Parisian Cafés and Immigration: A Complex Relationship

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 6, 2024 16:30 PMNews
Share:
In parisian cafes work a lot of people different nations
In parisian cafes work a lot of people different nations. Source: Photo by Joshua Rodriguez on Unsplash

On Rue Bretagne, one of Paris's renowned bar streets, Le Pinardier's terrace is a summer hotspot. Here, patrons enjoy fine wines and charcuterie, a classic French experience. Yet, this scene is sustained by an often overlooked and divisive issue: immigration.

 

At the heart of Le Pinardier's operation is Sazal Saha, a 24-year-old chef from Kuhlna, Bangladesh. For the past five years, Saha has managed the kitchen, handling everything from purchasing ingredients to cooking and cleaning. His journey to Paris involved two years of catering training at the Joliet-Curie School in northern France. Despite the challenges of running a kitchen alone, Saha has adapted and thrived.

 

Across France, particularly in Paris, the hospitality industry heavily relies on immigrant workers. Approximately 25% of cooks in France come from outside the European Union, according to French Labor Minister Olivier Dussopt in early 2024. In Paris, nearly half of the chefs are immigrants, as per data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies in 2022. These workers are essential to the city's vibrant culinary scene.

 

Florian Mousson, the owner of Le Pinardier, emphasizes the importance of immigrant workers. Born into a family of restaurateurs in Marseille, Mousson acknowledges that his business couldn't survive without them. Despite the significant contributions of immigrants, anti-immigration sentiments have been rising, fueled by the popularity of the far-right party, Rassemblement National (National Rally), in recent French parliamentary elections.

 

In Paris, many kitchen staff hail from South Asia, while in southern France, like Mousson’s hometown of Marseille, restaurants often rely on immigrants from the Comoros. Mousson notes the demanding nature of kitchen work—long hours, high heat, and physical strain—conditions fewer French people are willing to endure. He hired Saha through the website Leboncoin and values him for his hard work and teamwork.

 

Some argue that immigrants are hired because they are cheaper labor, but Mousson refutes this. The main issue is the lack of French candidates willing to do such challenging work. Saha, who earns a good salary due to his long hours, appreciates the opportunities he's found in Paris, though he's concerned about the potential impact of far-right immigration policies.

 

Despite these worries, Saha remains hopeful about his future in France. Proud of his role in a French restaurant, he continues to look forward to building his life in the country he has grown to love.

Top Articles
Discover the Best Escape Rooms in San Francisco: Adventure Awaits!

Discover the Best Escape Rooms in San Francisco: Adventure Awaits!

Oct 29, 2024 23:12 PM
Best Places for Bowling in Los Angeles: A Guide to Fun Activities

Best Places for Bowling in Los Angeles: A Guide to Fun Activities

Oct 28, 2024 22:26 PM

Discover the Best Rooftop Bars in Los Angeles for Amazing Views

Oct 27, 2024 23:42 PM

Exploring the Best Parks in Los Angeles for Nature Lovers

Oct 26, 2024 22:59 PM
More News
Man sitting on the floor with a laptop and backpack in an airport

New Regulations for Air Passengers: How to Claim Compensation for Canceled and Delayed Flights

Oct 30, 2024 19:35 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

Etihad Airways Unveils New Route to Al Alamein, Egypt

Oct 30, 2024 18:31 PM

Turbulence in the Air Travel Market: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Oct 30, 2024 17:35 PM

The Bergen Line: A Cozy Night Train Adventure Across Norway

Oct 30, 2024 16:38 PM
Person wading through floodwater in a green field

Floods in Spain: Residents and Tourists Caught in the Midst of the Disaster

Oct 30, 2024 15:35 PM
Budapest, Hungary

Celebrating Halloween in Budapest: A Fusion of Folklore and Modern Festivities

Oct 30, 2024 14:42 PM
red brick house at dusk

Exploring the UK's Most Haunted Destinations: A Journey Through Ghostly History

Oct 30, 2024 12:46 PM
Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago

Exploring the World’s Most Remarkable Airline Routes

Oct 30, 2024 10:31 AM
ITA Airways plane on the runway under a clear sky

ITA Airways Initiates Direct Flights from Dubai to Rome

Oct 30, 2024 08:30 AM

Direct Flights Between Penang and Shenzhen Provide New Travel Opportunities

Oct 30, 2024 06:30 AM

India Enhances Golden Triangle Travel Experience

Oct 30, 2024 04:30 AM
A WestJet Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky with mountains in the background

WestJet Enhances Services During Fleet Expansion

Oct 30, 2024 02:30 AM
A red and white AirAsia airplane flying against a cloudy sky

AirAsia Philippines Launches November Discount for Future Trips

Oct 30, 2024 00:30 AM
An easyJet aircraft on the runway preparing for takeoff at an airport, surrounded by green landscape and a partly cloudy sky

New Arctic Flight Connections from Manchester Ready to Start

Oct 29, 2024 22:30 PM
Blurred motion of a double-decker bus at night in a busy city street

UK Government Extends Bus Fare Cap and Invests in Bus Network

Oct 29, 2024 20:30 PM

Lufthansa Reduces Flights and Faces Increased Competition: What This Means for Travelers

Oct 29, 2024 19:35 PM

Half-Term Getaways Made Easier by Bus Travel

Oct 29, 2024 18:30 PM
Airplane flying through a clear sky

European Airlines Cut Routes to China: Reasons and Implications

Oct 29, 2024 17:35 PM
A Great Western Railway (GWR) train stopped at Bradford on Avon station

Football Clubs Shift to Sustainable Rail Travel

Oct 29, 2024 16:30 PM
Piece of ice on a black sand beach with ocean waves in the background

Iceland's Volcanoes: How Climate Change Could Speed Up Their Eruptions

Oct 29, 2024 15:34 PM
Euston Station building sign with train and London Underground symbols

Euston Station Introduces Early Boarding to Enhance Travel Experience

Oct 29, 2024 14:30 PM
Fiery Lake, New England, USA

A Journey Through New England: Tips for an Enriching Adventure

Oct 29, 2024 12:30 PM

Exploring Broome’s Mangroves: A Foraging Journey with Aboriginal Guides

Oct 29, 2024 10:30 AM

Exploring Egypt's Valley of the Whales: A Journey into Wadi Al-Hitan

Oct 29, 2024 08:30 AM
A Halloween-themed sign reading "Eat, Drink, and Be Scary" placed beside a straw broom on steps

Halloween 2024: Global Events Kick Off with Thrilling Celebrations

Oct 29, 2024 07:30 AM
Aer Lingus Lounge Dublin Airport, Corballis, Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland

Accessing Airline Lounges in the U.S.: A Look at Pay-to-Enter Options

Oct 29, 2024 06:30 AM