The World’s Largest Picnic
Are you planning to be in Paris in late May? Consider sticking around for Le Grand Pique Nique, or as it’s known in German, Spanish, or Italian, “The Grand Picnic.”
From the Arc de Triomphe to the intersection of Avenue George V, nine temporary kitchens will line the famous Champs-Élysées for a gastronomic picnic on what’s claimed to be the world’s largest picnic blanket.
On Sunday, May 26th, LG Electronics is sponsoring this massive event, where 4,000 lucky tourists and locals will gather around a giant, traditional red and white checkered picnic rug to taste Parisian cuisine.
Though attendance is determined by a ballot system, the Champs-Élysées sees heavy foot traffic, especially now as Paris remains a top tourist destination.
Each chosen attendee receives a picnic basket to sample from the nine kitchens, with each square on the rug accommodating up to 6 people.
There will also be musical performances, games, and other outdoor entertainment.
In addition to offering food enthusiasts an unforgettable experience, the city aims to set the Guinness World Record for the largest picnic blanket.
Attendees may also catch a glimpse of the planned renovations by architect Philippe Chiambaretta for the €300 million post-Olympics makeover of the Champs-Élysées, addressing its perceived “worn out” appearance from 2021. The plan includes reducing parking spots, creating pedestrian areas, and transforming the space into “an extraordinary garden.”