Every time we come to Paris, we repeat one thing we did on our first trip here. We go on an dinner cruise.
Last night was the night for this trip’s cruise.
It was a wonderful as it always is with beautiful lights and delicious food. And of course it’s all planned to arrive at the Eiffel Tower in time for the hourly flashing light show.
But this cruise wrapped up just a little differently.
We docked around 11 and as we left the boat, we could hear an incredible racket above us at street level. As we walked up the steps the noise level increased almost to a painful level and when we emerged, there in front of us was an amazing spectacle. . .
. . . thousands of santa-driven motorcycles. (google carablade noel de Paris 2014 for some amazing you tube footage)
. . . some in Santa suits that flashed with sparkling lights, some with inflated Santa passengers, all willing to stop and pose if they saw you trying to get a photo.
They filled the street curb to curb, sometimes ten across and all of them were completely into the spirit of the event. Big bikes, hornets, one rider, two, beards, hats, tinsel
. We watched high spirits, wheelies and fancy riding and our ears certainly heard the revving engines. It was an amazing sight and we, along with everyone else around us were into the face-splitting grin.
We emerged at street level near the end of the cavalcade, but even still it was at least five or ten minutes before the last of them went by. We looked forward at what had already passed and all we could see in the distance was tail lights. We are convinced there are thousands. I haven’t been able to find a report of how many actually participated.
This apparently is an annual event in Paris, started in 2002, and now in other French cities as well. The Paris event wraps up at the Arc de Triomphe where the bikers present their gifts for orphans aged 2-19.
Good for the heart to see.
Merry Christmas.
