"Le Bal des Pompiers" at the Marais Fire Station

MEETING PARIS FIREMEN ON BASTILLE DAY

LE BAL DES POMPIERS RUE DE SEVIGNE :
BY FAR, THE MOST UNIQUE OPEN AIR PARTY

There is no question that « Le Bal des Pompiers » held on July 13 and 14 is one the most popular parties in Paris. Every July, fire stations across Paris turn up the heat and become the hottest dance parties around. The Paris firemen are handsome, smiling, open-minded and welcoming. The fact that they also save lives contributes as much to their popularity with Parisians and tourists as does their friendly attitude.

Joining the Paris Fire Brigade is not a simple job. You have to be in top physical condition and practice no less than four hours of sports each day. It is no wonder that the fire fighters are in top physical shape. The officers must also achieve very high grades in top-level schools such as Saint Cyr, a kind of « Military Harvard ».

In both courtyards, live DJs were playing hits from the 90’s as well as classic disco. The crowd was a fabulous mix of military, firemen, local residents, tourists, couples, and young people all together in a fun ambiance that you cannot find anywhere but in Paris.

We always tell our friends and visitors that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris – and everyone agrees! This year was really special because we were honored to be their official media partner and support their charities.

Three months ago, I had a bike accident, falling to the ground unconscious in the middle of rue Elzevir ; 3 firemen from the local Sévigné fire station saved my life by quickly accompanying me to hospital.
I want to thank them all for their courage and kindness.

As media partner of this event, our film « In Love with Le Marais » was projected on the huge open air screen in one of the courtyards :
  The film

Parismarais maps and special limited- edition T-shirts were given to guests of the Champagne Bar.

Also with us were two journalists- one French and one American, one great photographer, and one cameraman. We will produce a few clips about this special event that is for the Paris firemen a unique occasion to meet locals and raise funds for their charities. These films and photo reports will soon be online on parismarais.com.

Capitain Guillaume Angeneau and his officers treated us like kings, giving us the privilege of visiting several historic rooms of this 17th century mansion which are not open to the public. We will visit again in September during the traditional « Journées du Patrimoine ».

This year, our team was first in line, press cards in hand, to enter through the VIP entrance at number 7 rue de Sévigné. The fire trucks were parked out in the street so that the two beautiful courtyards of Hotel de Chavigny, a 17th century mansion built by Louis XIV architect François Mansart, could welcome over 5000 people as well as two DJ podiums.

This beautiful mansion, «  a mini Versailles » has been home to the Marais fire station for over two centuries. The first firemen were established here in 1813. The Paris Fire Brigade was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century to improve safety in Paris after the revolution. Unlike firemen in most cities and countries, Paris fire fighters are part of the French army, which is perhaps why they inspire so much respect and admiration.

We highly encourage you to give to their charities, donate to help maintain and restore the beautiful Hotel de Chavigny and give generously to the ADOSPP, the association that takes care of injured firemen and their families.

  For all donations, visit the ADOSPP web site

  To find out about the BSPP ( Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris)

Next year, before enjoying the most fabulous fireworks at the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day, spend at least a couple of hours at the Hotel de Chavigny with our friends «les pompiers » ;
you won’t regret it !

A bientôt

Pascal Fonquernie, Editor

Picture : Pascal Fonquernie & Karol Lor Marketing Manager of Le Pavillon de la Reine.

Soon in Parismarais Newsletter next editions :

• New designs Hotels in le Marais
• Benoit Restaurant of Alain Ducasse celebrates its 100 years
• More fabulous parties at Versailles, but also Vaux le Viconte and Fontainebleau
• A road trip to central Europe : Munchen, Salszburg, Vienna, Budapest…
• Best value restaurants for lunch
• Creative shopping for fashion addicts.
• Meeting the Parisian horseguards

Remerciements :

BIRP, service de communication de la BSPP, au Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Le Testu, Capitaine Guillaume Angeneau, à tous les pompiers de la 11ème compagnie et à tous les Pompiers de Paris qui font honneur à notre Ville et contribuent tres largement à son prestige. © 2012 – avec autorisation de tournage et diffusion : Parismarais.com ® : Arnaud Sellier, Léa Philippe, Michelle Gross, Florent Jabot.

LE MARAIS MAP, DOWNLOAD FOR FREE !

To prepare for your trip to Paris,
you can download the exclusive Parismarais map of le Marais for free !

Be sure to print out both sides A and B
of the map by clicking on the following links:

  SIDE A

  SIDE B

You can also visit the following page where you will find more maps of Paris and le Marais as well as selected places to visit - photos and addresses will “pop up” as soon as you click on the colored dots.

Fabulous, n'est-ce pas ? : parismarais.com/map-of-le-marais.htm

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Parismarais Newsletter, July 2012 Firemen special edition.
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