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ice-skating paris

By Siobhan Griffin
Last updated at 15:06:00 PM on 27 January 2012

A great way to experience the atmosphere of Paris in the winter is to go ice-skating. Around mid-December several outdoor ice-rinks open around the city. Taking a spin around the ice is free. If you don't have skates of your own you can rent them for 5 euros.

Hotel de Ville

The massive ice-rink set-up in front of Hotel de Ville is open until 4 March. The rink is open weekdays from 12pm - 10pm and weekends from 9am - 10pm. Not only can you skate for free, you can also get free ice-skating lessons on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Hotel de Ville is the offices of the Mayor of Paris and is located in the 4th arrondissement. You can reach it by taking Metro lines 1 or 11 and getting off at Hotel de Ville.

Montparnasse

Located in front of one of Paris' tallest buildings, Montparnasse Tower, is a free ice-skating ring, that is great if you want to try somewhere less touristy. During the week the rink is open from 12pm - 8pm and on weekends it opens from 9am - 8pm. Montparnasse Tower provides some of the best views of Paris, so when you're done skating take a trip to the top and enjoy the view. The rink is open until the first week of March. To reach the rink take the Metro lines 4, 6, 12, or 13 to Montparnasse-Bienvenue station.

Eiffel Tower

One of the most unique skating rinks in the world sits on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Skating around at 57-metres will certainly give you a memorable experience, especially at night. Entry to the rink is free with all Eiffel Tower visitor tickets. You are not allowed to bring your own skates, so must use the ones provided, but these are free. Rink-side sits a bar where you can warm up with a hot chocolate or warm spiced wine, as well as hot snacks. The rink stays open until 31 January. The closest Metro stop to the 'Tour' is Bir-Hakeim on Line 6. When you leave the station you will see the Eiffel Tower in front of you. You can also reach the tower by taking Line 9 to Tracadéro station.