1979

In public spaces and on public transportation in major cities throughout France, one often finds street performers playing music on their accordion or violin, etc., for tips from the general public. Though tipping waiters at restaurants does not carry the same cultural significance for the French as if does in the United States (indeed, tipping someone in this context may even be seen as rude), street performers are generally quite eager to receive tips. In this photo, a street performer plays the accordion outside of the Basilique de Fourvière in Lyon, with a sign reading, "A piece (of money) or a smile. Merci," demonstrating that he indeed does seek tips from this activity, but also does it for the simple pleasure of making people smile with his music.