I already told you about these roller skaters who move around the streets of Paris on specific days and evenings. It never ceases to amaze me! If you were in Paris today (Sunday) you could take part in this one, for it takes place... every Sunday. What's nice about it, is that the route is different each time (have a look on their site) and that the pace is OK. If you're more into sports and like action and speed, you must take part in the Friday evening ones, which are also a lot of fun. And if you're into roller balding in general, here is what you can do in Paris on 6 wheels!
unlimited memories ... it felt good having entire Parisian boulevard blocked for you,
ReplyDeleteprisoners waiving when the flock rolls by
Having left the Rodin museum and trying to find my way to the metro, I noticed an absence of traffic. Since I was looking in the opposite direction,I was caught by surprise by the mass of humans arriving on rollerskates!I was one of those happy waving prisoners, anonyme.
ReplyDeleteDo they close the streets for it?
ReplyDeleteI remember one night in Paris I saw something similar, except they were bikers. I have never seen so many bikers in my entire life, it just kept coming, hundreds and hundreds of bikes crossing the streets of Paris... guess I was a happy waving prisoner too!
I took part in a Rando Velo on a Friday evening last June. It was a fantastic experience; could not believe how they stopped the traffic - and people did wave; made us feel special.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to run in the Champ de Mars, those soldiers are so friendly. I agree with Gordon though, the Fench do love les sportives.
ReplyDeleteWhat a different atmosphere at the same crosswalk as January 14. I loved the deafening sound of thousands of roller blades heard from my hotel room on my first night in Paris not far from Boulevard de Sebastopol. "What the...?! Oh, looks like more fun with more people than I have had in decades. About time for a jail break one of these days."
ReplyDeleteI've heard of these. Wonderful to see a photo of it! I'm not sure what you all mean by "prisoners." Can't cross the street until the wave moves past?
ReplyDeleteEric
ReplyDeleteWas this photo taken from almost the exact spot which you took the photo for the 14/01?
I really enjoy the social documentation side of your pictures.
I love this photo! It really shows what makes Paris so special..even though it is winter, the beautiful buildings as a backdrop for all this frenetic activity. Just has a great feel to it!!
ReplyDeleteI ran into one of those Friday night "Roller blading" events in Paris a couple of years ago in the fall. We were walking from dinner at Le Petit Prince de Paris on the rue Lanneau and were overtaken by them!! We had consumed a lot of wine and the whole thing became quite a lot of fun!! We were cheering them on and trying to avoid them at the same time. There were many people stuck in their cars that didn't seem so amused though...oh well! We have a similar mess here in SF the last Friday of every month called "Critical Mass" but it isn't done in the same spirit. They actually become aggressive here[they are on bikes]and have created many disturbances.
This is fascinating. I never knew about the skating sessions. Can't imagine them closing off roads in London for something such as this! It's a great idea to encourage exercise and also it's a form of travel isn't it. I have seen more skaters in Paris than anywhere else come to think of it... Great shot of the girl in the front.
ReplyDeletei meant real prisoners from the prison de la sante - boulevard arago, the only intra muros prison in paris still exiting
ReplyDeletemay be kind eric can take a picture one day ;-]
It still amazes me that those Friday night runs are going on and on and on. I remember living in Paris when all this started (15-20 years ago???). You cannot imagine the noise it makes when thousands of rollers are passing by your window!!!! Good memories!
ReplyDeletePlease tell me they don't skate on the cobblestoned roads! That would be rather painful, I think! Tell me, do you have to have your own rollerblades or do they rent them?
ReplyDeleteVery funny idea to take this photo at the same spot you were for the 14/01 photo !! I think it's possible the two pics were taken the same day, maybe last sunday at the end of the afternoon and you had to wait for the reopening of the road ? Or simply stayed there and enjoyed the skaters' spectacle !!
ReplyDeleteCool parisian initiative at least !
Corinne
I am delighted to pass you the “You Make My Day” Award for your inspiring photo blog! Please visit Sofia Daily Photo blog to receive the Award and pass it on!
ReplyDeleteI was sitting at La Fregate on the Quai Voltaire when hundreds and hundreds of skaters passed by. The roar was deafening! After the mass had passed, a few minutes later more skaters rolled by, this time pushing people in wheelchairs who were smiling excitedly. It is my fondest memory of Paris. Imagine, finishing such an event and then doing it again for those who can not.
ReplyDeleteIt's after midnight, no post yet. Too much early birthday partying? Good, for you!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Eric.
He he anonymous... ;) I'm not asleep, but almost!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday a bit late, Mr. Eric. I hope you had a lovely celebration!
ReplyDeleteWe were sitting having a late Friday night dinner at a restaurant with sidewalk seating across from Luxembourg Gardens when wave on wave of thousands of roller bladers passed through the intersection nearby. It was a spectacular sight and surprising experience.
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
Always so interesting b log.
ReplyDeleteMy rolerblades have 8 wheels but I'm not a competitor !
Too good and keep going on, too interesting and informative blog.
ReplyDelete