[Elefantino]

I'm going to buck the tide here and say DO ride in Paris. And early-morning (particularly) weekend ride on the Champs d'Elysees is a must, from the Arc de Triomphe to the obelisk and back again. Just to say you've done it.

Also, the afternoons at the Bois de Boulougne riding around the Longchamps race course is a ton of fun because you will see everything from neopros on carbon race bikes to old (really old; older than me) men on 70s Peugeots. You can spend many minutes just riding around the track saying "bonjour" to the different groups.

Then catch a TGV for Avignon and go ride MV. You will not forget, or regret.

Have fun, mon pal!