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Archive for the ‘Paris Things To Do’ Category

Rollerblading Through the Streets of Paris

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

With spring arriving in Paris and the temperatures warming up, we’re always on the look out for fun and creative ways to enjoy being outdoors in Paris. Did you know you can rollerblade en masse every Sunday afternoon through the streets of Paris? Yes, you can join along with hundreds, often thousands, of skaters of all skill levels as they make their way through the historic center of Paris. What a great way to see the sights – and work off those morning croissants as well!

Rollerblading and Skating in Paris

Rollerblading through the 7th arrondissement near Les Invalides. Photo courtesy Rollers & Coquillages.

The group skate is sponsored by Rollers & Coquillages and is open to the public. The Prefecture of Police provides a full police escort to stop traffic, and yellow-shirted volunteers guide you along the route. The route changes weekly and is posted on their website with an English translation included here. A recent Sunday afternoon took the skaters past some of the top sights in the 7th arrondissement, including the beautiful golden dome at Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower. What a fun way to see Paris!

Rollerblading around the Eiffel Tower in Paris

See the Eiffel Tower while rollerblading! Photo courtesy: Rollers & Coquillages.

It’s fun to watch, even if you don’t take part yourself. Check the route map, then plan your day sightseeing and shopping in Paris accordingly. You’ll have a great time waving and cheering the skaters on!

Ice Skating in Paris at the HĂ´tel de Ville

Friday, February 17th, 2012
Ice Skating in Paris at the Hotel de Ville

Unforgettable memories ice skating in Paris!

Paris winter afternoons are made for people watching. One of most festive and fun spots to pass time is at the ice skating rink created each winter at the Place de l’HĂ´tel de Ville just across the Seine from the Ile de la CitĂ© and Notre Dame Cathedral. Grab a vin chaud or chocolat chaud to keep warm while watching the first timers and experts alike taking a spin around the rink.

Hotel de Ville Winter Carousel

Take a ride on the colorful carousel at the Hotel de Ville

The ornate Hôtel de Ville with its turrets and statues makes a beautiful backdrop to this winter Parisian scene. Home to the city’s council since 1357, the Hôtel de Ville is still the location of Paris city administration offices, the mayor’s offices, along with large salons for receptions and exhibitions. The grand mansion dates from 1822 with the front façade a near replica of the 17th-century town hall that burned down on January 18, 1871 during the Paris Commune.

If you’re in a shopping mood, just across the square you’ll spot the entrances to BHV (Bazar de Hôtel de Ville), a huge department store where you’ll find just about everything – including a French kitchen sink!

Hotel de Ville and BHV shopping in Paris

Visit BHV - a truly Parisian shopping experience!

The winter ice skating tradition at the Hôtel de Ville is popular with locals and travelers, and the scene is especially lively on the weekends. Along with ice skating on the Eiffel Tower, it’s one of those magical memories that you won’t soon forget! If you’d like to take a spin yourself while you’re in Paris, the entrance to the rink is free and skate rentals are only €5.

Ice skating in Paris Hotel de Ville

Ice skate in style in Paris!

Ice skating at the HĂ´tel de Ville is open until March 4, 2012. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 12pm – 10pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 9am – 10pm. Closest MĂ©tro: HĂ´tel de Ville. Bring a warm pair of gloves and ice skate in style in Paris!

Photo credits: Laura Thayer

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