An emblematic jewel in the North of France’s culinary crown, homemade French fries are part and parcel of the gastronomic traditions of the Hauts-de-France region. Arras might well become the epicentre of this tradition when it hosts the French Fries World Championships.
The Championships
An event in the form of a culinary challenge will take place in the Grand’ Place in Arras, an ancient gathering place, where pre-selected candidates from the Hauts-de-France and beyond, will take part in various categories thus presenting French fries in a number of ways in front of spectators.
Authentic French fries
Reserved for catering professionals, this category presents French Fries as they are traditionally prepared and eaten in the North of France.
Family French fries
The premier class category which is open to all. Candidates can put forward their very own version of ‘home-style’ French fries, made in everyday conditions.
Creative French fries
This category is open to all, provided you come up with an original French fry recipe, in terms of shape or cooking method: give free rein to your imagination.
French fry sauce of the year
This time, the focus isn’t French fries themselves, but rather their ally – sauce! Hot AND cold, the sauce must be made on-site with non-processed ingredients.
NEW CATEGORIES FOR 2024
Fries of the World
This category will allow candidates from all over the world to present fries as they are traditionally served in their country. They can be accompanied by the ingredients needed to make a truly typical dish. A festival for the taste buds of our juries.
Rising Star French fries
The rules of the competition are the same as for the ‘Authentic French Fries’ category, but in this case registration is reserved for students in hotel management schools, accompanied by their teachers. Together, they will be able to offer a side dish or sauce in addition to their fries. A great springboard for the winner.
And what about those who aren’t making French fries?
Two podiums will be set up on the Grand’Place to welcome the competitors in the 6 Championships categories. The public will have a front-row seat to admire the techniques and trade secrets of both amateur and professional competitors.
Watching French fries being made is one thing, but eating them is better! You will be able to sample the creations of a number of partner French fry stands and even wash them down with some excellent craft and local beers² in a fun and festive atmosphere, at the heart of French Fry Village. And to work it all off, why not take part in a sack race…a potato sack that is!
Did you know?
French fries as we know them today would probably never have existed without the persistence of one of the Renaissance’s most outstanding botanists, Charles de l’Écluse (aka Clusius), who was born in Arras in 1526, and who devoted his energies to growing – in his own experimental garden – a little-known tuber from Peru; making it popular among powerful European Lords, well before the famous agronomist, Antoine- Augustin Parmentier. Not to blow our own trumpet, but the Artois area seems to be ‘at the root’ of the rise of French fries as we know them today!
World Champion !
The winners from each category will receive a trophy especially designed for this original and gourmet gastronomic event.
Practical information:
- 28 September on the Grand’Place in Arras – Free admission
- If you have any questions about the French Fries World Championships or your entry form, please contact us at contact@championnatdumondedelafrite.com
¹The rules for this competition were filed with the S.C.P. Patrick LAMOURETTE – Stéphanie LEYS – Gonzague WATERLOT, Associated bailiffs, Judicial commissioners in Arras, on 23 May 2024.
²Alcohol abuse is detrimental to your health. Drink with moderation.