subscription formulas are offered to best suit the way potential users want to use Vélib’: annual, weekly or daily subscriptions.

1-day or 7-day subscriptions (short-term) :
If you want to use Vélib’ occasionally, you can choose the 1-day Vélib’ subscription (1 Euro) or the 7-day Vélib’ subscription (5 Euros). With these short-term subscriptions you can make an unlimited number of journeys for one day or one week, with the first 30 minutes always free of charge.
To subscribe, simply go to the terminal of the Vélib’ service point of your choice with your bank card, credit card or Moneo card. Then follow the on-screen instructions of the Vélib’ terminal to obtain your subscription in just a few minutes.

The confirmation of your 1-day or 7-day subscription will be:
- either a 1-day Vélib’ ticket or a 7-day Vélib’ ticket supplied by the service point terminal ;

Whatever subscription you choose :

The prices after the first 30 minutes are :
- 1 Euro for the 1st additional half hour
- 2 Euros for the 2nd additional half hour
- 4 Euros from the 3rd additional half hour.
-
Examples: If within your subscription you make a journey of 25 consecutive minutes, you will have nothing to pay. If your journey lasts 50 consecutive minutes, you will pay 1 Euro for the additional period. If your journey lasts 1 hour 15 minutes consecutively, you will pay 3 Euros – 1 Euro for the first additional half hour and 2 Euros for the second additional half hour. Please note that it is not possible to make two journeys free of charge one straight after the other. An interval of a few minutes will be necessary between bringing back the bike and collecting it again.

What payment methods can I use ?

The payment methods accepted are bank cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, MasterCard Maestro) and American Express, JCB and Moneo cards.

What about the security deposit ?

The security deposit is 150 Euros. 1-day and 7-day Vélib’ subscriptions require a direct debit pre-authorisation (which is not collected) against your bank account. All or part of your security deposit may be collected in the event that you do not comply with the General Terms and Conditions of Access and Use of Vélib’ (which can be consulted on the website velib.paris.fr), and particularly if you do not return your bike within 24 hours or if the bike is damaged.
3 levels of penalty can be applied :
- 150 Euros if the bike is not returned;
- 35 Euros if the bike is stolen and the theft is reported ;
- 10 Euros if the key of the anti-theft lock is lost.

What are the rules of use for 14-18 year olds ?

Minors aged from 14 (minimum height: 1.50 m) may only use Vélib’ with the authorisation of their legal guardian. In order to take out an annual Vélib’ subscription for a minor aged 14 or over, their legal guardian will be asked to complete and return the documents requested for all subscribers, together with a special authorisation form, which is available online at velib.paris.fr or by written request to Vélib’. Minors aged 14 and over must have a personal card.

Insurance

Users must check with their insurance company that they are fully covered for the risks associated with cycling.

Roue Libre : Bike Hire and guided tours

This company rents bikes and leads bike tours. Daily 9 am-7 pm. Saturday and Sunday, bicycle rentals are 4 euros per hour, 15 euros all day, 28 euros for the weekend. Monday-Friday, rentals are 10 euros all day, 25 euros for five days. A deposit of 200 euros per bike (credit-card imprint) plus a passport are required. 1 Passage Mondetour (1st arrondissement; Metro Les Halles), Paris.
"Roue Libre" has men's and women's city bikes and children's cross country bikes for hire. they are comfortable, meet current standardsn are maintained in perfect condition and provide users with a complete range of safety features (complete insurance and free phone card through CGU Abeille, back-to-base assistance in case of a mechanical failure, helmets, anti-theft devices and baby seats).
Several guided tours can be booked. Commentaries are made by professionnal multi-lingual guides. A different way to discover the monuments.
Regular tours: 3 hours discovery tours, such as Mysterious Paris (tales and legends of Paris), Egypt in Paris, Market tour and 90mn relax tours such as the left bank, the right bank, etc...

On the last saturday of each month, from March to October, Roue Libre organize "CityBike"... a long bicycle ride all over Paris. Anyone can join in the discovery. Ask for information and book your bike at the "Maison Roue Libre":
Maison Roue Libre
Forum des Halles
95bis rue de Rambuteau
Parc SAEMES (St.Eustache)
Bus stop: Les Halles - Centre Georges Pompidou
Informations and bookings : 01 53 46 43 77
(00-33-1-53 46 43 77)



Fat Tire Bike Tours
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris

Guided tour of Paris by Day & Night, Versailles, Monet's Gardens in Normandy and Segway Tours of Paris by Day & Night.

Office/Mailing Address
Fat Tire Bike Tours
24, rue Edgar Faure
75015 Paris

Telephone
01-56-58-10-54 (calling from within France)
+33-1-56-58-10-54 (calling from outside of France)
1-866-614-6218 (toll-free from North America to our Paris office)


Direction from Hotel Monte Carlo to Fat Tire Bike Tours office :

By Metro
Get on at the metro station “Grands Boulevard” on line n° 8 and take direction “Balard” to the station “La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle”. From there transfer to line n° 6 direction “Charles de Gaulle Etoile” and get off at the station “Dupleix.

By waliking from metro station “Dupleix” to 24 rue Edgar Faure :

Take the street “Auguste Bartholdi” and go strait ahead, you ‘ll see on your left after few blocs the “street “Edgar Faure”

Free Bike Tour

Every third Sunday of the month, a city bike tour begins at 11 a.m. and arrives back at the Hôtel de Ville at 1:30 p.m. The Association Paris Rando Vélo (rando is short for randonnée) provides information on the next trip (under the title Les prochaines balades, click on either "vendredi soir" -- Friday night; or "3éme dimanche du mois" -- third Sunday of the month).

Go to the Paris Rando Velo website/Parcours for a list of dates, map and list of highlights.

As an example, for a Friday night in August, you the Hôtel de Ville at 10 p.m. and arrive back at the Hôtel de Ville at 12:30 a.m. The trip takes 2 1/2 hours.

In case of rain and slippery streets, the randonnée will be cancelled.


Paris Bike Tour
http://www.parisbiketour.net

Guided tours in French, English and German with licensed guides (29 euros) 103 rue Villiers de l'Isle Adam, 20th arrondissement (deliver bikes to your hotel) 01 53 39 13 14

Paris à vélo, c'est sympa!
http://www.parisvelosympa.com/GB/index.html

(Paris on a bike; it's fun!) - website in English
22, rue Alphonse Baudin, 11th arrondissement, 01 48 87 60 01 - Tours in French and English; Dutch, German, Italian and Spanish upon request.
Their themes: Heart of Paris, Paris Nocturne (evening), Unusual Paris, Paris Contrasts, Paris at dawn, Day-long tours.

Bike rental in the Bois de Boulogne
http://www.pariscycles.fr/
Paris cycles rents bikes for adults and children for your visit to the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes.

When you take the Line No. 1, exit the metro at Les Sablons (front of the train), walk along the Boulevard des Sablons to the roundabout. You will see the bikes to the left and the Jardin d'Acclimatation will remain on your right.

You leave a piece of identification and take off through 25 km of forest.

Many of the trees were destroyed by the storm of 1999 (la tempête à 1999 - the same that took out many of the trees at Versailles) and since 2001 are being replanted. The history of the Bois is available on the Paris mayor's website in French. It began as a royal hunting ground in the 600s. It was ceded to the State in 1848 and to the city of Paris in 1852.

For the latest rates visit the Paris Cycles website. They are available between April 15 and October 16 every year from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and school holidays between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It is hard to see the park in an hour so count at least 4 hours and maximum 8 hours. The difference in price is 2 euros.


Bicycle conduct in Paris

Attention to other road users.
Preferably use bike paths.
Don’t overtake vehicles on the right, especially lorries and buses,
because of their blind spot.
Don’t cycle on pedestrian-only crossings, but go round them
and rejoin a bike path after the crossroads.
Don’t cycle too close to parked cars (doors opening).
Cycle in single file.
Don’t ride on pavements or cycle along them.
Don’t carry passengers on your bike.
Don’t go over crossroads when the lights are red.
Don’t lend your bike or your Vélib’ card.
Don’t go the wrong way down a one-way street (except for bike contraflows).
Even if you only stop for a short time, always attach your bike to a bike attachment point
and use the anti-theft lock provided.
Use your arm to signal when changing direction.
Check that all the safety items are working before you set off: lights, brakes, tyres…
Make yourself more visible at night
(wear reflective clothes and accessories…).
Wear a helmet even if it isn’t compulsory.
Respect the rule of priority to the right.
Keep to the right of the road (unless there are specific modifications).
In narrow streets travel down the middle if other vehicles can’t overtake
you without reducing the statutory safety distance of one metre in towns.

Enjoy Paris on two wheels...


City Segway Tours
24, rue Edgar Faure
75015 Paris

http://www.citysegwaytours.com/paris/

Telephone
01-56-58-10-54 (calling from within France)
+33-1-56-58-10-54 (calling from outside of France)
1-866-614-6218 (toll-free from North America to our Paris office)

Direction from Hotel Monte Carlo to City Segway Tours office :

By Metro
Get on at the metro station “Grands Boulevard” on line n° 8 and take direction “Balard” to the station “La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle”. From there transfer to line n° 6 direction “Charles de Gaulle Etoile” and get off at the station “Dupleix.

By waliking from metro station “Dupleix” to 24 rue Edgar Faure :

Take the street “Auguste Bartholdi” and go strait ahead, you ‘ll see on your left after few blocs the “street “Edgar Faure” at South Leg ("Pilier Sud") of the Eiffel Tower

Read reviews on Tripadvisor about City Segway Tours :

“Awesome experience” by City Segway Tours - Paris, by gorpo59 on 3 janv. 2009
City Segway Tours - Paris


"Awesome" is much overused but this time it is about the only word that will do. The sheer fun of running around Paris on a Segway (which looks like it shouldn't work but is very easy to ride) is beyond expectations. Our guide was great and set everyone at ease within minutes. Proper training is given and all people on our tour picked it up really easily. It is safe for young and old alike and there is no better way of saving your legs and seeing the sights at speed. You can then go back to more traditional sightseeing when you have time. You'll not want to hand the Segway back at the end. Book a tour now!

Biking on Velib !

Nearest Velib bike stations to Hotel Monte Carlo:

1- station n° 9014 on 55 rue Faubourg Montmartre
2- station n° 9101 on 24-26 rue Cadet
3- station n° 9013 on 20 rue de la Grange Bateliere
4- To see all stations:
http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/trouver_une_station/(x)/48.87702213659352/(y)/2.3398303985595703


Velib’: quick and easy for short journeys

How does it work?

Taking a bicycle from one station and putting it back in another, nothing could be easier, because Vélib' is an innovative self-service hire system which is very simple to use, available 24/7, so you can move around the city as you please.

The system is accessible from the age of 14 years (1.50 m minimum height), and can adapt to all your needs: going out for an evening, doing a spot of shopping, going to work. Because it is so simple to use, it is the ideal means of transport for your short journeys in Paris. With thousands of bicycles available from hundreds of stations, there is always a bicycle near to where you are.

The Vélib’ stations are spread out across the whole of Paris, with an increased density of stations close to major public transport nodes. At the stations, the computer terminals will enable you to:
- obtain one-day and seven-day subscriptions,
- obtain information, and particularly find out which other stations
are nearby and whether they are available,
- contact the call centre: +331 30 79 79 30
- see the state of your account

The identification, withdrawal and the return of bicycles are all operations that can be carried out in just a few seconds.

Taking a bicycle: nothing could be simpler

All you have to do is identify yourself at the terminal and then use the menu to choose your bicycle from among those which are offered on the screen.
You have 60 seconds to take the bicycle you have selected. Brake hard or press the button on the stand. Pull the bicycle towards you. The bike attachment point flashes and beeps twice. Have a good journey!

Putting the bicycle back: just a click

Once you have finished your journey, all you have to do is put the bicycle back in any Vélib' station (a station every 300 metres).
Clip the bicycle onto its stand. The stand will beep and flash to indicate that the bicycle has been locked. That's all!
If however there isn't any space to put your bicycle back in the station, brush your card over the terminal and you will be given 15 extra minutes free to find another station.

Protect your bicycle

Although you do not own the bicycle, you are responsible for it.
For your own peace of mind, the bicycle has an antitheft lock which you must use every time you stop away from a Vélib' station.

How much does Vélib’ cost ?

1- Subscription rates

Three types of subscription are planned :
- 1-day Vélib’ subscription priced at 1 Euro
- 7-day Vélib’ subscription priced at 5 Euros
- Annual Vélib’ subscription priced at 29 Euros

These subscriptions grant you the right to use the Vélib’ service and enable you to borrow a bike as many times as you wish during the subscription period.

2- Rates for using Vélib’

The vast majority of journeys made by bike in Paris last less than half an hour, which is enough time to travel quite a long distance (you need to pedal for 25 minutes to get from Châtelet to the Porte d’Italie). The first half hour of use of a Vélib’ is systematically free of charge. The fact that the first half hour of travel is free is a major factor in the success of Vélib’.
After the first half hour of every journey, the following half hours are charged according to the rates which apply :
- 1 Euros for the 1st additional half hour
- 2 Euros for the 2nd additional half hour
- 4 Euros from the 3rd additional half hour.

The aim of these rates is to encourage the turnover of bikes so as to satisfy the greatest number of users. These rates have also been specially designed to avoid competing with private bike hire companies, the majority of whose customers use the bikes for more substantial periods of time (half a day or longer).

How to subscribe ? A week, a day: choose the formula which suits you best!

Three subscription formulas are offered to best suit the way potential users want to use Vélib’: annual, weekly or daily subscriptions.

1-day or 7-day subscriptions (short-term) :
If you want to use Vélib’ occasionally, you can choose the 1-day Vélib’ subscription (1 Euro) or the 7-day Vélib’ subscription (5 Euros). With these short-term subscriptions you can make an unlimited number of journeys for one day or one week, with the first 30 minutes always free of charge.
To subscribe, simply go to the terminal of the Vélib’ service point of your choice with your bank card, credit card or Moneo card. Then follow the on-screen instructions of the Vélib’ terminal to obtain your subscription in just a few minutes.

The confirmation of your 1-day or 7-day subscription will be:
- either a 1-day Vélib’ ticket or a 7-day Vélib’ ticket supplied by the service point terminal ;

Whatever subscription you choose :

The prices after the first 30 minutes are :
- 1 Euro for the 1st additional half hour
- 2 Euros for the 2nd additional half hour
- 4 Euros from the 3rd additional half hour.
-
Examples: If within your subscription you make a journey of 25 consecutive minutes, you will have nothing to pay. If your journey lasts 50 consecutive minutes, you will pay 1 Euro for the additional period. If your journey lasts 1 hour 15 minutes consecutively, you will pay 3 Euros – 1 Euro for the first additional half hour and 2 Euros for the second additional half hour. Please note that it is not possible to make two journeys free of charge one straight after the other. An interval of a few minutes will be necessary between bringing back the bike and collecting it again.

What payment methods can I use ?

The payment methods accepted are bank cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, MasterCard Maestro) and American Express, JCB and Moneo cards.

What about the security deposit ?

The security deposit is 150 Euros. 1-day and 7-day Vélib’ subscriptions require a direct debit pre-authorisation (which is not collected) against your bank account. All or part of your security deposit may be collected in the event that you do not comply with the General Terms and Conditions of Access and Use of Vélib’ (which can be consulted on the website velib.paris.fr), and particularly if you do not return your bike within 24 hours or if the bike is damaged.
3 levels of penalty can be applied :
- 150 Euros if the bike is not returned;
- 35 Euros if the bike is stolen and the theft is reported ;
- 10 Euros if the key of the anti-theft lock is lost.

What are the rules of use for 14-18 year olds ?

Minors aged from 14 (minimum height: 1.50 m) may only use Vélib’ with the authorisation of their legal guardian. In order to take out an annual Vélib’ subscription for a minor aged 14 or over, their legal guardian will be asked to complete and return the documents requested for all subscribers, together with a special authorisation form, which is available online at velib.paris.fr or by written request to Vélib’. Minors aged 14 and over must have a personal card.

Insurance

Users must check with their insurance company that they are fully covered for the risks associated with cycling.

Roue Libre : Bike Hire and guided tours

This company rents bikes and leads bike tours. Daily 9 am-7 pm. Saturday and Sunday, bicycle rentals are 4 euros per hour, 15 euros all day, 28 euros for the weekend. Monday-Friday, rentals are 10 euros all day, 25 euros for five days. A deposit of 200 euros per bike (credit-card imprint) plus a passport are required. 1 Passage Mondetour (1st arrondissement; Metro Les Halles), Paris.
"Roue Libre" has men's and women's city bikes and children's cross country bikes for hire. they are comfortable, meet current standardsn are maintained in perfect condition and provide users with a complete range of safety features (complete insurance and free phone card through CGU Abeille, back-to-base assistance in case of a mechanical failure, helmets, anti-theft devices and baby seats).
Several guided tours can be booked. Commentaries are made by professionnal multi-lingual guides. A different way to discover the monuments.
Regular tours: 3 hours discovery tours, such as Mysterious Paris (tales and legends of Paris), Egypt in Paris, Market tour and 90mn relax tours such as the left bank, the right bank, etc...

On the last saturday of each month, from March to October, Roue Libre organize "CityBike"... a long bicycle ride all over Paris. Anyone can join in the discovery. Ask for information and book your bike at the "Maison Roue Libre":
Maison Roue Libre
Forum des Halles
95bis rue de Rambuteau
Parc SAEMES (St.Eustache)
Bus stop: Les Halles - Centre Georges Pompidou
Informations and bookings : 01 53 46 43 77
(00-33-1-53 46 43 77)



Fat Tire Bike Tours
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris

Guided tour of Paris by Day & Night, Versailles, Monet's Gardens in Normandy and Segway Tours of Paris by Day & Night.

Office/Mailing Address
Fat Tire Bike Tours
24, rue Edgar Faure
75015 Paris

Telephone
01-56-58-10-54 (calling from within France)
+33-1-56-58-10-54 (calling from outside of France)
1-866-614-6218 (toll-free from North America to our Paris office)


Direction from Hotel Monte Carlo to Fat Tire Bike Tours office :

By Metro
Get on at the metro station “Grands Boulevard” on line n° 8 and take direction “Balard” to the station “La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle”. From there transfer to line n° 6 direction “Charles de Gaulle Etoile” and get off at the station “Dupleix.

By waliking from metro station “Dupleix” to 24 rue Edgar Faure :

Take the street “Auguste Bartholdi” and go strait ahead, you ‘ll see on your left after few blocs the “street “Edgar Faure”

Free Bike Tour

Every third Sunday of the month, a city bike tour begins at 11 a.m. and arrives back at the Hôtel de Ville at 1:30 p.m. The Association Paris Rando Vélo (rando is short for randonnée) provides information on the next trip (under the title Les prochaines balades, click on either "vendredi soir" -- Friday night; or "3éme dimanche du mois" -- third Sunday of the month).

Go to the Paris Rando Velo website/Parcours for a list of dates, map and list of highlights.

As an example, for a Friday night in August, you the Hôtel de Ville at 10 p.m. and arrive back at the Hôtel de Ville at 12:30 a.m. The trip takes 2 1/2 hours.

In case of rain and slippery streets, the randonnée will be cancelled.


Paris Bike Tour
http://www.parisbiketour.net

Guided tours in French, English and German with licensed guides (29 euros) 103 rue Villiers de l'Isle Adam, 20th arrondissement (deliver bikes to your hotel) 01 53 39 13 14

Paris à vélo, c'est sympa!
http://www.parisvelosympa.com/GB/index.html
(Paris on a bike; it's fun!) - website in English
22, rue Alphonse Baudin, 11th arrondissement, 01 48 87 60 01 - Tours in French and English; Dutch, German, Italian and Spanish upon request.
Their themes: Heart of Paris, Paris Nocturne (evening), Unusual Paris, Paris Contrasts, Paris at dawn, Day-long tours.

Bike rental in the Bois de Boulogne
http://www.pariscycles.fr/
Paris cycles rents bikes for adults and children for your visit to the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes.

When you take the Line No. 1, exit the metro at Les Sablons (front of the train), walk along the Boulevard des Sablons to the roundabout. You will see the bikes to the left and the Jardin d'Acclimatation will remain on your right.

You leave a piece of identification and take off through 25 km of forest.

Many of the trees were destroyed by the storm of 1999 (la tempête à 1999 - the same that took out many of the trees at Versailles) and since 2001 are being replanted. The history of the Bois is available on the Paris mayor's website in French. It began as a royal hunting ground in the 600s. It was ceded to the State in 1848 and to the city of Paris in 1852.

For the latest rates visit the Paris Cycles website. They are available between April 15 and October 16 every year from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and school holidays between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It is hard to see the park in an hour so count at least 4 hours and maximum 8 hours. The difference in price is 2 euros.


Bicycle conduct in Paris

Attention to other road users.
Preferably use bike paths.
Don’t overtake vehicles on the right, especially lorries and buses,
because of their blind spot.
Don’t cycle on pedestrian-only crossings, but go round them
and rejoin a bike path after the crossroads.
Don’t cycle too close to parked cars (doors opening).
Cycle in single file.
Don’t ride on pavements or cycle along them.
Don’t carry passengers on your bike.
Don’t go over crossroads when the lights are red.
Don’t lend your bike or your Vélib’ card.
Don’t go the wrong way down a one-way street (except for bike contraflows).
Even if you only stop for a short time, always attach your bike to a bike attachment point
and use the anti-theft lock provided.
Use your arm to signal when changing direction.
Check that all the safety items are working before you set off: lights, brakes, tyres…
Make yourself more visible at night
(wear reflective clothes and accessories…).
Wear a helmet even if it isn’t compulsory.
Respect the rule of priority to the right.
Keep to the right of the road (unless there are specific modifications).
In narrow streets travel down the middle if other vehicles can’t overtake
you without reducing the statutory safety distance of one metre in towns.

Thursday 21 May 2009

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