McDonald’s to become Mona Lisa’s new neighbor

"French culture and American convenience will come together in December - thanks to plans by the McDonald’s restaurant chain to hang its shingle in the shadow of the Louvre" writes the San Diego Union Tribune. "The McDonald’s will be installed in the food court of the underground mall adjoining the museum, known as the Carrousel du Louvre, as the fast food chain fetes its 30th anniversary in France, McDonald’s France said."

While the New York Times maintains that the French take it in strides, the website Louvre pour Tous, a privately run information site for Louvre visitors, is pointing out that the Louvre should have put its foot down. There are complaints about the Disneylandization of French museums.

McDonald’s runs a very successful operation in France with 1.140 outlets generating sizable profits, surpassed only by its US operations. New York Times: "Local menus offer sandwiches that aim to please local tastes. Le Royal Deluxe features a whole-grain mustard sauce on top of the standard beef patty, cheddar and vegetables, and it is now the second-largest selling burger in France, after the Big Mac. Le Big Tasty, a seasonal offering with a sauce that imitates the charred flavor of meat grilled on a barbecue, promises "le goût de l’Amérique" or the taste of America. McDonald’s France offers its version of the Caprese salad, called Little Mozza, and beer and espresso are also available. The company emphasizes the French origin of the beef and vegetables in its restaurants. Prices are also higher than in the United States. Items are more expensive, in part, because of the current exchange rate - a Big Mac in Paris costs $4,95, tax included, compared with $4,12 in New York." Frankly, I wouldn’t know! I have never eaten in a McDonald’s in France nor do I plan to.

It’s interesting that McDonald’s foray into the Louvre generates little excitement in the French Press whereas the US newspapers celebrate this as something of a "victory" of US culture - the country of hormone beef and salt water injected chicken! A rather myopic view in my opinion given the high obesity rate in the US, the world champion in the girth-size competition - not yet Olympic, but of Olympic proportions. For more on this read my post Eat petite, be petite and take your time! or take a look at Steve Breen’s hilarious cartoon.

There is at least one positive aspect for travelers in France: 1.140 clean McDonald’s bathrooms free of charge, as compared to the virtual non-existence of clean public toilets.