Exploring Paris on Three Wheels: Is a Motorcycle Tour Worth It?

Raphael
Nov 27
3 min read

I’ll be honest with you — I spend a lot of my time moving around Paris on two or three wheels.And every time someone asks me:

“Is doing a motorcycle tour in Paris a good idea?”

…I smile.Because the short answer is: yes — but only if you do it the right way.

Let me explain.

I live on Paris streets — literally.

I ride every single day. I weave through tiny medieval streets, cruise along the Seine at sunset, climb the Montmartre hills, and cross the big boulevards glowing with café lights.

From behind the handlebars…Paris is a completely different city.

It feels alive, cinematic, intense, romantic, chaotic, beautiful — all at the same time.

So yeah, I get the temptation:You want to feel Paris, not just walk it.

But before you jump on the first motorcycle rental, let me tell you what it’s really like.

Paris traffic: the truth

Paris traffic has personality. A big one.

It’s not dangerous if you know what you're doing, but it’s:

fast
unpredictable
tight
full of scooters appearing out of nowhere
packed with tourists staring at the Eiffel Tower instead of watching the road

If you’re not used to European city riding, Paris can feel… intense.

That’s why I don’t recommend renting a motorcycle if it’s your first time riding in a big European capital.

So what’s the best way to enjoy a “motorcycle-style” tour in Paris?

Here’s my honest opinion as someone who lives on the road:

👉 A sidecar tour is the perfect sweet spot.

Why?Because you get ALL the sensations of a motorcycle tour —the wind, the freedom, the open-air views, the adrenaline, the style —without dealing with the stressful parts (traffic, navigation, braking, angry drivers, roundabouts, etc.).

You're basically getting the fun of a motorcycle**+ the comfort and stability of a vintage side car

a local driver who handles everything for you.**

It’s motorcycle energy… with zero headaches.

What Paris looks like from a sidecar

This is my favourite part.When you ride through Paris in a vintage sidecar, here’s what you get:

People smile at you (seriously).
Kids wave at you.
Cars give you space because you look retro and charming, not aggressive.
Your photos look like a French movie from the 60s.
You see the city without a single obstacle in your field of vision.
You go from monument to monument effortlessly.

You’re not just “visiting Paris.”You become part of the scene.

And that’s the magic.

Motorcycle tour vs. sidecar tour

Let me break it down simply:

Experience	Motorcycle Tour	Sidecar Tour
Safety	Depends on rider skill	Very safe
Comfort	Depends	Super comfortable
Stress level	Medium to high	Zero
Photo opportunities	Hard while riding	Amazing
Local guide	Not always	Always
Fun factor	High	Even higher (and more stylish)
Suitable for couples/families	Not really	Perfect

Now imagine cruising along the Seine, leaning back in a retro side car, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, while someone else handles the traffic for you.

That’s the dream.