5 Best Things for Cyclists to Do in Paris During the Tour de France
While it is the most famous cycling event in the world and the third most watched sporting event most years, Parisians “are not into the Tour de France,” Christian Osburn, co-owner with Paul Barron of Le Peloton Cafe, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, tells Bicycling. The small French villages pay the tour to start or finish in their town, having parades and celebrations for the riders who are “gone in seconds,” he adds. In fact, 250 towns apply each year to host a stage.
This is a bit ironic because in Paris, they do seven laps, “so you can really see the race,” Osburn says.
Le Peloton Cafe not only has the best coffee in one of the smallest cafes in Paris, it is also the center of the Paris cycling world, hosting both group rides for cyclists and rides for tourists. Because Osburn comes from Florida and Barron from New Zealand, the cafe is “half foreigners, half cyclists, and many who are both,” Osburn says.
Their Saturdays or Sundays group rides range from 50 to 100K, whereas families and riders of any level can go on their guided bike tours of Paris or Versailles. The cafe rents both city-style and Canyon road bikes.
If you’re in Paris in July, here are Osburn suggestions for the five best things for cyclists to do in Paris during the Tour de France:
Watch the Tour at Le Peloton Cafe and ride the course on Sunday morning
The morning of the last day of the Tour, Le Peloton Cafe hosts a group ride that follows part of the last stage. While the Champs-Elysees is blocked off, the cyclists in the group will take off at 7 a.m. in two levels of cyclists from the cafe in three levels of cyclists.
Even if you don’t want to ride that morning, you should plan to watch the Tour at the cafe. The tour will not be on in many other places so if you want to hang with other cyclists and watch each stage, this is the place to be. “It is definitely our most crowded week of the year,” Osburn says.
Ride along the Seine from the 4th arrondissement to the Eiffel Tower
Paris has closed the road along the Seine to cars—24/7!—and Osburn says it is a lovely ride. You can go all the way from the 4th arrondissement (where LPC is located) to the Eiffel Tower. “The early mornings are the time to ride and run along the Seine,” he adds. “You go through tunnels and enjoy the river views.”
Picnic in your hotel’s neighborhood
One thing that distinguishes Parisians from many other city-dwellers is their love of outdoor meals, including sitting at small bistro tables and picnics. “Have a proper French while you’re in Paris,” says Osburn. There are open air food markets in every arrondissement two times a week, so you can buy fresh food and head to a park.” He suggests the Luxembourg Gardens in the center of town and the Butte Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement, further from the tourists.
Traveling with kids? Head to Ground Control
With an arcade, space for games, and hosting various musical events, Ground Control is modern Paris, and it is perfect for teenagers, says Osburn. Located in an old train warehouse in the 12th arrondissement, it is an indoor/outdoor space with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Ride through the city!
If you’ve brought your bike to Paris or decide to rent a bike at Le Peloton, you need to know where to ride, of course! Osburn suggests the Bois de Boulogne (west Paris) and the Bois de Vincennes (east Paris). The Bois de Boulogne, which also has an amusement park for children, has 15 kilometers of bike paths. Most fun, says Osburn, is a 3.6 km uninterrupted route around Longchamp racecourse; a favorite of Parisian cyclists. Likewise, the Bois de Vincennes has plenty of cycling paths and the Paris zoo is here. It is the largest public park in Paris.
Of course, with new bike lanes, Paris has become an easier city to navigate on wheels (although navigate is being generous, as the roads are extraordinarily crowded). While few pros live in Paris, Osburn says, you can find bikes and cycling equipment at La Chouette. If you fly with your bike, you head to Choutte to make sure the bike properly survived the trip.
Want to see the last stage in person? Without paid tickets, you can’t get near the Arc de Triumph or much of the Champs Elysees, but you can stand near any of the straightaways on the southside of the Tuileries Garden near the Place de la Concorde, says Osburn. Since the approximately 140 cyclists lap this course eight times, there is plenty to see. Osburn says to find your spot in the late afternoon, and the riders will come by about 6:30 or 7:00.
Of course, you can always choose to watch at the cafe with other cyclists. Either way, the party won’t end for hours.
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