Yes , Coco, that's right too !! Specially if it's weekend, then it's different everywhere ;) Andalucia and Madrid (and all its surrounding provinces) are generally "later eaters", I just meant to say that it's not a rule that applies to the whole Spain. Here where I live most bars and restaurants close at 10'30 or 11 on weekdays. I suppose in France is just the same, there's not a general rule for all the country.

By the way, we also have that saying..."acostarse con las gallinas" :))

Superheterodyne: the Fifth of Ventôse already? And I forgot to buy flowers! Sigh. I'll be sleeping in les chenil tonight.

HDW: I live not far from Canada, so I've had to deal with the metric eggs. But I'll never get used to the square yolks!

It depends on the season and the locale.

In tourist areas things are usually open all the regular hours you would expect.

But - throughout France most restaurants (as opposed to cafes, brasseries etc) close between lunch and dinner (2:30 to 5:30 or 6pm). And off season many tourist sites - esp smaller ones close from 12 to 2 to give the staff time for lunch.

Also, in off-seson sights often close earlier in the day (ie 5pm versus 7pm or so in the summer).

Regarding "closing from 12 to 2" -- a lot of shops that still close 2 hours for lunch in the provinces (and even provincial Monoprix stores used to do this!) are closed from 1 to 3.

Kerouac
I live in the "province" and the local Monoprix does not close from 1 to 3 pm.

Monoprix in Dijon opens from 9am to 8.45pm everyday except on Sundays.
Galeries Lafayette from 9.15am to 7.30pm weeks days 9.15am to 8pm on saturday. No siesta! :-d

I said "Monoprix used to" -- I know that it doesn't now.