Cafés and restaurants across France have started to open their doors once again as the country enters ‘phase 2’ of the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
Like most of Europe, France has been under lockdown since April. Paris City Hall recently allowed the use of outside seating areas but indoor tables remain closed to customers until at least June 22.
AFP reports that to ease the situation for restaurateurs, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s office will allow establishments to extend their terraces beyond the usual area until September. The city also plans to temporarily close streets in tourist hotspots to give them extra space, including the iconic Marais district and Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre.
However, despite the precautionary measure the mood in the city’s capital is cherrful as many step out of their houses for the first time to enjoy the summer. Sidewalk dining, sipping and people-watching is an inmportant part of the Paris way of life that residents have looked forward to the partial reopening.
However, across France, public gatherings of more than 10 people are still banned until June 21 and masks are mandatory.
