bumper to bumper cars
That’s it. As far as the eye can see, cars sticking bumper to bumper. I am SO happy to not have a car while living in Paris. The Metro is just perfect, thank you. Or my own 2 feet.
I am fascinated with drivers in Paris…it’s amazing how little damage actually occurs as people get from A to Z in as little time, distance, and space as possible.
Some observations about parking in Paris, just in case you want to drive and park while here:
no limit except vertical walls
Motorcycles, scooters, bicycles…pretty much can park anywhere. They are supposed to follow normal driving rules, but motorcycles have a secret lane between the outside 2 driving lanes, and both motorcycles and bicycles will pass stopped vehicles and get in front of them to get away first when the light turns green. Or if there are no pedestrians…
Optional parking on top of cones
Your choice – between or on top of cones.
Space between vehicles is negligible
Bonus points are awarded for vehicles with minimal space between bumpers.
Accidents WILL happen.
Expect some slight scratches or bruises
Clever drivers will gently ease into tiny parking spots, avoiding major warping and scrapes on bumpers and fenders.
And my personal favorite trick for in city driving ~
Always carry duct tape.
It’s true. Duct tape can fix anything.
Despite these captivating photos, drivers in Paris really are amazing. There are few accidents, pedestrians remain unharmed, vehicles stay on the road, and traffic flows in seemingly flawless pathways. Hats off to the competent drivers!
Love, Laughter, and Life 
June 7, 2009 at 4:23 am
This line up of cars would certainly not happen in the US. Could you imagine a bumper to bumper parking of suvs. they never make it out alive. Loved your picture story!
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June 10, 2009 at 4:32 pm
SUVs would not make it in Paris. Most of the parking spaces are basically sized for smart cars. (Also the driving lanes and streets in the city are pretty tight.) Speaking as an American, just NOT worrying about the required bumps, scratches, and dents that are a part of daily driving and parking…arghhh. We saw SOME nice cars, but not parked. haha
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August 3, 2009 at 10:27 pm
I would definitely be walking or bussing it, however. I don’t do parallel parking, so that pretty much takes out driving it looks like. Amazing how all those people do that.
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August 4, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Yes, I flunked parallel parking during driver’s ed…sigh. I know my bumpers would look like that if I tried to drive OR park in Paris. In the US, I look for pull throughs…
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