Paris: Security services looked on helplessly on Monday as France's "Spiderman" Alain Robert, who holds a world record for urban climbing, scaled the Total skyscraper in Paris' La Defense business district.
Despite an icy wind the 53-year-old easily climbed -- bare-handed and without ropes -- up the 187-metre (614-feet) building in less than 45 minutes, delighting passers-by.
"I am happy because yesterday it was grey all day. Now it is cold, there will be wind, but at least it will not rain," Robert said before heading up the tower, which he has previously climbed.
Nicknamed the "Spiderman", he has conquered many of the world's tallest skyscrapers and iconic buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
While known for climbing with nothing but his bare hands and a bag of chalk, he used suction devices and a safety rope on the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, which had no hand or footholds.
"I have never seen him in person, too bad for work," said Marie, 43, a Total employee.
Security officials stood by helplessly.
Robert has suffered several severe falls while climbing and estimates his accidents have left him 66 percent disabled.
Robert has been arrested numerous times for his exploits.
Despite an icy wind the 53-year-old easily climbed -- bare-handed and without ropes -- up the 187-metre (614-feet) building in less than 45 minutes, delighting passers-by.
"I am happy because yesterday it was grey all day. Now it is cold, there will be wind, but at least it will not rain," Robert said before heading up the tower, which he has previously climbed.
Alain Robert, the French urban climber dubbed Spiderman, prior to climb a building hosting the headquarters of French oil giant Total at La Defense business area. (AFP Photo)
Nicknamed the "Spiderman", he has conquered many of the world's tallest skyscrapers and iconic buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
While known for climbing with nothing but his bare hands and a bag of chalk, he used suction devices and a safety rope on the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, which had no hand or footholds.
Advertisement
"I have never seen him in person, too bad for work," said Marie, 43, a Total employee.
Advertisement
Security officials stood by helplessly.
Advertisement
Robert has suffered several severe falls while climbing and estimates his accidents have left him 66 percent disabled.
Advertisement
Robert has been arrested numerous times for his exploits.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
60-Year-Old "French Spiderman" Climbs Mountain Without Safety Gear French "Spiderman" Climbs Paris Tower, Appeals For Peace Amid Israel-Hamas War UK Man, 24, Arrested For Climbing South Korean Skyscraper 25,000 Aspirants For Airport Job Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare 4 Top Leaders Quit Ajit Pawar's Party In Major Setback After Poll Drubbing Trump's Running Mate Calls UK "Truly Islamist State With Nuclear Weapons" 2016 Mercedes Hit-And-Run Victim's Parents Awarded Rs 1.98 Crore Relief "By Hook Or Crook, He's Behind Bars": Arvind Kejriwal Lawyer In High Court Richa Chadha Showcased Her Baby Bump In A Shirt For Her Maternity Shoot Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.