Welcome to the all-new travel experience by Lindsey (me!), founder of Pictours Paris Photography...and avid lover of cycling.
I am excited to reveal Revel Rides: private cycling tours for Francophile cyclists!
Did you know that I’m a bit obsessed with riding my bike?! I love to escape Paris and explore the beautiful forests and landscapes that stretch beyond the city.
Any chance I get, I go! For me, cycling is such a good wat to stay active and healthy in both body and mind. Cycling into nature from Paris is the perfect way to enjoy the day.
I’d love to share this experience with other cyclists who are visiting Paris and want to get a little active adventure in - in between baguettes, wine and cheese!
So: I’m beyond excited to announce a brand-new experience that combines my love for cycling, photography, and exploring the beautiful surroundings of Paris: Private Cycling Tours from Paris to Versailles!
Join me as we leave busy, bustling Paris and ride through the lush and serene forests that lead us to the historic and impressive Chateau of Versailles, where we will stop for a delicious picnic by the water to rest and soak in the sights. All with the option to have your adventure captured through my lens.
What to Expect on the Tour
First and foremost, this is not a “one size fits all” bike tour for tourists. The round-trip route is 30-40 kilometers (20-25 miles), so you must be an active cyclist with a good fitness level. And pack those bib shorts! 🙂
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Meeting Point: We’ll meet at a local bike rental shop in Paris (don’t forget to bring your water bottle and a small snack like a granola bar or Snickers!) You’ll rent your bike and helmet and then we roll out!
The Ride: Our route takes us through the incredibly scenic and peaceful Meudon and Clamart Forests, offering winding paths, lush greenery, and a true breath of nature just outside the city. We’ll then make our way to Versailles, where we’ll stop at a local boulangerie (French bakery) to grab lunch items for our picnic.
Picnic at the Grand Canal: After picking up our goodies, we’ll head to the Grand Canal of the Château de Versailles, where we’ll settle down for a picnic with views of the magnificent palace and gardens. It’s a perfect spot to relax, refuel, and soak in the beauty of Versailles.
Return to Paris: After a relaxing break, we’ll hop back on our bikes and head back to Paris, cycling through more scenic landscapes and enjoying the journey home.
Action Photos Add-on: If you’d like, I can bring my camera and capture some fun action shots of you as we ride, so you’ll have professional photos to remember the experience by. Whether you’re cycling along the forest trails or resting at the canal, you’ll have some great photos to take home as souvenirs!
Important Details
- Tour Duration: 3-6 hours in total, depending on our pace, break times, etc.
- Departure: We will meet at 9:30am to rent your bike and helmet, then depart by 10:00am.
- Group Size: This is a private bike tour for 1 to 4 people, ensuring a personalized, safe, and intimate adventure.
- Difficulty Level: This tour is moderate and requires intermediate fitness and cycling ability. The ride includes some gravel paths and a few moderate hills, so you should be comfortable on a bike and ready for a bit of a challenge. It’s not suitable for beginners or children.
- Price: 150 euros per person (250 euros per person for the Action Photo Add-on). (Bike rental not included—average cost for bike + helmet rental is between 40-70 euros for the day, depending on the shop.)
- What’s Included: Expert guidance, beautiful scenery, and a fun, active adventure. What’s not included: bike, helmet, water bottle, lunch.
Why This Tour?
For me, cycling is the ultimate way to explore new places and experience the beauty of the world. I’ve lived in Paris proper for more than 13 years, and the weekly escape to nature on my bike brings me so much joy and peace.
This route from Paris to Versailles is one of my personal favorites, and I can’t wait to share it with you. The ride offers a mix of city, nature, and history, with the grand finale at the Château de Versailles—a true gem of French culture and architecture.
Ready to Roll?
If you’re ready for an unforgettable day of cycling, nature and adventure, let’s roll! 🙂
EMAIL ME to secure the date of your next greatest adventure!
I can’t wait to meet you, hit the road, and enjoy this beautiful adventure together.
Cheers,
Lindsey