In Paris’ western suburb of Suresnes, a record-breaking event took place on Sunday as an 18-member team of bakers created a 143.53-meter-long (461-foot-long) baguette, surpassing the previous record held by Como, Italy, for the past five years. Guinness World Records judge was present to confirm the achievement during an event organized by the French Confederation of Bakers and Pastry Chefs.
The Confederation President, Dominique Anract, emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork required to achieve such a feat while promoting bread as a vital part of French gastronomic heritage. The baguette must be made only from wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast and must be at least 5 centimeters thick throughout with a standard baguette being approximately 60 centimeters long and weighing around 250 grams.
The bakers began kneading the 152-kilogram (335-pound) baguette at 3 am in a specially constructed wheeled tent oven. Suresnes Mayor, Guillaume Boudy expressed pride in hosting this world record and promoting French gastronomy. He commended the bakers from Suresnes for their participation while maintaining the tradition of sharing essential to the conviviality of the city.
After Guinness officials confirmed the record, part of the baguette was distributed to interested onlookers while the rest was given to the homeless. This achievement not only celebrated the baking prowess of the team but also highlighted the cultural significance of French baguettes.