Vivi004

My husband and I ate lunch on the grounds of Sacre Coeur today and witnessed so many unsuspecting tourists get nailed by groups of grown men making bracelets on them.. The men were aggressive, often grabbing people's arms and physically blocking them from moving past them on the stairs. If there were two people and one was caught another partner would run over and start making a bracelet on them. When they were finished they would demand payment and the tourists would actually pay them. I even witnessed one of the men grab a little girls arm, to which thankfully the father said some choice words. I mean I know these guys need to make a living, but watching this made me angry. Thoughts?

chapla

It's been going on for ages,nothing new!

Vivi004

Well I figured that, just seems so stupid. If some guy grabbed my arm like that I'd flip my lid.

Vivi004

I had read about it online and didn't think I'd actually see it.

nini

It is definitely a mistake to make eye contact with these guys. Never have had a problem with them. If it is the Nigerian guys I just wish they were selling some attractive bracelets made in Africa rather than plastic stuff. Would be happy to buy one.

nytraveler

The answer is simple. Do NOT engage with these people. Unfortunately most americans are raised to believe they must be "nice" to strangers - and they are hesitant to act in their own best interests.

If you see these people, walk around them. If they touch you - this is assault - and you should scream your head off. Yell for the police. (These bullies count on no one protesting/making a scene.)

This happened to the traveling companion of a colleague of mine. When she saw it, my friend came over yelling and the guys left before police arrived. One cop told her the problem is that they pick on tourists who are not able to stay in Paris long enough (or are not willing to) testify against them. So the police will move then along - but can't get evidence to support an arrest.

This is one step up from the women in Spain who thrust flowers at you and then demand payment. One shoved a flower at me and I just let it fall on the ground - then she started yelling at me. Too bad. I said something rude to her - and suggested we talk to the police and she left right away.

Not fun on vacation, I agree. But people need to stand up for themselves.

Christina

I think that sums it up, I agree. You can't be "nice" to strangers on the street. I have heard of this thing in Sacre Coeur before, some years ago, so it must be fruitful to some degree. No one has ever bothered me up there, but I don't have anything to do with guys like that, simply ignore them. I never respond if they call out and I never, ever allow people like that to touch me, nor do I talk to them or look at them.

Christina

you know, I re-read your description, and maybe it has gotten worse, it's been a few years since I've been in the church. I agree with you, this sounds really aggressive and beyond the level of nuisance, if they are physically blocking people or grabbing anyone's arms, but especially children. I think sometimes the Parisian police are a little too laid back about things, actually, if they cracked down on them sometimes, I would hope it might stop.

sassy27

Yes, I've seen those guys every time I've visited the Sacre Coeur. The last time, I was with my Mom and she got caught up with one of them. I warned her beforehand but it did no good. I went over and had some very loud words with him. He backed off. When we came back down, all the guys vacated the area around us.

You also have to watch for the girls who want you to sign something for the deaf. I was under the Eiffel tower when they hit up an English lady. They were behind me and I told them to leave. The lady had no idea what was going on because they weren't speaking in English. I explained what they were doing and if it happens again, just keep saying no and tell them to go away in a loud voice or quickly walk away.

PalenQ

ttt

susan001

Hmmm... I was planning a Montmartre walk... now, not so sure. I read recently that the Louvre was closed for a day -- Security officers were on strike due to the increase in threatening behaviors from the pickpockets in the area. It sounds like things have gotten worse since I was last there '05.

Mathieu

After years and years of reading about the 'Gold ring' scam on here, it finally happened to me last October, right outside the Musee d'Orsay, along the raised sidewalk that runs along the river.
The young woman suddenly bent down in front of me while I was walking towards the museum, picked up the ring, turned to me and said 'Ahhh'. I smiled broadly and knowingly, and gestured with my hand that I wasn't interested while continuing to walk, but she was persistent. She kept offering it until I finally blocked her hand one more time, and the ring went flying out of her fingers and over the wall while she let out a shriek.
Last I looked, she was peering over the wall, looking into the river below.

My first reaction was to feel a bit bad as I processed what had happened, but that didn't last long. As NYT says above, you've got to stand up for yourself.

cigalechanta

I almost signed the deaf thing until a French man across from me shook his head as to say no.

benitakaren

Can one still buy large switchblade knives in france?