ENJOYING PARIS - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 264

Some of the SNCF trains have bike racks and many do not
charge extra for transporting bikes. Bicycles are also available
for rent at many SNCF train stations in the countryside.

Les Centres D'Animation
In the municipal sports system,some 30 centres d'animation
train adults and children in a wide variety of activities.
Among the cultural activities offered are lessons in
music, dance, language and the performing arts. There
are also dozens of sports courses, including martial arts,
tennis, fencing, golf, basketball and other ball games,
water sports and even pétanque (a traditional game using
metal balls). A small enrollment fee is charged. Inquire
at your neighbourhood sports facility and ask at the
mairie for the booklet, Centres d'Animations , which details
the offerings.

Aquaboulevard
One of the most extensive sports complexes in the Paris area
is Aquaboulevard de Paris, at 4-6 rue Louis-Armand, 75015
(tel: [phone]; http://www.aquaboulevard.com). It is
part of the Forest Hill chain of sports and tennis clubs, and
seems to have everything. It has both indoor and outdoor
facilities, including 11 tennis courts, six squash courts,
practice and miniature golf, gym and aerobics programmes
and a huge swimming complex with a tropical lagoon. There
are shops and restaurants as well.

Gyms
More than 100 gymnasia exist throughout the city, with
different facilities and programmes. Both public and private
gyms are crowded, and they all vary in amenities and
services, so look around before joining. Private clubs are
opening at a rapid rate in each neighbourhood. The Yellow
Pages have several sections concerning fitness: Clubs de
forme and Gymnastique: Salles et Leçons . See also the Guide
du Sport .

Les Cercles de la Forme; website: http://www.
cerclesdelaforme.com. Seven centres around Paris offering