City Daily Photo - Theme Day - La Revolution

City Daily Photo

Theme Day

On the first day of each month the photographers who participate daily with photos of their city (or adopted city) post a photo along a selected theme.  This month is "revolution," and I chose to consider the revolutions in wheels.

This woman is riding a Velib, 

which is the public bicycle system in Paris.

On three trips to Paris I have used the Velibs,

dodging the buses and cars to take a different view of the city.

I do not take photos while I ride which is a great comfort to my family.

Take a look at all of the interpretations of the CDP photographers here.

Paris Velib

Place Louis Lepine

75004, Paris

Des Vélibs

Vélib bikes

Lined up and ready for riding...

It is an easy way to get around Paris and much faster than walking.  

However, you need to have a good knowledge of the streets,

 and I would not recommend taking photos while riding (bien sûr!)

Vélib station

Place André Malraux

75001, Paris

Les Vélibs

Try it!

Well, Holly has a big smile because we were having so much fun riding around Paris on the Vélibs.  The cost can be a little as $2.20 to ride for the day.  If you return your bike to one of the 1,800 stations within 30 minutes, there is no additional charge.  We rode for two days all over Paris, mixing it up with the traffic.  On my recent trip, I spent one day riding alone, crossing the Seine bridges and riding as far as Jardin des Plantes from the 2ème.

There are 20,000 bikes ready to ride, waiting on you.  Check out the site here.

If you are hesitant, start away from congested traffic areas (Place Charles de Gaule for sure!) 

On our first 30-minute ride we bumped across the cobblestones of Champs Elysées, passed between Grand Palais and Petit Palais, and then crossed Pont Alexandre III.  What a rush!  

(Learn the words - It will make you feel so cool - 

do not forget to ring the little bell as you sing, too)

Je m' baladais sur l' avenue
Le coeur ouvert à l' inconnu
J' avais envie de dire bonjour
A n' importe qui

N' importe qui et ce fut toi
Je t' ai dit n' importe quoi
Il suffisait de te parler
Pour t' apprivoiser

Aux Champs-Elysées
Aux Champs-Elysées
Au soleil, sous la pluie
A midi ou à minuit
Il y a tout c' que vous voulez
Aux Champs-Elysées!

Les rues du 15ième

75015, Paris

Jardins des Tuileries - XXVII

Jardins des Tuileries

This sumptuous park is the largest in Paris at 63 acres (25.5 hectares) 

and provides a grand outdoor entertainment center for Parisians and visitors alike.

Jogging, walking, riding Vélibs, playing pétanque, 

sitting in the ubiquitous green chairs by the side of Grand Bassin Octagonal...

The list is endless

Jardin des Tuileries

75001, Paris

Entrée des Fournisseurs - mercerie

Entrée des Fournisseurs

Tucked quietly off the main street of Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, 

this large mercerie has a wonderful selection:

haberdashery, ribbons, buttons, passementerie, 

threads, fabrics, felting, knitting, books, and so much more...

but, if you can see the square sign on the door...

pas de photos!

Entrée des Fournisseurs

8, rue des Francs-Bourgeois

75004, Paris

L'homme et le Vélib

zoom-zoom

The streets of Paris are full of bicycle commuters, 

and one sees many of the rental bikes (Vélibs) utilized.  

They come equipped with a lock, an ample basket, 

easily adjustable seat, three gears, hand brakes, and... 

a bell.

With a Navigo pass, a simple swipe of the card and you are good to go.  

For a tourist, there are a few more steps, 

but still easy and inexpensive when you understand how it is charged.

How do I know?

brrrring, brrrrring! 

Vélib on Rue de Vaugirard

75006, Paris

Métropolitain, la fenêtre, et le Vélib

Rouge times two

Safety in the streets of Paris suggests that one ring the little bell 

and then pull over to the curb.  

One can take photos while riding a Vélib, 

but coming to a complete stop is best.

...and I did

There is more to this story, bien sûr

brrring, brrring!

112, boulevard Raspail

75006, Paris

Métro Notre-Dame des Champs

Le Beaujolais nouveau arrive!

Just look at this lovely ink and watercolor
by dear friend Shell Sherree here!

Place Louis Lépine - la cycliste

When one rides a Velib,

one is not concerned about the maintenance or security of a bike. 

Certainly the owner of the bike (or what is left of it)

 in the background has a problem.

Place Louis Lépine

75004, Paris

Métro Cité