Figure 1.-- Here three Paris boys are having a good time on roller skates. It looks like a Robert Doisneau photograph. This was probably taken in the late-1950s. A French reader tells us, Looking at the roller skates model and the short trousers, knee socks of the Paris'boys. I believe this photo would be rather from 1935-39."

Roller skates were some of the many toys popular in France. The French term for roller skating is Le patin à roulettes or just roller. We are not sure just when roller skates first appeared in France. There were skates being used in Europe during the 18th century. The first patent was issued to French inventor M. Petitbled (1819). They were not designed for children as they were expensive. American companiess began mass producing roller skates (1880s). This brought the price down and they began to be popular for children. A basic limitation here was the need for a smmoth surface. Sidewalks were great for roller skates, but were less available in Europe than America. (Cities dating from the Middle Ages are less likely to have smooth sidewalks and streets.) We note French choristers enjoying New York City sidewalks in 1935. We see boys on roller skates in the early-20th century. Rollar skates seem to have been particularly popular in France during the inter-War and immediate post-war period. Untill 1950 the roller were made with metal wheels. Then rubber wheels appeared. A French reader writes, "Myself I loved the roller skates and I recieved as a present the first rubber wheel model. I was able to roll fast backwards!" In America they seem more popular for girls than boys, especially after World War II. Most of the French images we have found show boys roller skating, A French ewader confoirms thar were most popular with boys, especially in the 1930s, 40s, and early-50s. Some girls also enjoyed them. This was primarily a city activity as a smooth, paved surface was required. They were mostly used in cities rather than small towns and villages becaused sidewalks were needed. Roller skating continues to be popular in France, although for vrious types of more adult skating activities such as inline skating and quad roller skating. We note speed inline skating, artistic roller skating, inline and roller hockey in France, and many other skating disciplines.

Created: 6:58 PM 10/9/2009
Last updated: 10:02 PM 10/17/2009