With just 49 days to go to the Olympic Games, Paris: En Route takes a look at the behind-the-scenes scoops, the off-piste plotlines and the stories with a certain… je ne sais quoi.
Booze ban in the capital
Sacré bleu! Unless you’re a VIP, there’ll be no quaffing of champagne or other French vintages at Olympic venues.
You’ll have to settle for juices and water, with organisers not seeking an exemption to a law that prohibits the sale of alcohol in stadiums.
Uber to the rescue?
Fret not, wine lovers.
There’ll still be ample opportunity to sample the delights of French viticulture.
Uber’s launched a flat-fee service (around $350 NZD) that’ll chauffeur Olympic tourists to Champagne – just 90 minutes away - and back, with lunch and wine tastings included.
Perrier-Jouët and G. H. Mumm have partnered with Uber to provide the experience, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays from today to August 17.
Taste of New Zealand
There’ll be a taste of New Zealand on the Uber trail too.
Hawke's Bay winery Church Road has a collaboration with Mumm “exploring other global premium Pinot Noir regions for its Mumm Terroirs project".
There’ll no doubt be plenty of opportunities for New Zealand-Champagne moments… if the athletes can rack up another impressive medal tally.
Henry’s French Phrase of the Week
"'Excusez-moi monsieur, ou est le vin?"
Excuse me sir, where is the wine?
Not in the stadiums, I’m afraid.
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