For many people, riding a motor scooter around Paris is the quintessential European experience. It’s almost like being transported into a romantic art house movie. The picturesque streets of Paris are filled with hidden gems to discover while cruising around on a scooter, and this article will tell you everything you need to know about hiring a scooter in Paris.
Paris is the capital of France and the largest city in the country, and it's been one of the centers of commerce, diplomacy, science, and the arts since the city was first founded. The city is still filled with cultural landmarks, incredible views, unparalleled gustatory experiences, and those famous streetlights. The best way to experience all that Paris has to offer is by driving around the city on a rental scooter.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a scooter in Paris. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- If driving a scooter in Paris is dangerous
- How much it cost to rent a scooter
- Where to rent a scooter in Paris
- Whether an international driving permit is required in France
- The top things to do in Paris with a rental motorbike
Is Driving a Scooter in Paris Dangerous?
Paris is one of the largest cities in the world, so you can expect there to be traffic all over the city. If you’ve never driven a motor scooter before, Paris is probably not the best place to learn. People tend to drive aggressively, with scooters weaving through moving as well as stationary traffic and cars switching lanes often.
They drive on the right side of the road in France, but you should avoid staying in the right lane unless your exit is coming up, as you could risk running into a passenger door that’s swung open.
It’s also very important to lock your motorbike up whenever you are not driving it. Paris has a problem with theft, and sometimes a thief may take your entire bike, leaving you with a large fine to pay to your rental company.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Scooter in Paris?
Scooter hire in Paris is considerably more expensive compared to the rest of Europe, as is pretty much everything else. The cheapest rate for scooter hire you’ll probably be able to find is around €35 per day for a 50cc scooter such as a Vespa Primavera 50.
A 50cc scooter is fine for city driving, but if you’re looking for something more powerful, you can usually rent 400cc scooters for around €75 per day. If you don’t want something quite that powerful but you don’t want to settle for a 50cc scooter, there are scooters that will fulfill almost any need.
Where Can You Rent a Scooter in Paris?
Riding a Vespa scooter is one of the most popular tourist activities in Paris, so there are rental shops all over the city. Most rental shops are all around the Seine River in the middle of the city, but you can hire a scooter almost anywhere within the metropolitan area.
The area around the Jardin des Tuileries has a particularly high concentration of scooter rental shops, and this is also one of the best areas for sightseeing in the city, so you should have no problem finding a rental scooter there.
Place de la Bastille also has quite a few scooter hire services, so you’re in luck if you find yourself there.
Is an International Driving Permit Required in France?
Tourists from outside of the EU, such as the United States or Canada, are required to carry an international driving permit and a valid copy of their passport with them at all times while operating a motor vehicle in France, including a motorbike.
If you want to drive a scooter in France, you can apply for your international driving permit here. There is an application fee of $20, and the permit typically takes about two weeks from the time you apply to arrive in the mail. International driving permits stay valid for one year.
Top Things to Do in Paris by Scooter
Now that you know all of the necessary information for hiring a motorcycle in Paris, here are some of the best things to do while you ride around:
Arc de Triomphe
One of the most famous sites in all of Paris is the Arc de Triomphe, an impressive monument that sits in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle and honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Aside from the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe might be the most well-known site in France’s capital city.
Beware, however, that the roundabout around the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most notoriously dangerous places to drive in the entire city. It’s probably better to view the Arc de Triomphe on foot than to try to look at it and take on the roundabout at the same time.
The Louvre
Drive 15 minutes east and visit The Louvre, the world’s largest museum. This is one of the most popular sites in Paris, so finding parking in the area can present a real challenge at peak hours of the day. There are certain online services that allow you to book a parking space in advance, however, so check them out if you want to make sure that you can park.
The Louvre houses some of the most famous artistic works of all time, such as the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci and the “Venus de Milo” sculpture by “Alexandros of Antioch. Admission for adults costs €12, but it’s well worth it to see one of the most impressive collections of art in the world.
Paris Catacombs
If you’re looking for something a little spooky, check out the Paris Catacombs, located 25 minutes south by scooter from The Louvre. The Catacombs consist of underground tunnels made from human bones, constituting the world’s largest grave. It’s estimated that around six million people’s bones are built into the tunnels.
Rent a Scooter and Go Explore Paris
With so much to see in the “City of Lights”, the best way to get the most out of your trip to Paris is by hiring a scooter or motorbike and exploring the city at your own pace. Everywhere you turn in Paris there’s another cultural experience to be had, so hop on your rental scooter and start driving!
Do you still have questions about scooter rentals in Paris? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
Written by 
