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…