French Bakers Set New World Record for Longest Baguette
On May 6, 2024, a group of French bakers in Suresnes, a suburb of Paris, broke the world record for the longest baguette. The new record-breaking baguette measured an impressive 140.53 meters (461 feet) long.
The baking process began at 3 a.m., and it took about 14 hours to complete. The dough was kneaded, shaped, and baked in front of the public under a tent using only wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt as ingredients.
The previous record for the longest baguette was held by Italy since 2019 when they baked a 132.62-meter (435 feet) long loaf in Como. However, this time around, the French team managed to surpass that record with their impressive creation.
After baking, part of the baguette was shared with the public and given to homeless people in Suresnes.
The traditional French baguette is typically about 60 centimeters long and has a thickness of about 5 cm. However, for this record-breaking attempt, the bakers had to ensure that their creation was at least 5 cm thick throughout its entire length.
Baguettes are a significant part of French culture and have been officially recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2022. The artisanal know-how and culture of the baguette were celebrated during this event, which attracted a large crowd to witness the historic moment.
The previous record holder, Italy, had held the title for five years. However, with this new achievement by French bakers in Suresnes, France has once again reclaimed its place as the home of the world's longest baguette.