All Change for the French Summer?
One of the great attractions about France is that its people know how to holiday. They are renowned for taking long, lazy summer breaks – businesses and administrative life in France is virtually paralysed for the best part of two months.
Paris is the worst hit area. Most people in the capital go en masse to the countryside or abroad, making it difficult for locals to get an appointment with a doctor or dentist.
Of course, UK holidaymakers rarely notice any difference because everyone in the tourist industry is working flat out.
However, the French way of life could be in for a nasty shock if Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has his way.
He has told his ministers to set citizens a good example by keeping their holidays to a fortnight and sticking close to the telephone.
De Villepin gave himself 100 days from his appointment on May 31 to solve France’s ailing economy and rampant unemployment. “A government that has just embarked on action does not take a vacation,” he said.
The Prime Minister hopes his new summer work ethic will rub off on the French people. I have my doubts. What’s your view?
Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore
Wednesday, June 15th, 2005
My name is Alan Potts and I'm the Editor of the UK Ferry Tickets web site and Managing Director of BUYability Limited. You can connect with me or keep up to date with new posts on this blog via the following social media sites: 
