No doubt. The metro is the fastest way to move around in Paris. If there are no strikes, it works like a clockwork; a new train coming up every two minutes and much less claustrophobic than the tube in London. I use the metro all the time and my daily life would be a nightmare without it. But admitted, if you want to see something else than stressed Parisians and Gipsy musicians living half of their life underground, you should choose another kind of transportation.
And Paris is full of alternatives. Not just busses or tourist double-deckers, but funnier – and often even eco-friendly - alternatives like bikes, electric scooters, horses, balloons, 2CVs with a chauffeur or a motor cycle with a roof. Check them out here.
Self Service Bike Hire
Photo: Amélie Dupont - Paris Tourist Office
When I first came to Paris twelve years ago, it was only stuntmen and potential suicides who dared to bike. Parisian car drivers always turned right without even looking back and there were very few cycle paths.
Since then, though, everything has changed. The Velib’ citybikes have revolutionized the French capital: 25,000 bikes are for rent all over the city, and you never have to walk more than 300 metres to find a station. You can pick up a bike from any station and drop it off to another. After the first year, the self service bikes had been rented out 29 million times, changing the picture of Paris for ever.
Try it. You’ll love to bike from uphill Montmartre and down to the left bank with wind in your hair, overtaking all the other road users who are stucked in the traffic jams. But be aware, that Parisian car drivers are still not very gentle with bikers.
The Segway scooter
Photo: Amélie Dupont - Paris Tourist Office
The Segway looks like something from a Disney cartoon. Or a modern – electric - version of a Roman war chariot. But after some few instructions you are able to drive it, and I promise, you’ll have fun. The Segway moves with 10 kilometres per hour and you are allowed to drive on the pavement.
MOVEUS; 14, rue Duplex, 75015 Paris or CITY SEGWAY TOURS; 24, rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris.
Horsepower
A horse-drawn carriage in the centre of Paris? Admitted, it’s not common, but you can easily get it. Call Paris Calèches, get a rendez-vous at the Eiffel Tower and the coachman will take you for a romantic tour around the Champs de Mars.
PARIS CALÈCHES, 47, Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris. Price: 50 € for half an hour. Maximum four persons.
Retro driving – with a chauffeur
Photo: Amélie Dupont - Paris Tourist Office
My first car was such a grey Citroën 2CV cabriolet and I still think it’s one of the most beautiful cars ever made. In Paris you can rent it on an hourly basis or you can jump a ride up and down the Champs Elysées. With a chauffeur, of course. A guaranteed success.
4 ROUES SOUS 1 PARAPLUIE; 22 rue Bernard-Dimey, 75018 Paris.
Bike taxi
Photo: Amélie Dupont - Paris Tourist Office
Tired after walking around, but still hungry for more Paris? Hail a Cyclobulle. These tricycles – and their friendly drivers – will take you all over town, from the main avenues to the smallest alleys. Costing 2 € in a take off fee and 2 € for each kilometre covered.
CYCLOBULLE, 78, rue de Cléry, 75002 Paris.
Eco-friendly balloon
Photo: David Lefranc - Paris Tourist Office
It’s only ten minutes, but I assure you, it’s worth it. A balloon ascent, taking you 150 metres above Paris from the Citroën Parc. I love it, and it’s even eco-friendly, as the enormous balloon doesn’t use more energy than a normal elevator.
BALLON AIR DE PARIS, Parc André Citroën; 2, rue de la Montagne-de-la-Grange, 75015 Paris.
Go further:
Paris offers public electronic cars to beat pollution