Two years after the success of « In the footsteps of Hugo Drax », thematized event around Moonraker, we met in the heart of Paris for a new immersive and exclusive day « In the footsteps of James Bond ».
The Tower Eiffel – Paris (7th arrondissement)
The day started in a certain freshness for the fifteen participants, gathered at 9:00 am on the Eiffel Tower square.
Each participant was welcomed and received a 44-page booklet (if you are interested do not hesitate to Contact me), tracing the entire filming of the sequence, with plans and photographs of the period, serving as a guide throughout the tour.
In addition, two photographs on ice paper were planned for the signing session.
After a few minutes of waiting and a change of elevator, the whole group arrived on the third floor to admire the Parisian panorama and contemplate the starting point of the famous parachute jump the film Dangerously yours. The climb also allowed us to quickly discover the service stairs used for shooting, prohibited to the public.
On the second floor, we found the door borrowed by Bond and May Day to leave the restaurant Jules Verne (whose interior had been recreated in Pinewood). We even had the privilege of having exceptional access to small emergency staircaseby which May Day escape after having eliminated Achille Aubergine..
After a walk downhill and a few shots, we reached the court to photograph theexact location of the taxi near the northern pillar.
After a few minutes of walking, we found our two guests:
- Lucien Jerome, the actor interpreting the taxi driver,
- Jean-Claude Lagniez, James Bond stunter and lining in pursuit on the Seine docks.
The lunch offered everyone the opportunity to exchange and listen to the exciting anecdotes Our guests. The choice of a small group, wanted by the organizer Julien Abauzit, allowed everyone to fully enjoy these exchanges in an atmosphere warm and friendly.
At 2:00 p.m., under a large sun and soft spring heat, the day continued with the distribution of exclusive goodie : a key ring Renault 11 TXE accompanied by a small Eiffel Tower.
Lucien and Jean-Claude then signed the autographs in front of the taxia replica of that of the film, made available by HerocarConcept. After a question-and-answer session, they agreed to photo game souvenirs. This highlight of the day was made possible by theimmense kindness of our guests, who responded enthusiastically to our group's requests.
The Seine docks with Jean Claude Lagniez and the R11 – Paris (7th arrondissement)
About 3:00 p.m., Jean-Claude Lagniez has resumed the steering wheel of « its » Renault 11 to get to the docks and continue this memorable day. 40 years later, taxi returned to Bourdonnais dock, offering a new scene before the eyes incredulous tourists.
Throughout the 2 kilometres which separated us from Alexander III Bridge, Jean-Claude Lagniez shared many anecdotes on the organization of the shooting and the cut scenes.
What a joy to have participated in the day "In the footsteps of an R11 TXE", I kept only good memories. The tour of the Eiffel Tower was a great moment to dive back into the spectacular May Day parachute jumping scene. The friendly meal with the meeting of Jean-Claude Lagniez and Lucien Jérôme was the occasion of friendly exchanges and anecdotes of filming. And finally, the walk on the Seine docks with our cascade ace with the famous Renault 11 taxi will remain engraved in the marble. A big thank you to Julien and his team for this wonderful organization.
Olivier C (March 2025)
The event was completed on Alexander III Bridge, where the taxi reached us one last time, closing this day out of time.
Once again, this day has proved that it is possible to share, in great conviviality, a unique Bondian experience!
Another video produced by Raphael Gravelle of the Herocarsconcept partner of the event
This blog shares my travel experiences, from unavoidable destinations to the most original and exclusive places. Each article is the result of careful work and a real time investment. If you use this information elsewhere or for your own adventures, consider citing your sources and thanking – that's what I do myself, and it's always fun.
Julien Abauzit (JaBoz)
