La Rentrée
La Rentrée, Return To School And Work
Throughout Europe September brings a return from holidays and a time of back to work and school but nowhere quite does this time of year like the French. September definitely has a feeling of new beginnings, a return from seaside holidays and from lazy summer days when time stood still or at least became irrelevant. Now is the time of La Rentrée, when streets become busy again, restaurants open up, people return to work and children all start a new year at school. Throughout August school stationery has enjoyed pride of place in the front of every supermarket. In France parents have to supply most basic stationery and there is much competition amongst students as to who has managed to find the most attractive items. Then there are new clothes for school, without school uniform these purchases again are very important as it is vital to look just right for La Rentrée.
Anyone who has just bought or who is close to buying a French Property will find their initiation into this special time of year fascinating as you witness the many family discussions and arguments in the supermarket as these important items are chosen. Then, if you listen to French radio or read a French newspaper you will pick up on the never ending debate about whether the government grant given to poorer families is enough to buy the ever growing list of required items. Somehow La Rentrée is a bit like Christmas, there is a certain happiness to be found in the traditions accompanying the event which change not a jot each year! I find it difficult to understand why the beginning of September in the U.K. lacks the special feeling created by La Rentrée but I consider myself privileged to have shared this special time of year with my granddaughter when she was at school in France.
