Paris: Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle Tour & Montmartre Stops

Summary

Ride Paris by sidecar past Sacré-Coeur & Moulin Rouge

You’ll ride through Paris in a vintage sidecar with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect stops at Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur, and quirky places you’d miss on foot. Hotel pickup is included — just bring your sense of humor (and maybe a scarf for your hair). The city feels different when you’re this close to it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell of old leather — that helmet, snug but not too tight, and the faint oiliness of the sidecar seat. Our driver, Luc, grinned like he’d been waiting all week just to show us his city. We started near the Louvre, and honestly, I felt a bit exposed at first—like everyone was watching us weave between taxis and cyclists. But then Luc pointed out a tiny bakery tucked behind Place Vendôme (I never would’ve noticed), and suddenly it felt like we belonged in this odd little parade.

I tried sitting in the basket first (my partner claimed the “funny” seat behind Luc), and it’s true what they say: you see everything differently down low like that. The wind carried this mix of roasted chestnuts and exhaust as we zipped up toward Montmartre. At one point, we stopped at the Wall of Love — Le Mur des Je T’aime — where Luc told us how people from all over had written “I love you” in hundreds of languages. He made me try saying it in French; I think I butchered it because he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his gloves.

We wandered into Sacré-Coeur for a bit, just to let our legs recover from all that vibrating metal. Inside was cool and hushed compared to the racket outside — incense hanging in the air, sunlight slanting through stained glass. Luc waited by the door chatting with an old friend who apparently does this tour every Thursday (“for gossip,” he winked). Afterward, winding through Montmartre’s narrow streets felt like drifting back in time — painters setting up canvases, someone playing accordion near Moulin Rouge. It wasn’t perfect; my hair was a mess and my hands were cold even with those gloves. But I still think about that view from Rue Lepic, rooftops stretching forever under a gray Paris sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paris vintage sidecar city tour

• Meet at chosen Paris location
• Drive past Le Louvre
• Stop for photos at Place Vendôme
• Pass by Palais-Royal and gardens
• Pass through Galerie Vivienne
• Stop for photos at Palais Garnier
• Stop for photos at Moulin Rouge
• View Wall of Love
• Drive through calm Rue Orchamps
• Walk inside Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
• Drive through Montmartre village
• Stop for photos at Arc de Triomphe
• Walk around iconic Paris monuments
• Pass by Les Invalides complex

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Paris sidecar tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you're staying within Paris districts 1-17.

How many people can ride on each sidecar motorcycle?

The tour is for 1 or 2 passengers: one rides in the sidecar basket, one sits behind the driver.

What areas of Paris does the tour cover?

The route includes central arrondissements (1st-9th), plus Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur, Moulin Rouge, and more.

Can I switch seats during the tour?

Yes, you can swap between riding in the sidecar basket or behind the driver if you want to try both spots.

Is rain gear provided if it rains?

Yes, rain gear is provided along with gloves and goggles if needed.

Is this private or will there be other guests?

This is a private tour — just your group with your guide/driver.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it's wheelchair accessible; service animals are also allowed.

How long does this vintage sidecar tour last?

The exact duration isn't specified but covers several key neighborhoods and monuments across Paris.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation by vintage sidecar motorcycle with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere within central Paris (districts 1-17). You’ll get helmets (plus gloves or goggles if needed), rain gear if it’s wet out, and a professional local driver-guide who shares stories along every stop — so you really don’t have to plan anything except where you want to start.