Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Every October the Hippodrome de Longchamp hosts the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
(
www.prixarcdetriomphe.com
)
, Europe's most prestigious horserace.
Cycling
Everyone knows that the Tour de France races up the Champs-Élysées at the end of July
every year, but you don't need Chris Froome's leg muscles to enjoy Paris on two wheels.
Between
Vélib'
(the Paris bike-share scheme) and the hundreds of kilometres of urban bike
paths, cycling around the city has never been easier. Sign up for one of the great city
bike
tours
or
hire a bike
yourself. Some streets are closed to vehicle traffic on Sundays - great
news for cyclists! Bring your own helmet.
Skating
The next most popular activity after cycling has to be skating, whether on the street or on
ice. Rent a pair of in-line skates at Nomades and join the Friday evening skate (Pari Roller)
that streaks through the Paris streets, or join the more laid-back Sunday afternoon skate
(Rollers & Coquillages Ramble).
During the winter holidays several temporary outdoor rinks are installed around Paris -
the most famous are located in front of the Hôtel de Ville and on the 1st floor of the Eiffel
Tower. See
www.paris.fr
for other locations.
Hammams & Spas
Whether you want to hobnob with the stars at a
spa de luxe
or get a
savon noir
(black soap)
exfoliation at the neighbourhood hammam, Paris has spaces to suit every whim.
A hammam generally charges an entrance fee, which grants you admission to a steam
bath and sauna. Extras - exfoliation scrubs, orange-blossom massages, and mint tea and
North African pastries - are tacked on to the initial price (but worth it!). Most hammams are
primarily for women; if men are admitted it's usually only once or twice a week, and only
rarely at the same time as women.
Swimming
If you want to go swimming at either your hotel or in a public pool, you'll need to don a
bonnet de bain
(bathing cap) - even if you don't have any hair. You shouldn't need to buy
one ahead of time as they are generally sold at most pools. Men are required to wear skin-
tight trunks (Speedos); loose-fitting Bermuda shorts are not allowed.
