I used to say that if I got to choose my last meal, it would be primarily composed of Brie (plus a few perfectly ripe kiwis and a bean burrito). But since I got here, I’ve changed my tune. The artisan fromager (Chèvres de St. Vrain) at our market (Place Maubert, Saturdays and Tuesdays) sells a Roquefort that can’t even be classified as food. It’s practically sex. Ingesting it results in a decidedly When Harry Met Sally and Meg and the pie in the deli moment. But real. Good thing you can’t witness it. And the cheese guy, Nicloas, is adorable (say it in French). He’s hunky and wholesome and rugged and boyish. If you picture him holding a baby goat you’ll buckle at the knees. Total Far From the Madding Crowd action. Saturdays and Tuesdays, girls.
But I digress. The US government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to punish the European Union because the EU won’t import their vile, hormone-riddled beef. As part of the punishment, the US has tripled the import tariffs on Roquefort. Poor Nicolas! Quick! Rush out and buy some Roquefort, no matter where you are! Help protect the artisans fromagers from the unjust retribution of the evil corporate country.
The French government would really like you to come here for your Roquefort, though. Pretty much everyone knows that France is the number one tourist destination in the world (82 million visitors in 2007). But apparently the French tourism authority thought the country needed to freshen up its image because, though it’s the most popular destination, it doesn’t rake in the most tourist buckage.
So last month, France unveiled a new campaign—Rendez-vous en France—to encourage tourism to France. They also designed a logo to go with their marketing campaign. What do you think?
I think it’s kinda lame. Trite. Wimpy. But get this:
An earlier version of the logo was more anatomically obvious. It featured Marianne’s naked breasts, joined by the “R” and “A.” That one was vetoed in June, however, apparently deemed a bit too seductive for the foreign tourist market. (Source)
Too bad! That, and the inevitable scandal, would have been more fun.
But even the G-rated version of the logo is not as bad as the logo that was just busted out for the new auto entrepreneur agency, which was recently created to make it easier for French people to start small businesses. Obviously the result of an intra-office logo contest…
OK, let’s interpret this image. Is this a spermatozoa? Does this logo imply that it’s as easy as all that to create a company? It makes more sense than seeing it as a balloon. How dorky is that smiley face? Your thoughts?
You know, France is renowned in the world for its artistic sensibility. Somebody’s getting lazy. But at least they still do cheese right.
Well, they *think* it looks like a balloon (legere!) but clearly it’s a sperm. Setting up a business is like l’auto somethingorother, I think, is the message.
Anyway I thought the tax structure in France was crippling for startups, as in you have to start paying quarterly estimated taxes right away even before you have any income?
We had Lily’s trainer to the house the other day and discovered that she will do any behavior if cheese is the reward. She is so my dog-aughter. I am the same way. I do find it hard to believe that anything can be better than triple cream Brie. But, I am going to trust you. When I get to France I hope you will introduce me to that cheese you speak of.
LOL@that smily face sperm!!!!!
Angela, you are absolutely right about the “légère” (“light” for non-French speakers). They clearly meant for it to be a balloon. Maybe they even like the fact that it also looks like a sperm… But the fact that that other auto-activity came to your mind tells me what kind of sense of humor you have (my kind). :-)
This new agency is for people whose businesses are really small (under 80K Euros for sellers of merchandise and under 32K for services). They charge a flat rate for social charges the first year that is pretty reasonable. But then they “regularise” you the next year based on what you actually made.
You’re right, the charges are what make starting a business here terrifying and not very practical. About 40% of what you make goes to them. Outside of Paris, that’s one thing, but in Paris, where cost of living is so high, it’s practically impossible. The main reason, I’m sure, that there just aren’t that many French startups.
La Belette, we will definitely get some of that Roquefort when you’re here!
I had a friend with a mini wire-haired dachsund who was always traveling back and forth US/France with her dog. She said that some (?) airlines will allow one dog in the cabin in a carrier. You should ask around. So that Lily can have some Roquefort too. ;-)