Le Grand HuitTo facilitate alternative transportation and leisure activities in urban waterways

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Your guides

Anaïs Every citizen in Lille should visit their city one day with Anaïs. She has the fresh and amused eye of a Flemish woman who has just crossed the border by bike. If she seems unflappable whatever happens during her visit, don't forget that above all, she likes to have a good laugh! Audrey Audrey is your rock! One day we saw her stop a rowing team to let beginners pass on their Stand-Up Paddle. With a smile but the authority of an empress. No wonder she calls herself Josephine. At Joinville, don't be surprised that she sometimes holds her paddle like a bass guitar. Claire In her Bali green gray eyes, you'll feel like you're on vacation, that's for sure. That she was a diving instructor is not a reason for you to take the opportunity to swim in the Deûle, even clear. This yogi will make you live the adventure of Paddle in Lille, in total zenitude.
Clément He’s like a mountain guide but on the River Marne. Super cool, a professional of SUP who knows all the nooks and crannies around Polangis. He goes barefoot, even in January. But no, ladies, he’s married. Emmanuelle She was swimming in the Deûle on the day when temperature outside was 41.9 C° in Lille. This artist thrives as much in the water as on a bike ... whose inner tubes she recycles to make superb necklaces. Inspector Eric He knows all about cycling! Member of all cycling clubs, even the most unlikely, he was appointed inspecteur for european cycle routes. Very meticulously he makes sure that the comfort of every steed matches with the rider's needs. Or “Caballeros” :  Eric loves speaking Spanish.
François Boum The girls call him Captain. It would appear that it’s him, Brice de Lille, the surfer on the River Deule, a longboarder. Professor of sport, he’s strong and has real skill in coaching your progress on the water. François Régis Previously Director of Urban Planning of the City of Lille, he can also share his passion for urban wall art. He has only one fault (remember him), he lives in Lambersart. It will make him laugh. A walk with him, if you do not hear his characteristic laughter, is a failed ride, believe us! Fred He’s the leader par excellence! Concerned for your well being, able to get you interested in hand massage or a technique using a compass to improve your sleep - you’ll never get bored with Fred. You can call him Mr Scooter.
Hélène A dazzling encounter. This nurse heals plants and hearts more than wounds. Her experiment of a month without a car made her love cycling, and exuberant to the point of hosting our Fun Bikes. Dazzling, exuberant, and benevolent. Except when it rains! Jean-Baptiste He can do everything, from riding the Penny Farthing in Joinville to the micro bike in Lille, paddling in Amsterdam, Venice or Assouan. There’s always another invention in his bag. Or a new book to write. Joël Joyful Joël de Joinville loves snow, sliding, and watches the Marne flow every morning with envy. But this dreamer is formidable, don't be surprised that he calls your parents if you haven't listened to his Stand Up Paddle briefing: he is also a sports teacher.
Lulu Lulu never stops! Her blog will tell you all about her tourist adventures within a radius of less than 200 km around Lille and all this car free!  She’s undoubtedly the greedy bird in the team! Nico van Maastricht Passionate about Lille, his adopted city, this landscape architect is known for growing hops and vines in front of his workshop in our neighborhood, but also to transport everything by bike, children or beer crates. A real ant, but very funny. Pierre Pipolin A music teacher, Pierre gives rhythm in his visits! This is our bike pro in Paris and the specialist of funny bike animations. Drum rolls guaranteed for the Penny Farthing lessons with Pierre.
Robin Hood His father was a guide in London. His mother lived flamenco in Seville. Robin is a true expert in the history of Lille. Groups love him because he is calm, at least he is. No stress, and forward (but gently, eh) SUPer Robert Sad his name is not Damien. That would have been a nice Facebook name, Damien d’Amiens. There he launched the paddle section of Le Grand Huit and organized the World Clean Up Day.  We regret he is not very talkative, as you will see... Vincent The southern member of the team, the Beau Gosse, surfer from the beach of Six Fours near Toulon. A sportsman, fan of triathlon, who smiles at everyone, especially if they are on a bike. That's why he animates fun bikes for the whole of the South of France. With the accent and with success, con!

News

Do you know the best bike rental company, according to its customers, in the Lille region? It’s Le Grand Huit of course. At first glance, some people don't find our Dutch flower bikes very serious. But after a few meters they love it. And appreciate our operation by appointment and with the freedom to return the bike at any time. So read their Google and website reviews and book your turn for this spring 2024.

Happy new Olympic year. In Lille our guides will be happy to show you around the city by bike during the Olympics. Our specialty is being able to do it while having fun, but also in so many languages: English, Dutch (5 of our guides), German, Italian, Spanish. If you insist, we can even do it for you in Egyptian Arabic and Ch’ti (north of France dialect)!

Baby fun bikes. The fun bikes are always a great success, but they made some people jealous: the under eight years old who couldn't share the track with adults. At this end of 2023 we create a special event for them because they are also the most motivated in learning to cycle, especially when it is fun. Book this new activity for your event.