La Difference ( 1 of ?)

Closed for August

When we were back visiting the States we were often asked how is France different. We never had a good response to that question. So we may post something here from time to time pieces of an answer.

In the month of August many shops shut down and offices are extremely quiet. You will hear many languages walking around the heart of Paris but French is not prevalent.  Everyone is on vacation. In some industries five weeks is the minimum and most of Mary's coworkers get 8 weeks.

The picture above is a clothing shop but all sorts of stores close. Little groceries close, pharmacies, and restaurants.  Last weekend we went out with a couple of friends walking to Paris' (only?) authentic BBQ place only to discover it was closed until September 6th!

The French attitude toward work is very different and that is often backed up by law.  For instance there are rules about working on Sunday and evenings that involve extra pay. As a consequence most shops are closed on Sunday. Even bakeries!  Getting a good baguette on Sunday is very hard (much like the day old bread you'll find in the markets that stay open!)