Why are cafes so popular in france?

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Rillifane

Cafes, tea houses, pubs, taverns and other such places have been a part of most cultures around the world as a place for people to gather and meet their friends.

This once was true in the United States too but the growth of the suburban culture, the enormous increase of the size of homes, and the increasing physical social isolation that springs from the growth of TV and the internet as means of both communication and entertainment has changed that in most of the USA.

But in France, as well as most European countries, people live in smaller spaces and live more densely packed and therefore the cafe remains a good place to meet with friends (rather than in one's small apartment) or even just to find some space.

Its also connected to the greater formality of European culture. Americans will invite people over to their house on first meeting while Europeans tend to meet new acquaintances in public places.

007

because the french make good food and because there are millions of people not to mention a lot of tourists

leos24rule

Yeah, it's just not in France. Cafes are great for enjoying a meal outside to people watch, the weather, and socialize over drinks and food. Here in America ( I live in CA) we're starting to model the same restaurants that was as well.

mamour

it is a place to meet your friends at any hours as to opposed to inviting your friends at home,
a place to relax,talk,have a coffee or else? meet other people as well,
a sure place to find your friends,make plans for the evening to go eat somewhere,or just hang around and have fun,
a place where one knows others, feel at home,(sort of speak),
a place where you know for a fact that one or more of your friends will be there,and you do not need a reason to go,
it is part of the culture,tradition.
many cafes have some local artist perform,art expositions,and things of that nature..summer activities,
some special luncheons or dinners,
it is a second home away from home(sort of speak)..
a good reason to get out of your house too.

truly

Not just in France, no, not just in France. A cafe is a great place to have a cup of espresso (of course), maybe read a book or a paper, chit chat, simply relax if there is a terrace or even maybe write (I do that). Of course, a ciggie goes well with your coffee and your work or whatever you do there. Unfortunately, in modern times governments have chosen to go along with the smoking ban fashion and hence most cafes have become much less interesting places. But fortunately, I can still find a few where I can smoke during the act of creation. If you're an anti-smoker yourself, you won't understand. But I do. :)

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