The Role of the Café

The village café deserves special attention as a social institution. More than a business, it serves as neutral ground where different groups mix, information flows, and community bonds strengthen. The Café de la Place in Saint-Julien-le-Petit opens at 7 AM and closes when the last customer leaves, seven days a week.

"Running a village café isn't about profit," says owner Patrick Moreau. "Half my customers nurse one coffee for an hour. But I'm providing social space, not just beverages. This is where farmers meet commuters, where young and old interact, where village business gets discussed informally."

The café's layout encourages interaction. The bar serves those wanting quick exchanges. Tables accommodate longer conversations. The terrace provides summer socializing. The back room hosts card games and association meetings. The television, showing sports or news, provides conversation topics for those otherwise reticent.

Regular patterns emerge. Morning brings workers grabbing coffee before commuting. Mid-morning sees retirees settling in for extended discussions. Lunch offers simple meals for workers and elderly living alone. Afternoon attracts mothers after school pickup. Evening divides between young people playing café games and older men playing cards.