The First of the Big Rollers

Paris was the first place in Europe to host mass roller skating and the tradition continues today. Every Friday night throughout the year around 15,000 skaters take to the streets and cover between 25 and 30 km. If you can brake and control your skates reasonably well you are welcome to join. See the organizer's website for details. Starting at 21h30 rollers gather near the foot of the Montparnasse Tower (blvd du Montparnasse, 14e. Metro: Montparnasse) and 30 minutes later set off en-masse. Many keep going until 1h in the morning. www.pari-roller.com

Poetry Discussion Group

This English-language poetry group reads and discusses poems every Friday from 18h30 to 20h15 with biscuits and tea at the home of Dr. Nagpal, ground floor left, 65 rue Pascal, 13e. Metro: Glacière or Les Gobelins. Reserve because space is limited. Call 01 47 07 55 28 or email: nagpal@nip.com.fr.

"This is the 15th year of our English poetry group. We read and discuss poems, the best we know or can find. Some of us write and these receive special attention. Anything goes, but ideally we want to read true, sweet, serious poems that take us forward, help us understand. We do not want boring, pretentious or incomprehensible stuff. Ten or so people, intelligent conversation, some fellowship, no showing off… it’s a good way to spend a Friday evening in this dry world. So do come and join us. You don’t have to talk or bring poems. All are welcome. There is no charge."

Free live jazz at Hotel d’Aubusson's Café Laurent

The luxury Hotel d’Aubusson keeps the jazz spirit of St-Germain-des-Prés alive with live concerts in their Café Laurent every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 18h30 to 20h00 and 21h30 until midnight. Free entrance. 33 rue Dauphine, 6e. 01 43 29 43 43. Metro: Mabillon. www.cafe-laurent.com