April 24, 2007

Europe | France | Paris

Freewheeling Paris

By Kris Wilton

Whether you prefer to pedal or putt-putt, here's two new ways to navigate the city.

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The hottest hue in Paris this summer? Green. In July, the city launches Vélib, a bike-lending service that will bring more than 14,000 cycles to the streets in an effort to cut pollution and spread some joie de vivre. Locals or visitors can pick up and drop off the bikes at any of 1,450 stations (no more than 300 meters apart) to be installed throughout the city, which now boasts nearly 200 miles of bike routes. Trips under half-an-hour are free, then charged by the half hour, while pre-paid subscriptions go from €1 a day to €29 per year.

If you prefer your Parisian experience to be more effortless, however, you can charter a chauffeured Citroën 2CV from 4 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie. Both adored and derided for its distinctly duck-like appearance, the 2CV was designed as an all-terrain “umbrella on four wheels” that peasants could drive to market without breaking any eggs, but it quickly earned cult status after its release in 1948. Four Roues’ fleet of convertible soft-tops comes with bilingual drivers offering a dozen-some guided tours — from the sights-only “Secret Paris” to customized packages featuring gourmet picnics or, for “Le Weekend en Amoureux,” a night at the ultra-private Hôtel de la Trémoille.