Beyond the bus tours: Five unusual ways to see Paris

There's no doubt the open-top tour buses are a great way to see Paris. So too are the boat tours up and down the Seine which, let's face it, should be obligatory for visitors to Paris. 

 

But if you want to see Paris from a more unusual perspective there are interesting alternatives.

 

Here are five of the best alternative ways to see the City of Lights close up.

 

By Vespa

 

What better way to see Paris than as many Parisians do - from the back of a Vespa. And if you've got at least some experience on a scooter, moped, or motorbike, you can ride your own. 

 

We recommend "Paris by Scooter", which has been running in the capital for five years and offers a bunch of private tour options. 

 

Photo: David/Axioo

 

Weave through the streets of Montmartre, zoom along the River Seine, or even take a day trip to Versailles - there are plenty of choices and endless roads to be driven along. And you'll be in luck if you get Milan as a tour guide.

 

Prices: From €64.

 

By Citroën 2CV

 

Want to go quintessentially French? Why not sign up for a tour in a Citroën 2CV - one of the most famous cars in French history?

 

You're guaranteed to raise a smile from other motorists as you're driven along the streets of Paris by their team, taking in secret delights along the way.

 

Prices: From €70. Toot toot.

 

Photo: 2cvparistour

 

By Segway

 

Here's a good one even for those who think they've seen every side of Paris. Jump on a Segway, get your balance, then take off for a unique travelling experience (and a fairly unique tour too).

 

The trips go for around two hours and take in some of the best sites around the Seine. 

 

Prices: From €70.

 

Photo: FatTireTours

 

By bicycle

 

Join the hordes of Parisians who get from A to B on two wheels and take a bike tour. Sure, it is possible to hire out a bike via the excellent Velib' service (and it's extremely cheap too), but there's something quite charming about having a leisurely tour of the city with your friends while a guide tells you where to go. 

 

Some companies even offer night tours that take in a bit of the famed Paris nightlife along the way. 

 

There are even electric bicycle tours for those of us who prefer an easier ride. 

 

Prices: From €44. 

 

Or you could just rent bikes from numerous bike shops or indeed get a Velib' city bike.

 

Photo: FatTireTours

 

Horse and carriage

 

Nothing screams I love you like a horse and carriage ride through Paris on a beautiful evening. These tours are of course the most popular with the love birds, with some companies even factoring in time for a "proposal pit stop" (our wording, not theirs). 

 

However, it's also possible to rent out the carriage for up to four people, so if you're just looking for something different with your friends then it's worth a look too. 

 

Open all year round, with plenty of blankets on offer to keep out that winter chill.

 

Price: From €170.

 

Photo: AFP

 

And there's always walking...

 

While it's hardly an unusual form of transport, we could hardly write this article and not mention walking because it is without doubt the best way to see Paris.

 

There are plenty of official walking tours if you want someone to show you around or you could just get a map and tick off the streets mentioned in these links below.

 

Are these the only streets in Paris you need to go to?

 

The ten Paris streets you just have to walk down

 

And remember Paris is a lot smaller than you may think as this handy map that shows walking times between Metro stations shows.

 

(Click the map below to see a higher resolution with zoom options)