Fun Things to Do in Paris before PBP

Congratulations! You’ve qualified for PBP.

Like many other cyclists, you’ll be staying in the Paris suburb of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, where the ride starts.

But remember that the City of Lights is just a short train ride away, so head on in for some sightseeing. Here are a few suggestions that won’t break the bank.

Go see the big two. Yes, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. These are mandatory stops for every Paris tourist. And if you need some last-minute hill work, be advised that both monuments have considerable stairs. Note: the Hunchback is long gone, retired to his bell tower in the countryside, but you can still light a candle in his memory.











Soak up the outdoor sculpture. The admission price can’t be beat.These two pieces caught my eye in 2003. The fish I get, the big head -- not so much.







Take a walk along the Seine. The river promenade is the perfect place for a stroll. Is that a boat or a botanical garden? Thank goodness there’s a ready water supply nearby.

Visit a bike shop. You know you need something, so duck on in. But first, practice this line: “Just for a minute, hon….This won’t take long, I promise.”




Browse the street art. You’ll earn valuable bonus points if you find something with the Eiffel Tower AND a bike race.



Listen to a street performer. Don’t forget to drop a Euro in le chapeau.
















Visit the Arc de Triomphe. Go ahead. Take a victory lap. Lance would approve.












Relive “The Da Vinci Code.” Yes, there it is. The pyramid that played such a pivotal role in Ron “Opie” Howard’s movie. Contrary to popular belief, it was not blown up in the filming of another movie, “Team America: World Police.”






Ride the Ferris wheel. Do it for the view. A little known fact: this is actually where Ferris Bueller spent his day off.












Skip the Louvre and head straight to the Musee d'Orsay. A truly great museum on the left bank of the Seine, housed in an old railway station, with several fantastic Van Gogh self portraits. Also, a pretty good café. Another good choice is the Picasso Museum. By the way, when you’re done with PBP, you’ll feel -- and smell -- like an old goat.




Explore the side streets of Paris. You’re sure to stumble upon a superb restaurant tucked away in a narrow back alley -- and Lord knows you need the calories. This shot was taken behind the Pantheon.




Spend a few moments checking out those funny European cars. They call this one the Smart Car. At 58 mpg, it’s looking smarter every day. Not sure where the bike rack goes, though. I understand they’ll soon be imported to the U.S.




Take a stroll down the Champs- Élysées.With a thousand of your closest friends. But stay out of the stores. This is a serious, high-rent district.

Treat your honey to a romantic, candlelight dinner. He or she deserves it for putting up with all of your kooky bike rides.