All good things come to an end, even French Summer vacations.

This leads to la rentrée.

What’s the rentrée? The term refers to school being in session. This year, school in France resumes starting September 2.

Beyond the back-to-school sense, maybe there’s also a deep-rooted agricultural etymology, like coming in from the fields. Incidentally, the same word is used to describe re-entry of space vehicles. The expression carries with it the expectation of –or aspiration for– new beginnings and new chances, but also some apprehension of things to come.

The rentrée is more than a seasonal transition. The school calendar now sets a rhythm or backbeat for all of French society, as much or more so than the calendar year beginning January 1 (and certainly more than Easter or Christmas).

This is a small but meaningful cultural marker. Many Americans are aware, at least vaguely, when school has resumed, either from back-to-school advertisements or from seeing yellow school buses on the street. But in France, whether school-age kids are in the household or not, everyone participates in the rentrée. (Participation is more than awareness.) Vacations end, business resumes, plans are made, books are published, goals are set, protesters take to the streets.