VIDEO. Toulouse: the Ferris wheel has not finished turning for Denis, fairground adoption
Since Friday, July 16, the Ferris wheel has resumed its quarters at the Port de la Viguerie in Toulouse. Denis, 54, has been running it for 10 years.
This afternoon, in Toulouse, the sun is relentless. Denis, sheltered from the heat in the sheet metal counter in the shade of the Ferris wheel, awaits visitors in the company of his wife, Véronique. “This wheel, I’ve known it forever, I’m here for it,” he announces straight away, stepping out into the sun, a humble look in his clear eyes and tattoos that have executed sleeves of a crisp white t-shirt, the company title over the heart.
For ten years, Denis has been an employee of the company “Loca Grande roue Montalétang”, which rents out Ferris wheels and rides. At first, he had started by giving a hand to the owner of the wheel, Thierry, with whom his wife was already working. Gradually, he ended up “turning with the wheel”, as he likes to put it. He follows her wherever she goes, touring France all year round.
“Toulouse people like to party!”
That of Toulouse, in particular, is 45 meters high. Denis “knows it by heart”. Born in 1999, equipped with 30 seats, it can carry a maximum of 180 people. “But we never reached those numbers. The wheel is for lovers or families, we don’t pile up in it,” he says. “When there are not many people, a carousel ride lasts five minutes. More if everyone needs to enjoy the view at the top. From the cockpit, it’s Denis who manages everything from the duration of the carousel lap to downtime at the top and which seat gets the best view. The important thing, when people ride, is to always keep in mind “a balance in terms of weight.
Since the heat wave took the Pink City hostage, not many people have come to take a ride. Denis and Véronique spend their days waiting. “It’s like that, when it’s too hot. Families do not go out during the day. Since the opening last Friday, it has not been excellent. On the other hand, in the evening on a world. Toulouse people like to party! observes Denis. But, for Denis and Véronique, it doesn’t matter. it will eventually happen. Anyway, he doesn’t seem to be bored: “I’m a sedentary person who dressed as a showman,” he ends, looking dreamy. “As soon as I can, I also do laps. ” Obviously.
The practical Ferris wheel
The Big wheel of Toulouse opened on Friday July 16 and remains in place until September 10. Overlooking the Garonne by its 45 meters in height, the Big Wheel of Toulouse Plages brings young and old to discover the Pink City every day from the sky. It is open every day from 11 am to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, then from 11 am at 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Price: 5 €