The self service Bike system in Paris, known as Velib offers Parisians and visitors the ability to pick up and drop off a public bike from any of the 1451 stations scattered every 300 metres around Paris (available 24/7) , all in all, there are over 20,000 bikes available and taking one is straight forward. You can purchase a daily card for only 1 euro, a weekly card for 5 euros or even opt for an annual card for 29 euros. Once you purchase a card you are given the first 30 minutes for, it is only beyond this time that your credits are utilised. So, if you use the bike for an additional hour you will be charges 1 euro, an extra 30 mins will be chared 2 euros and 4 euros for every hour beyond that.

Every Velib station has a velib meter / machine where you can purchase the card, whether it be for 1 day or 7 days, any extra charges incurred will be paid once the bike is returned (to any station), if you would like an annual subscription you can collect the application from the Paris District Hall or online here.