Wednesday, 12 August 2009

Versailles vidée des versaillais


August is the month of the year during which a lot of French people are on vacation. Versailles is no exception, it is empty of Versaillais!
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Le mois d'août est creux à Versailles comme ailleurs...

29 comments:

stromsjo said...

Most folks here take theirs in July and I wait to September so you've successfully found some middle-ground on this issue! :)

VP said...

Impressive! Even here almost nobody is at work in August, so that's the best place to be. Then comes September...

James said...

I would like to sit at a table and drink cafe au lait. very nice shots!

EG CameraGirl said...

August must be a bad month for shop owners in Versailles. Sounds like a good time to be a tourist though. ;-)

Clueless in Boston said...

It's traditional for the french to take August off, but I thought that was changing. I would love to be able to take the entire month off.

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

This second photo is one of my favorites that I have seen on your blog. Something about those little cafe tables. So visual!

Lee Spangler said...

I know the cafes are empty. I'll still take a cafe au lai in your neighborhood anytime.

Olivier said...

une période de l'année assez spéciale, ou on l'impression a certain moment de fin du monde ;o)

cieldequimper said...

@VP: oh yes! you would have to pay me to go away in August!
@Clueless: I'm working! Times have changed in that a great many companies don't completely close in August and many people only take 2-3 weeks off instead of the whole month. For some strange reason I am incapable of comprehending, most people still prefer August though.

Cergie said...

Le gros problème à Paris (qui est si loin de Versailles) est qu'on choisit Août pour fermer les quais à la circulation, qu'on fait des travaux et qu'on a le stationnement gratuit alors c'est galère, galère.
Sinon : ils sont où les touristes en août ? Ils n'ont pas soif ?

Cezar and Léia said...

Ahh I guess they are visiting French Riviera, enjoying the sun and the wonderful Mediterranean!
Léia

Small City Scenes said...

It does look lonely. Let's sit and have a cup of coffee and something from the bakery.

Sorry I've been away for a few days. Love the flowers and bees that go along with them. MB

cieldequimper said...

@ Cergie: tu sais bien que la plupart des touristes restent agglutinés à un ou deux endroits, histoire de ne pas se perdre en territoire hostile ! ;-)

Leif Hagen said...

What a great, typically French cafe' photo! Super! Looks like I'd finally have a chance at a great lunch table!

B SQUARED said...

Sounds like it might be the perfect time to visit. I hope you are not being overrun by tourists.

Virginia said...

I LOVE both of your photos. Just great shots.

I want to find a time when the French are there and the TOURISTS have all gone home. November was great for that but the weather was awful. Maybe OCtober??? I'm saving up my pennies.
V

Halcyon said...

Yes, the tourists never see the hassles of Paris or Versailles b/c all of the residents are gone when they come to visit. It is probably better that way though! More room in cafes, places to park and the best part NO TRAFFIC! I hated driving into town on the A4 or cramming into the RER during the regular months.

tapirgal said...

Wow, very nice! I especially like the 2nd photo, and the first gives it context. Beautiful shot!

Sharon said...

Trying to find a parking place here in August is very hard. I think I know where all those people are! :-)

Sharon

BaysideLife said...

I'd love to be the only one sitting there with a book and a cafe au lait. Love the composition of the second picture.

Tammie Lee said...

Wonderful photos and they sure do show the place being empty! Italy goes on vacation in August as well.

crocrodyl said...

These tables are so funny and cheerful! Nice place:)

Rob Siemann said...

Enormément de francais ici a Barcelone, en ce moment. Sans doute quelques versaillais dans le lot!

Copenhagen said...

So is it better to visit France in August? I long to visit France one day.

cieldequimper said...

@White Oleander: lots of tourists but few Parisians or Versaillais! The Parisians and Versaillais are all on the coasts, in the mountains or abroad!

Natalie said...

I'd love to sit at one of those tables, have something to drink and watch people pass by (in another month when people are actually there, of course). :)

Jane Hards Photography said...

I will be in Perpignan and St Cyprien next week. I wonder how quiet it will be. Lovely colourful chairs.

Todd said...

That's a table for us!

A l a i n said...

bien vue de cette couleurs table assez poétique.