The French take their bread seriously. Perhaps more than any other food, bread holds the highest status—and greatest symbolism—in France. For centuries, it was a necessity for eating and feeding the family, being a daily staple food for 90 percent of French families up until the 20th century. In the 18th century, a bread shortage, combined with mass starvation and other grievances, was a catalyst of the French Revolution. After the chaotic days of the revolution were over, a 1798 law was passed to regulate the bakeries of Paris, including their ingredients, prices, opening hours, and baker’s days off, to guarantee a constant daily supply of bread for Parisians. More than just food, bread truly became a symbol of the right to decent living. Since then, this legislation has been loosened and updated several times, but it still coordinates when bakers can take time off to ensure there are always …