Electric Vintage Solex Tour Paris: Canal Saint-Martin & Le Marais

A Solex is a motorized bicycle from another era, now electrified so you coast through Paris without pedaling or engine noise.

An electric vintage Solex tour in Paris takes you through Canal Saint-Martin, Place des Vosges and Le Marais on a restored 1960s-80s motorized bicycle, now silent and battery-powered. You get one Solex per person, a helmet, gloves and an expert guide who speaks English, Spanish or French. The ride lasts two hours and covers neighborhoods away from the usual tourist routes. Minimum age is 18; the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Electric vintage Solex ride in Paris

• Ride along Canal Saint-Martin
• Visit Place des Vosges
• Explore Le Marais neighborhood

The Experience

Two hours on a Solex means you move at a pace that lets you actually see the city instead of rushing past it. The bike does the work—the electric motor is quiet enough that you hear the water at Canal Saint-Martin, the conversations spilling out of cafés, the sound of your own breathing as you glide through Place des Vosges, a calmer space that feels almost timeless. You're not pedaling and you're not sitting in traffic; you're riding something that looks like it belongs in a 1970s film, except it runs on a battery and stops when you want it to.

The route moves from the canal's relaxed pace into Le Marais, where narrow streets open onto a neighborhood with real energy—galleries, vintage shops, people living their day instead of posing for photos. An expert guide leads the way and knows which streets to take and which ones to skip. All the equipment comes with you: helmet, gloves, and the Solex itself. Public transportation is nearby if you need it, and the tour suits any fitness level since the bike carries you.

What’s included

• Helmet and gloves.
• one electric Solex per participant.
• expert guide in your choice of English, Spanish or French.
• a two-hour route through Canal Saint-Martin, Place des Vosges and Le Marais.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Le French Way

Is this one for you?You ride the Solex yourself at your own pace—it's not a guided bus tour or a walking group, so you move through the city on your own bike while the guide leads the way. This suits anyone who wants to cover real distance and see neighborhoods beyond the main landmarks, without the effort of pedaling or the hassle of navigating alone.

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Top questions

What is a Solex and why does it matter that it's electric now?

A Solex is a motorized bicycle from the 1960s to 1980s, originally a petrol engine that was loud and smoky. This tour uses restored models that have been electrified, so they run silent and smooth on battery power—you get the vintage look and feel without the noise or fumes, and without having to pedal.

How does the two-hour ride break down between the different neighborhoods?

The tour starts at Canal Saint-Martin, following the water at a relaxed pace, then moves through Place des Vosges—a quieter, almost timeless square—before heading into Le Marais, where the streets are narrower and the neighborhood has more energy and pace. The guide chooses the route to show you both the calmer and livelier sides of Paris.

What's included with the tour, and do I need any experience riding a motorized bike?

The tour includes a helmet, gloves, the Solex itself, and an expert guide. No experience is necessary—the electric Solex is designed to be effortless and easy to ride, and the guide will show you how to operate it before you start. The tour suits all fitness levels.

What languages does the guide speak, and is there an age requirement?

The guide speaks English, Spanish or French, depending on the departure you choose. You must be at least 18 years old to ride. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Can I do this tour if I've never been to Paris before?

Yes—this is marketed as a shorter experience perfect for getting a first feel of the city, away from the usual tourist paths. Two hours on a Solex covers enough ground to see neighborhoods most visitors miss, and the guide will point out what makes each area distinct.