Biking liberates you to cover distances more quickly while allowing you to travel streets that are impossible in an automobile. Bike-tour operators in Paris work hard to ensure the safety of participants. The guides know Paris by heart. They comment on the historical sites, stop for good photos, can tell you just anything on neighborhood characteristics. Normally, a tour covers about 10 miles in about 3 to 4 hours.
Routes avoid heavy traffic on main thoroughfares.
On to rue Mouffetard, an ancient Roman road which was actually the main road in southern Paris until the 19th century. Up a gentle hill to the Pantheon, the highest point on the Left Bank. The group stopped for a commentary about the commanding edifice in the shape of a Greek cross, topped by a huge dome. At this point, everyone in the group was used to their bikes, at ease riding in a group, and eager for more. They rolled on down rue Soufflot to the Luxembourg Garden and off onto rue Garanciere, a quiet street lined with h tel particuliers.