In 1978, Paris witnessed the birth of one of Europe’s premier skateparks, nestled where the Cité des Sciences now stands. This colossal skate haven quickly fell into neglect, yet, through rare footage, we uncover its forgotten legacy. François Séjourné, a dedicated skater from that era, recalls how this once-thriving site became overrun with vines and barbed wire, a stark reminder of its past glory, as he preserved photographs that echo its vibrant history.
This expansive playground, a canvas of concrete bowls and freestyle areas spanning nearly 6,500 m², was among France’s pioneers in skateboarding—standing alongside noteworthy parks in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and on Île Saint-Germain. However, as the 1980s rolled in, this paradise seemingly vanished, leaving little evidence of its existence for modern-day Parisians. Séjourné ponders on the fate of the skatepark, questioning if it was buried or simply demolished.
Forty-five years later, echoes of the past resonate through the words of Thierry Dupin, a 70s skateboarding icon, as he traverses the solid slab that now conceals the relic of joy beneath. With the unrelenting enthusiasm of a few passionate historians, we are led back to this forgotten concrete giant, where countless Parisian youths once reveled in the exhilaration of skating. Watch our documentary to delve deeper into this captivating exploration and witness the remnants of a lost world.
The article delves into a part of Paris’s vibrant history when a sprawling skatepark thrived right where the Cité des Sciences stands today. Established in 1978, this skatepark offered skaters a grand stage until it was abandoned a few years later. Through the reminiscences of former skaters, particularly François Séjourné, we navigate the nostalgia of the skate culture in Paris and the efforts of enthusiasts to rekindle memories of a once-celebrated urban playground. The existence of a skatepark beneath modern infrastructure remains a mystery and a point of fascinating inquiry.
The legacy of a monumental skatepark in Paris, once a vibrant hub for skaters, remains shrouded in obscurity, as little evidence of its existence survives today. Through the lenses of enthusiasts and former skaters, like François Séjourné and Thierry Dupin, we unearth tales of joy and camaraderie from the latent history beneath our feet. Awaken your curiosity and join in this nostalgic journey by watching our exclusive video investigation.
