Author Topic: renting a bike in Paris  (Read 4493 times)

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Offline deathcult

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renting a bike in Paris
« on: March 16, 2010, 03:01:45 PM »
Hello,
I will be traveling to Paris on the 15th of April, and will be staying for a month.  I am very interested in renting a motorcycle while I am there so I can get around.  If anyone has any tips, or if someone has a rat bike that they would rent to me I would be very appreciative. 
Thanks!

Offline tortelvis

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Re: renting a bike in Paris
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2010, 08:49:21 AM »
Your screen name is very apt if you plan on driving in Paris!

Offline azuredesign

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Re: renting a bike in Paris
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2010, 02:27:37 PM »
The metro in Paris is the best way to get around the city in my experience. France, and Europe in general are not like Calif, public trans works really well for getting most anywhere. Motorcycle rental charges through companies such as:
http://www.rental-motorcycle.com/europe/france/france_rental.html
are expensive. I would suggest taking a train to the Loire valley or further south and trying to rent a bike in a city where it's easy to get out of the center of town quickly and easily. Once in the countryside, the "d" or department routes are a wonderful way to see France.

Sounds like a great trip, good luck!

Offline deathcult

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Re: renting a bike in Paris
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2010, 12:18:54 PM »
Thanks for the advice azure, I will try to get out of town and rent one, that sounds like a better idea.  I am mostly wanting the bike to get out into the country away from the city.  I figure, having ridin in san francisco and new york; paris should be just as wild.
Thanks

Offline azuredesign

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Re: renting a bike in Paris
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2010, 01:49:28 PM »
There's lots of cool architecture and things to look at, you just can't really see it if you're dodging traffic on a bike. It really is a place you can walk around in and really enjoy!

Offline weekend_junkie

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Re: renting a bike in Paris
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2010, 02:02:14 PM »
Do it.  I ride in NYC often enough to know how to handle 'combat traffic' situations.  That said, Paris was a breeze.  As long as you're not too upset by the rental selection (only scooters), you'll find it's the most fun way to get around.  1-2 hours trips may not be as fun, mostly due to smaller wheels and twitchier steering than what you're probably used to on a motorcycle.

The first time, I rented a Vespa GT 150 (maybe 200).  Even rode with my wife on the back all the way to Versaille.  In Paris, it's EXPECTED that you lane split when possible and that you pull up to the front at every red light.  Park on any corner or sidewalk you like.

Second time I could only get a 150 Piaggio.  Not as peppy of a scooter, but it got us around.  Both times, the going rate was about $175 USD to rent from Friday afternoon until Monday morning.  I rented from FREESCOOT (not actually 'free', unfortunately) at the 63 quai de la Tournelle location.  You are also MUCH more likely to find someone speaking english in Paris than in other cities.

http://www.scooter-rental-paris.com/
Dan
2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer / 1981 CB900F / 2002 VFR800 / 1973 CB350F / 1973 CB350F mistake / 1976 CB360T Cafe /1976 CB200 Cafe / 1989 GL1500 w/ sidecar / 1949 IMZ w/ sidecar