May 05, 2025

Getting inked in Paris

Explore Paris with Tattoo Artist Julian Ballini

Paris, the city of lights and incredible food, is not just a feast for the eyes and taste buds but also a paradise for cyclists. With dedicated bike lanes, stunning architecture, and charming neighbourhoods, it offers an ideal setting for urban riders. In this edition of "Stories from the Road," we sit down with Julian Ballini, a VELLO rider who shares his love for cycling, art, and life in Paris.

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Explore Paris with Tattoo Artist Julian Ballini

Paris, the city of lights and incredible food, is not just a feast for the eyes and taste buds but also a paradise for cyclists. With dedicated bike lanes, stunning architecture, and charming neighbourhoods, it offers an ideal setting for urban riders. In this edition of "Stories from the Road," we sit down with Julian Ballini, a VELLO rider who shares his love for cycling, art, and life in Paris.

Where are you from and where do you currently live?
I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and now I’m currently based in Paris, France.

What do you do for work?
I consider myself an artist, who happens to do tattoos for a living, but also I do graphic design projects.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by stories, of the city and people, and in Paris there’s always something new you can learn about.

Cycling in Paris: The Freedom of Two Wheels

Paris is a fantastic city for cycling. With an expanding network of bike lanes and a culture that embraces urban mobility, riding through its streets is both a practical and poetic experience.

What makes cycling special to you?
Cycling to me is freedom, being able to not depend on anything but your body.

Your favorite places for cycling?
If I have some extra time, I love to go outside Paris to the Bois de Vincennes. You can ride in the forest or on the road, surrounded by more greenery than in the city.

A secret spot in Paris you like to visit a lot?
I guess it’s not much of a secret, but I love going around the Canal Saint-Martin. There are great coffee shops and restaurants, and it’s an easy place to meet friends and hang out until late in summer.

Post-Cycling Delights: Where to Eat and Unwind

After a long ride, refuelling at a cozy café or a great restaurant is a must. Here are some recommendations from Julian:

Café Margo (12 Av. Richerand, 75010 Paris) – A bike-friendly café with delicious pastries and excellent coffee.

Rori (96 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris) – The best American-style pizza slices in Paris!

Urban Mobility and the Future of Cycling

With Paris making strides toward becoming a cycling-friendly city, urban mobility has never been more exciting.

Why VELLO?
A compact and stylish folding bike is perfect for navigating Paris’ busy streets and narrow staircases.

What do you like about the VELLO folding bike?
I like the dimensions, it’s easy to ride on it and easy to bring it upstairs to my apartment.

What does urban mobility mean to you?
For me, it means making my journey easier. Luckily, the city is well-connected, but with a bike, it’s even easier and much faster.

Final Thoughts

Paris offers a unique cycling experience, whether you’re gliding past the Seine, weaving through historic districts, or escaping to nature. As Julian puts it:

“Everything will be alright.”

So, grab your VELLO, hit the streets, and enjoy the freedom of cycling through one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Where will your VELLO take you next?