The iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris was transformed into a giant free picnic area as thousands of people gathered to enjoy a meal on the famous boulevard. Organized by a committee of local traders and businesses, the event aimed to bring back Parisians to the avenue, which has seen a decline in recent years due to the influx of luxury boutiques catering to wealthy tourists.
With 273,000 people applying to participate, only 4,400 lucky individuals were selected to sit on a 216-meter long picnic blanket, described as the world’s largest tablecloth. Partner restaurants provided meals ranging from ham baguettes to caesar salads and macarons, creating a gourmet experience for the attendees.
The event’s guest of honor, former Élysée Palace chef Guillaume Gomez, described the gathering as a “true popular and gourmet celebration” with picnickers enjoying the unique experience of dining on one of the world’s most famous avenues.
The Champs-Élysées committee has been vocal about the decline of the avenue over the past 30 years, citing changing consumer habits and various crises as contributing factors. Plans are in place to transform the boulevard into an “extraordinary garden” after this summer’s Olympic Games, with efforts to revitalize the area and make it more appealing to locals once again.
As the last cinema on the Champs-Élysées prepares to close, concerns about the changing landscape of the avenue have been raised, with calls for government intervention to regulate rents and preserve the unique character of the iconic street. The committee is set to present a comprehensive report with suggestions for a radical transformation of the neighborhood, signaling a potential new chapter for the historic Champs-Élysées.