Virtual Active: Paris Run

            The Paris Run is part of Virtual Active’s Run Series 6.  FYI, Run Series 6 also includes Taiwan (which I reviewed here), Central California, Buenos Aires and Hawaii’s Big Island. I decided to only purchase Paris and Taiwan for now. I already have the Central California Hike on DVD (which I adore and will review soon) and I already have lots of South American rides from Bike Series 2. I’m still undecided about the Big Island Run—the clip looked very rocky and barren and not like the green, tropical terrain I was hoping for. I’ll see how much I like the Maui Run on the BitGym app before I make up my mind.

As the name implies, the Paris Run is all urban. You pass all the touristy sites you would expect—the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, etc. You also travel along the Seine and along the Champs-Elysee and as well as pay a visit  to Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge.  

While it’s pretty amazing riding by all these sites, my favourite parts were traveling though the parks. It’s just a personal preference—I generally prefer the more natural settings to urban settings for my rides. (Actually, my perfect ratio for a ride is about 80% natural/rural and 20% urban.) 

Most of the Paris terrain is flat with just one set of stairs to provide a climb. The VA website lists the run time at 35 minutes but the workout is actually 40 minutes when you add on the cooldown.  Like the rest of the Run Series 6 downloads, there is no guided option (BOOOO!) and no music, only ambient sounds.

           

I enjoyed the Paris Run but not as much as the Taiwan Run, which had stunning, open vistas and a nice sense of calm and peacefulness.  When VA was filming in Paris, they posted some pictures on their Facebook page of them shooting in what looked like the outskirts of Paris along the Seine, with lots of greenery and beautiful chateaux so I’m hoping that that footage is released soon.