The skate begins at 10:00PM on Friday nights when weather permits starting at Place Raoul Dautry in the 14th Arrondissement, between the Montparnasse office tower and the Paris-Montparnasse train station. Traffic is stopped and the event is supervised by a group of Pari Roller marshals who can be identified by their yellow shirts. The Pari Roller lasts three hours, with a break for wine or snacks, then returns to Montparnesse at 1:00 AM.
The boulevards of Paris are great for an event like this, because the roadways are wide enough to allow large groups of skaters to safely maintain speed. The roads are also smooth enough for a fast paced stride. The route changes slightly from week to week, but usually travels over 18.5 miles of the roads through central Paris and along the Seine.
Participation in this Friday night skating event has some skating requirements.
- All skaters should be able to go fast enough to keep up with the pack.
- Good maneuvering skills are required for all participants.
- Each skater should have the ability to come to a quick and controlled stop.
"WARNING: From its origins, this event is meant for experienced skaters. Route includes technical difficulties on purpose... and the speed of the procession is rather fast... It is essential to your safety and that of the other participants that you know how to brake."
Equality is part of the French national motto, so an alternate street skate is available on Sunday afternoons for less experienced skaters and families. This event starts at the Place de la Bastille.
The tour is free and open to any skater who can maintain and control speed. But, Pari Roller, the group that organizes the weekly events, welcomes new membership contributions that can help to cover expenses as well as provide accident insurance for the weekly events.
The Pari Roller group's address is:
- Pari Roller
- 16 Bd Saint Germain
- 75005 Paris, France
