Waiters in Paris Battle for Glory in High-Stakes Café Race!
For over a century, Parisian waiters have prided themselves on a particular skill set — effortless grace, balance, and speed, all while carrying a tray laden with coffee, croissants, and water. This past weekend, that expertise was put to the test as more than 200 waiters and waitresses took part in the revived "Course des Cafés," a 1.2-mile spectacle through the streets of Paris.
A Race Like No Other
The rules are deceptively simple: speed-walk the course as fast as possible without spilling a drop, breaking a dish, or using both hands to steady the tray. The uniformed contestants, clad in crisp white shirts, black trousers, and neatly tied aprons, took off from Paris' iconic City Hall, weaving through the historic Marais district.
Spectators lined the streets, cheering on participants as they nimbly dodged obstacles and maneuvered through the course with agility. At the finish line, judges meticulously examined each tray, docking points for even the smallest amount of spilled water or misplaced items.
The Winners: A Night at a Fancy Hotel and Olympic® Glory
This year's winners, Samy Lamrous and Pauline Van Wymeersch, completed the course in 13 minutes, 30 seconds, and 14 minutes, 12 seconds, respectively. Along with medals, the victors received a luxurious night in a top Parisian hotel and two tickets to the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Van Wymeersch, a 34-year-old veteran of the restaurant industry, described the win as both a professional milestone and a testament to years of experience balancing efficiency and precision in her work.
A Tradition Reborn
The Parisian waiters' race dates back to 1914, originally known as the "Course des Garçons de Café." The event celebrated the dexterity, poise, and endurance of the city's waitstaff, who have long been considered cultural icons in Parisian society. Over the years, similar races emerged in cities like Marseille, Nice, and even Hong Kong and Buenos Aires. Some British towns even put their own spin on the tradition — swapping the coffee and croissant for a pint of beer.
Despite its popularity, the Paris event was put on hold in 2011 due to financial constraints. Now, after a 13-year hiatus, it has returned, thanks to the sponsorship of Eau de Paris, the city's public water company, which contributed over $100,000 to cover the costs of trays, uniforms, and refreshments.
More Than Just a Race
Beyond the thrill of competition, the race serves as a tribute to France's deep-rooted café culture. The modern restaurant industry traces its origins to Paris, where 18th-century "bouillon shops" first popularized the concept of public dining. Food historian Maryann Tebben noted that the race honors that legacy and reinforces the prestige of professional waitstaff, many of whom dedicate decades to their craft. "The café exists since the 17th century, so the café waiter exists since then too. And there's a lot of pride in the traditional ways. But as it does enter into the modern age, it's still alive and well," Tebben said, as reported by NPR.
Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj, Paris' deputy mayor for business, emphasized that the event was initially launched to highlight "this French style of service, these establishments that are envied the world over, this Parisian way of life," as reported by the Daily Mail.
A Race With Global Influence
The revival of the Course des Cafés is not just about Paris. Waiters' races have gained popularity worldwide, from Buenos Aires to San Francisco. Some cities have added their own twist, such as London, where competitors balance a pint of beer instead of a cup of coffee. While the rules may differ slightly, the essence remains the same: a celebration of balance, agility, and professional pride.
For many, this race is a reminder of the golden age of café culture, where waiters were considered pillars of their communities. In contrast to modern fast-paced dining, these events highlight the unique skill set required to be a top-tier server. It's a profession that demands far more than just carrying plates — it requires an intricate dance of efficiency, etiquette, and endurance.
The Enduring Appeal of Paris Cafés
While Paris remains home to more than 150,000 cafés and restaurants, the industry has faced challenges in recent years. The rise of fast-casual dining and the increasing demand for high-speed service have threatened the slow-paced, ritualistic charm of traditional Parisian cafés. However, events like the Course des Cafés remind Parisians — and the world — of the unique rhythm and romance of café culture.
This century-old race is more than just a spectacle — it's a celebration of balance, grace, and the timeless artistry of Parisians.
References: Hurry up and wait: Servers speed-walk through Paris, reviving a century-old race | Ready, steady, eau! Paris waiters race which sees hundreds of service fast walk through the city whilst carrying hot drinks and croissants returns for first time in 13 years | Paris waiters compete in race to get a coffee and croissant across the capital
