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October 6, 2008 11:02:53 PM CDT

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Euro-Weary French Village Reverts to Franc

Posted Jun 30, 08 8:32 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Six years after scrapping the franc for the euro, one sleepy town in southern France has reverted, the New York Times reports. Says the mayor of Collobrières, population 1,600, “We lost something with the franc. We lost an identity. We moved very quickly into Europe, maybe too quickly.” Villagers also blame the euro for rising prices and find the faceless pan-European currency bland.

"The euro has made life more expensive; prices are much higher," said the town baker, who came up with the idea of accepting francs to encourage more business. While citizens of Collobrières nurse a degree of anti-European sentiment, the move isn't a political protest—and not every merchant in town is participating. "It wasn't worth it," said one cafe owner about accepting the old currency. "The franc is dead."

Source New York Times

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The central square of Collobrières, a town in southern France where the euro is being displaced by the franc.   (Wikimedia)
The 100 franc note, featuring Paul Cézanne. Withdrawn in 2002, the franc is making a comeback in one sleepy village in Provence.   (Wikimedia)
The 500 franc note, featuring Marie and Pierre Curie. Withdrawn in 2002, the franc is making a comeback in a sleepy village in Provence.   (Wikimedia)
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