Imagine yourself gliding along the Parisian boulevards, the wind in your hair, guided by the gentle vibration of a Solex of yesteryear brought back to life. Under the curious gaze of passersby, between retro memories and electric energy, Paris unveils a new face: that of a city discovered at the rhythm of a vintage engine, amidst horns and nostalgia. Grab your helmet and get ready to experience the capital differently, where every turn tells a story and every acceleration awakens memories.
Paris, the city of light indeed, but also of vibrant memories resonating with the sounds of engines from the past. Rediscover the capital on an electric Solex, a symbol of 1950s France, now back on wheels thanks to the initiative of a Parisian company. In this article, let yourself be carried away on a singular adventure through the Parisian streets, where the muffled humming of the modern Solex harmonizes with the honking horns and smiles of nostalgic passersby. Ready to pedal through history? Here’s everything you need to know to explore Paris in a different way, between vintage fragrances and regained sensations of freedom.
To the rhythm of horns: the Solex experience in Paris
Imagine yourself weaving between Haussmannian buildings, the Parisian breeze in your hair, at the handlebars of a brand-new but irresistibly retro electric Solex. Gone is the original loud noise and the stubborn pebbles: the engine, now replaced by a discreet battery, emits only a slight electric whir. It’s the guarantee of a ride that is as silent as it is efficient, even amid urban cacophony.
Specialized agencies welcome you with a brief briefing and a helmet, and then you’re off! Two main routes are offered: “Paris Think,” for history enthusiasts, and “Paris Spend,” for lovers of chic capital. Guided by a passionate expert, each route promises iconic stops, from the majesty of Notre-Dame to the pathways of Père-Lachaise. Gone are the cookie-cutter tours: here, authenticity reigns, with horns as the soundtrack.
Nostalgia in the saddle: the return of the Solex to the streets
Before your eyes, the neighborhoods where Solex once ruled as masters scroll past, elegantly parked on the sidewalks. Appearing in 1946 and put away by the late 1980s, these mopeds beat to the heart of France long before electric scooters and Vélib’ invaded the streets. Today, restored, they attract both the curious and the nostalgic, those who, at the time, enjoyed their first taste of freedom.
At every red light, there’s a festival of winks or tender anecdotes from touched passersby. Some stop, baguette under their arm, to recount their first ride at 13. Others detail the new mechanics, intrigued to find the familiar silhouette with a motor that makes no noise and leaves no smoke. The Solex brings generations together, weaving memories and new experiences.
A two-wheeler that’s accessible… but watch out for the urban jungle
No need to have the endurance of a Tour de France cyclist: these new generation Solexes start with just a touch of a finger, with no pedaling required. You simply press the throttle and off you go. But venturing out on a bicycle in the capital is not without its challenges. While most of the route is on bike paths and calm roads, Paris remains a dynamic city, where car compartments and streams of two-wheelers sometimes coexist in a… sporty manner.
Handling requires a bit of adaptation, especially to get used to the heavier build compared to a traditional Vélib’. One must keep an alert eye at busy intersections, take a deep breath, and enjoy the view, all while staying cautious. For seasoned Parisians, the regained freedom on two wheels makes one forget the hustle of traffic. For others, vigilance is paramount, but the adventure is worth it.
Stories and unusual stops along the route
One of the charms of these rides lies in the guided pauses. Each stop is a stop in time: in front of the statue of the Republic, a passionate guide reveals anecdotes and insider secrets; at Père-Lachaise, Molière and Jim Morrison come into play, revealing their fates beneath the cypress alleys. Guides adapt to the group’s pace, ensuring that each stop injects a touch of emotion or a burst of laughter.
It’s also an opportunity to chat with other participants and meet regulars from back in the day. There’s talk of mechanics, comparison of memories, and capturing the moment in front of monuments. The ride is not a race, but a leap out of time, where modernity coexists with old-world elegance.
The spirit of Solex: a revisited French emblem
Why does the Solex still evoke so much curiosity and attachment? Because it conveys (literally) a whole heritage: that of a carefree France that wandered according to its whims, of a first love or a freedom within reach. Today, both Parisians and passing visitors find themselves reliving this unique experience, where every turn of the wheel invites them to re-enchant the city.
These urban hikes thus offer an original alternative to the eternal guided tours. Hop on a Solex, and you choose vintage charm, the closeness to the asphalt and neighborhood life, all wrapped in a gentle haze of nostalgia. Laughter bursts forth, passersby wave, and Paris is discovered – or rediscovered – through a resolutely different lens.
Practical information for hitting the road
Want to let yourself be tempted? Head to the 20th arrondissement to pick up your Solex and choose your route among the circuits offered from March to October. Expect to pay 59 euros for a two-hour group ride, or 79 euros for a three-hour session for those who enjoy longer detours. Groups are limited to ten people to maintain friendliness and safety.
Custom options are available for special requests, and half-day rentals allow for fun with friends. Minors will have to wait a few more years: this experience is exclusively reserved for adults and is suitable for cyclists comfortable navigating urban traffic.
One piece of advice: dress appropriately for the weather of the day, as the morning breeze remains faithful to the appointment. In case of rain, the excursion is postponed or canceled, to ensure an unspoiled pleasure and unforgettable memories.
