Roller skating is big business in Paris. Every Friday night, as many as 35,000 skaters join to form one of the biggest frequent skating groups in the world.
Pari Roller has been going since 1994, when a group of skaters decided to meet up regularly for fun and the pleasure of discovering Paris on a pair of roller or inline skates. The group grew to become a worldwide phenomenon and now it starts at 10:00pm from the foot of the Montparnasse tower and lasts until 1am, with a different 30km route to explore each week. Its popularity is such that the police even close the roads so the skaters can move freely and safely.
As with any organised group sporting event, safety is paramount and the association highly advises the wearing of skating pads and other protective skate equipment. The Friday night course is for skaters with some experience, however, and those new to roller skating would be better off attending the Sunday afternoon beginners’ course instead.
Inline skates can often be seen across the city all throughout the year, with skaters entertaining crowds of tourists and locals alike as they compete or show off their skills on slalom courses.
Paris is not the only city to have been gripped by the roller skating bug, however. Skating fanatics can pack up their skating pads and helmets and join other aficionados all across the world, as other major cities are now joining the craze and putting on group skates of their own.
