We have reached that magical time of year when French people disappear from Paris. Also known as August. Since arriving in Paris, we have been told on numerous occasions that residents abandon the city en masse in August. I'm not entirely sure I would have known this as a visitor to Paris, but I imagine that there are quite a few tourists here wondering if France is in a seriously deep recession, as half of the shops are shuttered and look abandoned. Below is the storefront of one of my go-to shops on the market street in our neighborhood, which has closed shop from July 28 to Sept 2. Can you imagine a small business closing for a whole month? I guess if they haven't closed after 77 years in business, they probably know what they are doing. And it's not just this shop. Small businesses all across the city are closed, with signs on windows announcing the dates that the owner and their employees are "on vacation", wishing everyone who passes a very good summer. Even our cafeteria at work is closed for the entire month of August. The scant few employees who remain are forced to eat mediocre sandwiches from the cafe or venture out in hopes of finding something open. One of my favorite signs I've seen so far is on our local bakery downstairs. Not only was the announcement issued by the Professional Artisan Bakers Association, it also lists the nearest bakery in the neighborhood that will remain open while they are away. You know, for all your baked-goods emergencies. Heaven forbid a Parisian not know where to find the nearest baguette. While it may sound like I'm against some of my favorite shops closing down for a whole month, I actually find the French approach to balancing work and life to be quite appealing, and so contrary to how we operate in the US. I can't remember the last time I heard of a small business owner in the States packing it in for a few weeks to take some time to relax. I'm sure it's not economically the smartest move, but I think everyone needs a good holiday from work every once in a while.
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AuthorBecause why not get married and move to Paris to really kick off your thirties? Archives
December 2016
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