Paris Tour de France Bike Ride

If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like a professional cyclist crossing the finish line of the Tour de France, this Paris Tour de France Bike Ride offers a chance to do just that—albeit on a smaller, more manageable scale. While we haven’t personally pedaled through Paris on this tour, the reviews and detailed itinerary paint a pretty compelling picture of what’s in store.

What we love about this experience is the chance to cycle the actual Tour de France route in the early morning, when Paris is quieter, and the streets are yours alone. The opportunity to start with coffee and croissants at the Eiffel Tower adds a nice touch of Parisian charm, and the small group size (max 16 people) promises a more personalized experience. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have felt a bit rushed, especially if they prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy cycling and want an authentic, behind-the-scenes feel of Paris during an iconic sporting event. If you’re looking for a memorable, guided adventure that combines sightseeing with a bit of sporty thrill, this might be just the ticket.

Good To Know

• Unique access to the official Tour de France route in Paris
• Early morning rides mean fewer crowds and a more peaceful cycling experience
• Includes coffee, croissants, and orange juice at a scenic stop near the Eiffel Tower
• Small group size ensures more personal attention from guides
• Ideal for active travelers with moderate physical fitness
• No hotel pickup or drop-off included, so plan your transportation

What to Expect from the Tour

The Paris Tour de France Bike Ride provides a rare chance to pedal the same course as the pros, just hours before the final race finishes. The 2-hour ride is designed to be accessible and fun, with the added thrill of being in Paris during this exciting event. Starting at the Fat Tire Tours shop in the 15th arrondissement, you’ll meet your guide, try out your bikes (supplied with helmets), and prepare for an experience that balances sightseeing with sport.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meet at Fat Tire Tours Paris:
The tour begins here, where you’ll connect with your guide and get comfortable on your bikes. The staff will help you adjust your bike and helmet, setting the stage for a smooth ride. Expect this part to be casual, with some time for questions and instructions.

Eiffel Tower:
Your first stop, after a short ride, is the iconic Eiffel Tower. Here, you’ll enjoy a quick coffee, croissants, and orange juice to fuel up before hitting the route. Many reviewers mention the pleasant start, with one noting that the guide was very informative and engaging. The stop is about 15 minutes, and while the ticket for the Eiffel Tower isn’t included, the real highlight is the vibe of being near such a symbol of Paris.

Arc de Triomphe:
Next, you’ll circle around the Arc de Triomphe, a key landmark that the cyclists will pass later during the race. The guide will share insights into the monument’s history, and you’ll get a sense of the scale and grandeur. Several reviews mention the guide’s knowledge, making this part particularly engaging. The traffic-free streets during the early morning make this a uniquely peaceful experience, unlike the chaotic finish later in the day.

Place de la Concorde:
Riding through this historic square, you’ll experience the same roads that the professionals will cross as they approach the finish line. The guide will likely point out interesting facts, and you’ll get a real feel for the race’s final moments. One reviewer specifically loved being able to ride through the same area as the racers, making it feel like a real insider’s experience.

Champs-Elysées:
The pièce de résistance is your ride along the Champs-Élysées—famous for its last eight laps during the race. You’ll pedal the same course as the racers in their final moments, with the guide narrating the race’s drama. This part lasts about 20 minutes and is the highlight for many, providing fantastic photo opportunities and that true “sporting event” vibe. It’s worth noting that during the tour, you’ll be on the same course as the pros, which adds a thrilling layer of authenticity.

End at the Eiffel Tower:
Your ride concludes back near the starting point, where you’ll enjoy some final moments of the Parisian morning. The guide may suggest options for concluding your day, whether it’s exploring more of the city or heading to breakfast.

The Equipment and Included Extras

The tour includes three-speed city bikes, which are perfect for city riding and easy to handle. Helmets are provided, adding peace of mind, especially for less experienced cyclists. The small group size (max 16) means you’re likely to get more personalized guidance, making it suitable for all levels as long as you can ride a bike.

The included coffee, croissants, and orange juice are a thoughtful touch, offering a bit of local flavor and energy to start your day. While the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, the meeting point is accessible via public transportation, making it manageable to reach from most central locations.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One review from Malcolm sums up the experience beautifully:
“This was a bucket list event I can now tick off. The young tour guide was great, very informative and pleasant. I will recommend and Fat Tire Tours to friends and family.” This highlights how knowledgeable guides contribute to the overall enjoyment.

Meanwhile, another review from Steven points out the potential for feeling rushed:
“We felt rush. It was supposed to be 5 of us, but 2 decided not to go, and we couldn’t get a refund. We had to rush out to where we needed to be and felt a bit chaotic.” This suggests that if you prefer a very relaxed pace, you might want to communicate your preferences upfront or plan extra time afterward.

Pricing and Value

At $79.79 per person, this tour offers a unique experience—cycling the actual Tour de France route in Paris, with a guide, equipment, and some local treats included. Considering the exclusivity of the route and the small-group setting, it’s a fair price for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The early morning timing means fewer crowds and a peaceful ride, which is a significant perk.

However, it’s important to remember that this tour doesn’t include additional expenses like hotel transport or race tickets, so plan accordingly. The fact that it’s booked on average 128 days in advance suggests high demand, reflecting its popularity among cycling and sports fans.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for active travelers who enjoy cycling and want to see Paris from a different perspective. It’s especially ideal for those who love sports, as it allows a rare glimpse of the Tour de France route before the race’s final moments. The small-group format makes it suitable for travelers seeking a more intimate, guided experience, rather than a large group tour.

It also suits those comfortable with moderate physical activity, as it involves cycling for about two hours, often on traffic-free streets and smooth surfaces. If you’re looking for a fun, energetic way to connect with Paris’s sporting history, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Tour de France Bike Ride blends sightseeing, sport, and a touch of Parisian charm into one memorable morning. Its key draw is the chance to ride on the actual route of the famed race, with the added comforts of a guided tour, local treats, and a small-group environment. The early start helps ensure a peaceful, crowd-free experience, making it a unique way to see the city in a different light.

While some reviewers mention feeling rushed, the guide’s knowledge and the authenticity of the route seem to outweigh these concerns for most. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who love cycling, sports, or simply want a different angle on Paris’s iconic landmarks.

If you’re looking for a lively, sporty activity with fantastic photo opportunities and a slice of race-day magic, this tour offers great value. For those seeking a more relaxed pace or a full-day experience, it might be worth considering other options or extending the day with additional sightseeing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they can ride a bike, there’s no minimum age. Child seats and bikes are available if advised at the time of booking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. The meeting point is at 24 Rue Edgar Faure, accessible via public transportation.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for cycling, perhaps sunglasses and sunscreen for the morning ride. The tour provides bikes, helmets, and some refreshments.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the ride?
Approximately 2 hours, covering key landmarks and the Tour de France route through Paris.

Is the ride physically demanding?
Moderately so. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness who can comfortably ride a bike for around two hours.

What’s included in the price?
Bike rental, helmet, a guided tour, coffee, croissants, and orange juice at the Eiffel Tower.

Will I see famous landmarks?
Yes, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and the Champs-Elysées.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely—reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and expertise, making the experience both fun and informative.

This Tour de France Bike Ride in Paris offers a lively, authentic, and memorable way to experience the city and the thrill of the race. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or just looking for a different perspective on Paris, it’s worth considering for your trip.