Paris bike tour: Marais, Bastille, Latin Quarter with local guide

Pedal through five arrondissements and two islands without fighting traffic

A guided bike tour of Paris covering the Marais, Bastille, Latin Quarter, Île Saint-Louis and the Seine riverbanks with a local guide and small group. You cycle through neighborhood back streets, stop at Place des Vosges, the Bastille site and the Latin Quarter's botanical gardens and Roman Amphitheatre, then loop behind Notre-Dame and through the quiet streets of Île Saint-Louis. The tour runs three to three and a half hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. 3rd Arrondissement5m
2. Place des Vosges5m
3. 11th Arrondissement5m
4. 5th Arrondissementpassing by
5. 1st Arrondissementpassing by
6. Île Saint-Louis5m

Explore Paris local districts by bike

• Meet & greet at Le Peloton café
• See Hotel de Ville building
• Visit multiple spots in the Marais
• See old Paris city wall remains
• Explore Place des Vosges park
• Stop at Bastille Prison site
• Glide through the Latin Quarter streets
• Enter Paris botanical gardens
• Visit Paris Mosque and gardens
• See ancient Roman Amphitheatre
• Cycle behind Notre Dame on island
• Circle back of Notre Dame
• Explore tiny streets of Ile Saint Louis

The experience

You meet at Le Peloton café in the 4th Arrondissement, grab a waffle and coffee if you want, then collect your bike and helmet from storage under Hôtel de Ville. The route stays on back streets and quiet passages, so you're not competing with car traffic. The guide picks the lanes and timing that work. Small group size means you move as one unit and stop when someone needs a breath.

The Marais comes first, with stops at Place des Vosges and remnants of one of Paris's oldest walls. From there you head toward the Bastille, standing at the spot where the prison once held political prisoners before the Revolution, then cut into the Latin Quarter's narrow academic streets. The botanical gardens and Paris Mosque come next (you can walk through the mosque gardens except on prayer days) followed by the ancient Roman Amphitheatre, which once seated 15,000 people. The final stretch takes you behind Notre-Dame to see the reconstruction work, then into the tiny streets of Île Saint-Louis, where the quiet island's history unfolds as you pedal.

Tours run in any weather. Rain ponchos are available if you need one. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• bicycle and helmet for each rider.
• small group tour.
• rain ponchos available if needed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 16 Dec

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (4 to 17 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Bike About Tours

Is this one for you?This tour works best if you want to see multiple neighborhoods and islands without navigating traffic or planning stops yourself. The guide handles the route, timing and history at each site, so you just pedal and listen.

Traveler reviews

4.85★★★★★★★★★★

1,377 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,250

4 ★81

3 ★23

2 ★15

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 17 years); Infant (under 4).

What neighborhoods does this bike tour actually cover?

The tour cycles through the Marais, Bastille, Latin Quarter, and the Seine islands: Île Saint-Louis and the area behind Notre-Dame. You'll see Place des Vosges, the site of the old Bastille Prison, the botanical gardens, a Roman Amphitheatre and the Paris Mosque gardens, plus remnants of one of Paris's oldest defensive walls.

Is this bike tour suitable if I haven't cycled in years?

Yes. The tour is designed for all fitness levels and all ages, with a leisurely pace through back streets rather than main roads. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

How long does the tour take and what time should I arrive?

The tour runs three to three and a half hours. Arrive 15 minutes before your start time for check-in at Le Peloton café.

What's included with the bike tour?

The tour includes a local guide who speaks English, a bicycle and helmet, and a small group setting. The guide leads you through the neighborhoods and stops at each major site to explain the history and culture.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, tours operate in any weather. Rain ponchos are available, so dress accordingly for wet conditions.

Where do I pick up the bikes?

Bikes are stored under Hôtel de Ville in the 4th Arrondissement, where you'll also see the building up close at the start of the tour.