Formula One viewing on the Champs Elysées
My buddy Jeff is a Formula One fan. He knows that I also enjoy cars and car racing so he gives me a hard time because I rarely watch Formula One races. I guess I am not much of a spectator (plus I am too cheap to hand over any more money to the cable company just for that channel). Although, I have been known to travel to Mexico City for Formula One races, Le Mans for Classic Le Mans (I can’t seem to get the timing right for Le Mans itself) and Monterrey for the Monterey Historic Automobile Races.
I am also in Paris on a regular basis and I always make it a point to stop by the Renault shop on the Champs Elysées. On this trip I happen to stop by the Renault shop and noticed a sign saying they would present the next race on their big screen. Hmm … I had not watched much television in weeks and I had not done anything car related in about as long. I would have to stop by and check it out.
If you have never been to the Renault shop on the Champs Elyées you should check it out the next time you’re in Paris. It is not a Renault dealer but more of a place for Renault to display products from the past, racecars and concept cars. You can purchase all sorts of Renault related clothing, toys, models and more. (Citroen, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz also have similar shops on the Champs Elysées but Renault has the best). Plus, they have their own restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
I arrived a little late and the race had already started. The race was on display on a huge screen. Cars had been removed and guests were handed Renault air seat cushions to sit on – what a nice touch. Had I arrived earlier I might have asked for a table at the restaurant that would allow me to watch the event.
The floor was crowded with fans from all over the world. But everyone was quiet and focused on the race … except for sighs whenever a car crashed or came close to crashing.
The race I was here to watch was in Europe so I was watching it at 2PM local time (and not 7AM like I usually do in Houston – when I used to pay extra for the channel). I am not sure what they do for races at other times.
There is a lot to enjoy in Paris and not everything costs money – this is a great example. It is especially welcomed by Formula One fans and gearheads in general.
L’Atelier Renault
53 Chamos-Élysées
Metro stop: Franklin D. Roosevelt
www.atelier-renault.com
