France 24 highlights Solex scooter as alternative Paris tourism model
A recent broadcast by France 24 examines the growing appeal of the Solex, positioning the vintage scooter alongside traditional walking, bus, and boat tours as a distinct method for navigating the French capital.
France 24 has released a segment within its Entre Nous programme that examines the Solex as a viable alternative for tourists navigating Paris. The broadcast, issued on 16 July 2026, positions the vintage scooter alongside established transport methods such as walking, bus tours, and boat excursions, framing it as a distinct option for visitors seeking to view the city through a historical lens.
The report features commentary from Luis Leyva of Le French Way, who provides context on the vehicle’s mechanics and cultural standing. Leyva notes that the Solex remains an icon of French culture, though he acknowledges that many contemporary audiences may be unfamiliar with the specific nature of the vehicle. The segment aims to clarify what the Solex is for viewers who may not recognise the term.
According to the broadcast narrative, there is a discernible shift in visitor behaviour, with more tourists reportedly choosing to explore the sights in a vintage way. The programme describes this as a growing trend, suggesting that the Solex is increasingly being selected over more conventional modes of transport for sightseeing purposes.
The Entre Nous segment does not provide statistical data to quantify the number of visitors currently utilising Solex tours. Instead, the report relies on narrative assertion to describe the vehicle's rising popularity. The focus remains on the cultural significance of the experience rather than on quantitative metrics of usage or market share.
No specific manufacturing dates or model years for the vehicles featured in the segment are detailed in the source material. The term vintage is used descriptively to denote the era of the vehicle's design and its status as a cultural artefact, rather than to provide technical specifications or historical timelines for the specific models being ridden.
The broadcast positions the Solex experience as a method of discovery that differs from the standard tourist itinerary. By highlighting the vehicle's unique status, the report underscores the diversity of options available to visitors in the French capital, ranging from active walking tours to motorised boat and bus excursions.
