Thanks a lot. It answered for me 3 important things: - How to get a ticket without a laptop - Where to leave my phone for navigation. I still might get my own bicycle phone holder - Checking bicycle conditions I just went through not being able to buy a ticket on the Android app, because it just doesn't work because it crashed. Buc exists since last augustust at least. Next I tried buying a ticket via the website. That did work. The website is far from bug free and the helpdesk answers with "we understand your concerns" without providing useful assistance.
@@LamourdeParisPhotographers I used my ticket on Sunday morning before 11:00 to get to Musee d'Orsay from the 15th. Almost empty streets, not what I expected. The bicycle parking had bicycles with flat tyres, broken brakes, broken chains and unreadable screens. I found a lot of working ones too. Cycling on an early Sunday morning in Paris is lovely.
Wow, what a great video! I JUST moved to Paris, but used velib about 10 years ago when they had the brown bikes/metal baskets. Things have definitely changed, but you showed how to check the bike exactly how I was taught 10 years ago! I needed a reminder on what to do now that I am here by myself. Great video! 10/10!
@@fareezkhan7831 yes, exactly! Bienvenue a Paris! Good luck! Let us know how it goes, and be careful - I forget if we mentioned it in the video, but the birds had done a number on the bikes when we were there. ;P
Bon Jour, thank you for this video. I watched this video and immediately went and rented a bike. The instructions were great and simple. I cycled past the Eiffel Tower and it was great. Thank you for this video. Cheers.
Excellent detailed tutorial about how to use the velo in Paris - the Paris city bike network - which now covers the whole city. Love the presentation too, full of flavor and color 😃. _Subscribed_
what a great video! you must have taken the time to think about how you structure it so all questions are being answered. Now I feel ready for the adventure. Thanks a lot. Paris, nous arrivons !
Thank you very much for the kind compliment! We certainly did think about it in advance. That's what happens when two Type A's work on something like this. ;) We hope you enjoy your Paris adventure ...and the bikes!
This is the best guide really. I'm probably getting the basic pass on my Navigo but the guide of choosing, checking, and riding was excellent and valuable.
Nicely done, thank you. Especially since right now one cannot confirm payment information when signing up on line since Smovingo cannot process American credit cards (really?). So, an American can only do it at the station. Also, make sure to lock it into the station well; it's loose, someone can just continue your session.
Thank you! Yes, the credit cards, especially online don't always play nice here. Our bank card here has so many layers of security though that I think that's why it often doesn't work the same for our U.S. cards unfortunately. Also, your tip to make sure it's locked in at the end of your ride is a great one! Thank you for that suggestion!
I was able to use my US card (a Chase Visa card, one which accepts foreign transactions) when I signed up via the app. Maybe it depends on the card, or maybe they fixed it!
You are very welcome! We recently traveled with my husband's bike, so I understand those logistics can be complicated, but the velibs are a great way to get around. And if you want something nicer, there's plenty of bike shops around that will rent bikes too.
Thanks for this video! Going to Paris this December and i'm thinking of using this bikes to move around in Pairs instead of Metro! Hope this will remind me of Amsterdam, loved to bike there. Really hope to save some money using this and to see Paris in a diferent way, plus will do some cardio. Just a question. When you pause the bike does the time keep counting?
For the 5 euro deal, are you allowed to go biking for a whole day, 30min per bike or do you have 30min in total for the day? also do I need to pay extra for the extra bikes? or are their price comprised in the 5 euro purchase (meaning that it costs the same if theres 1 person or 5 people riding at the same time)?
Great questions! For the €5 deal, you can add up to 5 bikes on the one code, but it is €5 per bike, and for a manual bike, the first 0-30 min is free then it's 1 € per each 30min. For the electric it's an additional €2 for the first 0-45 min and then 2€ for each 30min after. Makes sense? Thanks for watching!
Skipped over the payment screen which was my problem. Even when you select English the card receiver displays French. Go with your translator app handy
That is a great question...and to be honest, I'm not sure there is. My husband and I rented bikes in Annecy recently from a store (and their local shared bikes as well) and both options there also had a hold on a deposit until we returned them. :(
When you pause your ride, as you did toward the end of the video, does the clock stop as well? Or does it keep running, and thus you get charged extra if you go over the 30 minute mark? Wait, never mind, I see that you essentially answered this question below on the thread with Tracie Trotter. The answer is that the clock keeps running... Fabulous video, by the way!!!
That is correct! But it does add to your time of rental and your hourly charge so sometimes it best to park at a station if you’re taking a long dining or shopping break.
Bonjour, thank you for the video. Question if I still have time left, can I park the bike go in a cafe for lunch then come back to the bicycle without the clock running? Does that make sense? Merci, Tracie
Bonjour! You're very welcome! When you pause the bike, the time does keep running, but you can see how much time has expired in the main window, so that can help you gauge whether you want to return it for awhile or hold onto it. When we have a bike that works really well, we often prefer to hold onto it. :)
It's just like when you go to a hotel and they put a hold for possible room charges, which gets applied back to your card when you return the bike. Make sense?
Good question but in 8 years we’ve never experience one. The tires are quite robust. That being said I imagine you would lock the bike where you are and submit a ticket via the app.
It's just like when you go to a hotel and they put a hold for possible room charges, which gets applied back to your card when you return the bike. Make sense?
you can keep it as long as your pass is valid, but you will pay an hourly rate after the first 30 minutes or hour. So it's better to return it when not needed and then check out another.
Unfortunately they do not take cash at the kiosk. Only debit/credit cards and cards with contactless payment ability. Great question and thanks for watching!
@@gameofmasks2992 Try Paris Bike Company, Holland Bikes Tours & Rentals, or Allo Velo -- beyond that, there are more, but those are most familiar to us.
Hi Jk, they do reimburse the €300. It's just a security deposit like when you check into a hotel and they ask for a CC for incidentals, etc. Hope this helps!
Hi there! Our website is www.lamourdeparis.com and if you check out our videos here we do have one that’s a nice bike tour from the Eiffel Tower. Thanks for watching!
Excellent Video, appreciate you! We are coming in May 2023., whoohoo can't wait! I've been waiting my entire life and finally able to do it! Has anything changed with Velib for 2023? Do they still take American Visa cards? We are in our 60's and own and ride e-bikes here in the US. Hoping to get around in Paris the same way and see much more than by walking. Some people are finding that each time they renew their pass they are getting hit with another $300 deposit on their CC. This can add up even if you use the 3 day pass more than once. Would be great if you could do an update for 2023! I'm sure you'll get lots of views.
Hi Gerd, thanks for much for watching and your comment! I would be surprised if they aren't taking US Visa cards. I understand what you mean about the $300 deposit, but unfortunately I'm guessing they need to cover their equipment as you see velib bikes in terrible shape just left on the street, etc. And I think an update on the Velib system for 2023 is a great idea!
Hi there! The 7 day rental gives you access to the bike system for 7 days, but you don't actually keep the bike for all 7 days. Once your 7 days expires, assuming you've returned the last bike you used :) then yes your deposit is returned to your card. Hope this helps!
When you return it you simply pull into a station and make sure it registers on the screen that the ride has ended. And you'll know it's locked in bc you won't be able to take it back out. Easy-peasy! I think it took us at least 5 takes to get that scene just right of Doug docking the bike at the end. ;P
I have two questions, the first one is that v-sejour is not listed on neither the web nor the app, so i assume its a plan that you can only pay on the machine or that it was removed, which one is it? The second questions is that if the plan includes up to 5 bikes that means i can take more than one for the same price, or if i select that i will take 3 bikes the price will be the triple?
Hi Fenix, thanks for the great questions! It appears that the Velib system has changed some of their offerings. Here's a link to the new options: www.velib-metropole.fr/fr/offers Here is how I understand the answer to your 2nd question..... the price will be triple if you take 3 bikes, but you will be able to check out 3 bikes using the one code that you received when you make the purchase. So rather than having to make 3 separate purchases for you and your friends/family, you can make the one purchase, receive one code, and all of you can use that code. You will be billed according to the number of bikes you check out with that code. If you choose the new plan called the Classic/Classique, it says up to 5 bikes for 24 hours for €5. So if you check out 3 bikes at once, it will be €15. Hopefully this answers your questions!
That seat backwards trick is honor code-based. Using it to "reserve" your bike spoils the code for all. If you want to keep you bike, don't dock it and use the provided lock.
Hi! Yes, I think you can, but be prepared for the deposit it holds. We think it returns to your account quickly upon return of the bike, but you dont' want your funds being held up too long on a debit card I'm sure. And every now and then, US cards don't play nice in general in France, so it's always good if you have more than one option on hand.
hi! is there a way for me to rent a cargo bike or something like that to carry an adult? my mom and I are visiting Paris soon and due to her health she can't walk for too long
Hi Cristina! That's a wonderful idea. This may be possible. I would check with some of the main companies that show up for bike rentals. I knew there are a couple tours that offer kids seats on the bikes, so this would seem feasible that a bike rental company may offer this option. I hope it works out! It is fun to see Paris by bike.
It's usually nice summer weather at that point. The days are super long - it doesn't get fully dark until 11pm-ish! End of July/August are when the heatwaves often pass through, and those aren't too fun bc of course not everywhere has a/c here.
Hi there! Sorry the video wasn’t exactly what you were looking for, but we did state it pretty clearly in the title. We agree that it can be easy to get a crappy Vélib’, but when the system works it’s very affordable and convenient. We like your idea of looking into local bike rental shops though! Thanks for watching!
And what about kids? We are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids, 8 and 12 years old. The 12 years old is big enough for a big bike, but not the youngest.
Hmmm...that's a good question. You could check with some of the bike rental shops if y'all would feel comfortable on a tandem, but admittedly I haven't seen too many around. You could book a side by side motorbike tour with @retro_tour_paris on instagram. I'm sure the kids would LOVE that! I just got to do one in Morocco and it was really neat!
Whats wrong with the french bureaucrats? Did they take a cue from america ? The country that can’t? I mean how hard is it to keep up with the maintenance with these stupid bikes? Thanks for the bike info.
Yeah i understand the frustration. Unfortunately I think it's only going to get worse after Sept. 1 when all the e-scooters are no longer allowed so the bikes will get even more use. We shall see how they handle that! Thanks for watching!
Thanks a lot. It answered for me 3 important things:
- How to get a ticket without a laptop
- Where to leave my phone for navigation. I still might get my own bicycle phone holder
- Checking bicycle conditions
I just went through not being able to buy a ticket on the Android app, because it just doesn't work because it crashed. Buc exists since last augustust at least. Next I tried buying a ticket via the website. That did work. The website is far from bug free and the helpdesk answers with "we understand your concerns" without providing useful assistance.
Glad it helped a bit! French customer service can be hit or miss sometimes 🤪
@@LamourdeParisPhotographers I used my ticket on Sunday morning before 11:00 to get to Musee d'Orsay from the 15th. Almost empty streets, not what I expected. The bicycle parking had bicycles with flat tyres, broken brakes, broken chains and unreadable screens. I found a lot of working ones too. Cycling on an early Sunday morning in Paris is lovely.
This video is very detailed and explains everything very clearly. Thanks a lot.
Thank you very much! We're happy to hear you found it useful!! Enjoy your Paris trip!
Wow, what a great video! I JUST moved to Paris, but used velib about 10 years ago when they had the brown bikes/metal baskets. Things have definitely changed, but you showed how to check the bike exactly how I was taught 10 years ago! I needed a reminder on what to do now that I am here by myself. Great video! 10/10!
Thank you so much for watching and your very kind words!!!! Welcome to Paris!!!
Excellent, very well explained. Thank you!
Our pleasure! I hope you get to experience it in person!
I recently moved to Paris and actually live very close to that station, that's Mirabeau right? Will be trying it soon 🙂
@@fareezkhan7831 yes, exactly! Bienvenue a Paris! Good luck! Let us know how it goes, and be careful - I forget if we mentioned it in the video, but the birds had done a number on the bikes when we were there. ;P
Bon Jour, thank you for this video. I watched this video and immediately went and rented a bike. The instructions were great and simple. I cycled past the Eiffel Tower and it was great. Thank you for this video. Cheers.
Awesome! Thank you so much for the positive feedback, and we're so thrilled to have helped you enjoy a cycle through Paris! :)
Very informative, thank you very much!
Glad it was useful! You're very welcome!
Thank you SO MUCH!!! for this instruction🙏
You are incredibly welcome! Happy to know it was useful! Have fun!
Excellent detailed tutorial about how to use the velo in Paris - the Paris city bike network - which now covers the whole city. Love the presentation too, full of flavor and color 😃. _Subscribed_
Thank you for the great feedback! We're happy to have you on board! Lots of ideas brewing for 2023!
very well explained like no other , thanks!
Thank you so very much for your feedback! I hope it comes in handy!
what a great video! you must have taken the time to think about how you structure it so all questions are being answered. Now I feel ready for the adventure. Thanks a lot. Paris, nous arrivons !
Thank you very much for the kind compliment! We certainly did think about it in advance. That's what happens when two Type A's work on something like this. ;) We hope you enjoy your Paris adventure ...and the bikes!
This is the best guide really. I'm probably getting the basic pass on my Navigo but the guide of choosing, checking, and riding was excellent and valuable.
Thank you so much for the feedback! We have plans to make more useful videos in the months to come! :)
I totally agree. Best advice I found ... except my own (unfortunately without how-to-us-information) 🙂 Well done
Thanks for this video 😁
Thank you for your appreciation! I hope you'll find it helpful!
This is just what I needed! Thank you!!!
Perfect! Our pleasure!
Very Good! Helped a lot. Thank you
Glad it helped!
Excellent video, many thanks!!!!!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks a lot for this superbe guide and the 3 step assessment.
You are very welcome! We're glad you found it useful!
Great video. I think I'll come to Paris and try this system myself.
Thank you so much and do come soon!
Nicely done, thank you. Especially since right now one cannot confirm payment information when signing up on line since Smovingo cannot process American credit cards (really?). So, an American can only do it at the station.
Also, make sure to lock it into the station well; it's loose, someone can just continue your session.
Thank you! Yes, the credit cards, especially online don't always play nice here. Our bank card here has so many layers of security though that I think that's why it often doesn't work the same for our U.S. cards unfortunately. Also, your tip to make sure it's locked in at the end of your ride is a great one! Thank you for that suggestion!
I was able to use my US card (a Chase Visa card, one which accepts foreign transactions) when I signed up via the app. Maybe it depends on the card, or maybe they fixed it!
Thank you thank you !!
Avec plaisir!
thanks a lot for this information! Now I know that I can leave my bike at home :-)
You are very welcome! We recently traveled with my husband's bike, so I understand those logistics can be complicated, but the velibs are a great way to get around. And if you want something nicer, there's plenty of bike shops around that will rent bikes too.
Good video 👍
Thanks 👍
Thank you very much😀
You're most welcome and thanks for watching!
Skip to the best part at 3:06
Merde happens!
Thanks for this video! Going to Paris this December and i'm thinking of using this bikes to move around in Pairs instead of Metro! Hope this will remind me of Amsterdam, loved to bike there. Really hope to save some money using this and to see Paris in a diferent way, plus will do some cardio.
Just a question. When you pause the bike does the time keep counting?
Perfect! Sounds like a great plan! I hope you enjoy your Paris travels.
For the 5 euro deal, are you allowed to go biking for a whole day, 30min per bike or do you have 30min in total for the day? also do I need to pay extra for the extra bikes? or are their price comprised in the 5 euro purchase (meaning that it costs the same if theres 1 person or 5 people riding at the same time)?
Great questions! For the €5 deal, you can add up to 5 bikes on the one code, but it is €5 per bike, and for a manual bike, the first 0-30 min is free then it's 1 € per each 30min. For the electric it's an additional €2 for the first 0-45 min and then 2€ for each 30min after. Makes sense? Thanks for watching!
Is there a bike app to what to bike in paris like a. Iteniary app?
Unfortunately not that we know of. But it’s a great idea! Thanks for watching!
Skipped over the payment screen which was my problem. Even when you select English the card receiver displays French. Go with your translator app handy
Interesting. Thanks for sharing and for watching!
Thanks for the video! Is there a way to rent a bike without depositing a significant sum of money?
That is a great question...and to be honest, I'm not sure there is. My husband and I rented bikes in Annecy recently from a store (and their local shared bikes as well) and both options there also had a hold on a deposit until we returned them. :(
So helpful. Ty
Glad it was helpful!
When you pause your ride, as you did toward the end of the video, does the clock stop as well? Or does it keep running, and thus you get charged extra if you go over the 30 minute mark? Wait, never mind, I see that you essentially answered this question below on the thread with Tracie Trotter. The answer is that the clock keeps running... Fabulous video, by the way!!!
Thanks for watching and glad your question was ultimately answered! And yes you were right in that the clock keeps running :)
Nice so you dont have to find a station everytime you park? You just need to lock the steering wheel where you want to stop over?
That is correct! But it does add to your time of rental and your hourly charge so sometimes it best to park at a station if you’re taking a long dining or shopping break.
Bonjour, thank you for the video. Question if I still have time left, can I park the bike go in a cafe for lunch then come back to the bicycle without the clock running? Does that make sense? Merci, Tracie
Bonjour! You're very welcome! When you pause the bike, the time does keep running, but you can see how much time has expired in the main window, so that can help you gauge whether you want to return it for awhile or hold onto it. When we have a bike that works really well, we often prefer to hold onto it. :)
@@LamourdeParisPhotographers Bonjour, thank you for responding. So you basically have to use up all the time in one shot or one ride?
What’s the deal with the pre-authorisation deposit? Does it rlly take €300? Or does it decline?
It's just like when you go to a hotel and they put a hold for possible room charges, which gets applied back to your card when you return the bike. Make sense?
what happened if you get a flat? how do you stop the countdown?
Good question but in 8 years we’ve never experience one. The tires are quite robust. That being said I imagine you would lock the bike where you are and submit a ticket via the app.
Great Video. Very well explained.
Just a small query. When and how do you get that 300 eur refunded?
It's just like when you go to a hotel and they put a hold for possible room charges, which gets applied back to your card when you return the bike. Make sense?
@@LamourdeParisPhotographers yeah. It make sense. I did subscribe for it 4 months back only for a year 😊 thank you for your reply.
Figyelem!!! A Velib zárolja a 300-600euros kauciót 7-30napra. Igazságtalan és aránytalan.
We will be sure to let the company know 😎
can you keep the same bike most of the day if you have the 7 day pass?
you can keep it as long as your pass is valid, but you will pay an hourly rate after the first 30 minutes or hour. So it's better to return it when not needed and then check out another.
Does the velib take cash?
Unfortunately they do not take cash at the kiosk. Only debit/credit cards and cards with contactless payment ability. Great question and thanks for watching!
@@LamourdeParisPhotographers dam. Are there any rental shops around?
@@gameofmasks2992 Try Paris Bike Company, Holland Bikes Tours & Rentals, or Allo Velo -- beyond that, there are more, but those are most familiar to us.
Do they reinburse you the €300 at the return of the bike or is it as a registration fee? Thanks
Hi Jk, they do reimburse the €300. It's just a security deposit like when you check into a hotel and they ask for a CC for incidentals, etc. Hope this helps!
@@LamourdeParisPhotographers How long does the reimburses takes to be return to your cc card?
@@ruthtejada7230 to be honest I'm not for sure. My husband thinks it's right away, but not 100% certain on that.
Your website or any tour links?
Hi there! Our website is www.lamourdeparis.com and if you check out our videos here we do have one that’s a nice bike tour from the Eiffel Tower. Thanks for watching!
Excellent Video, appreciate you! We are coming in May 2023., whoohoo can't wait! I've been waiting my entire life and finally able to do it! Has anything changed with Velib for 2023? Do they still take American Visa cards? We are in our 60's and own and ride e-bikes here in the US. Hoping to get around in Paris the same way and see much more than by walking. Some people are finding that each time they renew their pass they are getting hit with another $300 deposit on their CC. This can add up even if you use the 3 day pass more than once. Would be great if you could do an update for 2023! I'm sure you'll get lots of views.
Hi Gerd, thanks for much for watching and your comment! I would be surprised if they aren't taking US Visa cards. I understand what you mean about the $300 deposit, but unfortunately I'm guessing they need to cover their equipment as you see velib bikes in terrible shape just left on the street, etc. And I think an update on the Velib system for 2023 is a great idea!
So say you rent the bike for 7 days, provided that after that time you don’t have an outstanding bike, your deposit comes back?
Hi there! The 7 day rental gives you access to the bike system for 7 days, but you don't actually keep the bike for all 7 days. Once your 7 days expires, assuming you've returned the last bike you used :) then yes your deposit is returned to your card. Hope this helps!
System complicated more than in Moscow)
interesting to know. Thanks for watching!
What I missed is, how to finally return the bike!
When you return it you simply pull into a station and make sure it registers on the screen that the ride has ended. And you'll know it's locked in bc you won't be able to take it back out. Easy-peasy! I think it took us at least 5 takes to get that scene just right of Doug docking the bike at the end. ;P
On Velib app it says 20 euro for 3 days ...?😮💨
that is correct! That would be the same cost as 10 rides on the metro or bus which is 5 round trips, so it's a pretty good deal.
I have two questions, the first one is that v-sejour is not listed on neither the web nor the app, so i assume its a plan that you can only pay on the machine or that it was removed, which one is it?
The second questions is that if the plan includes up to 5 bikes that means i can take more than one for the same price, or if i select that i will take 3 bikes the price will be the triple?
Hi Fenix, thanks for the great questions! It appears that the Velib system has changed some of their offerings. Here's a link to the new options: www.velib-metropole.fr/fr/offers Here is how I understand the answer to your 2nd question..... the price will be triple if you take 3 bikes, but you will be able to check out 3 bikes using the one code that you received when you make the purchase. So rather than having to make 3 separate purchases for you and your friends/family, you can make the one purchase, receive one code, and all of you can use that code. You will be billed according to the number of bikes you check out with that code. If you choose the new plan called the Classic/Classique, it says up to 5 bikes for 24 hours for €5. So if you check out 3 bikes at once, it will be €15. Hopefully this answers your questions!
That seat backwards trick is honor code-based. Using it to "reserve" your bike spoils the code for all. If you want to keep you bike, don't dock it and use the provided lock.
Yes! The bikes can be hit or miss some days. When I find a good one, I'm parking it and holding onto it if I have fast errands to run.
Can I use a Debit Card?
Hi! Yes, I think you can, but be prepared for the deposit it holds. We think it returns to your account quickly upon return of the bike, but you dont' want your funds being held up too long on a debit card I'm sure. And every now and then, US cards don't play nice in general in France, so it's always good if you have more than one option on hand.
hi! is there a way for me to rent a cargo bike or something like that to carry an adult? my mom and I are visiting Paris soon and due to her health she can't walk for too long
Hi Cristina! That's a wonderful idea. This may be possible. I would check with some of the main companies that show up for bike rentals. I knew there are a couple tours that offer kids seats on the bikes, so this would seem feasible that a bike rental company may offer this option. I hope it works out! It is fun to see Paris by bike.
درجا هاواي جميل جدا ينفع بشر
How’s the weather on the month of july?
It's usually nice summer weather at that point. The days are super long - it doesn't get fully dark until 11pm-ish! End of July/August are when the heatwaves often pass through, and those aren't too fun bc of course not everywhere has a/c here.
Very helpful. The city needs to clean the pigeon shit
Glad it helped! I’m afraid the city would be fighting an uphill battle on that one!
You couldn’t take the mask off your ear? Really?
Nope. Sure couldn’t.
These public bikes are pieces of junk unfortunately .
I thought maybe you would be more in depth looking into local bike rental shops and rates .
Hi there! Sorry the video wasn’t exactly what you were looking for, but we did state it pretty clearly in the title. We agree that it can be easy to get a crappy Vélib’, but when the system works it’s very affordable and convenient. We like your idea of looking into local bike rental shops though! Thanks for watching!
And what about kids? We are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids, 8 and 12 years old. The 12 years old is big enough for a big bike, but not the youngest.
Hmmm...that's a good question. You could check with some of the bike rental shops if y'all would feel comfortable on a tandem, but admittedly I haven't seen too many around. You could book a side by side motorbike tour with @retro_tour_paris on instagram. I'm sure the kids would LOVE that! I just got to do one in Morocco and it was really neat!
@@LamourdeParisPhotographers , thanks for your reply.
Tell me you got a new wallet...oy!
Nope.
Whats wrong with the french bureaucrats? Did they take a cue from america ? The country that can’t? I mean how hard is it to keep up with the maintenance with these stupid bikes? Thanks for the bike info.
Yeah i understand the frustration. Unfortunately I think it's only going to get worse after Sept. 1 when all the e-scooters are no longer allowed so the bikes will get even more use. We shall see how they handle that! Thanks for watching!