McD's is everywhere, so Versailles is no exception. The architectural rules however, are so strict here to keep central Versailles regal that you have to spot the well-known M, the only subdued outward sign...-----------------------------
Des Mc Do, il y en a partout, partout et Versailles n'est pas une exception, il y en a même deux. Les règles d'architecture historico-urbaines sont toutefois tellement strictes que seul le M sur la façade vous indiquera la présence de la chaîne...
I have never seen a McD's so subdued, it looks better.
ReplyDeleteI wish the signs in the US were so small.
ReplyDeleteMcDonalds is all about profit so they'll adjust to the rules. Used to be, though, that in this country they had so much clout they could get zoning regs changed in their favor.
ReplyDeleteBy the way...In the latest issue of National Geographic Traveler, toward the back, there's a wonderful and very positive article about Versailles. Among other things it mentions the horses you posted the other day. I think you'd enjoy it if you get your hands on a copy - library maybe?
And thanks again for your many visits to all of my blogs...very much appreciated!
This is the second Mac posting I've seen this week on here...it's very interesting seeing how they approach it in different countries. We have French visitors come to stay sometimes and they tell us that the food is more gourmet in French Macs!
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against McD's but I wish Boston had rules like Versailles.
ReplyDeletePardon, but I have some very strong feelings about McDonalds. THey need to keep the hell in the USA. When I go to France I DO NOT want to see an M . Golden or otherwise. If I'm lucky enough to get to Paris or Vesailles, I want French food and not a US fast food "restaurant". Thanks for letting me rant.
ReplyDeleteV
Oh, lovely. Our principal cultural export. There's almost no escaping it. I remember years ago sitting in a taxi in a traffic jam in Cairo beside a McDonalds. There was a sign in the window, in both Arabic and English, that said free Ramadan lantern with every Happy Meal. In Delhi they served muttonburgers but, of course, no beef. We had breakfast at one in Kyoto when we'd had enough of the icky squishy fishy stuff at our ryokan. No wonder half the world hates us.
ReplyDeleteVery nice night photo. I don't see a two-story high slide and play area so I'm afraid my kids wouldn't like this one :-)
ReplyDeleteSo they should be made to blend in. They have done a similar thing with the Mc D's in Stratford upon Avon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence that you posted this. i just saw a short news story on TV about the fancy McDonald's they built in New York on Broadway. The signage is so elaborate it has over 7500 lights. They do what is necessary to fit in wherever they are don't they?
ReplyDeletepublicité dans la cité, tu es donc sponsorise par mister mc do ;o)) bon je dois être une exception, mais je hais les fast-food. Tu es bien arrivé, a l'heure du diner des vendeurs
ReplyDelete@Everyone: lol at some of your comments! I'm not much of a fast food fan, however McD's is part of the French scene just as much as it is of the Beijing, Moscow, Rio, or small town America scene, whether one likes it or not... So since it's part of Versaille's scene, I just wanted to show the way that they blend in as you say to serve Happy Meals even to the staunchest Versaillais...
ReplyDeletevery interesting commentaries on McDonald's I do like the subtle trendy M without all of the normal marketing fanfare we see in the states surrounding the golden arches. And about Morocco, yes it was great and very French. It was very enjoyable. I am going to get our travel website established in the next few weeks and post some of the spectacular photos that we took. Just amazing and some awesome people and culture photos.
ReplyDeleteIl faut s'habituer, je crois, on nous force à nous uniformiser. Les chaînes de fringues, c'est partout le même cirque. Heureuse que MDo se fasse plus discret à Versailles. Par contre Q***k on ne peut pas le louper !
ReplyDeleteLa prochaine fois que je viendrai à Versailles, je retournerai manger dans ton restaurant Jaune.
ReplyDeleteWow, beautiful photo and it started such a big discussion! It might be interesting to have McDonald's be a Theme Day, so we can see how they look all over the world.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I never go to a McDonald's when I'm in a different town - I always eat local food; whatever the local specialty might be. Come to think of it, I don't think I've eaten in a McD in 20 years or more. I wonder if they are the same as I remember?
Anyway, I love the night photo. For me, so far away, it adds to the glamour and mystery of Versailles.
Wish we had similar sensibilities.
ReplyDeleteAs I hate fast food, I totally agree with Virginia! This is the last sight I wish to see wherever I go. I've visited for continents and, as you know, you will find it everywhere...
ReplyDeleteIn Delhi they served muttonburgers but, of course, no beef.I'd steer clear of the milkshakes as well, then.
ReplyDeleteI don't like fast food indeed!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, we can find it everywhere!
Léia
I wish I lived in a declared regal area! McDonalds looks much better in Versailles. ;-)
ReplyDeleteFast food pro & contra - The Pursuit of Happyness.
ReplyDeleteEither way, I like your photo!
Great! The rules should be so strict everywhere! I hate aggressive advertisements.
ReplyDeleteRestricted marketing just as it should be.
ReplyDeleteje ne ferais aucun commentaire pour ne pas être désagréable avant mai
ReplyDeleteGood for Versailles and their architectural rules! It would be nice if more cities took that kind of pride.
ReplyDeleteElle me plait, elle me pait cette photo, elle est parfaite : de toute façon même un Mac Do traditionnel comme architecture pris de nuit aurait donné la même chose et cela suffit : cette enseigne fluo bien cadrée et cet homme seul avec casquette mangeant dans la lumière face à la nuit.
ReplyDeleteElle aurait été parfaite aussi pour le défi "ombre".
Ah, Mickey D's. We have so many reference names for McDonald's here some are funny, some not so nice. Anyway, here is the states, they have become an architectural blight. It pleases me to learn that there is strict codes for their building designs. however, the neon lights at night make for spectacular photos, sort of a love hate relationship with fast food. But I prefer my Happy Meals with a glass of wine and baguette. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the McDonald's can be found even in a classy place like this!!!! nice shot.
ReplyDeleteMcD is not very popular in Torino. Some of them closed some time ago. At opposite in other cities they are having a great success. BTW I love the photo !
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