Travel is amazing. It's truly like nothing else.
Discovering a new city, country, island, suburb, street - whatever it may be it is valuable in shaping who we are as people, opening our minds to culture, people, customs, food, art, language and more!
It's been a long time since many of us have traveled abroad - that will change!
Newy Rides is part of a global collective of bike tour operators called Fat Tire Tours which is a one-stop shop for bike tours around the world.
If you're partial to discovering the world on two-wheels then this is the place to start - featuring bookable bike tours from all corners of the globe.
I recently asked Sadie from the Fat Tire Tours to tell me all about her home city, Paris!
This article has been written by Sadie, sharing her knowledge of one of Europe's most dynamic cities. Over to you, Sadie.
Australia has been slowly reopening its borders since early November, which includes an ease in outbound travel. And what’s one of the most sought-after destinations for those who are keen to travel after nearly two years of lockdown? It shouldn’t come as a surprise that 36% of international travel seekers chose Europe as their preferred destination in 2022.
If you’re among that 36%, now is the perfect time to start planning your trip. Covid restrictions and regulations will likely continue throughout the holiday season in order to favour a re-opening in the European spring. Easter (Sunday, April 17th, 2022) is an especially important time for Europe to gauge interest in travel for the upcoming season.
And what’s one of the most popular destinations in Europe? Paris! For those of you hoping to head to Paris sometime soon, we’ve compiled the Paris travel essentials for 2022. We have three pieces of practical information, three things to check off your Parisian bucket list (including an amazing bike tour!), and three haunts that will make you feel right at home.
What to know before you go to Paris
1. The Health Pass
France has instituted a health pass in the form of a QR code that is necessary to enter all public places. One can obtain a health pass in Paris at these participating pharmacies. In order to receive your QR code, you must present a valid passport and the original vaccine certification in paper format. QR codes are created and distributed via paper which can then be scanned and included in your digital wallet on the ‘TousAntiCovid’ French health pass app.
Masks are also required in all public places, i.e museums, public transport, etc. You’ll need a surgical mask for the flight, but reusable masks are accepted throughout Paris.
2. Dress for the Weather
Here’s a helpful breakdown of Paris weather month by month. Things don’t really start warming up again until mid-April (for all you Easter travellers!) so be sure to bundle up. April & May are historically rainy months, so a light rain poncho is essential.
3. Learn the Basics
The French are sticklers for pleasantries, so knowing how to say the bare minimum will often get you the maximum in customer service. Whenever you enter a shop or dining establishment, be sure to say ‘Bonjour’, pronounced ‘bahndjoor’. And don’t forget your ‘Merci!’ when leaving, pronounced ‘mair-see’. A little goes a long way in Paris. Don’t be afraid to mess up or not have a perfect accent; they’ll find you charming if you just give it a go.
Not to be missed in Paris
1. The Quai Branly Museum - Jacques Chirac
The former French president adored art and artifacts from non-western civilizations, so it’s befitting that this museum, opened in 2006, is attributed to him. The Quai Branley is divided into 5 sections - the Americas, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and an area deemed ‘The River’ which combines music, images, and words to demonstrate the overlapping of civilizations. Plenty of Aboriginal art can be found in the Oceania section along with a timeline of James Cook’s first voyage in 1768.
2. Fat Tire Tours for a great English-speaking tour of Paris
Fat Tire Tours first opened their doors in 1999 and they have been perfecting their bicycle tour of Paris ever since. Join for an overview of the city and see the famous monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe or the Louvre. Venture to the Chateau de Versailles with them on their famous Versailles Bike Tour, or visit Monet’s famous gardens in Giverny. They also offer Segway, food, Skip-the-Line Museum, and walking tours, so whatever your travel preference, there’s something for you!
3. Atelier des Lumières
After you’ve checked the Louvre off your list and stood in line at the Catacombs, it might be time for a fresh take on museums. The newly opened Atelier des Lumières plays with light and sound to deliver a breathtaking immersive art experience. You can stroll through this museum-esque exhibition and enjoy several works of art by one artist during a 15-20 minute sensory-enveloping show. It’s such a fun and creative way to appreciate and learn about art, and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
For that Cozy Feeling of Home in Paris
1. The Hardware Société
Longing for a bit of vegemite and a flat white? Look no further than the Melbourne-inspired Hardware Société, located just near Sacre Coeur. This Australian owned & operated brunch spot doesn’t take reservations, so best to arrive early to snag a table inside the tiny dining area.
2. Café OZ
Or maybe you prefer a good pint and great place to watch the match? The iconic Café OZ is the sport bar du jour and club scene once the sun goes down. Check out one of their three locations throughout Paris for a taste of home.
3. The Best Places for Selfies!
Hopefully you don’t need to visit this place, but it’s a good address to keep in mind; the Australian Embassy is located just steps from the Eiffel Tower. Why not swing by for a selfie on your way to La Dame de Fer?
However you structure your Parisian visit, you’re sure to enjoy a few days in the City of Light.
Fat Tire Bike Tours have bike tours available in cities throughout both the US and Europe. You can learn more about their itineraries at fattiretours.com