No, you don't need to be naked to ride a bike in Paris! According to the French trade association of bicycle manufacturers it looks as if we are definitely turning to bikes to replace cars, especially in large cities. According to the figures they mention there are 5.7 bikes per person in France which ranks us 4th largest bike "consumers" in the world behind Japan, the Netherlands and... the United States. I would have thought the Netherlands and China were far ahead of us. Anyway, regardless of what you may think, I took this photo right in the middle of Paris, near the Pelouse de Reuilly.
Ah! An "end" to the nudity! I believe your statistics, Eric, about the bicycles becoming more popular. I am reminded of the rentals that I found all over the city when I visited recently.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting numbers.. and photo of course.
ReplyDeleteAre those lavenders? Oh I love them, one of my favourite flowers and definetely one of my favourite aromas...
Phx: I hope you have a great time today at Jules Vernes.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Valentines Day here in Brazil...
I usually don't have so much green around me when I'm "velib'ing" in Paris;-( This picture is a dream!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day, Monica!
Are you sure this isn't just a man with no pants left over from the protest who ran into the grass for cover??
ReplyDeleteYes, Paris does seem to be going increasingly green, but I'll withhold judgement until the roundabout circling the Arc de Triomphe looks much like this.
ReplyDeleteEric, looks like a jungle. Bikes everywhere. We had a young man killed yesterday when a motorist opened his car door and knocked the bike rider into traffic. We still don't have enough bike lanes in Chicago although our mayor, a big fan of Paris, is working on making the city more bike friendly.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell us about Pelouse de Reuilly?
I wondered what the ... strange comment...was, Monica, about Valentine's.... :l
ReplyDeleteGoodness that grass is long, Eric! Where on earth is he going, that he must carry a bike through it?
Oh and who needs 5 bikes?
LOL Pont Girl! Of course!
ReplyDeleteThis green ... is ... resting... for the eyes, the head, the lungs... I have almost the smell of it in the nose. A little breathe of fresh air... it feels so good... when feel so tired. Nice to admire in details. Am i going to dream in green? Yes i think so... Oxygen... Exactly what I need. I want green, i do!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo, naturally!
ReplyDeleteBut it's 5,7 bikes per 100 persons, Eric.
I'm LOL, too, Pont Girl.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on GF Kelly, but your fellow bloggers won't let the nudity jokes go quite that fast. Hang on, the rest of us will get tired after a while...
Eric, I really wonder about the source for those figures. That's an awful lot of bikes per person. Most people I know may have one or two, more than that is unusual.
I'd also like to know more about this garden of eden - can anyone tell?
Ah - just saw Suzy's comment. This sounds more accurate.
ReplyDeleteWhat am I going to do -- am leaving for three days and going out into nature where there's no internet connection. : { I'm way too hooked on PDP!
You French are so innovative. In U.S., we ride on the bikes. There, well, apparently you have figured out something else and sell a different type of bike. Vive la différence! Vive lavender différence? Vive le vendeur de différence? (Oh, that's bad. I'm going home.)
ReplyDeleteActually Eric, you took this picture in the Shanxi Province near Taiyuan in China. You're in holidays there (that explains the lack of comments from you!) but don't want to tell us.
ReplyDeleteJoke apart, it could be in China...non?!
It was at least my first impression. Then I remembered that this website was called ParisDP. :)
All this grass is so nice to see!With the heat right now in Paris, it's refreshing.
5,7 bikes...in a whole life you mean, right? In my family (we're 5) we have only one bike that we share when we need it. So it means that some people has...more than 10 bikes?!
But maybe it was 0,7 bikes.
Monica, Joyeuse saint Valentin!!! ;););) (I couldn't resist).
You French are so innovative. In U.S., we ride on the bikes.
ReplyDeleteLOL Jeff!
Thib and Guille, merci!
ReplyDeleteLynn, it´s Valentine´s Day here and Phx (who knew that) chose this special date to celebrate at Jules Vernes. She´s in Paris on vacation as you know and she´s going to have the most romantic night at the Eiffel Tower today..!
You are right Carrie, the jokes are probably not yet "behind" us.
ReplyDeleteActually, I read the market report, and it is 5.7 bikes per 100inhabitants, not per person...that would be high!
David, I didn't know about the Pelouse de Reuilly either, BUTT after consulting my "Paris Pratique," I see it is on the eastern half of the 12th in the Bois de Vincennes. I think I know this place after all. Is there a zoo there? Does anyone know?
Next week I'll be there, trailed by 20 students. We might try velibing, but I think we'll stick to the pavement.
ReplyDeleteLol! I was going to say the same thing, Jeff!
ReplyDeleteI wish school was closer to home so that I could bike there. I have taken to walking almost everywhere in my little city, though. I get more exercise and use less gas that way!
No coltrane yet? Poo, I was hoping to see his smiling face. ...sorry coltrane, just can't help myself. Ask Michael, he can tell you all about how annoying I can be!
5.7 bikes per 100 people. That's actually not very many bikes. Our family of 6 people has 4 bikes, although not all of them work well right now. I am surprised that we're all behind China. All the pics from China show people biking. I'd think that, whether the stats reflect actual numbers of bikes, or percentages, China would win. But then again -- lots people in the states own bikes, but don't really ride them. They're toys in the US, or a "hobby" for athletes. But we don't really view them as a mode of transportation.
ReplyDeleteInteresting photo! There has been a lot of discussion about riding bikes in the news here recently, especially as one teacher in a neighboring city rides to school every day and tried to get as many students to ride instead of being driven to school as possible. We live 4 very hilly and winding miles from our town, so riding is not an option because of traffic, but it would be great if we lived in town. When we did live there, we walked a LOT! I do miss that.
ReplyDeleteBut anyway, nice GREEN photo, Eric. It is good to remember to do what we can to save energy.
Congrats on GF, Kelly!!
Cool photo, although I about spit out my wine (a 2007 Diabolique Merlot from CA) when I read that the French have 5.7 bikes per person! I thought, where on earth do all the Parisians especially keep all these bikes?? But then I read the comments and now 5.7/100 makes sense.
ReplyDeleteKelly I pulled out my old plan de Paris (a HUGE map which takes up half my studio apartment) and at least in the 1970s there was a Parc Zoologique in the Bois de Vincennes, along with the Pelouse de Reuilly. There's also a lake with little islands in the middle too! I really must venture out there on my next visit!
A lovely, sneaky shot Eric. Hiding in the bushes, were you? Now who's missing his pants?
ReplyDeleteYes, LOL pont girl!
I've been shopping for a bike. I wouldn't ride it to work in LA (I know people who do that!) but I could use it in Pasadena. You can spend A LOT of money on a new bike, so I'm going for an old clunker. It'll suit me fine.
Monica, you are in my heart today.
Oh Petrea, that is soooo sweet of you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
xoxo
xoxo to you, too, Monica. Or as Lois would say, bisous!
ReplyDeleteI'm with pont girl & Petrea: This guy is butt naked from the waist down!
ReplyDeleteEric -- Is la Pelouse de Reuilly where they have la Foire du Trone? You are spending a lot of time in the 12th these days.
I have a bike, but mostly ride it in the park. In NYC, we are definitely not having a velorution, malheureusement. In fact, you have to be either very brave or half crazy to ride a bike on the streets of this city.
Phx -- please tell us about your St. Valentin meal at the tippy top of the Eiffel Tower Eiffel Tower Eiffel Tower.
And, Guille -- how was Manu???
Thanks, Katie! My little pocket map isn't very detailed!
ReplyDeletePetrea, make sure it has a basket!
I'm thinking three baskets, kelly: one in the front and two in back, like saddlebags. Plus my backpack. That oughta do it.
ReplyDeleteThe two in back are great! When I lived in Chicago, I used them to ride to Lincoln Park to do my grocery shopping!
ReplyDeleteI am just back from a ride with one of my daughters!
Kelly, thanks for getting the statistics sorted out. I was thinking I was waaay behind the bike consumption curve. I've got my eye on one of these when they jettison them all from Saigon. My groceries could have a ride with a view.
ReplyDeleteAnd with the skyrocketing price of fuel, everyone should be riding! Nice photo of him emerging!
ReplyDeleteGreen... green...green, how nice, it really sooths the eyes. I would never guess that this wilderness is in Paris, even though Paris is very green.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought that Denmark would have been one of the top Countries in the statistics of bikes per inhabitants. Everyone rides a bike everywhere here.
Kelly you must buy the Michelin map #57 Paris par Arrondissements plan atlas, 5,75 euro. It's very detailed and you can't do without it when you're in Paris. It requires though, that you know how the arr. are placed (the "snail").
Amazing picture as usual, Paris is such a surprising city.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Paris during 5 years, single first then married without children, so I spent days walking and walking, and Eric still finds places or sights I didn't see !
For the pelouse de Reuilly, check this link :
http://www.evene.fr/culture/lieux/pelouse-de-reuilly-3685.php
This site is quite interesting, very complete with a wide range of topics, I never checked if it had an English version, but I am sure that, you all are multilingual persons !!
Alexa, about Manu: Haaaaaaaaaaaaa! (cri de groupie).
ReplyDeleteI have no more feet, no more ears, I almost died, crushed between two guys of 2 meters, they also tried once to throw me in the air (No Michael, you're not the only one who tries to throw me, in the Seine or in the air!) BUT it was awesome. He's so energetic, the band is so talented and the show reminded me my youth. Okay, it reminded me the concert I saw 8 years ago.LOL
Kelly "5.7 bikes per 100inhabitants", thanks! Per one inhabitant seemed impossible! :)
And in China they're converting to cars. Go figure!
ReplyDeleteThat sure looks like a folding bike he's carrying through that tall grass. What an unusual and wonderful photo! I spent part of this afternoon at a bike shop and posted the resulting shots on SDP. Now that I'm looking at other blogs, I see I'm not the only one with bikes on the brain this week :-).
ReplyDelete-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
I adore bike photos. Amazing to think this was taken in Paris. Nice shot.
ReplyDeleteHi Eric
ReplyDeleteCiao
Also here in Italy there are millions of bikes. Expecially in the north of Italy people use cycling .
The photo enlarged, is almost an entirely different photo. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the last time i used my bike. Couple of years ago i think. It's pink. Of course.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, Eric, a bicyclist in the rough! [for you golfers] He's likely fallen BEHIND the others in the peloton. One of those Tour de France cyclists no doubt checking out the entire course! He's probably become the BUTT of all jokes by now. Erph! Hope he finds his way home.
ReplyDeleteSoosha...was battling tornados last night so was not on the computer. We had horrible weather in the Midwest [understatement]! I'm smiling this morning but feeling others pain as well.
LOL! Yup, you can't do that with your car.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Coltrane, big storms in Minneapolis last night. But today is great, and I'll be riding my bike to LA Fitness tonight, and maybe to the grocery store as well.
ReplyDeleteWe ain't dead yet!
Jeff...glad to hear you were spared the devastation. It's been a horrid beginning to summer. Enjoy a nicer day. ;-)
ReplyDeleteFYI, tonight I'll probably post a little later than usual. Nothing wrong though... Stay tuned...
ReplyDeleteI have a tricycle and I love it. I don't ride it often because the weather in Britain is not always ideal for bike - or tricycle -riding.
ReplyDeleteLynnie, A "pink" bicycle -- way to go. I bet you look great riding it.
ReplyDeleteColtrane and Jeff, Tornadoes -- ouch. The weather in San Francisco is absolutely beautiful. I blow you a kiss and some nice weather too. I have been spending my time hanging out on the terrace or at a sidewalk cafe. I think I deserve it since for the last two weeks I was on that painting marathon -- which I've toned down a bit.
Eric, Thanks for the heads-up so that we don't worry about you. That was very considerate. So I guess you are going out tonight, hmmm? I hope it's not because you have to work late at the office.
I don't ride bikes. I'm a klutz. I tried riding one to the beach in my bikini once and was distracted looking at a beautiful church and its architecture. I crashed into a parked car and flew over it landing on the asphalt. I had too many cuts and scratches to count. So I decided to leave my bike at the beach (for someone else who knows how to ride them) and I walked home. Never have been on a bike since.
Hi Katie -- I sent you an email.
Eric, merci de nous prévenir en avance, tu nous épargnes bien des tracas!:))
ReplyDeleteNot as much as i'd like to, Lois, nor as much as i like 'Lynnie'!
ReplyDeleteSo are we all in contest then to put matchsticks in our eyes to stay awake for Eric's late posting tonight? Who is strong enough? Who will win GF? Dun dun dur...
I'm (strong enough) Lynn and I will (win), since I have 2 exams tomorrow and I haven't opened my lessons yet, I love sleepless nights. hahaha.
ReplyDeleteLynnie? it rhymes with cutie. And Lynn with "coquine"! ;)
Lois...I appreciate the sentiments and the kiss too! :-) Your bicycle story is "one of a kind" and am glad you didn't break any bones. I must admit that I did have a good laugh at how you abandoned your bike at the beach and said au revoir to the damned thing! Time on a terrace or cafe sounds nice; glad to hear you've been productive in painting too. Ciao for now.
ReplyDeleteGuille and Lynn...I'd watch out for that fleet-of-finger Alexa. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCarrie:if you think you are addicted to PDP, then what the heck would you say about someone in Paris who has to see what is going on with PDP while IN PARIS on vacation.SICK sick sick
ReplyDeleteTo those who have asked about Le Jules Verne, I thank you. It was spectacular in every way. Asthe Parisians know, it was raining this afternoon, and I thought Monica might say "this will not do" so, it stopped at 1:30pm. Perfect. We were next to the window. Perfect. I ate everything that didn,t move including Mr.PHX's amuse bouche as he is a vegetarian.THey made a special vegetarian main course for him, so after pea soup and 4rolls he received 5, I said 5 asparagus for his lunch. I started to giggle.
The setting alone makes everything and everybody look more delicious,tho if you read the Michelin guide, it doesn't mention much about the food .
But,it is so so special---right Jeff?-- and very romantic. It was like I had never been before[I had been to the old one].
So tomorrow, we are going to a vegetarian Indian restaurant in the La Chapelle Indian area on rue Cali for a WHOLE lot less!!!
Is it really Valentine's Day in Brazil, Monica - or do you just have a date with a special someone tonight? ;) Happy Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know PHX was dining at the Jules Verne ce soir - that was seriously one of the best meals I've ever had. I can't wait to hear all the details!!
Good luck on your exams, Guille - I remember what those nights were like.
Glad to see you back, Soosha Q!
Suzy: they were selling eiffel tower pasta in one of the shops in the Eiffel tower lol.
ReplyDeletePont girl: They showed us the door to the viewing platform, and I had never walked around the ET before. Did you know about that, or did you take the elevator back down?
Hooray, you're back PHX - more details, s'il vous plait!! I did not know about the secret door to the viewing platform :)! We just took the elevator back down (it was really, really late). Did you get all the little "extras" in between courses that you didn't order? That was one of my favorite parts!
ReplyDeleteI want Eiffel Tower pasta!!!!
Coltrane -- very funny.
ReplyDeleteEric -- thanks for not letting us worry!
PHX and Guille -- thank you for your respective reports, on Jules V (yum) and Manu (double yum).
PHX, checking on PDP while you're in Paris isn't sickness, it's devotion!
Guille, peut-etre tu doit dire que le concert te rappelle pas ta jeunesse mais plutot ton enfance!
Sounds like it was a blast (ooh, I do love Manu).
Lynn -- my bike is blue. I call it Fury2, because I had a blue bike when I was a kid, which I named Fury and pretended it was the horse I so desperately wanted. Even tied a feed bag to the handlebars twice a day, and walked it around to "cool it off" after a long ride.
So, does your pink bike have a name?
I'm glad you enjoyed the JV, phx. Yes, it is very special.
ReplyDeleteLois, thanks for the wishes. We're ok here, just very wet!
Coquine? ... i don't disagree with that...;) lol.
ReplyDeleteGuille i don't want to encourage you to stay up late when you should be studying... but.... dream on; I shall win tonight! he he. (no, do study!)
Yes i think we have to watch out for Alexa, you're right, However, the fact that you, Coltrane, are warning us, could be a red herring. Perhaps it is YOU we must watch. You have a plan, to sneak in with your Coltrane finger at the last moment i wonder? Ha! :)
Hey i'm wondering why it is that Eric will be late. I think one of my favourite pastimes on here is trying to guess which elaborate 'A' list event Eric is attending on which particular night. I reckon tonight he's at one of those midnight sales promotions you have in Paris. Eric is invited along and of course all produce is instantly forgotten as gasps ripple among the crowd as Eric makes his entrance.
Lynn (or is it Lynnie?)...try as I might, I am all THUMBS when it comes to typing fast. But, one never knows, does one! :-)
ReplyDeleteLynn(ie) -- I suspect you're right about Coltrane. Besides, you all know that I'm really the world's worst typist.
ReplyDeleteLois -- btw, I couldn't help but picture you flying ass over teakettle through the air in a bikini. Ouch. But I'm sure lots of folks wanted to help you (especially guys)! Sounds like you were wise to ditch the bike. Best to know your strengths (and weaknesses).
Alexa, The only one there was my brother who was riding his bike too. He just gasped with his mouth open as he saw me flying through the air. We were teenagers. When we got home, he told our mom, Lois left her bike at the beach (over and over, like a broken record). I finally said, yes, and I am not going back for it. I hate that thing!
ReplyDeleteLynn or Lynnie, either is good! So, i've got a glass of red to keep me awake...or maybe that will make me sleepy. I wonder just how late he's going to be?... yawn...
ReplyDeleteAlexa no i don't think my bike's ever had a name. Shall we think of one here? It's dark pink, it has lots of gears and stuff - are you amazed at my technical abilities? - oh and two wheels.
ReplyDeleteWell have a glass of wine for me Lynn...I'm going to bed. I'll try to write from Singapore and maybe meet Keropok Man while there. A bientot!
ReplyDeleteOh yes i shall, Michael. Here's to you! I shall look forward to that. A toute a l'heure!
ReplyDeleteLynn, yes -- you sound almost like a mechanic!
ReplyDeleteI think you should call your bike Peony.
Oh thanks Alexa! I KNEW it!
ReplyDeletePink Peony... not bad!
Having said i'm in the race for GF, i find i am sooooo tired tonight. My eyes are screen weary. So - i'm going to bow out and go off to bed - good luck everyone! Night night.
Phx I´m so happy for you!! So you had a great dinner at the ET. Well, could it be any different?
ReplyDeleteLove is definetely in the air here tonight. The star restaurant of the hotel - Le Pre Catelan - is fully booked!! And it is not cheap!
Pont Girl, it really is Valentine´ s Day here and I´m just getting ready to celebrate it tonight (it´s still 7 pm here, so the night is just starting).
Coltrane and Jeff, I don´t like to see your names near the word ´tornado´, so I hope it´s all gone now.
ReplyDeleteLynn and others, good luck staying up late waiting for our dear Eric to post. See you tomorrow!
Alexa I know that you are wandering around here. But keep the eyes opened, I'm really really quick to react tonight. (zzzzzzzz...)
ReplyDeletePHX, Eiffel Tower pasta sounds good right now! Two more hours until dinner - I don't know if I will make it. Good thing I have my trusty jar of peanut butter handy.
ReplyDeleteEric, I do hope something fun is keeping you out tonight!
coltrane, I know all about tornados. I'm a midwesterner too!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Coltrane. I'm glad you and Jeff and all the others (at least as far as we know) are okay. Midwestern lurkers, a shout out! Hope everyone's warm and dry.
ReplyDeleteNot so much dry. My school had a day at the park today instead of classes and it rained the whole time AND got chilly! UGH!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo...you would never know that was Paris!
ReplyDeleteWe have 6 in our family and 6 bicycles. 3 of us actually ride them, 1 prefers to walk, and the other two prefer the more expensive 2 wheeled bikes with really fast engines. ;)