Ideas
We want your Parisien experience to be as enjoyable as possible so on this page you will find ideas for places you can go on one of our Vespas. If you find something special you would like us to include email us at, info@leftbankscooters.com
The Château de Versailles as it is referred to in French is one of the wonders of the modern world. The scale of the place is something that you can only really appreciate once you have been there. The best way to get there is the back roads on a Vespa LXV125, that way you will be able to stumble upon some of the picturesque villages, it will take you less than an hour from the heart of Paris. Being on a Vespa will mean that you can park close to the entry, no matter what time you arrive.
Situated in the 18th arrondissement, at over 130 metres the hill has a panoramic view over Paris. It is home to the church of Sacré Coeur as well as thriving community of artists. Riding the sweeping streets up to Sacré Coeur will be one of the most memorable experiences of your Paris holiday.
Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
One of the great rides of the world is up the Champs Elysées towards the Arc de Triomphe, round the étoile and then down towards the Tour Eiffel. The Champs Élysées is not just the home to the worlds great fashion brands it is steeped in history and provides some of the most amazing sights, like the Christmas lights or the 14th of July parade.
It is hard to believe that this symbol of Paris was once hated by a majority of Parisiens and only survived through its use as a communications tower. If you ride down the Ave Gustave Eiffel you will feel like you are riding under the Tower, if you then take the next 2 right turns you will find the Place Jacques Rueff, which is the perfect spot to pull over and get that shot of you and the Vespa, with the Tower as the background.
(c) 2009 Left Bank Scooters SAS
Le Marais
The narrow streets of Le Marais, were not greatly affected by the urban redevelopment program of Baron Haussmann, and are perfect for a Vespa. Cruise the streets of this uber-chic area and choose from one of the plethora of bars and restaurants for lunch or dinner, including one of my favourites, Les Philosophes at 28 rue Vieille du Temple.
Latin Quarter
Home to many of the institutions of higher education in Paris, the Latin Quarter straddles the 5th and 6th arrondissements. You can ride to the Panthéon where you can visit the final resting place of many famous Parisiens including Victor Hugo and Voltaire. Afterwards you should ride down the market street of rue Mouffetard, where a market has taken place since Roman times. Finish up opposite Notre Dame at Shakespeare and Co, a place where literary history is alive in the shelves.
On the top floor of the Printemps department store on the corner of boulevard Haussmann and rue de Havre, is the Terrace bar. The view from this location is amazing and I cannot recommend it enough as a great way to get your bearings of Paris.
Take the lift to the 8th floor of the Maison building and then take the escalator to the 9th floor. If you get there late in the afternoon you will experience a sunset over Paris that is only bettered by Montmarte.
