The Paris ring road, périphérique, (affectionately referred to as 'Terrif-eek' or 'Petriphi' by visitors) stretches 35 km around the city, roughly following its boundaries. It can be quite intimidating especially if you venture on for the first time. You can join the ring road at one of the 30 gates (“portes”) that branch on and off the expressway.  Depending on your destination, you have the choice between the inner ring road (“périphérique intérieur”) which runs in a clockwise direction and the outer (“périphérique extérieur”), which runs anti-clockwise.

The video above will give an indication of what the drive is like - though you should take it a little slower ! 

The motorbikes add a different dimension to the journey - you just have to be aware of their presence. You can turn off the sound!