“Especially Watch Out for Bicycles and Motorbikes.”
If you’re planning to drive in Paris — whether with a rental car or your own vehicle — there’s something more important than traffic or GPS: bicycles and motorbikes.
And yes, I say this from personal experience.
1. Traffic is Dense, and the Rules Can Feel Chaotic
Rush hour in Paris is no joke. The roads are narrow, traffic is thick, and roundabouts like the one at Arc de Triomphe can be nerve-wracking.
But more than anything else, it’s what you don’t see right away that can be dangerous.
2. Bicycles and Motobikes Have Priority — In Practice
Parisians take cycling seriously. There are bike lanes everywhere, and cyclists often ride fast and close to cars — even when they’re not supposed to.
- Expect bicycles to approach from the right even when turning.
- Motorbikes often lane-split — weaving between cars during traffic.
- Even if you think the road is clear, double-check mirrors and blind spots, especially when turning left or right.
💬 I once had a minor collision while turning left. I had checked for a bicycle, thought the road was clear — but a cyclist came fast from my blind spot. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it was a wake-up call: bicycles always have priority in Paris.
3. Rules You Might Not Expect
- Cyclists do not always stop at red lights — they’re allowed to go straight or turn right in certain zones.
- Bike lanes may be physically separated, or may look like regular lanes.
- Pedestrians, bikes, and scooters often share space in residential zones.
4. What You Can Do
Here’s what I now always do while driving in Paris:
- Pause a full second longer at every turn, especially if crossing a bike lane
- Check mirrors twice, then check again
- If I hear a motorbike engine nearby, I assume it’s in my blind spot
- Avoid abrupt right turns — cyclists may be coming up quickly on your right
- Open car doors slowly (use the Dutch reach method if possible)
5. Is Driving in Paris Worth It?
Honestly? If you’re not leaving the city, I’d suggest relying on public transport.
Paris has excellent metro, tram, and bus systems — and you won’t have to worry about scratching a rental or dealing with bike lane etiquette.
But if you must drive, just remember: the road isn’t yours alone — it belongs to the bikes too.
Driving in Paris isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about sharing the road — and sharing it carefully.
Especially with bikes and scooters. They move fast, they’re often hard to see, and yes — they often have the right of way.
So take your time, drive defensively, and stay aware. Trust me — it’s better to arrive a few minutes late than to spend hours dealing with a report or repair.