Bistrot or bust? Why France's famed cafés are disappearing

Summary

In this episode of 'France in Focus,' the spotlight is on the bistro, a quintessential French institution and cultural hub. Despite their rich history and significance in French literature and social life, bistros are facing a decline with many closing down. The show explores the challenges they face, such as financing and regulatory issues, and the efforts to preserve them, including local councils buying bistros to keep them open. Historian Lauren B discusses the bistro's role in French culture and history, emphasizing their importance as social melting pots and their deep connection to French literature.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The 'beastro' is a quintessential French institution, akin to a pub, and has been a central part of French culture for over a century.
• 📉 Despite their historical significance, the number of bistros in France is declining, with many closing down in recent years.
• 👨‍🍳 Marcel, a bistro owner with 50 years of experience, is struggling to find a buyer for his bistro due to various challenges including financing and regulations.
• 🌾 The disappearance of bistros is particularly noticeable in rural areas, affecting the social fabric of communities.
• 🏡 In some cases, local councils have intervened to keep bistros open, recognizing their importance to community life.
• 👩‍🍳 Young people in rural areas are experimenting with new ingredients and services to keep bistros relevant and attract customers.
• 🎓 Research by Jette Alua indicates that the closure of a bistro can lead to a significant loss of social interaction in a community.
• ✍️ Bistros have a rich history in French literature, often serving as meeting places for writers and intellectuals.
• 🗼 The Polydor, a historic bistro in Paris, is mentioned as an example of a bistro with a rich cultural past, frequented by famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce.
• 🍷 Bistros have played a role in French history, not only as social hubs but also as places where protests and revolutions were organized.

Q & A

What is a 'beastro' as mentioned in the script?

A 'beastro' is a French establishment similar to a pub, known for serving drinks, traditional cuisine, and fostering a social environment.

Why are many beastros in France closing down?

Beastros are closing due to various challenges such as financing difficulties, restrictive regulations, opposition from neighborhood associations, and the demanding hours that require significant personal sacrifice.

What is the significance of beastros in French culture and history?

Beastros have been central to French culture and history, serving as places for social interaction, literary inspiration, and even as venues for organizing protests and revolutions.

How have beastros adapted to modern times?

Some beastros have adapted by experimenting with new ingredients, adding services like package drop-offs, and integrating modern amenities to attract and retain customers.

What role do local councils play in preserving beastros?

Local councils have intervened to save beastros by purchasing them, as seen in the village of Noel, where the council bought a cafe for €200,000 to maintain a community gathering place.

What impact does the closure of a beastro have on a community?

The closure of a beastro can lead to a significant loss of social mixing and community activities, as it often serves as the only place where different age groups and interests intersect.

Which famous authors were known to frequent beastros?

Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce were among the famous authors who frequented beastros, contributing to their cultural significance.

What is the historical context of beastros during the French Revolution?

Beastros were places where people would gather to express indignation and organize protests, playing a role in the French Revolution as venues for revolutionary meetings.

What was considered the Golden Age for beastros in France?

The Golden Age of beastros was during France's golden age before World War I, with over 300,000 beastros in the country and 50,000 alone in Paris.

What is typically ordered at a beastro according to the cultural historian Lauren B?

Lauren B mentions that while they personally do not eat at beastros, coffee is a typical order, and the place is also used for reading and socializing.