I'm asking this question for my 14 year old son. He is quite the skateboarder and would like to bring his along to Paris over or summer trip. He says that there is a famous spot in Paris where everyone practices on their skateboards. Does anyone have any idea where there are places for young people to do this. My son swears that he has seen photos of these places in Paris, but doesn't know where now they would be. Any information would be of great help. Thanks,
Ellie

Hi

I suggest you do a search "skateboard paris" on www.google.com.

There is a post regarding an ordinance banning skateboards.

He's thinking of the Palais de Chaillot. Roller skaters and skateboarders hang out outside the palace in profusion.

I don't know about areas for skateboards but what I have seen are people playing rollerhockey at the Louvre (NOT IN THE LOUVRE) area by the I.M. Pei pyramid, normally around museum closing time/early evening.

On a more sentimental note, wouldn't that be such a wonderful trip memory?

Hi elarit, I responded to your culture question before I saw this one.

Here is a link on the rollerblading: http://travel.discovery.com/ideas/cu.../cities/3.html

The www.pari-roller.com site is all in French if you are fluent.

I won't be very helpful, but here's some hints :

-Apart the weekly night roller race mentionned in the article linked to in the previous post, there's another one, shorter and easier, but I don't remember the specifics. It seems to me the gathering is weekly, on an afternoon, "place de la bastille"

-As already mentionned, skatters used to gather around the "Palais de Chaillot". I didn't pay attention recently, so I don't know if it's still true...

-I recently noticed skaters on the "place du palais royal" near the louvre. It looked like an authorized gathering spot, since I saw them several times and they had brought stuff (no clue what the names of these things are) they needed for they sport/training.

I often see groups of kids skateboarding on the steps of the Bercy concert hall in the 12th.

There's a skatepark at the Parc de Bercy, and a covered rollerpark in Vitry sur Seine (southern suburb) which is open to skaters at certain times.

Have a look at this site, which lists all the main skateboarding spots in Paris. It's in French, but each area is clearly indicated and they give the relevant metro station. With a decent Paris map you should be able to find out where to go!

oops, forgot the link:
http://www.paris-skate-culture.org/pratiquer.html

This is great! Thank you for the information. My 14 year old is feeling better. He may not get to use his skateboard, but likes the idea that he can at least see others at it. I'm trying to talk him into leaving the board home.
Again, thanks to all.
Ellie