It's great news! The Garçon de Café race, first held on Parisian streets in 1914, will make its return to the capital on March 24 after a 13-year absence, just four months before the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11.
Dan Lert, Deputy for Ecological Transition and President of Eau de Paris, the municipal body responsible for organizing the event, described the return as " the rebirth of a mythical race" during a presentation. He added that the budget allocated to the organization was around 100,000 euros.
The return of a legendary race to Paris
Historically, the name of this competition was associated with the Auvergnat de Paris, a trade magazine that served as the main sponsor. However, as Dan Lert explained, reactivating the race proved difficult. Now called the "Course des Cafés", the event will bring together 200 participants who will cover a distance of 2 km in the Marais district, starting and finishing at the Hôtel de Ville . Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj, deputy trade representative affiliated to the French Communist Party, emphasized the historical importance of this popular race, saying that it was first held in Paris in 1914 to promote French service and the Parisian lifestyle, envied the world over, especially in the run-up to the Olympic Games. The aim was for the Games to generate a positive dynamic for the profession.
What exactly is the "race des garçons de café "?
During the waiters' race, waiters and waitresses have to carry a croissant, a coffee and a glass of water on their tray, which they must not spill. The special feature of this race is that they will not be allowed to run.
Dan Lert also specified that they would all have to wear a white top, black bottoms and an apron provided for the occasion. Underlining the crucial role of Paris water, the raw material for all the city's cafés, the president of the public water company recalled its price of 0.4 centimes per liter. He also mentioned that over 1,000 Parisian businesses had already pledged to provide free water in the gourds of residents and tourists alike.
Whether apprentices or seasoned professionals, waiters and waitresses have until March 20 to sign up for this must-attend Paris event!
