Soldes Season

I’ve only been here a couple of weeks, but I am already starting to see just how bureaucratic France really is. Through the course of this blog, I’ll try and keep you informed on different examples of the crazy French government. The first: Sales.

Do you remember that walking tour we went on a couple of weeks ago? Do you remember the signs that were in virtually all the clothing store windows we walked by? No? Let me refresh your memory.



And of course the Lacoste store.


There are plenty more where these came from. I was going to take more pictures, but that seemed like a waste. If you are not convinced that nearly every store had a “Soldes” sign in the window, then I don’t know why you even bother getting up in the morning. I just don’t.

Explanation: “Soldes” means Sale. You know. Like the sale that is likely going on at any department store in the United States. Example: “Sale – 20% 40% 60% OFF All Winter Apparel!”

Here is where the French government comes in. And oh, do they ever. Look back up at the Lacoste sign. Do you notice the dates (these pictures were taken before 9 February – apologies for the delay)? In France, the government tells the stores when they can have Soldes. If the H&M in Angers wants to have a Sale, they can’t just put the red signs up and mark down their prices (that would be chaos, sheer and utter chaos). Instead, they have to wait for a certain season dictated by the government. January happens to be one such season.

I have learned, however, that stores can get around this. Well, kind of. Indeed, the stores can discount their items, but they cannot call these price reductions sales (or soldes as the case may be). So the French public doesn't constantly pay the top dollar for everything (although clothes are relatively expensive here). They still get their sales, excuse me, discounts… just not for face value.

Why the bureaucrati-mania? Nobody knows. And if somebody did, I’d imagine they would have to do a heck of a lot of paper work before they could make the reason public.

And you were worried about a healthcare overhaul. Just something to keep in perspective.


But honestly, they were everywhere.

Just another Tuesday: It seems that today is Ash Wednesday. That means yesterday was Mardi Gras. (Please note the lack of ! at the end of the preceding sentence) In fact, the Fat Tuesday celebrations in France are surprisingly subdued despite their French moniker. You might get a king cake, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up (also, why would you get a relatively bland cake when there are dozens of other delicious options at your neighborhood bakery/pastry shop?). Perhaps it is the town of Angers that sticks their nose up at the normally delicious holiday, but there was no mention of any celebration in all of the “hexagon” on the news last night. Imagine that.