Rollerblading tours in Paris: quirky and free tours are back

You may have seen some already while walking around Paris. Hordes of roller bladers rolling around the capital, listening to music and having fun. We can see pros, couples helping each other, friends laughing uncontrollably and sometimes some clumsy ones who are yet motivated. Maybe are you one of these people who when seeing them blading past you say to themselves “I should try that some day”. And it is time to move on from speech to action!

Let us start with some good news, shall we? These urban rollerblading tours are coming back. Authorizations have been delivered, and tours can resume starting from Friday July 2, 2021 in Paris. If you cannot be there on Fridays, no problem, rollerblading tours are held all year long!

For their great return in town, Pari Roller provides you with a 20.62-km tour in Paris. First, skate by the Invalides, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, cross the Seine by the Pavillon de l'Arsenal, before skating across the Île de la Cité from Châtelet before enjoying a well-deserved break in front of the Louvre. Then, skate up to the Opéra, through Place Vendôme, heading to Grands Boulevards, to join Saint-Augustin and skate along the Champs-Elysées turnabout, before heading to Trocadero. Last but not least, turn around the Eiffel Tower via the wealthy neighborhoods before returning to your starting point, Montparnasse. So, go for it?

Furthermore, organizers say that wearing protective equipment is highly recommended (not compulsory), so is facemask-wearing against the virus (yes, even when working out). They also remind you that all "non-thermal mobilities" are allowed, namely rollerblading, bicycles, longboards, skateboards, scooters and other "non-thermal" means of transport.

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Another good news: these rollerblading urban strolls are free of charge. Yet, if you want to try your hands at this sport likely to become a habit, we recommend you become a member of a group to support the associations organizing these events. A yearly membership can cost about €25 to €30 according to organizers and there are some bonuses!

In Paris, there are two associations that you should know if you want to go on a rollerblading tour.
If you are pretty skilled, you can enjoy Pari Roller tours expecting you on Friday nights, starting at 9:30 p.m. Leaving from Montparnasse, you will go for a 2h30-tour paced by downs and paved stones. And to be honest if you are as comfortable as Bambi rollerblading, you better not take the risk.
But, if you rollerblade smoothly, we highly recommend it!

But may all the Bambis out there be rest assured, it is not because you are clumsy that you should say no to rollerblading tours. On Sundays, the Rollers & Coquillages association organizes tours accessible to debutants who master at least the basics. This time, you are expected at Bastille, from 2:30 p.m. for a tour covering about 20km, allow about 3 hours, break included, the whole in a very family-friendly atmosphere.

So, ready to go rollerblading and conquer Paris?