Paris’ famed Champs-Elysees, renowned for its luxury retail and dining experiences, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The iconic boulevard will play host to ‘Le Grand Piquenique,’ a grand open-air picnic that promises to revitalize the area and foster a sense of community.
Out of an impressive 273,000 applicants, 4,000 fortunate individuals along with their six guests will have the privilege of savoring this unique culinary experience. Attendees can choose between two time slots: noon and 2:00 pm.
A captivating centerpiece of the event will be a colossal 216-meter-long checkered rug in vibrant red and white, touted as the world’s largest tablecloth. Composed of 25 segments meticulously crafted from recycled materials, this impressive tapestry will be assembled by a dedicated team of 150 on the day of the event.
To further enhance the festivities, eight collaborating restaurants will generously provide complimentary packed lunches for the attendees, ensuring a delectable culinary journey amidst the breathtaking surroundings.
Marc-Antoine Jamet, the head of the organizing Champs-Elysees Committee, expressed the primary goal of the picnic: to entice locals back to the avenue. While the Champs-Elysees is renowned for its luxurious offerings, this vibrant event aims to reconnect with Parisians and showcase the boulevard’s potential as a lively cultural destination.
This initiative follows a recent open-air spelling bee held on the Champs-Elysees, reflecting a concerted effort to engage the community and rejuvenate public interest in the area. These endeavors come at a pivotal time as local engagement has waned, highlighted by the impending closure of the historic UGC Normandie cinema, a beloved landmark since 1937.
The Champs-Elysees is eager to shed its image as solely a retail haven and instead embrace a multifaceted identity as a vibrant cultural hub for both Parisians and visitors from around the globe.
