Dîner en Blanc : Secret Banquet of Paris

Dîner en Blanc : Secret Banquet of Paris

The Dîner en Blanc organized in the Cour Napoléon of the Louvre in 2013. Photo from Wikimédia.

If I tell you that you can set up your garden table and dinner in the middle of Place Vendôme with your friends, music and good wine, all without traffic and without anyone asking you to leave, will you think I’m crazy?
And yet, the situation really exists once a year with the Dîner en Blanc of Paris!

History of the Dîner en Blanc

It all started in France. Back in Paris in 1988 after a two-year term abroad, François Pasquier wanted to celebrate his return with friends. Each of them had to bring a dish and a new friend. The guest list then became so long that it was impossible for him to hold the party in the garden of his backyard, so they decided to meet in a public space and to dress in white so that they can recognize each other.

The evening was such a huge success that the guests asked to be even more numerous the following year. This is how the concept of the Dîner en Blanc was born. The secret nature of the meeting place appeared later when the group of founding friends decided to organize its Dîner en Blanc in one of the most beautiful places in Paris, at the Pont des Arts.

Aware that local authorities would never allow such a gathering in such a place, keeping it secret until the last minute became imperative. And once again, the guests get caught up in the game.

The Dîner en Blanc of Paris now brings together more than 10,000 people each year, with a record of more than 17,000 guests on its 30th anniversary in 2018. It spreads to more cities every year and is on its way to becoming an international phenomenon.

The Dîner en Blanc, organized in the Cour Napoléon of the Louvre in 2013. Photo from Wikimédia.

What is the Dîner en Blanc?

The Dîner en Blanc is an annual gathering of friends having dinner in an exceptional place revealed at the last minute. The guests, elegantly dressed in white, bring their own table, chairs and a picnic basket. They have the privilege of experiencing the beauty of a place that is characteristic of their city, from a unique perspective.

Beyond the show and the originality of the event, Le Dîner en Blanc is above all a celebration of friendship, beauty and good taste inspired by the lifestyle and noble values of the French aristocrats of yesteryear. The dinner is free for all Parisians who succeed in obtaining an invitation.

How do I get invited to the Dîner en Blanc?

The safest way to be invited is to know a member of the Dîner en blanc and benefit from their sponsorship. Once you become a member, you will be invited to the following dinners. For those who are unable to be sponsored, there is the registration on the official website. The number of places is limited, so you will need to be patient. And, of course, the first to register are the first to be served.

The Dîner en blanc 2011 on the esplanade of Notre-Dame. Photo from Wikimédia.

Can foreigners participate in the Dîner en Blanc?

Since several years now, Paris’ Dîner en Blanc has been inviting the international community to come and experience the original French experience, with an average coordination fee of 40€.

As for Parisians, when you register you will choose a group leader and a table manager. Your table manager will become your single point of contact throughout the preparations. He will welcome you at the starting point and throughout the evening.

For foreign participants, tables, chairs, lunch and drinks are generally available online on the Dîner en Blanc website as the event approaches. It is important to note that no material distribution takes place on site on the evening of the event. The equipment must be collected before the event in a place located in the centre of Paris.

How do I get to the Dîner en Blanc site?

The destination is kept secret until the last moment. That is the whole part of the mystery. Usually, you receive a few hours before a text message indicating an appointment point from which you will leave for the final place.

The event has been held in the most prestigious places of the French capital such as the Pont des arts, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre pyramid, the Trocadero esplanade, the Place Vendôme, the Château de Versailles, the Esplanade of Notre-Dame, the Esplanade des Invalides, the Place de l’Étoile, the Champs-Élysées, the Place de la Concorde and the Palais Royal garden. You will never be disappointed !

Is the Dîner en Blanc legal?

Since the Dîner en Blanc takes place without the authorization of the City of Paris, the question may arise. But I can reassure you right away: the answer is yes, but don’t worry! In its 30-year history, the rally has built a reputation and benefits from the benevolence of the authorities. This is due to a trouble-free, very well organized event with guests who respect the heritage and leave without leaving a trace,except for the memories of having spent an extraordinary evening.

A couple of angels present for the occasion. Photo from Wikimédia.

Here are my few recommendations to make sure your evening will be festive -and only festive- :

● Registrations are always for a minimum of two people.
●Once you have registered, you are required to attend the event. If you withdraw at the last minute, you will be put on a blacklist permanently….
● Respect the theme: come dressed in white.
● Don’t forget to bring your table, chairs and lunch.
● Comply with the instructions of the managers
● Do not arrive on the site by your own means.Come and go with your group or table manager.
● Drink in moderation. You want to remember such a unique event, don’t you?
● Take your waste with you and clean up the site around your table

Practical Information

This year in Paris, the 31st edition of the Dîner en Blanc will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2019.

For more information, you can visit the website here.

Note that the PARIS website is exclusively dedicated to participants residing in France. It is not certain that there will be any places left for this year.

Howewer, if you live outside of France, there is the Paris world website exclusively dedicated to the international Dîner en Blanc community that wishes to participate in the Paris event.

The Paris world team’s mission is to facilitate your registration and ensure the coordination of international guests at the Dinner. For more information, click here .

Celebration with lanterns in the late evening. Photo from Wikimédia.

Even if you don’t participate to this year Dîner en Blanc, it’s still worth a look if you are around! Thanks to the enthusiasm and efforts of all participants, this magical and extraordinary event really remains one of the most beautiful summer events in Paris.