La Course des cafés

Waiters and waitresses take on the challenge of walking 2 kilometres through the streets of Paris and finishing first without dropping anything from their tray.

Just a few months away from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be celebrating sporting excellence, sustainable consumption and Parisian hospitality, come and support the participants in one of the most unusual races in Paris on Sunday 24 March 2024: La Course des cafés! This original event, which originated in 1914, is making a comeback after a thirteen-year absence and will be taking to the streets of the 4th arrondissement. Organised by the City of Paris and Eau de Paris, the race brings together 200 experienced and apprentice waiters and waitresses, all dressed in traditional costume and carrying a tray loaded with a glass of water, a coffee and a croissant. The competitors have to cover 2 kilometres - without running - and try to finish first without dropping anything. The course forms a loop from the parvis de l'Hôtel de Ville through the streets of the Marais. Two events are on offer: the race for professionals and the one for apprentices and trainees. The village set up in front of the Hôtel de Ville offers a wide range of events open to all.