Has anyone done the friday night rollerblade? I read that up to 15000 people attend, is that true? Is it crazy fun or chaos? Where do you rent the blades? I did a lot of running in Paris and I'd love to go rollerblading, but I want to hear how it was from someone who's BTDT. Do they still even offer it?????

Every Friday night... it isn't chaotic, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of skaters. You DO need to be GOOD on rollerblades, not just 'want to do it'.

Here is the organization's website, all in French however:
http://www.pari-roller.com/

- evidently there are 'rules', so you need someone to help translate that for you.

- it lists some 'partners', from whom I presume you could rent skates

It looks like a mad rush at the start, but it's hardly chaotic, with stewards and police closing road junctions ahead and reopening them behind the bladers. It looks like a crush at the start, but the crowd spreads out as it goes along - and there's nothing to stop you dropping out to catch the metro home rather than going round the whole course till 1am or whenever.

Just don't fall down.

<b>Here is the organization's website, all in French however:
http://www.pari-roller.com/</b>

There is a flag to click on the website for English, German and Spanish information.

I have a friend who does this when he visits Paris. If you are an experienced URBAN rollerblader who can roll at a good clip among crowds, then it's a lot of fun. He rollerbladed in NYC's Central Park and in and around Philly, so had no problems.

He tried it once with another friend who was a pretty good rollerblader in a quieter, suburban setting, but had never done it among crowds and he got stressed out (mostly frustrated and embarrassed that he couldn't keep up with the mob); they had to drop out fairly quickly.

I've seen it a couple times and it really isn't meant to be chaos, that's for sure -- they have official approval and the streets are blocked off and there are police escorts, and there are requirements and safety rules. Of course it's meant to be fun or enjoyable for serious bladers but it's not meant to be &quot;crazy&quot; fun.

I don't think there were 15000 people doing it when I saw it, that does seem like a lot. There are various places to rent roller blades in the city, you could check the phone book. You have to have safety equipment, also.

Hmmmm, I'll have to take that under consideration, I'm a good rollerblader but weaving in and out of crowds is not my forte! That does sound like a total rush! What avenue is it on, where does it start?

go to the website - there is a 'course', the meeting place, etc.

This is what it was like one June night a few years ago (about a kilometre after the start):

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=94NFZ7eRR4A

There's always the less rushed pace of the Sunday roller (more for families and non advanced skaters I think ?).I looked into this for my trip, but unfortunately ran out of time, so I haven't actually taken part myself.

It starts and ends at Place de la Bastille - 2:30pm to 5:30pm

you can hire all the gear including protective gear at the Nomades shop for about 15 euro for the weekend.
Just watchout for the 150euro? security deposit.

Nomades is on Blvd Bourdon near Place de ls Bastille- www.nomadeshop.com

Info on the Sunday roller is at
www.rollers-coquillages.org