First stop, head over to Jardin des Plantes. Trust me, this place is gold for kids. Not only do you get wide-open green spaces for running wild, but there’s also a zoo (a zoo in the middle of Paris!) and a natural history museum with dinosaurs. Yep, you heard me – dinosaurs. If that doesn’t spark their curiosity, I don’t know what will.

Now, if your kids are into science, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is a must. It’s a the biggest science museum in Europe with all the cool hands-on stuff that will make them feel like little scientists. And there’s a whole section just for kids where they can play with robots, experiment with light, and do all kinds of mind-boggling things. It’s basically a science playground.

For something more outdoorsy, the Luxembourg Gardens is a sweet spot to spend the afternoon. Let the kids run loose at the playground, catch a puppet show, or rent a little sailboat to float around the pond. (Bonus points: You get to kick back with a coffee while they play.)

Feeling adventurous? Here’s a fun idea: Play the Invader Flash Game with your kids. It’s like a high-tech treasure hunt where you roam the streets searching for cool street art mosaics hidden all over the city. You just need your phone to “flash” the art and win points. It’s a clever way to turn sightseeing into a game – and sneak some art appreciation in while you’re at it.

Oh, and don’t skip Disneyland Paris! If you’ve got a day to spare, hop on a quick train ride and let the magic happen. The kids will love the rides, parades, and shows. Plus, it gives you an excuse to eat even more churros.

Okay, we’ve saved the best for last. You have to take the family on a bike tour with us at Fat Tire Tours. I mean, what better way to see Paris than on two wheels? We’ve got everything to make it a smooth ride – from child seats and tandem bikes to trailers for the little ones. You’ll cruise past all the major sights, get some fresh air, and make memories. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s way more fun than dragging the kids around on foot all day!

So, there you have it – Paris with kids can be a blast, especially when you start the day on a bike ride. (Because obviously, that’s the best part!)

The post 9 Awesome Things to Do in Paris with Kids (And the Best One at the End, of Course!) appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

You can access the full schedule below, and then check out our full list of the 2024 Paris Event Locations to see where all the action is happening.

Full Olympics Schedule

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Soccer, Rugby Sevens

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Archery, Soccer, Handball, Rugby Sevens

Friday, July 26, 2024

Opening Ceremony

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Cycling Time Trials, Fencing, Judo, Skateboarding, Rugby, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Road Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Soccer, Fencing, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Shooting, Skateboarding, Surfing, Women’s 100m Butterfly, Women’s 400m Freestyle, Men’s 100m Breaststroke, Men’s 400m Freestyle, Women’s 4x100m Freestyle, Men’s 4x100m Freestyle, Women’s 100m Butterfly, Men’s 400m Freestyle, Women’s 400m Freestyle, Men’s 100m Breaststroke, Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay, Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay, Table Tennis, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Equestrian, Soccer, Fencing, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Mountain Bike Cycling, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Shooting, Skateboarding, Surfing, Men’s 200m Freestyle, Men’s 400m Medley, Women’s 100m Breaststroke, Men’s 100m Backstroke, Women’s 200m Freestyle, Men’s 400m Medley, Women’s 100m Butterfly, Men’s 200m Freestyle, Women’s 100m Breaststroke, Men’s 100m Backstroke, Men’s 100m Breaststroke, Women’s 200m Freestyle, Table Tennis, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Monday, July 29, 2024

Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Mountain Bike Cycling, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Shooting, Surfing, Women’s 400m Medley, Men’s 200m Freestyle, Women’s 100m Backstroke, Men’s 100m Backstroke, Women’s 100m Breaststroke, Women’s 200m Freestyle, Table Tennis, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Archery, Badminton, Basketball, 3×3 Basketball, BMX Freestyle, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Equestrian, Soccer, Fencing, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Shooting, Surfing, Men’s 200m Butterfly, Men’s 100m Freestyle, Women’s 1500m Freestyle, Women’s 100m Freestyle, Men’s 200m Breaststroke, Men’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay, Men’s 100m Freestyle, Men’s 200m Butterfly, Women’s 100m Backstroke, Men’s 800m Freestyle, Women’s 100m Freestyle, Men’s 200m Breaststroke, Men’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Archery, Badminton, Basketball, 3×3 Basketball, BMX Freestyle, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Diving, Equestrian, Soccer, Fencing, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Women’s 200m Breaststroke, Men’s 200m Backstroke, Women’s 200m Butterfly, Women’s 100m Freestyle, Men’s 200m Butterfly, Women’s 200m Butterfly, Women’s 1500m Freestyle, Men’s 200m Backstroke, Women’s 200m Breaststroke, Men’s 200m Breaststroke, Men’s 100m Freestyle, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Archery, Men’s & Women’s 20km Race Walk Finals, Badminton, Basketball, 3×3 Basketball, BMX Racing, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Women’s 200m Backstroke, Men’s 50m Freestyle, Men’s 200m Medley, Women’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay, Women’s 200m Butterfly, Men’s 200m Backstroke, Men’s 50m Freestyle, Women’s 200m Breaststroke, Women’s 200m Backstroke, Men’s 200m Medley, Women’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay, Table Tennis, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Friday, August 2, 2024

Archery, Men’s Decathlon 100m, Men’s Hammer, Women’s High Jump, Women’s 100m, Men’s Decathlon Long Jump, Men’s 1500m, Women’s 100m, Men’s Decathlon Shot Put, Men’s Decathlon High Jump, Women’s 5000m, Women’s Triple Jump, Women’s Discus, Mixed 4x400m Relay, Women’s 800m, Men’s Shot Put, Men’s Decathlon 400m, Men’s 10,000m, Badminton, Basketball, 3×3 Basketball, BMX Racing, Boxing, Diving, Equestrian, Soccer, Fencing, Golf, Trampoline, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Men’s 100m Butterfly, Women’s 200m Medley, Women’s 800m Freestyle, 4×100 Mixed Medley, Men’s 50m Freestyle, Women’s 200m Backstroke, Men’s 200m Medley, Men’s 100m Butterfly, Women’s 200m Medley, Table Tennis, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Archery, Men’s Decathlon Hurdles, Men’s Pole Vault, Men’s 100m, Men’s Decathlon Discus, Women’s 800m, Men’s 100m, Men’s Decathlon Discus, Men’s Decathlon Pole Vault, Men’s Decathlon Javelin, Men’s 1500m, Men’s Shot Put, Women’s 100m, Women’s Triple Jump, Mixed 4x400m Relay, Women’s 100m, Men’s Decathlon 1500m, Badminton, Basketball, 3×3 Basketball, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Road Cycling, Equestrian, Soccer, Fencing, Golf, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Women’s 50m Freestyle, Men’s 1500m Freestyle, Men’s 4×100 Medley Relay, Women’s 4×100 Medley Relay, Men’s 100m Butterfly, Women’s 50m Freestyle, Women’s 200m Medley, Women’s 800m Freestyle, 4x100m Mixed Medley, Table Tennis, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Archery, Women’s 3000m Steeplechase, Women’s Hammer, Women’s 200m, Men’s Long Jump, Men’s 100m Hurdles, Women’s 400m Hurdles, Men’s 400m, Women’s High Jump, Men’s 100m, Men’s Hammer, Women’s 800m, Men’s 1500m, Men’s 100m, Badminton, Basketball, 3×3 Basketball, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Road Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Artistic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Sailing, Shooting, Women’s 50m Freestyle, Men’s 1500m Freestyle, Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay, Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay, Table Tennis, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo

Monday, August 5, 2024

Men’s 400m Hurdles, Men’s Discus, Women’s Pole Vault, Women’s 400m, Men’s 400m, Women’s 400m, Women’s 200m, Men’s Pole Vault, Men’s 300m Steeplechase, Men’s 200m, Women’s Discus, Women’s 200m, Women’s 500m, Women’s 800m, Badminton, 3×3 Basketball, Sport Climbing, Canoe Slalom, Track Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Soccer, Artistic Gymnastics, Hockey, Sailing, Shooting, Artistic Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Women’s 1500m, Men’s Javelin, Men’s 100m Hurdles, Women’s Long Jump, Women’s 400m, Men’s Javelin, Men’s 400m Hurdles, Men’s 200m, Men’s 400m, Women’s Hammer, Women’s 400m Hurdles, Men’s Long Jump, Men’s 1500m, Women’s 3000 Steeplechase, Women’s 200m, Basketball, Boxing, Sport Climbing, Canoe Sprint, Track Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Soccer, Handball, Hockey, Sailing, Skateboarding, Artistic Swimming, Table Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay, Men’s High Jump, Women’s 100m Hurdles, Women’s Javelin, Men’s 5000m, Men’s 800m, Women’s 1500m, Women’s Pole Vault, Men’s 110m Hurdles, Men’s Triple Jump, Men’s 400m Hurdles, Men’s 200m, Men’s Discus, Women’s 400m, Men’s 400m, Men’s 3000m Steeplechase, Basketball, Boxing, Sport Climbing, Canoe Sprint, Track Cycling, Diving, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Sailing, Skateboarding, Artistic Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting, Wrestling

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Women Heptathlon 100m Hurdles, Women’s Shot Put, Women’s 100m Hurdles, Women’s Heptathlon High Jump, Women’s 4x100m Relay, Men’s 4×100 Relay, Men’s 800m, Women’s Heptathlon Shot Put, Women’s 1500m, Women’s Long Jump, Men’s Javelin, Men’s 200m, Women’s Heptathlon 200m, Women’s 400m Hurdles, Men’s 100m Hurdles, Basketball, Boxing, Sport Climbing, Canoe Sprint, Track Cycling, Diving, Soccer, Golf, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Modern Pentathlon, Marathon Swimming, Sailing, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting, Wrestling

Friday, August 9, 2024

Women’s Heptathlon Long Jump, Women’s 4x400m Relay, Men’s 4×400 Relay, Women’s Heptathlon Javelin, Men’s 800m, Women’s 100m Hurdles, Women’s 4x100m Relay, Women’s Shot Put, Men’s 4x100m, Women’s 400m, Men’s Triple Jump, Women’s Heptathlon 800m, Women’s 10,000m, Men’s 400m Hurdle, Basketball, Breaking, Boxing, Sport Climbing, Canoe Sprint, Track Cycling, Diving, Soccer, Golf, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Modern Pentathlon, Marathon Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting, Wrestling

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Men’s Marathon, Men’s High Jump, Men’s 800m, Women’s Javelin, Women’s 100m Hurdles, Men’s 5000m, Women’s 1500m, Men’s 4x400m Relay, Women’s 4x400m Relay, Basketball, Breaking, Boxing, Sport Climbing, Canoe Sprint, Track Cycling, Diving, Soccer, Golf, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Handball, Modern Pentathlon, Artistic Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting, Wrestling

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Women’s Marathon, Basketball, Track Cycling, Handball, Modern Pentathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting, Wrestling

If you’ll be in Paris this summer, we would love to have you join us on our special Paris Day Bike Tour – Limited Olympic Edition! Secure your spots today!

More Olympics Info

Here are some other Paris & Olympic related articles to help you plan your stay!

• Eating By Arrondissement in Paris
• 7 Facts You Should Know About the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
• Discover the Artists of Paris’s Montmartre Neighborhood
• Best Hotels in Paris to Find a Good Cocktail
• A Local Guide to Paris’ Best Art Shops

The post The Paris 2024 Olympics Daily Schedule appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

Check out our full list of the 2024 Paris Event Locations to see where all the games will taking place in and around Paris.

The city of Paris recently published maps of the city showing restricted areas and times during the games. In order to ensure the safety of the athletes, spectators, and workers, the city has decided to greatly restrict motorized vehicle traffic around many of the events. Public transportation such as the metro, the RER, and tram lines will likely still be operating, however disruptions and closures are to be expected.

So what’s the best way to get around Paris during the Olympics? Bicycle!

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has lead the charge on new bicycle lanes throughout the city. By summer 2024, Paris will have integrated over 30 miles (55km) of bicycle paths throughout the city with the main goal being safe, above-ground, reliable transportation getting to and from the olympic events.

Check out our Limited Olympic Edition Paris Bike Tour

Starting two days before the Olympics on July 24th and running through September 8th for the Paralympics, many areas of Paris will be restricted to event ticket-holders & workers, emergency vehicles, and local businesses. Those still looking for tickets can reference the Olympics official site, however many individual events are already sold out, and only ticket packages remain.

If you’ve already secured your place of accommodation and it’s near one of the event sites, you will want to pay careful attention to the restricted zones. These zones will include security checkpoints, even with proof of temporary residence. This is also true for anyone staying near one of the major monuments, like the the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, or near the Olympic Village.

From the opening ceremony along the Seine through the end of the Paralympics, Paris is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of all spectators, athletes, workers, and volunteers.

You can find the maps of the restricted areas along with their applicable dates below.

Understanding the Maps

There will be two zones for motor vehicles.

RED zones are reserved for non-motorized vehicles only.  The exceptions are medical emergencies and delivery for local businesses.  Bicycles and foot traffic are permitted within the red zones.  

BLUE zones are reserved for necessary motor vehicles, i.e. locals, deliveries, medical reasons, moving vans, etc.  Bicycles and foot traffic are permitted within the blue zones. 

GRAY zones are the specific event location.

The ‘Périmètre de protection (SILT)’ (the thin blue line) marks the start of event access areas. Only ticket-holders, locals, and staff members/owners of local businesses are permitted beyond these lines. Bicycles are not permitted within the SILT zones. Individuals on foot are permitted based on their ticket status or proof of address of home or business.

Within the red zones, taxis/ride shares are only permitted for authorized individuals or those with tickets to an event within that zone. Public buses, tourist buses (as in hop-on/hop-off buses), and privately reserved buses are not permitted. All zones will be enforced 2.5 hours prior to an event and restrictions will be eased an hour after each event.

Restricted Areas

Here are some other Paris & Olympic related articles to help you plan your stay!

• Eating By Arrondissement in Paris
• 7 Facts You Should Know About the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
• Discover the Artists of Paris’s Montmartre Neighborhood
• Best Hotels in Paris to Find a Good Cocktail
• A Local Guide to Paris’ Best Art Shops

The post Paris 2024 Olympics: How to Get Around the City appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

By Amélie Bernard.  Amélie is our 2021 Paris intern.  She is French and passionate about the tourism industry.

What’s that thing across from the Eiffel Tower?

Have you seen the amazing new structure in front of the Eiffel Tower? It’s called the Grand Palais Éphémère.  It’s a temporary building of 10,000m2 intended to welcome the Grand Palais’ events during its renovation.

Wait, the Grand Palais is closed?

Indeed, the Grand Palais has been closed since March, 2021 for a major overhaul.  The new Grand Palais will allow the original to be brought up to modern technical standards. The original Grand Palais will also create better accessibility options for people with reduced mobility as well as a better optimization of space and light.  This project is organized by RMN-Grand Palais with Universcience – Palais de la Découverte. The first part of the buildout will be completed after the 2024 Olympic Games, when the Grand Palais Éphémère is set to be dismantled. The second part will wrap up in the spring of 2025.

Which means that the Grand Palais Éphémère will hold events such as the FIAC, Paris Photo, Chanel’s fashion shows and Saut Hermès. There will also be concerts, shows and exhibitions with a capacity to welcome more than 8000 people.

Who’s behind the new Grand Palais, and how will it be used?

The Grand Palais Éphémère was built by GL Events Venues for the Réunion des musées nationaux – Grand Palais et Paris 2024. It was designed by the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte & Associés and is located on the Champ de Mars.  It was built to be environmentally friendly, meaning that once it’s dismantled, the materials used will be recycled to create new buildings. 

The Grand Palais Éphémère will also play a role during the 2024 Olympics games.  This will be the arena for wrestling and judo events as well as wheelchair rugby and judo Paralympic games.  Until then, the variety of shows, exhibitions, salons, and festivals at the Grand Palais offers a bit of something for everyone.

Anything else interesting about the Grand Palais Éphémère?

As with all temporary structures, such as Christo & Jean-Claude’s wrapping of the Arc de Triomphe this fall, there is a unique opportunity to see and visit the Grand Palais before it’s no longer around. Moreover, it is ideally located; there are so many things to see and do in this area, such as visit the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a Seine River Cruise, or dine in one of the many French restaurants along Rue Saint Dominique.

How do I get there? 

The Grand Palais Éphémère is located at Place Joffre, 75007 Paris.  To access it, you can take metro lines 6, 8, & 10 and get off at École Militaire (line 8) or La Motte Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8, or 10). You can also take the bus, lines 28, 80, 82, 86, 92, or check-out a Velib’ and park at stations: n 7111 or 7018. For those coming by car, you can park at Joffre École Militaire, Grenelle, or Champs de Mars underground parking garages. 

Below is the full program for the remainder of 2021:

August 31st-Septembre 5th: Tour Auto Optic 2000, 2021 Edition 

230 cars that participated in the Tour de France between 1951 and 1973 will be on display.  All vehicles are still in operation.

Hours:  10:00 am to 5:00 pm 
Price: €10
Free for kids under 12 years of age

September 9th to 12th: ART Paris 2021 23rd Edition

A gathering of 140 galleries of modern and contemporary art, this salon promises to deliver on quality.  Thanks to a 39% new participant rate, the 2021 edition is as exciting as ever.  More than 20 countries will be represented, mostly from Europe. 

Hours: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 12:00pm to 8:00pm 
Friday: 12:00pm to 9:00pm
VIP: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Price: Thursday, Friday: €25; Student price: €14 
Saturday, Sunday: €30; Student price: €16 
Pass 2 days: €35; Student price: €20 
Free for kids under 10 years of age

September 16th to 19th: Taste of Paris

This classic Paris event unites more than 50 Michelin-starred chefs and highlights their 16 restaurants and pastry shops along with their signature dishes.

Hours: Day session: 11:30am to 4:30pm
Evening session: 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Price: online in advance: €22/session; VIP: €70 
at the door: €25/session ;  VIP: €80
10 – 18 years old: €15 
Free for kids under 10 years of age 

September 24th to 26th: Salon International du livre rare et des experts en objets d’arts. Rare Books and Art Experts International Fair

More than 170 exhibitors and over 100,000 documents will be on display thanks to the collaboration of the best in the business of ancient bookstores and written heritage. Prints, bindings, engravings, handwritten drawings, and more will be available to browse and purchase. Experts and independent sellers will also be available for further information about each pice.

The guest of honor at this event is La Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image.

Hours: 11:00am to 8:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am to 6:00pm 
Price: €10  

October 21st to 24th: FIAC International Contemporary Art Fair

This salon was founded in 1974 to unite modern and contemporary art galleries and to create a platform for all media. During this 47th Edition, you will be able to discover 160 worldwide exhibitors. For those who can’t make it in person, the new FIAC Online Viewing Rooms grant access to over 50 galleries.

November 11th to 14th: Paris Photos 24th Edition 

175 prestigious galleries, editors, and photographers from all around the world will unite to celebrate this 24th edition. It’s a unique opportunity to discover historical and contemporary works.

Hours: 12:00pm to 8:00pm 
Sunday: 12:00pm to 7:00pm 
Price: During the week: €30  
Weekend: €32  
Afterwork: €25  
Reduced prices: €15   
Online catalogue: free

Interested in learning more about unique Parisian monuments?  Join us for a tour in Paris, and allow our local guides to fill you in on all the details!

The post New in 2021: The Grand Palais Éphémère appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

By Sadra Sumner

The Flight from Newark to Paris

Improvements with the EU Health Pass

The post An American Traveling to Paris during Covid appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

Yes! Americans will likely be able to travel to France this summer, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. The President spent some time speaking with Margaret Brennan from Face the Nation on Sunday. When asked, ‘Will vaccinated Americans be able to visit France this summer?’, his simple and uplifting response was, “I hope so, and I do think so.”

The Vaccine Rollout – how this is crucial for Americans traveling to France

The TakeAway 

When international borders open, vaccinated Americans will likely be able to travel to France, and to other places in Europe. Here at Fat Tire Tours, we pride ourselves on being safety-minded. When borders reopen, we will continue with our heightened cleaning procedures in our office. Our group sizes will remain small so to allow for socially distanced experiences, and our contact-less check-in make starting a tour easy. We want you to experience Paris in an unforgettable way, and we are committed to keeping you safe on tour.

Check out the tours and activities that we have available this summer! Feel free to reach out to us at support@fattiretours.com should you have any questions.

The post Will Americans be Able to Travel to France this Summer? appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

Spring is officially here!  One of our favorite springtime activities are long bike rides on winding trails through the forest, or high atop craggy cliffs overlooking the sea.  Some of those destinations might be difficult to access this year, but we hope this list of our favorite five breathtaking bike routes in France inspires you for your next trip to Europe.  And why not get a few warm-up rides in wherever you can find trails near you?

1. Véloroute du Lin & Littoral

Lin Cycle Route in France

Distance: 75km / 47 miles 

EuroVelo: 1

Greenway: mostly a dedicated cycle path with only some road crossover 

‘Lin’ is French for ‘flax seed’.  Otherwise known as the flax trail, this winding path runs from Hautot-sur-Mer to Fécamp, just inland of the English channel, meeting up with the water at both extremities.  This is a great, leisurely bike path in France that offers little in terms of hills, although there are longer, shallow inclines throughout.  

In late spring/early summer, the fields along this route will be bursting with bright, blue flax flowers.  The Normandy region is known for excellent cider, and the home of the D-Day Beaches, but few recognize it as the most significant, global flax producer for textile use.

Littoral Cycle Route in France

Distance: 172km / 107 miles

EuroVelo: 1

Small Roads: mostly on vehicle-free roads, but not always on a dedicated cycle path

This beautiful, cyclical route runs along the Alabaster Coast and dips quite far south, including Le Tréport, Le Havre, Dieppe, Saint-Valéry-en-Caux and Fécamp and at times, linking up with the easier véloroute du lin in the northernmost parts.  This is a great route for advanced cyclists as the inclines are significant.  But the payoff is mighty, as you’ll wind up overlooking the Normandy coast 

Both the Lin & Littoral routes include the charming villages of Étretat and Fécamp.  Fresh seafood, the sculpted faces of Normandy, and the highest cliffs in Normandy, are just some of the surprises that await you.  And being just over an hour from Paris on the train, this is a perfect day or weekend trip.

2. Véloroute du Rhin

Rhine Cycle Route in France

Distance: 200km / 124 miles

EuroVélo: 15

Small Roads: mostly on vehicle-free roads, but not always on a dedicated cycle path

The Rhine Cycle Route follows the largest Western European river of the same name and winds along the French border for 200 km of its longer path, which includes Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.  The bike routes in France are nothing short of amazing.   

Wedged between the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest, this cycle path is idyllic from start to end.  Plan on incorporating a few days in Strasbourg, located in Alsace, France; once part of Germany.  Alsatian culture is a beautiful mix of Franco-Germanic food, dialect, clothing, and tradition.  Or, plan on ending your trip in Basel, Switzerland, home of Roger Federer, breathtaking architecture, and a perfect launching point to France and Germany.   

3. Véloroute du Atlantique – Mer Noire

Atlantic – Black Sea Cycle Route in France

Distance: 4,450km / 2,765 miles

EuroVélo: 6

Greenway: mostly a dedicated cycle path with only some road crossover

Residents, hotels, and restaurants situated along the lush véloroute 6 are no strangers to foreign cyclists.  Avid bike riders can easily find accommodation and delicious French cuisine at any stage of the bike path that cuts the country in two.  Including Franche-Comté, Burgundy, and the Loire-Atlantic, this is among the most picturesque and easy rides in the EuroVélo system. 

Riders may want to consider a few nights in the Loire Valley to enjoy wine tastings and chateau visits.  Smaller bike paths along the Châteaux à Vélo system are also available.  Foodies will want to stock up on the o.g. of French cheese – a beautiful brick of comté from Dole in the Jura region, also home to Louis Pasteur.  History lovers will enjoy walking through the fortified walled city of Besancon.

4. Véloroute du Rhône

Rhone Cycle Route in France

Distance: 815km / 506 miles

EuroVélo: 17

Larger Roads: some small roads and dedicated bike paths, but riders should be prepared to share the route with motor vehicles

Following the Rhone River through the mountainous peaks near Lyon to the inviting Mediterranean Sea, the French portion of this bike route incorporates everything synonymous with France.  Riders weave through Provence, pedaling alongside lavender fields and olive groves.  

Traveling south, riders can choose to head directly to the sea, or loop back towards the historic town of Sete and join the Canal du Midi cycle path, another iconic bike trail visited by hundreds each year.  The starting point at Lake Geneva also boasts some spectacular bonuses, including more cheese!  History buffs will enjoy checking off three UNESCO world heritage sites along this picturesque path: Lyon, Avignon, and Arles.   

5. Véloroute de la Méditerranée

Mediterranean Cycle Route in France

Distance: 7,500km / 4660 miles

EuroVélo: 8

Larger Roads: some small roads and dedicated bike paths, but riders should be prepared to share the route with motor vehicles 

The extent of this itinerary is geographically mind blowing.  Stretching from southern Spain, across the Mediterranean edge of France, cutting across northern Italy, hugging the coast in Slovenia, descending through Croatia, including Montenegro & Albania, and culminating in Greece, the scenery is a constant reminder of the richness of Europe.  The French section is among the most traveled as it links the western, rugged Pyrenees with the eastern historic and often wealthy cities, such as Nimes, Monaco, & Cannes.   

The other advantage to the French section of this path is the available connections to other routes, such as the Rhone route, the Canal du Midi, and several smaller bike routes in Provence.  The most eastern French section between Cannes & Monaco makes for a great afternoon activity with the family, as the route is flat, borders the sea, and nearly 100% on a dedicated bike path.  Rental facilities are widely available. 

The EuroVelo map has plenty of other amazing bike routes, and not just in France. Many of them include several countries.  Avid cyclists as well as beginners can benefit from the dedicated bike paths that line the gorgeous, natural scenery of Europe.

If you’re looking for a great way to kick off or wrap up your longer bike adventure, check out our full list of guided city bike bike tours throughout Europe.  We would love to give you our tips and tricks in person for getting the most out of your European bike adventure. 

The post Five Breathtaking Bike Routes in France appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

By Sadra Sumner

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.”

-Thomas Jefferson

Cupid’s big day is just around the corner, but social distancing isn’t exactly making it easy on the love bug this year.  For those of you who can’t be with your loved one on Valentine’s Day, we’d like to share our favorite love stories that involve one of the global icons of amour, The Eiffel Tower. 

Did you know that the original color of the Eiffel Tower’s was red?

How lovely!  The Tower’s wardrobe has changed over the decades.  It was inaugurated in the color ‘Venice-red’ and it would later change every few years, incorporating various hues of yellow, red, & brown before landing on its current layer, ‘Eiffel Tower Brown’.  This official paint color is made up of three variations that help to maintain the Tower’s visual appeal. 

Isn’t there someone who is married to the Eiffel Tower?

Sort of, although it’s been a rocky road.  Erika Eiffel kicked off her romance with the Eiffel Tower (that’s right, with!) in 2004.  She identifies as an objectùm-sexual, or someone who feels a human-like connection to objects.  Erika tied the knot with Gustave’s Tower in 2007, and was later the focus of negative media attention during a visit to her beloved.  She has since faced the harsh reality that maybe her and la dame de fer just aren’t right for each other, and she’s taken up solace in the arms of the Berlin Wall.  Erika is a professional archer and at one point in time, was working as a tower crane operator.  She claimed to have formed relationships with both her bow and the crane. 

Aren’t there a few famous people who got engaged on the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of love all around the world, so it comes as no surprise that proposals happen here daily.  Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes made their morning engagement at the summit of the Eiffel Tower worldwide news in 2005. Aaron Paul of breaking bad fame proposed to his wife, Lauren Parsekian, as they strolled from the Eiffel Tower to a small courtyard in 2012.

Already having secured the proposal (and wedding!) Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon decided to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary with a trip to Paris and a one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower that money can buy. And the one and only Queen Bee and her hubby Jay-Z make it a point to not be a stranger to Paris.  Blue Ivy even got a taste of bike-riding in Versailles!

Has the Eiffel Tower ever experienced rejection?

Believe it or not, yes!  Before becoming one of the world’s most recognized structures, even the Eiffel Tower was tossed aside. Gustave Eiffel presented his iron tower idea to the city of Barcelona for their 1888 Universal Exposition.  The Catalan capital claimed that it would be too expensive, and they sent him packing.  Luckily, the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris corresponded with the 100 year anniversary of the French Revolution, so the French accepted this rather odd addition to other inventors, scientists, and thinkers of the time, all with their submissions to the celebration.  The Tower would serve as the main entrance archway to the fair.

Gustave continued to defy rejections by finding a way to keep his tower standing after the initial plans were to dismantle it after 20 years.  During WWI, the Eiffel Tower intercepted German radio transmissions, making it an extremely useful piece of equipment.  Gustave made his case to the French once again, and they replied, ‘d’accord’, and agreed to leave it be. 

Will we always have Paris?

While Paris is undergoing the same lockdown measures as many other major cities, we have no doubt that the City of Light will one day spring to life again.  The motto of Paris is fluctuat nec mergitur,  which comes from the days when the capital was just a small fishing village and relied on the River Seine for all transport and commerce.  This latin phrase translates to ‘tossed, but does not sink’.

Paris’ resilience can also be evidenced through multiple revolutions, coup d’états, attacks, floods, and dog poo on every corner.  Parisians have made a sport of navigating the minefield of their furry friends’ besoins.  They are truly lovers and fighters, and their city is definitely worth fighting for.

Considering popping the question to that special someone?  

We’d love to assist!  Book a private Eiffel Tower Tour with us and allow our staff to help you setup the big question. 

The post Love, and the Eiffel Tower appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

by Sadra Sumner

While many of us are longing to travel again, it’s the perfect time of the year to cuddle up under a warm blanket and stay inside with plenty of cozy winter drinks.  Coffee is a great companion for the winter months, but it might be time to swap out your regular cup of joe for something more exotic; and happy hour ready.  Allow us to transport you to a bustling Parisian café with a steaming vin chaud, or a mountaintop lodge in the Alps as you tuck into your après ski.  Below are a few more of our favorite cold-weather treats from around the world to help you beat the winter blues. 

Hot spiced wine as a sip-able cozy winter drink

This is the best companion to any cold, dreary day.  The French call it ‘vin chaud’, and the Germans, ‘glühwein’.  We say, as long as there’s wintery flavors blended into luscious red wine that we can pop a cinnamon stick into, we’re in!

This blend of wine and aromatics can be made from just about any red wine you have sitting around.  There are white variations as well, which can include apples and cardamom.  We wouldn’t recommend using your best bottle; table wine is great for this recipe. 

Traditional mulled wine include cloves, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, oranges, and other wintry flavors.  Check out this recipe with a splash of Cognac to infuse even more warmth. 

Grab your own stein of glühwein on our Berlin Christmas Market Bike Tour!

A cozy London pub on a dreary Sunday

Sounds like the perfect place to meet up with friends, chow down on some tasty fare, and in the winter months, enjoy a piping Hot Toddy.  While the pubs are closed, why not recreate this classic British drink at home this year?  All you need are a few kitchen staples and your favorite cocktail whiskey.

The origins of the Hot Toddy date back to the 1610’s, when the Hindi ‘taddy’ translated into ‘drink from fermented palm sap.’  By the late 1700’s, the Brits had made it into a drink in their own image and you could find a warm mug of strong brown liquor, sugar, water or tea, and spices at just about any pub.  Heat up one of these alongside of a delicious curry and you have yourself a perfect London Sunday!  

Bookmark our West End London Beer Tasting Pub Tour or our Small Group East End Market & Pub Tour to experience all of the flavors of London when it reopens!

Winter may be far from calienté…

…however this Spiced Spanish Hot Chocolate will get your blood pumping.  A true Spanish hot chocolate should be dripping off the spoon like a thick gravy.  Start with your favorite dark chocolate bar to ensure a velvety texture and add cayenne as you see fit.  Sip, and imagine yourself peering out over the Barcelona beach, enjoying the cool ocean air. 

Want to make this an adult hot chocolate?  Add a touch of tequila for an authentic south-of-the-border feel, or a few spoonfuls of Kahlúa for a rich, warm touch. 

Check out our Barcelona Tapas Tour next time you’re in Spain!

For all the aperitivo lover’s out there who still want something cozy

The Bombardino is the perfect addition to your winter drinks rotation.  With just a sip, you can transport your taste buds to a mid-mountain lodge in the Italian Alps, or a cozy resort in front with a roaring fire.  All you need is some egg-nog, brandy, and whipped cream.  It’s as easy as one, two, ski! 

Bombardino translates to ‘Little Bomb’ and for good reason.  Legend has it that this concoction was a glorious accident after whipping Italian custard into a mug to warm up cold skiers.  Heat it up in your own home to beat the winter blues and get a taste of Italy.  

Join us for spectacular views of the Tuscan hills on our VIP Florence Duomo Tour!

Here’s wishing you a tasty and cozy wintry season!

The post Cozy Winter Drinks appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.