Five things they don't tell you about… la rentrée

1. Les vacances 

The day the schools go back is officially the end of the summer holidays in France despite foreigners still hovering around the tourist hotspots like sleepy wasps. 

The sun might still be shining but for the French, 'la belle saison' is finished and it's back to the grindstone. 

A l'année prochaine! 

2. Les écoles

There is a whiff of joy in the air as children go back to school after a long, long hot summer. 

As teaching staff prepare for the rigours ahead, grandparents deflate the paddling pool, wheel the barbecue into the garage and embark on a Mediterranean cruise. 

Bon courage!

3. Les supermarchés 

After a summer of high prices – because, after all, who bothers about saving money during the holidays? – the promos are back. 

Once the school equipment has sold out, out come the pork and the wine promos. At this point replenishing your 'cave à vins' is a priority. 

Quand même!

4. La mode

After a summer of wearing clothes which are consciously 'simple' (if you are from Paris) or 'drôles' (if you are from Marseille) it is time to pack away the espadrilles and brightly coloured shorts for the winter, and get back into monochrome clothes designed not to attract too much attention. 

Il faut être sérieux! 

5. L'action syndicale

A fortnight after la rentrée, once things have settled back into the usual routine, it is time for some strike action. 

A convivial union meeting followed by some rousing talk in the workplace will often lead to a few days of marching the streets and letting off red smoke flares. Just to show them. 

C'est la grève!