For the past few days, most cities in France have a Christmas-like ambience. On Wednesday, bar and restaurant terraces were invaded early in the morning. Even French President Emmanuel Macron symbolically went out on a coffee break. Even though there was a limited number of places, large crowds spent hours waiting for their turn, and people stayed out until late evening. In some cities, such as Toulouse, the police even had to restore order.
But France is not the only country where the reopening of the terraces has aroused such interest. In the UK, where the terraces reopened in April, some bars were already facing a beer shortage in early May. In fact, the British wasted no time once the lockdown restrictions were lifted. With their newly gained freedom, they spent a lot of time in groups at the terraces. Obviously, this was a real blessing for such businesses that remained closed for months. But according to a study by Oxford Market Watch and reported in the British press, there was a considerable rise in the attendance rate compared to 2019.
In Italy, Belgium, Greece and Hungary also, life is slowly going back to normal. After months in lockdown, people can meet again and enjoy a lot of indoor and outdoor venues, especially terraces. In the UK, although cafes, bars and restaurants can now welcome customers indoors, people still prefer terraces. What makes them so appealing amid the pandemic?
Thirst for freedom
For most people, sitting on a terrace is a symbol of freedom. For months during the lockdown, most of us have been spending whole days between four walls. So why eat indoors as we have been doing until now when we can simply enjoy the outdoors? Of course, the pandemic had an economic and social impact on these nonessential. But their reopening was a huge event, as evidenced by the photos and videos published in international and social media.
A way to socialise
Bar, cafe and restaurant terraces are places where you get to feel the lifestyle. People usually go there to relax or spend time with their partner or with friends. For some, it's a way to meet new people and expand their social circle in a friendly setting. Terraces are also a place people usually feel free to express themselves, unlike closed spaces. Inside in restaurant, we don't dare to speak aloud, and we tend to watch our body language to avoid disturbing the people around us. It's different on a terrace where you have more freedom to express yourself while enjoying the outdoors.
There is no particular time to go to the terrace. Some prefer to go in the morning, some after work and others in the evening. Most of the time, it's a habit that makes you feel happy. Many people identify with a particular terrace, where they are used to the menu, for example, or they usually order the same food or drink. For others, it can be a place where they feel like themselves, without having to worry about anything.
In France, terraces are an essential part of the French art of living, but today, this practice is quite widespread around the world, especially in Europe. Besides, it's usually recommended that new expats who are looking to socialise or make new friends go to terraces. Whether you're in Paris, Rome, London or Vienna, going to a terrace doesn't just mean grabbing a bite. Cafes, in particular, are an essential part of everyday life in many countries. Most of the time, it's a place you identify with and where you feel comfortable to have a quick coffee before work or where you can just chill after work. For many, it's also a popular meeting place.
Terraces can also be a great place for expats who wish to learn more about the culture, way of life and traditions in their host country. In fact, people-watching is a good pass-time as it helps you learn more about their routine, from the favourite types of coffee to the types of conversation they have, including their body language. And if you want to improve your language skills, what can be a better place than terraces where you will get to mingle with the locals.
A source of inspiration
Have you ever heard about the "Café Terrace at Night" which is exhibited at the Kröller-Müller museum in the Netherlands? If not, you probably know the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. The “Café Terrace at Night” is one of his most famous paintings, inspired by his first stay in Paris in 1875. You might have understood that the interest in terraces is far from being a new trend. For many years, terraces have inspired writers, composers, singers, etc., and many other people who have achieved great projects.
