Paris by bike: 5 unusual routes to explore the capital in a different way

Want to (re)discover Paris off the beaten track? Hop on your bike and follow these itineraries to see the city from another angle.

Paris is becoming increasingly cyclist-friendly, and can now be easily explored on two wheels. As well as the great classics like the quays of the Seine and the Canal de l’Ourcq, the capital hides some more original itineraries, perfect for those who want to combine strolling, discovery and curiosity. Here are 5 unusual bike routes to try out in fine weather… or to rediscover your city in a whole new way.

Paris street art: from the 13th to Belleville

This tour begins in the 13ᵉ arrondissement, around the Butte-aux-Cailles, where facades are covered in giant frescoes. Then head for rue Dénoyez in Belleville, a temple of Parisian graffiti. Along the way, you’ll come across works by Shepard Fairey, C215 and Miss.Tic. Perfect for urban art lovers.

Cycling through the covered passages… or right next to them

Even if they’re not all bikeable, the covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement are well worth a detour. Park your bike near Passage Verdeau or Passage des Panoramas, then head for Passage Brady or Grand Cerf. An itinerary of glass roofs, old-fashioned boutiques and confidential galleries.

From Bercy to the inner ring road: urban nature

Start your loop at Parc de Bercy, cross the Simone de Beauvoir footbridge, then follow the tracks towards Porte de Charenton to join the petite ceinture cyclable on the south side. This route offers stunning views of the green wastelands and industrial architecture of eastern Paris.

The Paris of secret villas: from the 20th to Montsouris

Start in the 20ᵉ, Paris countryside, rue des Thermopyles, then head for the hidden villas of the 14ᵉ (villa Hallé, rue Dieulafoy). Here we come across colorful houses, climbing roses and cobblestone streets, like an air of the provinces in the heart of the capital.

Retro loop from Saint-Ouen to Mouzaïa

From the Saint-Ouen flea market, cross the Porte de Clignancourt and descend to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. From there, head for Mouzaïa, a small village-like district, little-known even to Parisians. A walk full of charm, between antiques and urban poetry.

Need some inspiration to extend your outing? Check out our selection of nature weekends around Paris.