It’s not the Tour de France, or even a Tour de Paris, but the ‘Course des Cafés’ packs in as much thrill and, possibly, spills as any other as café waiters run through the streets carrying coffee and a croissant on a try.
Once called the ‘Course des Garçons de Café’ when only men worked in the profession, the race was revived last year (above) for the first run in many years and will run again this Sunday. The city of Paris, which is organizing the event, said: “This iconic race pays tribute to restaurant workers, who are true icons of everyday Parisian life.” French cafés and bistros were recently added to the inventory of France’s intangible cultural heritage.
The 4-kilometer race starts in front of the Hotel de Ville and runs through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Marais district. Entrants carry trays holding a cup of coffee, a glass of water and a croissant. The winner is the first to cross the finish line without a spill. This year, there’s a second flight for non-professionals who think they’ve got what it takes. That race is likely to produce more spills than thrills.
