Thousands of Parisians take part in free picnic on the

The event aims to reverse the decline in local people visiting the boulevard, which has become a hub for wealthy tourists and designer stores

More than 4,000 people have gathered on the Champs-Élysées for a giant free picnic organised by a committee of local traders and businesses fighting to halt the slow decline of the boulevard long known as “the most beautiful avenue in the world”.

Once a favourite haunt of Parisians, the Champs-Élysées has in recent years been steadily abandoned by local people as popular stores and cinemas have given way to luxury boutiques and the avenue has become the preserve of wealthy tourists.