Blog Archives : Urban Index

Summer Holidays

Posted on July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 by Juliette

If you visit any city in France during August, you’ll notice that a lot of businesses close for the month. Especially small shops, bakeries and restaurants. This is because August is a significant holiday period in France, many people take their annual vacations during this time.

Our holiday tradition is deeply ingrained within the French culture. The French call it “la fermeture estivale” or “les grandes vacances.” The summer vacation period typically runs from late July to the end of August. It’s peak is usually in the first three weeks of August.

That we are able to take a holiday for this long, is linked to labour laws in France. Here, if we are employed, we are entitled to several paid public holidays and annual leave days, which are legally mandated. Here are just some of these holidays (not yet mentioning RTT):

In total, there are 11 public holidays, also known as “jours fériés,” including:

New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An)
Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
Labour Day (Fête du Travail) on May 1st
Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945) on May 8th
Ascension Day (L’Ascension)
Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) on July 14th
Assumption Day (Assomption) on August 15th
All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) on November 1st
Armistice Day (Armistice 1918) on November 11th
Christmas Day (Noël) on December 25th.

In addition to the public holidays there are the CP, congés payés. The legal minimum paid vacation days for full-time employees in France depend on their contract and status. Employees who have worked <1 year typically receive two and a half working days of vacation for each month worked. Employees who have worked for >1 year receive a minimum of 30 working days of paid vacation per year. It’s worth mentioning that many employers offer additional vacation days beyond the mandatory requirements.

At this point, I would also like to mentioned that there are other types of leaves. If you are ill (congé maladie), if you are off on maternity or paternity leave (congé maternité/paternité) or parental leave in general (congé parental) during the birth or adoption of a child.

So, what do French people do on holiday? It’s common for many to travel within France and discover beautiful destinations such as Bretagne, Les Calanques, Biarritz, Côte Azur and more.

Some employers make it mandatory to take at least 2 weeks leave during August, so many take advantage of this to travel abroad to faraway destinations such a Sri Lanka, Kenya, Indonesia, the USA or New Zealand.

Fête de la Musique

Posted on June 17, 2023June 17, 2023 by Juliette

You’ve probably already heard about Fête de la Musique, an amazing event that takes place each year on June 21st. Fête de la Musique is a cultural institution that was established in 1982 and was, in fact, created in France! Each year on the 21st, each city in France transforms into a musical pandemonium. Each genre, on each corner, into the early hours of the morning, can be heard. People come out en masse to celebrate, dance, and sing along.

History of Fête de la Musique

In 1982, French Minister of Culture Jack Lang and composer Maurice Fleuret, decided that each year should have a day dedicated to music. The main objective was to promote music. They wanted to encourage amateur and professional musicians to perform. They opened up the streets, parks and public spaces for this, which normally is not allowed.

June 21st is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the day with the longest daylight hours, so people can enjoy the day of music for the longest. Many countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and the United States, actively participate in the “World Music Day”.

The Event

Streets, Squares and parks are transformed into stages and performance areas during Fête de la Musique. Musicians set up their instruments and entertain passersby with live music. It creates a vibrant atmosphere where people can enjoy a wide range of musical styles, including classical, rock, pop, jazz, folk, electronic, and traditional music from different cultures.

The event also encourages active community involvement. Local organizations, music schools, cultural institutions, and businesses often collaborate to organize events and coordinate performances. Not only professional musicians can take part: anyone who loves music and wants to participate can join in the celebration.

Where to go

Most people just wander about on June 21st to discover what is out and about, but you can check the official program or even the social media of the artists that you enjoy to see if they have any particular performances planned. In Paris, for example, the area around Canal Saint Martin gets very busy, in Toulouse it’s the areas around Rue Pargaminières where the masses head.

Nuit Blanche

Posted on May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 by Juliette

What is the Nuit Blanche?

Nuit Blanche is an arts and culture festival which, as the name implies, carries well through the night.

Who created Nuit Blanche?

Originally called The Night of the Arts, the festival was created in Helsinki, Finland, in 1989. The idea was a night “when every gallery, museum and bookshop is open until midnight or later. The whole city becomes one giant performance and carnival venue”. A year later this inspired the French to create their own version: “Les Allumées”, an art festival in Nantes that would run throughout the night.

A popular festival, it grew annually and internationally, even including outdoor concerts by giants such as the Rolling Stones! It was in 2001 that the Mayor of Paris combined various activities and created the Nuit Blanche as we know it today. The event was scaled back a little and focused on offerings only in Paris.

Who can participate?

The concept behind Nuit Blanche is to bring contemporary art and cultural activities to the general public. The festival transforms the urban landscape into an open-air art gallery. The event typically takes place overnight, from dusk until dawn. Museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions stay open all night to showcase a wide range of artistic installations, performances, and exhibitions. Everyone is welcome, everyone can participate. For more exclusive events it’s best to check the website to see if pre-registration is necessary. Normally, the majority of events are completely public.

Is it the same as the Long Night of Museums?

No, this is a separate cultural event. To learn more about the Long Night of Museums, check out our article on La Nuit des Musées.

What happens during the Nuit Blanche?

During Nuit Blanche, various artistic projects and performances taking place in public squares, parks, streets, and other unconventional locations. Artists, both local and international, are commissioned to create temporary installations and interactive artworks that engage with the urban environment and encourage public participation.

In addition to the temporary installations and performances, Nuit Blanche often features special exhibitions, guided tours, talks, workshops, and concerts. The event creates a festive and lively atmosphere, with many streets and public spaces filled with people exploring the art installations, engaging in discussions, and enjoying the night-time ambiance.

La Journée de Solidarité

Posted on May 29, 2023May 29, 2023 by Juliette

What is the Journée de Solidarité?

Established for the first time in 2004 in response to a particularly bad heatwave in 2003. Around 15.000 vulnerable French people did not survive the high temperatures. The government of Jean-Pierre Raffarin decided to remove the holiday character of this day. The idea is, that the income workers generate on this day funds social welfare programs and support services for the elderly and disabled. In short, people working on this day will not earn their wage, their wage is donated to a program for the vulnerable.

In 2008, Pentecost Monday became a public holiday again. The government gave employers the choice of removing a day off or offering this day to their employees. In France, about one third of the employees work on Whit Monday.

When is the Journée de Solidarité?

The day falls on Monday of the week of Whit Monday (Pentecost), which usually is a public holiday in France. The French celebrate Whit/Pentecost Monday every year 50 days after Easter.

Who participates?

Participating in this event depends on several factors. Employers are responsible for implementing the Journée de Solidarité and determining how it is observed in their business, including any additional compensation or time-off arrangements for employees. It depends on the industry and employment contract, for example hospitals, public transportation, and some restaurants usually remain open regardless. Civil servants, post office workers and those who work in banks all have the day off.

Nuit Européenne des Musées

Posted on May 10, 2023May 31, 2023 by Juliette

Each year in May, participating museums and cultural institutions open their doors to the public for free (or at a reduced price) during a Saturday evening through the night. It’s a huge amount of fun and there always is a special program that changes each year. This event is the definition of “one night only”, so if you have the time, grab some friends and participate!

As the program changes each year, it’s best to consult the official website for exact information.

What is Nuit Européenne des Musées?

The Nuit Européenne des Musées (European Museum Night) originated in 2005 as an initiative by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.The night quickly gained popularity across Europe, attracting millions of visitors. By making cultural experiences accessible and engaging, the event aims to increase public interest in cultural heritage. If you are into cultural events and active on Instagram, you’ll notice that closer to the event, most institutions will start teasing their own program that night.

How can I take part?

It’s easy! Just check the programme, it’ll open a map where you can ind out what is on offer near you – everything is accessible to everyone, most of the time you don’t even need to get a ticket and can just show up on the night.

Does la Nuit Européenne des Musées cost money?

Most events are free during Nuit Européenne des Musées, however there can be some exceptions. We advise that you check the programme beforehand to not be surprised when you show up to your event of choice.

Do I have to decide which event I want to go to?

You don’t have to restrain yourself, as the programme runs for most of the night you can go to multiple events before they end – last year I went to 4 different places!

The Nuit Européenne des Musées has played a crucial role in increasing public awareness and appreciation for cultural heritage while fostering a sense of community engagement with museums and art. It has become a key date on the cultural calendar, celebrated annually in numerous cities and towns across Europe.

Ticket Restaurant

Posted on May 4, 2023May 19, 2023 by Juliette

What are tickets restaurants ?

Restaurant tickets or tickets resto, also known as “tickets restaurants” is a payment to provide a meal benefit to employees. France introduced them in the 1950s as a way for companies to provide their employees with tax-free benefits. Originally paper vouchers, today they are often provided in the form of magnetic stripe cards that are similar to debit cards such as Swile or Edenred..

Created in 1946 in the United Kingdom, when food rationing was still in force following the end of the war, the British government granted an extra-statutory tax concession. They believed that this would help citizens afford healthy meals. A “Luncheon Voucher” was a paper ticket used by employees so they could pay for meals in private restaurants. It allowed companies to subsidise midday meals for their employees without having to run their own canteens. Luncheon Vouchers were free of income tax and national insurance contributions up to the value of 3 shillings (15 pence) a day under this concession.

Origin in France :

The origin of French restaurant ticket is traced back to the post-World War II period. The French government introduced measures to support the country’s rebuilding efforts. Many companies were struggling to retain their employees at the time. They often left to work for competitors offering better benefits. To address this problem, the government introduced tax exemptions for meal benefits. Provided by employers, it helped companies compete for talent and retain their employees.

Tickets Restaurant today:

Today, restaurant tickets are used by millions of employees in France. They are accepted by tens of thousands of restaurants and other food-related establishments throughout the country. They can be used to purchase meals, snacks, and drinks. typically ticket resto are provided as part of an employee’s overall compensation package. Tickets can also be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and supermarkets. This makes them a convenient and flexible form of payment.

Who gets Tickets Restaurant?

There is no specific set of rules for who can receive tickets resto in France and it depends of the company policy, if they want to issue them to employees or not.

They are provided to employees who are working at least six hours a day and are therefore considered full-time employees. Some companies may also offer them to part-time employees or to employees who work from home. To use restaurant tickets, simply present them at the point of sale, just as with any other form of payment.

Are there restrictions?

It is worth noting that the use of restaurant tickets is subject to certain restrictions. For example, they cannot be used to purchase alcohol, and they may not be used to purchase certain types of food items, such as tobacco products or non-food items. Additionally, they may not be used to purchase food items that are considered to be luxury items, such as caviar or truffles.

Time to do Taxes!

Posted on April 12, 2023May 16, 2023 by Juliette

As a resident in France, you are required to file your tax returns annually. We cover everything Income Taxes in a dedicated article, this blog today marks the start of 2023’s tax season.

The deadline for filing your tax returns typically falls in May or June, depending on how you file.

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How to file:

There are two main ways to file your taxes in France: online or offline. If you choose to file online, you can do so through the French tax administration’s website, “impots.gouv.fr“.

To file offline, you can pick up a paper tax return form, known as “Déclaration des Revenus,” from your local tax office? You can also download it from the tax administration’s website.

What information to share:

You will need to provide information about your income, expenses, and deductions for the previous calendar year. This can include details about your employment income, rental income, investment income, and any other sources you may have had. You will also need to declare any deductions that you may be eligible for like children, health expenses, or donations.

You should always keep all relevant documents, such as pay slips, investment statements, and receipts, as you may need to provide them as evidence to support your tax declarations.

How to submit your tax return:

Once you have completed your tax returns, you can submit them either online or by mailing the paper form to your local tax office. The processing time for tax returns varies, but you can generally expect to receive an assessment or a refund within a few months after filing.

Deadline:

In terms of deadlines, the exact date for filing your tax returns depends on your location in France. Generally, if you file online, the deadline is extended by a few weeks compared to paper filing. It’s important to check the tax administration’s website or contact your local office for the specific deadline that applies to you.

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???? 13 April 2023: Opening of the online tax return space on impots.gouv.fr

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???? 22 May 2023: Deadline for filing the paper tax return

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☀️ 25 May 2023: Deadline for online filing for departments 1 to 19 and non-residents

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⏰ 1 June 2023: Deadline for online declaration for departments 20 to 54 (including 2A and 2B)

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???? 8 June 2023: Deadline for online declaration for other departments

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???? End of July 2023: Tax refund and 2023 tax notice

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✏️ 15 August 2023: Opening of the online correction

Les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine

Posted on March 26, 2023May 22, 2023 by Juliette

Did you notice unusually long queues across town this weekend and didn’t know why? It may have been related to the annual event of les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.

History

Les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, known as European Heritage Days or Doors Open Days, first established in France in 1984. Organized by the French Ministry of Culture, it is held in partnership with various cultural organizations, museums, and local authorities.

The event takes place every year on the third weekend of September. It is a celebration of the cultural heritage of Europe, with a focus on architecture, history, and the arts. For one day a year, the Ministry of Culture opened the doors to historical monuments across the country. Everyone could come and visit, and discover things they had not been able to access before. Unsurprisingly, it was a big success and repeated the following year.

In 1985, the French Minister of Culture proposed to the European Council, to duplicate the project across all of Europe. After this, every year, more countries joined. Since 2010, all 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention have joined and host their own European Heritage Days. During this time, various cultural sites and monuments across France open to the public, offering guided tours, workshops, and other events. These sites include historic castles, churches, museums, and other cultural landmarks.

It is a great opportunity for the general public to discover some fascinating and historic places in France and Europe.

How can you participate?

The Journées Européennes du Patrimoine are free for all. They take place on the third weekend of September each year. In 2021, the event took place on September 18th and 19th. In 2022, on September 17th and 18th, and in 2023, it will take place on September 16th and 17th.

Find the program of your city and see what they have on offer!

Most French cities participate, simple search for “journées du patrimoine+your city+year” and you should find the program.

Alternatively, you can visit the government website who have an interactive map of all events in the country.

Paris: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Paris

In Paris, some of the most popular sites to visit during European Heritage Days include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle, and the Musée d’Orsay. Visitors can also explore the historic neighborhood of the Marais, with its narrow streets and historic buildings, or visit the Musée de Cluny, which houses a collection of medieval artifacts and art.

Marseille: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Marseille

In Marseille, visitors can explore the historic fortifications of the city, including the Fort Saint-Nicolas, Fort Saint-Nicolas, and Fort Saint-Nicolas. Visitors can also go to the MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. They all offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Mediterranean region.

Lyon: Le Journées du Patrimoine à Lyon

In Lyon, visitors can explore the historic districts of Vieux-Lyon and Croix-Rousse, which are famous for their Renaissance architecture. They also visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, which has a collection of works by some of the most famous artists of all time, including Monet, Degas, and Cézanne.

Nice: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Nice

In Nice, visitors can explore the historic old town of Vieille Ville, which is famous for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Also open is the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, which has a collection of works by some of the most famous modern and contemporary artists.

Toulouse: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Toulouse. `

In Toulouse, visitors can explore the historic district of the Old Quarter, which is famous for its beautiful architecture, and visit the Musée des Augustins, which has a collection of works by some of the most famous artists of all time, including El Greco and Caravaggio.