Rides around Paris / Champagne (non-parlez-vous francaise)

Hi Gordo ! I'm sorry, my english is not very good. You should have a look at /forum/ile-de-france--vf36 to find some spots near Paris. I hope you'll find somebody to ride with and that you'll enjoy your stay.

Hi Gordon, I've never heard of a renting agency for decent bikes arround Paris it's mostly something you can find in the French Alps. In paris Shops sometimes lend test bikes for their regular customers but that's all I know. Many questions in order to help you : -Where will you be staying in Paris ? Downtown, in a hotel ? -Will you have a car or someone to drive you to the riding spots ? -What kind of bike are you looking for (all mountain, XC, Downhill ?) -How tall are you (in cm) or what bike size do you ride S, M, L, XL ? Manys forests close to Paris, I hope i'll be able to help you. /Quentin

Thanks for all your replies. Quentin, to answer some of your questions... We will be staying in Paris (not precisely sure where yet) but in "3eme Arrangement" if that makes sense. Close to the heart of Paris. No car. Surely I could use trains to get close to the start of a ride? At home I ride a Santa Cruz Superlight (2005), probably large - I'm 175cms. I'm happy to pay for the hire of a bike, either from a shop or a private person. I'm reasonably fit, having just raced with a friend in this event... in2adventure.com.au and completed 6 laps of an 11km course. I'm excited about perhaps riding with some local people! Whilst Paris is beautiful, and amazing, I love being in forest / countryside.

Cool The "3eme Arrangement" might be "3eme arrondissement" = 3rd district. It's right in the center of the city and about 30 mins subway from the starting point. I'll be in paris at that time, and it will be a pleasure to be your guide for a day. I can borrow a bike to a friend of mine, the bike is either a Lapierre zesty 516, or a Specialized pitch fairly light bikes with arround 150 mm of travel rear and front. (don't worry everything is free). I'll organize a trip but only in weekends (saturday 15 or sunday 16 of may) if you want to ride with us we'll do a 45kms cool ride from western Paris to Versailles. Trip starts in Boulogne then parc de saint cloud, then foret de versailles, and parc du Cheteau de Versailles, maybe a bit of foret de Marly with another parc then coming back to paris the other way. Think to bring your pedals and shoes if you're riding non-flats pedals. We can pursue this conversation by email : qtiburce (at)gmail(dot)com Quentin

Quentin, THANKS / MERCI BEAUCOUP. Though we didn't get to ride, it was great to meet you, and to have some inside knowledge about Paris, and Versailles. Looking forward to returning your hospitality when you come to Australia.