Paradox of Parisian parking: bumper bumps commonplace on tight streets

When in Rome, do as the Romans do - this adage is fitting when discussing parking a car in Paris. Tight streets and a dearth of spacious parking areas mean drivers frequently rest their car's bumper against others already parked. Even nudging another car to make some room is seen as typical.

Whilst incomprehensible for Polish drivers, it's a commonplace sight in French towns and cities. Scratched or damaged bumpers don't raise eyebrows. An Instagram video demonstrates just how nonchalant Parisian drivers can be regarding minor collisions with other vehicles. However, whether the owner of an Aston Martin DB11 Volante, originally priced at approximately £200,000, shares this relaxed attitude remains open to question.

The video undeniably proves that Parisian drivers don't hold back. The opening situation itself may astonish individuals from other nations. A BMW 2 Series Active Tourer can be seen leaning with its front against the back of the Aston Martin. It's plausible that the German car's driver orchestrated this scenario, which involved the British convertible being nudged not so much with the BMW's bumper but its radiator grille, a considerably more fragile component.

However, that was not the end of the story. There was a smidgen of space available in front of the Aston Martin, prompting the Citroën C3's driver to assume the gap was sufficient for them to slot in. They swiftly reversed and subsequently made contact with the DB11 Volante numerous times. Unfortunately, the Aston Martin had no room to manoeuvre and despite the knocking, no extra parking space materialised. After several collisions, the Citroën driver moved on. Although their parking technique implies a certain familiarity with the art of negotiating Parisian car parks, it's fair to suggest that the Aston Martin bore the brunt of this encounter, likely displaying fresh scuffs both at the front and rear.