In just a few years, Paris has transformed itself into one of the world’s great cycling cities, and the transformation is made even more complete with the hosting of the Olympic Games, where the city’s streets will play host to the men’s and women’s time trials and road races. But if you are a cycling fan and are in town for the Games (or any time after really), you should consider taking a break from the action to visit some of the quiet corners of the city’s cycling culture found around town. Here are just five of Rouleur’s favourite bike spots in Paris.
Ludo the Bicycling Bouquiniste
Les Bouquinistes, or booksellers, along the River Seine are nothing short of a local landmark, and an indelible part of the city’s DNA. Dating back to the 17th century, les bouquinistes have long been a part of the intellectual life of the Left Bank, as their trademark green stalls fold open and close every day, giving the Seine the reputation as the only river that runs between two bookshelves.
Ludo Communier at his cycling-themed book stall on the River Seine.
For the past eight years Ludo Communier has devoted his own book stall to cycling memorabilia. An avid cyclist himself, Communier possesses a wealth of vintage cycling magazines, books, and posters, a portion of which are on display daily.
Here you can spend hours leafing through old copies of Miroir du Cyclisme, books and vintage photos. The book stall could not be more centrally located, as it is at the foot of the Pont des Arts footbridge and just in front of the Institute de France. Stop on by, you will almost certainly walk away with a souvenir of French cycling history.
Location: 23 Quai Conti, 75006, Paris
Hours: Daily from 11am to 7pm (closed Wednesday)
Cycles Laurent
Founded in 1948 on the outskirts of Paris by former professional Marcel Laurent, a two-time winner of Bordeaux-Paris, Cycles Laurent is one of the oldest bike shops in the city. Located in the shadows of the Place de la République since 1977, Cycles Laurent carries a variety of bike brands, but it is impossible to walk through the doors here, and not have a sense of history.
Marcel Laurent's Derney is still proudly displayed inside Cycles Laurent.
Marcel Laurent’s Bordeaux-Paris derny hangs above a window next to a prototype for Miguel Indurain’s Hour Record bike. And just about everywhere are vintage jerseys and photos.
“We have literally hundreds of jerseys,” says Cédric Laurent, who manages the store today. “So many bike shops today are almost clinical in feel. For us it is important to keep with warmth and feel of the family shop.”
But while Cycles Laurent has built their reputation on their vintage collection, modern cyclists can satisfy their needs with a variety of performance bikes from Bianchi, to Pinarello, to Lapierre. “It is really important for us to be offer a wide selection to our clients,” Cédric insists.
Location: 9 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011, Paris
Hours: 10am to 6:45pm, Tuesday-Saturday
Steel Cyclewear and Coffeeshop
The first cycling café and clothing store in Paris, Steel Cyclewear and Coffeeshop has earned a reputation as the hip hangout for the modern-day cyclist. It’s not particularly centrally located as it sits on the eastern side of the Right Bank, but it is easily accessible for cyclists, as they ride in or out of town.
Steel cycling café and shop is a modern Mecca to cycling culture in Paris.
“We’ve been around for almost a decade, and we just keep growing,” says the shop manager Julien Sommier. “It’s crazy how much cycling has developed in Paris. We got the idea from our travels around the world, and we said that we had to have place in Paris where cyclists could meet. In the beginning the café took up most of the space, but today the showroom is really expanding.”
Featuring high-profile clothing brands like Maap, Café du Cycliste, Poc or Rapha, today’s cyclist will feel right at home. But if you are not in the mood to shop, you can simply stop by for a coffee and watch a stage of the Tour de France, or in the upcoming Paris Olympics, one of the time trials or road races.
Location: 58 Rue de la Fontaine, 75011, Paris
Hours: 10am to 7pm, Tuesday-Saturday
Kilomètre 0: Le camp de base du cycliste
A unique take on a modern bike shop, KM 0: Base Camp for Cyclists is an elegant bike shop situated in the shadows of the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. The large storefront windows and hardwood floors highlight the elegant showroom, while the upstairs is an indoor training centre, designed to allow cyclists a chance to avoid the city's often interminable grey and wet winters.
KM 0 specialises in high-end gear for all cyclists.
Created in 2017, KM 0 specialises in high-end brands like Cervélo, Cannondale, Colnago, Assos or Poc. And while their DNA is road riding, they also offer mountain bikes or urban bikes, in addition to a tasteful display of books and publications.
Location: 20 Rue des Acacias, 75017
Hours: 9am to 7pm, Tuesday-Saturday
Le Peloton Café
A small coffee shop tucked away on the edge of Marais neighborhood between the River Seine and the Rue de Rivoli. Le Peloton Café is understated on the outside, but offers numerous practical services like bike tours (in English), bike rentals, as well as a meeting point for local rides.
Le Peloton Café offers quiet respite in the heart of Paris.
Launched in 2015 with the mission of bringing great coffee, cycling and community to the centre of Paris, Le Peloton Café has become a fixture on this quiet street situated smack bang in the heart of the city.
If you are returning from a ride or simply taking a break from sightseeing, Le Peloton Café offers a moment of quiet respite. Oh and the coffee is great too!
Location: 17 Rue Pont Louis Philippe, 75004, Paris
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday-Friday and 8am to 6pm on weekends
