MaineGG

We'll be in Paris that day, the first day of the Journées du Patrimoine, and plan to visit the Hôtel de Ville and a couple of other sites. I just heard about this parade which sounds like a very big event, and wonder whether we should a) stay as far away from the route as possible, or b) seek it out and enjoy the show. I'm inclined to think a) would be more our style, but we're usually up for a little adventure.

Also, we are staying a block off the parade route a little south of République. Does anyone foresee any real problems getting back to this area by bus or Métro during the afternoon or later in the evening? The parade schedule says it is over at 7pm.

https://quefaire.paris.fr/programme/...hnoparade_2015

PalenQ

b- seek it out - seems can't be very racucus - techno music is about the most popular for French young folks - sounds like a great time.

kerouac

I can only imagine avoiding it if you are allergic to techno music. It is basically just a version of the Gay Pride parade resdesigned to include all sexual orientations. Metro lines along the route will be crowded... and festive.

manouche

It's extremely loud, it's very festive, the crowds stick very close to the parade route and any bars or cafes nearby. If you are fans of techno, like to dance and can tolerate super-mega-decibels, you would have a good time. Our apartment is on the parade route and we're always afraid the windows are going to blow out.

The route is only about 5 km long and the truck floats go by pretty fast unless one breaks down, so be on time or you'll miss alot. The whole event lasts for 6 hours, but this includes the kick off announcements and mostly the big party at the end.

It's a good idea to pick your spot about half an hour before the parade starts. You can either stand and dance on the sidewalks or sit on the nearest terrace where you'll still be able to see everything. Bastille has more cafes than Republique but the party is always best where the parade ends, so I would go there. BYOB drinking on the street is allowed as long as nobody gets too rowdy, which doesn't seem to happen - the crowd is always festive but mellow. A lot of people wear face paint and costumes.

The Metro stations at Republique will be closed and the Buses will be rerouted, but you can certainly take public transport to within a couple of blocks of there. You can check this website on the day of the parade to see when the stations will be open and what your options are
http://www.ratp.fr/

MaineGG

Thanks, everyone. I can't imagine listening to that kind of music for six hours, and I really don't like huge crowds, but may try to get "home" late afternoon and see the last hour of the parade.

Manouche, you mention the big party at the end. I gather that would be in the Pl. de la République. Does it go on into the night? I'll definitely check out the possible transportation disruptions on the RATP site.

manouche

No, everything must be disbanded at the end of the permit time, which is 7 PM. There will probably be some party people hanging around for quite awhile at Place Republique, but this is generally true on the weekends anyhow.