France's Rural Villages Fight to Save Village Bistros and Cafes
Rural bistros and cafes in France, which are closing rapidly due to economic and sociological changes, are being revived by local communities to preserve social cohesion and prevent loneliness.
Across France, cafes and bistros in rural areas are closing rapidly due to population decline and sociological changes, while municipalities, associations, and locals are waging a major battle to keep this cultural heritage alive.
The Importance of Bistros in Village Life
The Au Bon Acceuil cafe-bistro in the village of Saint-Martin-sur-Ouanne reopened after an eight-month closure and was met with great enthusiasm by the local residents.
Declining Numbers and Reasons for Closure
The number of cafe-bistros in France, which was around 500,000 in 1900, has dropped to between 30,000 and 40,000 today, with these businesses closing at an average rate of two per day.
Cultural Heritage and Unesco Initiative
Alain Fontaine, president of the French Association of Bistros and Cafes, stated that closures leave rural communities feeling abandoned and is campaigning for these businesses to be included in the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list.
Efforts of Local Governments and Associations
Various initiatives like 1,000 Cafés and local government support are spearheading the opening of new village cafes in small communities in an effort to revitalize social life.