Invasion of Champs Elysees

By Dr. Muhammad Hafizullah

It was most amazing, the most famous landmark of Paris and envy of all distinguished roads of the world Champs-Elysees, was literally invaded by a million cameras. All sorts of cameras - from very sophisticated professional cameras equipped with meter long zoom lenses to small toy digital cameras. But behind the camera was an eye and in front was either a plant or a person posing with tomatoes plants or Christmas trees.

Even in this unfamiliar scenario of plants ruling the most cherished avenue, most people were taking their own pictures or beloved ones with plants in the background more like a set on a movie! Otherwise a very busy road showing off the latest models of cars and motor bikes, today everyone faced restrictions -even pedestrians could enter at special points and exit at defined outlets from footpaths to the main garden or farm. We had to walk an extra kilometre and miss dinner at a special restaurant as the security would not allow us to cross the road.

"Parisians leave Paris for the country in summer, this time," claimed the farm union representative, "We are bringing them the country, on their avenue."  The scene was most unbelieving as the Champs- Elysees was transformed into a 3 hectares or 7.4 acres garden on Saturday and Sunday 19th and 20th May. 

French farmers Union brought 150,000 plants from different nooks of the country. This created an opportunity for the city dwellers to interact with farmers and the rural world. 

The media asserted that crowds were unfamiliar with the natural world but, "People are truly curious about what they were watching". It is reckoned that more than 2 million visitors enjoyed a new opportunity to create bond with the nature.  The event bore an expense of 4 million Euros or 5.3 million US dollars and the government did not have to foot the bill.

We took metro from Les Sabons to Concorde and as we got out of the station, there it was - a huge pyramid - shining under the glow of powerful lights from all sides.

Cameras were clicking from all around and it was after taking the picture that I realised what it was made of! A huge thirty feet pyramid had been erected of fresh local fruits and vegetables. On Champs Elysees everything has to be artistic, and even this seemed a master piece of art! With crates of cucumbers, onions, salad, carrots and reddish forming the base, the pyramid was boasting of thousands of multi hued and shaped vegetable and fruits. Though prestigious massive outlets of perfumes have scent that attracts the passersby, this natural pyramid had its own aroma which was more attractive than all artificial perfumes put together.

To our unsuspecting eyes it was a shock of our life and it took us quite some time to realise what was going on. The road was closed to all types of traffic and was turned into a big farm and garden. Going through different varieties on display it did not need  a lot of imagination to interpret French names of vegetables such as especes Vegetale (species of vegetables), Ananas (pineapple), bamboo (bamboo trees), banana (bananas), tomate (tomatoes), Lavande (lavender), Melon, Vigne (vine plants), Lupin, Orge (barley), Pome de Terre, Fleurs de Ornamente (ornamental flowers), Chou, Canne a sucre (sugar canes), Concombre (cucumber), Courgette, Salade (salad), and many more that were not interpretable.

Towards Concorde there were crates organised in three rows - left, right and central containing small plants like Mustard, Onions and cabbage painting the canvas of a huge farm. In between, there were plants presenting the milieu of a garden with beautiful multi colored flowering plants.  Close to Arc de Triomphe, plants as tall as twenty feet and higher were ruling the top end of Champs Elysees. There were hundreds of Christmas trees and different Palms. Many of the enthusiastic fans climbed on the pots to pose for the ubiquitous photographers clinging, hugging, hanging, and climbing the trees. There was a long queue for the amateur models to display their skills, having tree in the foreground and background. Many behaved as if they were seeing trees for the first time in their lives! 

"We have seen lots of French beauties let's now enjoy French cows," commented a spectator. On the side of the footpath close to Concorde, were four huge cows, holding heads up as if on a fashion parade. People swarmed around cows and fired different questions on the proud owners. For once, even animals had hay time and the luxury of enjoying Champs Elysees. Scores of animals - four different breeds of cows, pigs and goats were part of the show. A youngster asked the farmer, "I hope cows are not too uncomfortable in this heat!" and another asked, "are they getting enough food and water?" The gentleman in charge of goats had to face similar questions - most people were worried about the comfort of animals! Many preferred to take pictures with goats and cows but maintaining a proper distance!

Near Concorde there was an amazing display of huge pictures capturing different insects in action. People watched them with curiosity. On the opposite side there were scores of small make shift stalls playing loud music and displaying the local produce.

People enjoyed the freshly squeezed juices, cheese of various kinds and freshly baked breads. It was more like a celebration or mela. Everyone was in happy jovial mood, imbibing fresh juices and enjoying fresh food products. Some were seen carrying large bags - full of the goodies being offered over there.

There were numerous small stalls on both sides offering information, literature, shirts and small plants. There were lots of small plants on sale and towards the end of the day started free distribution of plants.

People would rush towards such free invitations and try to grab as many plants as possible. A couple was seen struggling with the booty and needed help to carry them.

Many would implore the person in charge for more plants of different varieties. Standing near the ends of the huge make shift 'farm/garden' there were unending queues of people carrying small plants of various variety home. The whole event was very ingeniously conceived and executed. It provided people a unique occasion to establish bond with the nature. Children, along with their parents, got introduced to different varieties of plants they had never seen before. Many adults had the good fortune of enjoying the company of plants in the heart of the city in cool temperature with fresh breeze spreading the natural aroma all over the city.

This perhaps was the aim of the event and at least to that extent they succeeded with thumbs up. Events like this do not assuage but whet the appetite for more!