Paris’ traffic-clogged Champs-Elysees turned into a mass picnic blanket for an unusual meal
The French capital’s most famous street, the Champs-Elysees, transformed into a massive picnic blanket on Sunday as around 4,000 people sat in the sun enjoying an alfresco meal.
The lucky picnickers were selected via a draw and provided with free baskets loaded with delicacies from some top Paris chefs, including puff pastries and creative sandwiches.
The food was prepared in eight temporary kitchens set up along the avenue and provided by restaurants along the avenue, which include the famed Fouquet’s – as well as McDonald’s.
The tablecloth had a total surface area of 4,212 square metres (45,338 square ft) and was made in France from 100 per cent recycled fibres, according to organisers.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo also visited the picnickers. The Champs-Elysees Committee has staged other open-air events in the past, including a mass film showing and the world’s largest dictation event.
