Paris is known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and romantic atmosphere. But beyond the famous monuments, the City of Light is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. While traditional walking tours or bicycle rides are popular ways to explore Paris, there’s a much more exciting, immersive, and intimate way to see the city: on a sidecar tour.
Cruising through Paris in a vintage sidecar is an unforgettable experience that allows you to experience the city in a fresh and thrilling way. As you ride through the charming streets of Paris, the wind in your hair and the sounds of the city all around you, you’ll feel a unique connection with the places you visit. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through seven must-visit Parisian neighborhoods, each of which is best explored by sidecar.
1. Le Marais: Paris’ Historic Heart
Le Marais, one of Paris’ oldest and most picturesque districts, is the perfect place to begin your sidecar adventure. Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, this neighborhood is a blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication. As you hop into the sidecar, you'll instantly feel a sense of nostalgia, gliding past narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings that seem frozen in time.
What makes the sidecar such a fantastic way to explore Le Marais is the ability to weave in and out of its narrow streets and hidden courtyards. On foot, it’s easy to miss some of the best spots, but from the comfort of a sidecar, you can explore this charming neighborhood from every angle. The Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, is a must-see, and the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) is just a short ride away. As you zip past these monuments, your guide will share interesting tidbits about the area’s rich history.
In Le Marais, you’ll also find the Musée Picasso, the Musée Carnavalet, and plenty of quaint cafés and boutiques. A sidecar ride is the ideal way to take it all in—up close and personal, with the added bonus of being able to stop wherever something catches your eye.
2. Montmartre: The Bohemian Spirit of Paris
Montmartre is a quintessential Parisian neighborhood, known for its artistic heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and breathtaking views. Perched on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is famous for its Sacré-Cœur Basilica, its charming cafés, and its history as the home of artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.
A sidecar ride through Montmartre offers the perfect combination of adventure and comfort as you ascend the winding, cobbled streets that lead to the top of the hill. Montmartre’s narrow streets and steep inclines can be a challenge to explore on foot, but in a sidecar, you’ll breeze through the neighborhood, soaking in the breathtaking views of Paris along the way.
Riding through Montmartre in a sidecar also means you can explore some of the lesser-known corners of this artistic haven. You’ll pass Place du Tertre, where local artists display their works, and stop by the iconic Moulin de la Galette, a windmill turned cabaret that was once frequented by famous artists like Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. From the comfort of the sidecar, you can effortlessly explore this creative district and take in the beautiful scenery at your own pace.
3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés: A Blend of Intellectual and Artistic Vibes
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of Paris’ most famous neighborhoods, renowned for its intellectual history and café culture. Home to legendary philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, this area is also a hub for literature, philosophy, and art.
A sidecar tour through Saint-Germain-des-Prés brings you closer to its rich heritage. As you ride past its renowned cafés—such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore—you can almost feel the intellectual energy that once permeated these spaces. These cafés were the meeting places of writers, artists, and thinkers during the 20th century. Your sidecar guide will share stories of the great minds who frequented these spots, bringing the neighborhood’s intellectual past to life.
As you roll through the streets of Saint-Germain, you’ll also pass by the Luxembourg Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, and the beautiful Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in Paris. The open-air sidecar experience allows you to absorb the artistic and intellectual atmosphere of the district while comfortably cruising through its charming streets.
4. Le Quartier Latin: Paris' Bohemian Soul
The Quartier Latin is a lively and youthful neighborhood located in the 5th arrondissement. Known for its prestigious universities, vibrant student life, and rich cultural history, this district is the heart of Paris' intellectual and artistic scene.
A sidecar ride through the Quartier Latin allows you to discover the area’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. As you pass the grand Panthéon, where famous figures like Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Émile Zola are buried, your guide will explain the cultural significance of this iconic monument. You’ll also glide past the Sorbonne University, one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in Europe, and explore the lively Place de la Contrescarpe, a square that has long been a gathering place for students and intellectuals.
The sidecar is the perfect way to enjoy the neighborhood's vibrant energy. You can zip through the narrow streets, lined with quaint bookshops, lively bistros, and street vendors. The open sides of the sidecar allow you to take in the atmosphere and the sights, from the bustling Rue Mouffetard to the beautiful Jardin des Plantes.
5. Canal Saint-Martin: Trendy and Artistic
Canal Saint-Martin is one of Paris’ trendiest neighborhoods, located in the 10th arrondissement. Once an industrial area, it has transformed into a fashionable district with a relaxed, bohemian vibe. With its tree-lined canal, hip cafés, and artisan boutiques, this area offers a refreshing contrast to the more tourist-heavy parts of the city.
The beauty of exploring Canal Saint-Martin by sidecar is the ability to cruise along the canal’s peaceful waterfront, passingcharming iron bridges and historical locks. This district has a laid-back vibe, and a sidecar ride offers the perfect pace to take in the atmosphere while still covering a lot of ground. You’ll ride past stylish boutiques, trendy bars, and some of Paris’ best bakeries.
The canal area is also home to several street art murals, adding a modern, artistic flair to the neighborhood. Riding through Canal Saint-Martin in a vintage sidecar gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems, from tucked-away cafés to artisan workshops, that might be missed on foot or by car.
6. Belleville: Paris' Cultural Melting Pot
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Belleville, a multicultural neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement. Belleville offers some of the best panoramic views of Paris, along with an eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines, and street art.
A sidecar ride through Belleville is an adventure in itself. As you climb up to Parc de Belleville, you’ll be treated to one of the best views of Paris, stretching across the skyline from the Sacré-Cœur to the Tour Eiffel. The vibrant neighborhood is also known for its street art, with large murals covering the walls of buildings throughout the district. A sidecar tour allows you to comfortably ride past these colorful works of art while enjoying the unique atmosphere of this diverse area.
In Belleville, you’ll also find fantastic markets, bustling with fresh produce and spices, as well as a variety of ethnic restaurants offering flavors from around the world. The sidecar offers a fun, easy way to explore this multicultural gem, taking you off the typical tourist track and into a vibrant, lesser-known part of Paris.
7. Le 11e Arrondissement: The Up-and-Coming District
The 11th arrondissement is an area that has seen significant transformation in recent years, becoming one of Paris' most exciting and dynamic neighborhoods. Known for its great food scene, trendy bars, and vibrant nightlife, the 11th is an up-and-coming district that offers a more local, authentic Parisian experience.
Exploring the 11th by sidecar is an ideal way to take in all that this exciting neighborhood has to offer. From the lively Place de la Bastille—a historic square that marks the site of the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution—to the hip streets of Oberkampf and Faubourg Saint-Antoine, you’ll feel the pulse of modern Paris.
Whether you're passing by food markets, stopping for a coffee at a local café, or enjoying a ride through some of the coolest streets in Paris, a sidecar is the perfect way to explore the 11th arrondissement. The sidecar's open design gives you the freedom to experience the neighborhood at your own pace, hopping off at any moment to explore a café or shop that catches your eye.