Oldest Paris Firehall Opens Doors

 The Marais Fire Station, the oldest firehall in Paris, opened its doors to the public this weekend.

It occupies the old Hotel de Chavigny on the rue de Sévigné, near the Saint Paul Church.

Bill and I often pass by after grocery shopping on Rue Saint Antoine. It was fun to finally look through the massive open gate

and be welcomed by the sapeur pompiers (firemen) who work there.

 The two day event was well organized with a special emphasis on entertaining the children. The firemen parked one of their trucks in the courtyard with the enormous ladder extended to a nearby rooftop for the children to climb.

 If they were old enough they were kitted up with official helmets.

 A long line formed as the kids were taken up the ladder one at a time.

Those kids had a ball and I noticed they were given a certificate afterwards. Fun.

 In the station other firemen demonstrated lifesaving techniques

 for which they are justly famous.

Another highlight for the kids was a chance to hold the firehose

 guided with a firm helping hand.

 The wall of the courtyard provided a suitable target.

Bill noticed this tot sneaking around the edge of the line for a closer look. A future fireman perhaps?

I have to say I was tempted to join the line.

At the end of the afternoon the firemen performed a mock rescue. A smoke bomb was released in an upper window of the Hotel de Chavigny and a figure appeared crying out for rescue.

 As in a well-rehearsed play the heroes duly arrived,

 threw up a ladder,

 and arranged a drop for the now unconscious victim.

 Smoke soon filled the courtyard

 but cleared

 in time for our heroes to take a bow.

The firemen must have done something right, because an actual teenager asked one of them to pose for a selfie. Can there be more sincere praise?

Our thanks to the Sapeur Pompiers for their great hospitality! One parting note: their blockbuster Bastille Day champagne dance party is a local legend. Just saying.