Photos by Merlin Czarnulla
The Vans Unfiltered series continues! This time around Simone Barraco and Anthony Perrin visited the city of love - Paris. Despite the full experience being restricted by covid, Unfiltered dives deep into the heart of the city via the lens of Rich Forne. So deep you can almost smell the fresh croissants and feel the vibrations of the subway system below. It's a feast for the senses.
Combining Simone and Anthony is a match made in heaven and the clips they managed to film are of the grade-A street riding masterclass variety. Scroll down to see some equally special photography from Merlin Czarnulla, along with some thoughts on the Parisian experience from the dream duo...
How were the spots in Paris?
So good! Paris has so many spots and uniques setups, it seems infinite. You always end up finding stuff on the way to an area/spot. I think my favourite was the left side flat rail to right side hand rail - it felt like it was made for us almost!
What was your favourite clip you got?
I think my favourite was on that same setup. That pegs to switch Ice, or the 180 wallride full cab fakie manny, both felt super good!
Do you approach things any differently filming for the Vans Unfiltered series and filming with Rich?
Not really I think, I try to do my best and be as consistent and productive as possible and that maybe brings a little pressure sometimes, but I think in general I just try to do the same as other trips - enjoy myself and do stuff I'm happy with.
Did you have many issues with security/police?
Nah, luckily we've been pretty lucky with that. I think Rich and Merlin had a little trouble for filming stuff at some point but it all worked out in the end.
"I think my favourite (spot) was the left side flat rail to right side hand rail - it felt like it was made for us almost!"
- Anthony Perrin
Would you say Paris is a BMX friendly city?
Yeah definitely. There's so much to explore and to ride, and I feel like you can find any kind of spots really - there's something for everyone I guess.
Did you sample any of Paris’ famous cuisine?
Not really since me and Simo couldn't go inside restaurants at that point. But never mind, we definitely did a bunch of crepes at home. Also, thanks to some locals friends that came to ours one night and prepared some of the best raclette haha, that was a good night!
Did you encounter any of the wild Parisian driving?
Luckily we were only riding around, but yeah, it definitely felt a little sketchy and stressful sometimes!
Best experience of the visit?
Hard to pick one thing, I just enjoyed being there with Simo. We ride together in Barcelona pretty often, so that trip just felt good and brought fresh motivation.
Worst experience?
Nothing really comes to mind, everything went pretty smoothly and the weather ended up being good almost everyday. It was a good time, thanks to everyone involved with the trip. Much love!
How were the spots in Paris?
Spots were cool I think, the Paris streets are dope!
What was your favourite clip you got?
I can barely remember what I filmed by now but I did a little line starting with a fakie pole jam barspin that I liked.
Do you approach things any differently filming for the Vans Unfiltered series and filming with Rich?
Not really, just little differences that just happen to be different because every trip is different.
"it was definitely packed with undercover police all over the city."
- Simone Barraco
Did you have many issues with security/police?
Not that I remember, but it was definitely packed with undercover police all over the city. That kinda kills the vibe sometimes.
Would you say Paris is a BMX friendly city?
I think so yes.
Did you sample any of Paris’ famous cuisine?
Bro, the locals came to our flat one night with their own cooking stuff to make us a real raclette cheese thing - it was awesome! Super cool locals. Merci!
Best experience of the visit?
I just remember that I really enjoyed riding. It was a looong while that I hadn't travelled or ridden my bike before that.. so new spots were very enjoyable.
Worst experience?
Rain time wasn't the best but we still got lucky to have enough of both rain and sun.
