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Paris: in Montmartre, bowlers mobilize to save their land
In Paris, it was the bowlers of Montmartre who decided to fight against the town hall. They pitched the tent on their land which the municipality wishes to transform into a green space.
(France 2)
In Paris, it was the bowlers of Montmartre who decided to fight against the town hall. They pitched the tent on their land which the municipality wishes to transform into a green space.
A true institution in Montmartre (Paris), the neighborhood pétanque club and its 300 members have occupied a site for more than 50 years. Today, the 18th century town hall wants it back. The Council of State asks them to leave the premises. To protest, they pitched tents and have been taking turns for a week, 24 hours a day. “We will do everything to win the game”says one of them.
60,000 euros royalty
Nestled in the very chic Avenue Junot and classified as a protected green space, the garden hosts the pétanque courts, its refreshment bar and its many regulars. It is one of the last popular bastions of this tourist district. The local residents are very attached to it. “This is what makes Montmartre”, says one of them. The town hall wants to entrust the land to an adjoining hotel, for an annual fee of 60,000 euros.
