TBM Staff - Mumbai
Paris’s renowned Champs-Elysées will transform into a massive open-air picnic venue this Sunday, May 26, 2024, as part of an initiative to rejuvenate the iconic avenue. The event, named “Le Grand Pique-Nique,” has garnered overwhelming interest, with nearly 273,000 people vying for a spot. Ultimately, 4,000 participants were selected, each allowed to bring up to six guests. Attendees will choose between two sittings at noon and 2:00 pm.
The event’s centerpiece will be a 216-meter-long red-and-white chequered rug, dubbed the world’s largest tablecloth. Crafted from 25 pieces of recycled fiber, the tablecloth will be assembled on-site by a team of 150 people. Free packed meals will be provided by eight partner restaurants.
Marc-Antoine Jamet, president of the organising Champs-Elysées Committee, emphasised the event’s goal of attracting Parisians back to the avenue, which has become synonymous with high-end shopping and dining. Last year, the Champs-Elysées hosted an open-air spelling competition, where thousands competed in a mass dictation event. This upcoming picnic continues the effort to draw attention to the avenue. Despite these initiatives, the Champs-Elysées has seen a decline in local patronage, exemplified by the impending closure of the historic UGC Normandie cinema, which opened in 1937.
This picnic is a key part of broader efforts to demonstrate that the Champs-Elysées is more than just a shopping destination, aiming to reestablish it as a vibrant hub for both Parisians and tourists alike.
The Champs-Elysées is one of the most famous and iconic avenues in the world, located in the heart of Paris, France. Stretching approximately 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, it is renowned for its stunning beauty and historical significance. The avenue is lined with luxury shops, theatres, and cafes, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The Champs-Elysées is also a hub for cultural events and celebrations, including the annual Bastille Day military parade and the finish line of the Tour de France. With its elegant architecture and vibrant atmosphere, the Champs-Elysées epitomises the charm and grandeur of Paris.
