I cycled around Paris – it’s great for sightseeing but there’s one rule you have to follow

As one of the most famous landmarks in the world, Paris can be challenging to see all, so Mirror writer Niamh Kirk traveled by bike to see as many of the city’s most famous landmarks as possible.

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The French capital has become one of the best cities for cycling, and with so many sights to see, travelling on a bike around may be your best bet.

I decided to ride a bike and explore the city myself because the Metro gives the London Underground a run for its money and the roads are pretty busy. I was aware that I had a lot to do in a day by packing the itinerary with some of the world’s most well-known landmarks.

One good thing about Paris is how many cycle lanes they have put in, making it much safer than hopping on a Lime bike in London and hoping you don’t get run over.

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It’s also a great way to eat your breakfast croissants and build up appetite for a Parisian lunch. On my new Huawei GT 6 watch (£229), a fitness watch specialising in cycling, I recorded my cycle so I could follow my route using the GPS, monitor my time on the road, and track my heart rate.

Paris is expanding its network of protected bike lanes, which are physically separate from cars and contribute greatly to safety, especially for children. I quickly discovered that Paris now has protected cycling routes that span nearly half of its road network.

There are two lanes, and first of all, there are two, and I assumed they were both going in the same direction, but I quickly realized I was mistaken. Instead of a “fast” lane for professional bikers and a “slow” lane for more casual riders like myself, they are lanes for both.

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I realized I needed to stay in my lane after being shouted at by a Parisian man who was dressed to the nines in lycra cycling gear.

During my cycle, I was able to see many sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Church of Saint-Sulpice, and the Dome des Invalides, and I even made a much-needed stop in the Luxembourg Gardens for a rest and picnic.

I cycled 12.85 kilometers overall, which is the most efficient way to include a lot of sights if you are only in the city for a few days, making it much simpler than taking a taxi.

I ended my day by enjoying a large glass of wine and a seat in the sun.

Source: Mirror