Paris Cafés Reopen: Embrace the Café Culture

An afternoon spent sipping a coffee or wine on a café terrace is an essential Parisian experience. As lockdown measures are eased across France, locals have returned to the terraces to continue the beloved tradition.

Restaurants and Cafés Welcoming Guests

For the first time since 14 March, food and drink establishments were allowed to open on 2 June. Customers can now be served inside in so-called “green areas” across France (areas with lower rates of the coronavirus) while maintaining social distance. However, Paris currently lags slightly behind the rest of the country as an “orange area,” meaning rates of the virus are relatively high. Consequently, restaurants and cafés can only open outdoor areas. Café owners have been permitted to set up tables on pavements and in parking spaces to provide more space between customers.

Safety Measures in Cafés

“We have adopted a plan to help bars and restaurants for at least six months from March until the end of September,” Paris’ mayor Anne Hidalgo told Le Parisien. Moreover, around two dozen streets may be temporarily pedestrianised under this plan to allow more space for terraces. No more than ten people will be allowed to sit together, tables must be spaced one meter apart, and kitchen and restaurant staff must wear masks. Any cafés found breaching the rules are subject to fines and could be forced to close.

The Significance of Café Culture

Café culture in France dates back centuries. In a city as densely populated as Paris, cafés serve as crucial meeting spots, conversation hubs, and ideal locations for people-watching while enjoying a drink. As the sunny spring weather coincides with the easing of lockdown measures, Parisians are making the most of the al-fresco café experience in recent days.

Paris Enhances Bike-Friendly Infrastructure

In addition to café culture, Paris is becoming more bike-friendly by rolling out 650 kilometers of emergency bike lanes, affectionately dubbed “corona cycleways.” These lanes help people commute and exercise while maintaining social distancing. Importantly, the bike lanes run parallel to the routes of the RER metro rail lines and are clearly marked by traffic wands.

France is planning to reopen its borders with the European Union on 15 June, implementing a mandatory quarantine for visitors from specific nations deemed risky. Therefore, travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest regulations.