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
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM