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Ice-Skating + 16th century French Renaissance Architecture
Every winter, from December 1st to March 9th, a large ice-rink is created outside the Hôtel de Ville, Paris's City Hall. When I first came across this skating rink, almost exactly a year ago today, I was taken aback. I was drawn to the square in front of Hotel de Ville by the sound of dance music and the site of a very large 'fake' igloo. To my surprise, I discovered a skating rink bustling with people of all ages, many of whom appeared to be on ice skates for the very first time. I stopped for a few minutes to take in the sites; a skating rink in front of a massive building that was exuding history and cultural importance. When I was a child, we had a skating rink in our back yard every winter but the sites (and sounds) were never this good.
Hôtel de Ville has been the location of the municipality of Paris since 1357, housing the local administration and the Mayor of Paris (since 1977). The Paris City Hall was rebuilt after the 16th century original building was set to fire during the 1870 Parisian revolution. During the Middle Ages, people sentenced to death were hung on the Hôtel de Ville square in front of the city hall.
This square is now peaceful and decorated with one hundred and eight statues, representing famous Parisians, thirty other statues represent French cities. The clock at the central tower is adorned with several feminine sculptures representing the Seine River,The city of Paris, 'Work' and 'Education'.
I can't think of a better place (since there is little chance of the Seine freezing over) to spend a winter's afternoon skating, and the experience is free, if you bring your own skates, 5 euros otherwise.
Notes: The Hôtel de Ville is close to the Pompidou Center, the Marais district with the Place des Vosges and the Cité Island and Notre Dame. Facing the Hôtel de Ville, the BHV department store, 52, rue de Rivoli, specializes in hardware and fashion (Tel 33 (0)1 42 74 90 00).
Hôtel de Ville on line 1.
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
1 Dec 2007 - 9 Mar 2008
Free; skate hire €5
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 12pm-10pm; Friday from 12pm to 12am; Sat 9am-12am; Sun 9am-10pm