Free-rollin' in Paris: Vélib' bike rentals make getting around more fun
You can forget about squeezing into a crowded metro this summer. The city of Paris has unveiled its best idea yet for tourists and city dwellers alike: Vélib', a self-service bike rental service.
With a station every 300 meters and 24/7 access, you won't waste another minute underground. Unlike private bike rental agencies, this public service is highly affordable and practical, with three membership programs and an à la carte option. Staying for a week? Buy a 7-day pass for 5€ and see how many of the 370 bike-friendly kilometers in Paris you can cover--and save on metro fees. Not up for that kind of commitment? No worries; one euro gets you a one day pass. If you just want a short sightseeing excursion without a membership formula, check out a bike for an afternoon and your first half hour is free. If you're planning to live or work in Paris for a significant amount of time, the 29€ annual membership is unbeatable. The bikes are all outfitted with safety lights and reflective tape, a front basket for light shopping, adjustable seats and easy to adjust gears for safe and worry-free transport. If something does go wrong, a 24-hour maintenance service will be available to get you up and pedaling again.
So if you're planning a trip to Paris in the summer, what better way to take advantage of the wide avenues and riverside quays than a leisurely bike ride? Explore the buttes of Montmartre and make room for another éclair! With Vélib', you'll see Paris from another angle without the hassle of metro stairs and packets of little purple tickets. Blend in with the locals and find your own rhythm in the city of lights...
In french:
http://www.paris.fr/portail/accueil/Portal.lut?page_id=1&document_type_id=2&document_id=28030&portlet_id=815
Bike rental information will be offered in multiple languages.
