• FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Expand/Collapse General Tour FAQ
    • Expand/Collapse Are reservations required?

      Reservations are required for every tour we offer except our Paris Day Bike Tour and Paris Night Bike Tour. However, we do strongly recommend reservations for those two tours. During the summer months of June, July and August we occasionally sell out of bikes and always give priority to those that have reserved in advance. And if you are traveling with children or a large group we want to be sure we have the requested number and type of bikes ready for you.

    • Expand/Collapse How do I make a reservation?

      Reservations for all tours can be made on our website by clicking here.

      We operate 7 days a week (peak season), rain or shine. Simply pick a day and time that works well for your schedule and hop on a tour. If you decide to not make a reservation, you may pay with cash or credit card on the day of the tour. If you have children that will need smaller bikes, please read the FAQ question below.

      If you are a larger party, please do email us with your anticipated date and number of riders. In the event of too many walk-up guests we will always offer priority to those who have reserved in advance. This happens more frequently from June to August.

    • Expand/Collapse How do we find your office?
      • Click here to get directions to our office located at 24 rue Edgar Faure.
      • Click here to get directions to our office located at 36 avenue de la Bourdonnais.
      • Not all tours meet at our office so please make sure to check carefully where the meeting point is for your tour. 

       

    • Expand/Collapse What are the seasonal open dates of Fat Tire Tours?

      We are open every day of the year except Dec 13, Dec 25, Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24 and Jan 31. We have a limited schedule on Bastille Day (Jul 14), Fête de la Musique (Jun 21), and the final day of the Tour de France. 

    • Expand/Collapse How early do I need to reserve for the Versailles Bike Tour and Monet's Gardens Bike Tour?

      The Versailles and Monet's Gardens Bike Tours are wildly popular and we recommend making a reservation as far in advance as possible. We always offer a 72-hour cancellation period for all reservations. It's always best to reserve and cancel rather than miss out on the tour of your lifetime.

    • Expand/Collapse What is your cancellation policy?

      We offer 100% refunds on all tours if the reservation is cancelled more than 72 hours (3 days) before the scheduled tour. We do not offer refunds for any reason once we are within 72 hours of the scheduled tour.

    • Expand/Collapse Where do I meet for my reserved tour?

      All of our tours have specific meeting locations and times. After making a reservation you will receive a tour confirmation email that outlines all of the important details.

    • Expand/Collapse How long do the tours last?

       

      • Paris Day Bike Tour: Approximately 3.5 hours
      • Paris Night Bike Tour: Approximately 4.5 hours
      • Versailles Bike Tour: Approximately 8 hours
      • Monet's Gardens Bike Tour: Approximately 8.5 hours
      • Loire Valley Bike Tour: Approximately 12 hours
      • Day Segway Tour: Approximately 3 hours
      • Night Segway Tour: Approximately 2 hours
      • Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Tour: Approximately 2 hours
      • Skip-the-Line Louvre Tour: Approximately 2 hours
      • Skip-the-Line Musée d’Orsay Tour: Approximately 2 hours
      • Skip-the-Line Versailles Chateau & Gardens Tour: Approximately 4.5 hours
      • Skip-the-Line Versailles VIP Tour: Approximately 8 hours
      • Skip-the-Line Catacombs Tour: Approximately 2 hours
      • Skip-the-Line Picasso Museum & Marais Walk: Approximately 2 hours
      • Classic Walk: Approximately 3.5 hours
      • Latin Quarter Walk: Approximately 2 hours
      • French Revolution Walk: Approximately 2 hours
      • Montmartre Walk: Approximately 2 hours
    • Expand/Collapse Are the tours cancelled if it rains?

      No, our tours run rain or shine, and we have rain ponchos available for sale in our office. We will gladly buy them back from you if they are not used during your tour! We encourage all guests to consult the weather forecast and plan your dress accordingly.

    • Expand/Collapse Do we go inside the museums and monuments?

      Our bike, Segway, and walking tours do not enter the monuments due to time constraints. These tours are designed to enjoy the city from a broad perspective, so that's what we're going to do!

      If you would like to tour the inside Paris's famous museums and monuments, please consider our skip-the-line tours. These tours help you save precious vacation time while you visit the city's most sought after attractions.

    • Expand/Collapse Are the bike tours appropriate for children?

      Absolutely! We have loads of families and we're a great family activity. But please note that children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult on the tour. We offer multiple bike options for children depending on their age, size, and riding ability. You can view our bikes here:

      • For children up to 12 years old or 45kg (100lbs) without good bike handling skills we offer 2-wheeled tandems that allow the passenger to pedal or coast, without having to maintain a high level of balance. All riders over 45kg (100lbs) must ride their own bicycle. We have various sized city bikes to accommodate just about every size of rider, from extra small 20” wheeled bikes for riders that are 3.3ft (100cm) to extra large for riders up to 6.5ft (198cm). Unfortunately, we do not have adult tricycles, adult tandems, or bikes with training wheels for adults or children that have balancing issues, or that may be less confident in their riding ability.
      • Trailers and Tandems are the same price as bikes, where as baby-seats are free. Due to limited availability please book baby seats, trailers, tandems, 20” and 24” wheeled bikes in advance.
      • Please Note: All extra-small 20 inch and small 24inch bikes are equipped with both hand brakes and pedal brakes.
      • Our city tours are very casual, with only slight elevation gains, on varying surfaces from smooth gravel to pavement. It is necessary however that any person planning on taking our bike tours to have at least some experience riding, and should be comfortable riding in a group.
    • Expand/Collapse How can I work for Fat Tire Tours?

      Keep an eye on our employment page for up-to-date hiring information and to submit an application.

    • Expand/Collapse What is the number to call if I am lost and trying to find the meeting point?

      If you are having problems finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33.1.85.08.19.76 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.

  • Expand/Collapse Bike Tour FAQ
    • Expand/Collapse What do we see on the bike tours?
      • A lot! On our Paris bike tours, we’ll highlight the most well-known museums and monuments, point out the best picnic spots, and cruise through popular neighborhoods. We try to include as much as possible so that you can go back to your favorite sites after the tour!
      • Our Versailles, Monet’s Garden, and Loire Valley Bike Tour delve into the history of France, be it the kings or the artists, and spend the whole day riding through these beautiful villages and towns!
    • Expand/Collapse Is a helmet included?

      In Paris adults are not obliged to wear a helmet, however they are mandatory for children under 12. We have helmets of all sizes available in our office.

    • Expand/Collapse Where will my tour start?

      Our Paris Day Bike Tour, Paris Night Bike Tour, Versailles Bike Tour and Monet's Garden Bike Tour begin at our office located at 24 rue Edgar Faure, 75015. Our Loire Valley Bike Tour meets in front of platform #18 at Gare Austerlitz.

    • Expand/Collapse What is your cancellation policy?

      Fat Tire Tours offers full refunds for all tours cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled start time.  We will do our best to reschedule your tour based on availability.

    • Expand/Collapse What if it rains?

      All of our tours operate rain or shine, and we encourage our guests to check the weather a few days prior and dress accordingly. We will do our best to reschedule your tour if extreme weather conditions prove hazardous, but at the discretion of our guides & ticket availability (if applicable).  

    • Expand/Collapse Are the bike tours appropriate for children?

      Yes! Our bike tours are a wonderful way for kids to discover Paris and its surrounding attractions. You can use this bike chart to help you reserve the appropriate bicycles.  

      *Please note that our Loire Valley bike tour is our longest ride and may not be appropriate for small children.

    • Expand/Collapse What is the number to call if I am lost and trying to find the meeting point?

      If you are having problems finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33.1.85.08.19.76 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.

  • Expand/Collapse See Our Bike Options
  • Expand/Collapse Skip-the-Line Tour FAQ
    • Expand/Collapse What do we see on the skip-the-line tours?

      A lot more than if you waited in line! With our expert guide, we will take you into Paris’ most well-known and loved museums and monuments and explain their history, cultural significance, and modern importance. From the Mona Lisa to the Hall of Mirrors, these tours offer you an exclusive view into some of the world’s most cherished historic sites.

    • Expand/Collapse How do I make a reservation? Are they required?

      You are welcome to make a reservation online by visiting here or by calling us at North America Toll-Free +1.866.614.6218 or Paris Telephone +33.1.82.88.80.96. Reservations are required for all of our skip-the-line tours.

    • Expand/Collapse Where will my tour start?

      All of our skip-the-line tours depart from different locations; please check your confirmation email to confirm your meeting point.

    • Expand/Collapse How many minutes prior to tour time should I meet?

      We ask that all guests arrive no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Due to the exclusive and timed nature of our entries, it's imperative that all guests arrive on time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests who are running late, or catching them up after the fact. Please be on time!

    • Expand/Collapse What is your cancellation policy?

      Fat Tire Tours offers full refunds for all tours cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled start time. If you wish to reschedule within this timeline, we will do our best to accommodate you based on availability. A rescheduling fee may by applied.

    • Expand/Collapse What if it rains?

      All of our tours operate rain or shine, and we encourage our guests to check the weather a few days prior and dress accordingly. We will do our best to reschedule your tour if extreme weather conditions prove hazardous, but at the discretion of our guides & ticket availability.  

    • Expand/Collapse How many people will be in my tour group?

      For our skip-the-line tours, we limit the group size to 20 guests per tour guide.

    • Expand/Collapse Are skip-the-line tours appropriate for children?

      These informative tours are great for all ages. If you have a stroller, please note that you may not be able to take it into all of the museums.

    • Expand/Collapse What is the number to call if I am lost and trying to find the meeting point?

      If you are having problems finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33.1.85.08.19.76 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.

  • Expand/Collapse Walking Tour FAQ
    • Expand/Collapse What do we see on the walking tours?

      We have a range of tours that cater to specific interests and neighborhoods. You’re welcome to check out our ‘highlights’ section for each of our tours to see all of the inclusions.  

    • Expand/Collapse How do I make a reservation? Are they required?

      You are welcome to make a reservation online by visiting here or by calling us at North America Toll-Free +1.866.614.6218 or Paris Telephone +33.1.82.88.80.96. Reservations are required for all of our walking tours, but we will accept walk-ups based on availability.

    • Expand/Collapse Where will my tour start?

      All of our Walking tours depart from different locations; please check your confirmation email to confirm your meeting point.

    • Expand/Collapse How many minutes prior to tour time should I meet?

      We ask that all guests arrive no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. 

    • Expand/Collapse What is your cancellation policy?

      Fat Tire Tours offers full refunds for all tours cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled start time. If you wish to reschedule within this timeline, we will do our best to accommodate you based on availability.

    • Expand/Collapse How many people will be in my tour group?

      For our walking tours, we limit the group size to 16 guests per tour guide.

    • Expand/Collapse What if it rains?

      All of our tours operate rain or shine, and we encourage our guests to check the weather a few days prior and dress accordingly. We will do our best to reschedule your tour if extreme weather conditions prove hazardous, but at the discretion of our guides & Segways.  

    • Expand/Collapse Do we go inside museums and monuments?

      Due to time constraints, we won’t have time to go inside of any museums or monuments on our walking tours. These tours are designed to enjoy the city from a broad perspective, so that's what we're going to do! Besides, there's always some people that want 10 minutes in the Louvre and others that want 3 hours. If you are looking to tour inside Paris' famous sites, please see our Skip-the-Line tours. These tours offer you priority access into the city's most sought after attractions.

    • Expand/Collapse Are walking tours appropriate for children?

      Yes! These tours are a great way for kids to learn about Paris and have fun while doing it.

    • Expand/Collapse How strenuous are the walking tours? How much will we be walking?
      • We like to maintain a leisurely pace during all of our tours, but please plan accordingly for elements outside of our control, such as weather.  We recommend bringing along a water bottle for our walking tours.  
      • Our Classic Walk is 4 miles (6.6 kilometers) and lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
      • Our Latin Quarter Walk is 1.9 miles (3.2 kilometers) and lasts approximately 2 hours.
      • Our French Revolution Walk is 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) and lasts approximately 2 hours.
      • Our Montmartre Walk is 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) and lasts approximately 2 hours; this could be considered our most strenuous walk as the majority of the tour is uphill.
    • Expand/Collapse What is the number to call if I am lost and trying to find the meeting point?

      If you are having problems finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33.1.85.08.19.76 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.

  • Expand/Collapse Segway Tour FAQ
    • Expand/Collapse What do we see on the Segway tours?

      Segways are an excellent way to see a lot in a short amount of time! We try to hit the main monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and we’ll fill you in on Parisian history and cultural aspects of the city all along the way! You’re welcome to see our ‘highlights’ list for a full list of stops.

    • Expand/Collapse How do I make a reservation? Are they required?

      You are welcome to make a reservation online by visiting here or by calling us at North America Toll-Free +1.866.614.6218 or Paris Telephone +33.1.82.88.80.96. Reservations are required for all of our Segway tours.

    • Expand/Collapse How many minutes prior to tour time should I meet?

      We ask that all guests arrive no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Due to the exclusive and timed nature of our entries, it's imperative that all guests arrive on time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests who are running late, or catching them up after the fact. Please be on time!

    • Expand/Collapse Is a helmet included?

      Yes! We ask that all members of your party wear a helmet while on tour. We will provide reflective vests should your tour take place after sun-down.  

    • Expand/Collapse Where will my tour start?

      All of our Segway tours depart from our office, located at 24 rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris.

    • Expand/Collapse What is your cancellation policy?

      Fat Tire Tours offers full refunds for all tours cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled start time. If you wish to reschedule within this timeline, we will do our best to accommodate you based on availability.

    • Expand/Collapse What if it rains?

      All of our tours operate rain or shine, and we encourage our guests to check the weather a few days prior and dress accordingly. We will do our best to reschedule your tour if extreme weather conditions prove hazardous, but at the discretion of our guides & Segways.  

    • Expand/Collapse How many people will be in my tour group?

      For our Segway tours, we limit the group size to 8 guests per tour guide.

    • Expand/Collapse Are Segway tours appropriate for children?

      All of our Segway guests must be of 12 years of age or older, and all guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years or older.  

    • Expand/Collapse What are the weight limits for Segways?

      All Segway riders must weigh at least 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and not exceed 260 pounds (118 kilograms).  

    • Expand/Collapse Can I join the tour if I’m pregnant?

      Due to the risk to both mother and child, we are not able to accommodate pregnant women on our Segway tours.  

    • Expand/Collapse How strenuous is the Segway tour? Are they difficult to ride?

      We’ve found that our guests pick up on how to ride a Segway within the first 10 minutes, but we like to take 20-30 minutes to explain the machines, demonstrate the best riding techniques, and then allow time to practice before heading out to see the sites. We like to ensure that every guest feels 100% confident before beginning the tour. While riding a Segway is fairly leisurely, you will be on your feet for the duration of the tour.

    • Expand/Collapse What is the number to call if I am lost and trying to find the meeting point?

      If you are having problems finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33.1.85.08.19.76 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.

  • Expand/Collapse Private & Custom Tour FAQ

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