French Restaurants Embrace Bitcoin Payments
A growing number of stores in France, including traditional restaurants, are now accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment. Bouchon-comptoir Brunet, a Lyon-based bouchon, became the first restaurant in the city to adopt BTC payments in 2021. The establishment now has a dedicated Bitcoin section on its website, explaining the rationale behind accepting BTC. According to Le Figaro, some menu items are exclusively available to BTC-paying customers. The restaurant has organized a monthly event called “Bitcoin aperitif,” where only BTC payments are allowed. Benjamin Baldassini, the owner, believes that BTC aligns with the values and identity of Lyon’s bouchons.
The Rise of Crypto-Friendly Merchants in France
This trend extends beyond restaurants. French stores are rushing to adopt cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and altcoins. Shopping malls such as L’Heure Tranquille in Tours, Les Rives de l’Orne in Caen, Muse in Metz, and Steel in Saint-Étienne have announced that they will accept crypto payments. Even a large Parisian pharmacy now accepts cryptocurrencies. Burger King’s Paris branches have installed mobile phone charging stations that accept crypto pay. In August, the French government updated its crypto regulatory framework to align with the EU’s MiCA licensing system. These new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2023.
Hot Take: France Leads the Way in Mainstream Crypto Adoption
France is emerging as a leader in mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. From restaurants and shopping malls to pharmacies and fast-food chains like Burger King, businesses across various sectors are embracing Bitcoin and other digital assets as viable payment options. This growing acceptance reflects the changing attitudes towards cryptocurrencies in France and highlights their potential for transforming traditional financial systems. As the French government updates its regulatory framework to accommodate cryptocurrencies, it sets an example for other countries to follow in fostering a crypto-friendly environment. With more businesses accepting Bitcoin, France is paving the way for the wider adoption of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions.
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