Here are 6 interesting reasons why:
1. Living in Paris is like living in the past.
I say “bonjour monsieur” to my local florist whenever I pass his shop.
I have learnt how to appreciate the simplicity of life by being forced to slow down.
2. The “opening” hours
As I mentioned before, businesses aren’t open on Sundays. Sunday mornings are for the market and Sunday afternoons are for rest and spending time with your loved ones. No shopping, no running of errands, no browsing in shops, no nothing. There’s a sense of calmness and tranquility in the streets. I have found a new appreciation for the Sunday ritual of slowing down and to be honest, I quite like it.
Certain banks are closed on Mondays. Certain post offices are closed at lunch from 12-2pm. I won’t comment there.
Over the Summer, pretty much the whole of Paris closes in August as Parisians go on their annual Summer holiday. My partner has 6 weeks annual leave each year and always heads to the south of France with his childhood friends to enjoy his holidays. And by “holiday” I don’t mean jam-packed days of back to back sightseeing.
There’s a real sense of balance to life in France. Sure it’s annoying when your bank is closed on a Monday but it’s also nice feeling to see a sign displaying “closed for the month of August”. I feel happy for the family who has consciously made a decision to forgo the money they would have made in August in order to take it easy for a month. The work to live not live to work mantra is something taken seriously in France.
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Thank you for the marvellous article, Nhan! Seriously enjoyed reading it and wish to fly to Paris right now. You are a great author!
I loved reading this article.
I also enjoy your blog. Please keep taking me around Paris with you.