France Loses 2 Bistros Daily
With only 30,000-40,000 remaining, locals fight to save rural France's dying village bistros, a staple of community life, as closures leave villages deserted and elderly isolated
The village bistro, a cornerstone of rural French life, is disappearing at an alarming rate. Today, only about 30,000-40,000 cafe-bistros remain in France, a stark contrast to the estimated 500,000 that existed in 1900. The closures are happening at a rate of two a day, leaving rural communities deserted and villagers isolated, particularly the elderly.
The decline of the village bistro is a result of economic and sociological factors. By the 1960s, more than half of France's cafe-bistros had already closed, and the trend has continued to this day. The average French person now drinks about 80 litres of alcohol a year, compared to 200 litres in the 1960s, contributing to the decline of the traditional bistro.
In the village of Saint-Martin-sur-Ouanne, the bistro Au Bon Acceuil recently reopened after an eight-month closure, bringing new life to the community. Nadia Letellier, the new manager, emphasizes the importance of the bistro to village life, saying it's not just about the food, but about providing a space for social interaction. The village's boulangerie closed eight years ago, and the bistro's reopening has been a welcome addition to the community.
Hervé Chapuis, the village mayor and a farmer, is part of the local council team that saved the bistro. He notes that the bistro is a crucial part of village life, providing a space for people to gather and socialize. The bistro's reopening has helped to restore the village's social fabric, and locals are determined to keep it open.
## Why it matters The decline of the village bistro has significant implications for rural communities in France. Alain Fontaine, president of France's Association of Bistros and Cafes, warns that the closures are leaving villages deserted and elderly people isolated. The loss of these community hubs is eroding the social fabric of rural France, making it essential for locals to fight to save their village bistros.
As the battle to save the village bistro continues, the story of Au Bon Acceuil in Saint-Martin-sur-Ouanne serves as a beacon of hope. With the support of the local community and the determination of its new manager, the bistro is thriving, and village life has returned to its proper rhythm. However, with two bistros closing every day, the fight to preserve this integral part of French culture is far from over.
## What happens next The fate of France's village bistros remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the community's efforts to save them are crucial. As the number of bistros continues to decline, it is essential for locals to come together to support their village bistros and preserve the social fabric of rural France. The story of Au Bon Acceuil serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, community spirit and determination can make a difference in saving these beloved institutions.
