Paris Sidecar Tour: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe & Vintage Ride

Summary

Vintage sidecar journey through Paris icons with local stories

You’ll ride through Paris in a vintage sidecar motorcycle with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. From Place Vendôme’s grandeur to pausing beneath the Eiffel Tower’s ironwork, you’ll swap seats mid-tour and get close to daily city life. Expect laughter, unexpected views, and moments you’ll keep replaying long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rumbling past the Grand Palais before I realized how much I could smell the city — that mix of warm croissants and scooter exhaust. Our guide, Pierre (he wore an old-school scarf and actually called himself a “Gentleman Sider,” which cracked me up), shouted little bits of trivia over his shoulder as we zipped toward the Arc de Triomphe. I was wedged into the sidecar at first, knees up, grinning like an idiot. The wind felt sharp on my cheeks but honestly, it made every monument feel closer somehow.

Pierre slowed down by Place Vendôme so we could snap a few photos. He pointed at Napoleon’s column and told us how it survived revolutions and fashion shows — I think he winked at me in the mirror? We swapped seats halfway through; I climbed behind him for a different view. Sitting up there, you see Parisians differently: a woman balancing baguettes, kids chasing pigeons near Les Invalides. At one point, I tried to pronounce “Palais Bourbon” right and Pierre just laughed — my accent is hopeless.

The best bit was rolling up to the Eiffel Tower with all those fountains sparkling in the sun. It wasn’t crowded yet (maybe luck or maybe Pierre knew when to go), so we just sat there for a minute, helmets off, listening to distant accordion music and street chatter. There’s something about seeing Paris from that low seat that makes you feel both inside and outside of everything at once. Even now, sometimes I catch myself grinning when I remember it — especially that first jolt when the engine kicked under me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paris city highlights by vintage sidecar

• Start at Place Vendôme
• Stop for pictures at Place Vendôme
• Pass by Élysée Palace
• Drive along luxury Avenue
• Pass by Arc de Triomphe
• View fountains near Eiffel Tower
• Stop and walk around Eiffel Tower
• Pass by Les Invalides
• Pass by Grand Palais
• Pass by Palais Bourbon

Top questions

How many people can join the Paris sidecar tour?

The tour is for 2 passengers: one in the sidecar and one behind the driver. You can switch places halfway through.

Are helmets provided on this Paris highlights sidecar tour?

Yes, helmets are included for all passengers along with gloves and goggles if needed.

Is this Paris sidecar motorcycle tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

Which landmarks are visited during this vintage sidecar ride?

You’ll see Place Vendôme, Grand Palais, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, Champs-Élysées, Élysée Palace, and Palais Bourbon.

Can we take photos during the tour?

Yes, there are stops for photos at major landmarks like Place Vendôme and Eiffel Tower.

Is pickup included in this Paris sidecar experience?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet your guide at the starting point in central Paris.

Do we get a local guide on this Paris motorcycle tour?

Yes, your driver is also your local guide throughout the ride.

What’s included

Your ride includes use of a vintage sidecar motorcycle for two passengers (with an option to switch seats midway), helmets plus gloves or goggles if needed for comfort, and a professional local guide who drives and shares stories as you explore iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe together.