Top 5 Bike Shops in the Marais

Le Marais like Paris Center and the rest of the capital have become a cyclist's paradise. It's not yet Amsterdam or Copenhagen, but certain roads – rue de Rivoli, the banks of the Seine – are highways for non-motorized two-wheelers.

In the land of the Tour de France, the “little queen” has regained its letters of nobility. In a decade, cycling has established itself as an essential leisure activity. To the great dismay of certain Parisians and traders who consider the town hall's anti-car policy excessive. According to them, it harms the accessibility of Paris Center and its businesses.

In Free Wheel, a sentimental anthropology of the bicycle (Terre Urbaine), David Le Breton deciphers the craze for this mode of transport which goes far beyond Paris. “We are seeing more and more bikes and scooters, especially since confinement,” notes the sociologist. Before being green, the approach is practical. This means of transport, with an average speed of 15 kilometers per hour for the mechanical bicycle, offers extraordinary mobility. It’s also good physical exercise and a great stress reliever. Finally, you can park anywhere as long as you have a good anti-theft device. »

Cycling is practical but not without danger, in particular because of motorists who call while driving or neglect to put on their turn signal. Cyclists who are ignorant of the highway code are also problematic. “The cyclist must ensure the security of his bike,” recalls David Le Breton. It must have at least one portable lamp for the night and suitable brakes.”

In any case, in the Marais, the bicycle market is booming as evidenced by the growing number of stores dedicated to it. Here is our selection.

This store opened in 2007, with a repair workshop on rue Cloche-Perce, offers a plethora of electric bikes, around forty models, notably those of the Mustache brand. Count 1 euros minimum.

There are family cargo ships, essential for transporting children, groceries, or both at the same time. All possible accessories are offered, from the helmet to the animal basket including U locks referenced by insurance companies (130 euros).
The wheel repair of a wheel costs 18 euros.

This boutique decorated in a bookstore spirit opened its doors in 2023. Vinyl records and books fill the wooden shelves. Here, we offer the top of the range in terms of electric bikes with mini-batteries integrated into the seat tube.

There are three bike models, two of which are available in two sizes. The mixed model costs 2 euros. Wide choice of baskets, luggage racks, textiles, helmets and gloves. Furthermore, the balance bike (bike without pedals) for 790-2 year olds received the Design Award Innovation 3.

In this old art gallery near the Picasso museum, they sell bicycles with a Japanese design, that is to say minimalist. Here, electric bicycles are simple and ultralight: everything is in the rear wheel, no gears, no removable battery, no buttons, no cables.

The manager brought back from his years spent in Tokyo a love for simplicity. The bikes are manufactured in Taiwan and assembled in Annecy. Two models are available, with a triangle frame or with an open frame.

Mechanical bike from 990 euros; electric from 2 euros. Delivery time: two to three weeks. A repair shop is located in the back room. Choice of colors: chrome, matcha, kumi, black, and white. Sale of leather saddles, bells, luggage racks, helmets.

The “Je suis à vélo” store judiciously presents itself as a “getter in the saddle”. In fact, it is the kingdom of accessories for the work bike since 2022. There you can find “Le temps des frogs” rain capes at €84, Thousand mittens (€35), Cobags luggage bags (12 ), reflective harnesses (€15), K-way Rainkiss (€79) or even fanny packs, caps under the helmet, bells, water bottles, saddle covers, locks.

In this café near the Seine frequented by expats, especially Anglo-Saxons, we serve good coffee and discuss the art of pedaling. Two enthusiasts, the American Christian and the New Zealander Paul, first launched bicycle tours of Paris in 2006 before opening this establishment in 2015 where you can rent a racing or city bike: 20 € per half-day for the city bike and €60 for the racing bike.

Guided tour of 3 hours at €30. And every weekend: trips to the Chevreuse valley or to the Palace of Versailles.