In pictures: A return to the ‘joie de vivre’ in France

As France reopens, French people flock to bars, restaurants, cafes and theaters. The strict lockdown imposed in France that lasted six months ended on Wednesday. (Photo: AP)

Nibbling a butter croissant on a sunlit cafe terrace became the norm again in Paris this week as France reopened its outdoor dining economy. (Photo and text: AP)

After seven months of closures residents could once more be seen reading Le Monde accompanied by nothing but a short noisette coffee or sharing a kiss by the dappled light of a bistro. (Photo and text: AP)

Streets were bustling with revelers swilling beers outside bar terraces for the first time this year. (Photo and text: AP)

In movie theatres, large teddy bears were placed around seats to encourage social distancing as Parisians flocked back to the cinema in droves. (Photo and text: AP)

The French government lifted restrictions incrementally seeking to strike a balance between staving off a resurgence of COVID19 and giving citizens back some of their signature joie de vivre. (Photo and text: AP)

As part of the plans France's 7 pm nightly curfew was pushed back to 9 pm and museums theatres and cinemas reopened along with café terraces. (Photo and text: AP)

People eat outdoors on a restaurant terrace in southern France, after a lockdown that lasted over six months. (Photo and text: AP)

Parisians enjoy a drink at a café terrace in Paris on Wednesday. (Photo and text: AP)

A woman waves to her friend at a café terrace in Paris after the pandemic stalled outdoor gatherings. (Photo and text: AP)

People enjoy a meal at a restaurant terrace in France. (Photo and text: AP)

After a six month long lockdown, Parisians pack a bar to enjoy with their friends. (Photo and text: AP)

Mother and daughter share a toast on a restaurant terrace, southern France. (Photo and text: AP)

People enjoy a drink and don't seem to be bothered by the rain. (Photo and text: AP)

People continue to enjoy their time after lockdowns were lifted. (Photo and text: AP)

Cafes, restaurants and bars are once again full now that the government has lifted lockdowns. (Photo and text: AP)