Why are French shops asking customers to round up the price of their purchases?

The next time you are shopping in France you might be asked 'l'arrondi solidare" and the question you are being asked is whether you want to round up the total of your purchases to the nearest Euro. 
The reason you are being asked is that the extra money goes to selected charities. Big name brands in France are taking part. 
Last year 259 charities benefited from the donations. 

Paris Place Vendome - a smart , elegant and expensive neighborhood meets a bargain

A place where Stomachs rumble to the the subtle scents of good regional food and the best sandwiches in town.

The bistro Le Petit Vendome ( located around the corner from the Ritz Hotel) you might expect a very smart address; so it's always a pleasant surprise to find a bistro with a  colorful frontage, neon signs, handwritten menu on chalk boards over the bar and hams strung from the ceiling. 

There is always a huge queue out the door ( so be prepared) , but the waiting faithful ( whose regulars include Mark Zukerberg , celebrity chef Alain Ducasse, and model Kate Moss to name a few) are waiting by the promise of rapide croute Auvergne  ( a speedy Auvergne snack), Auvergne Blu Cheese, Garlic sausage, country ham served on a true Baguettes from Boulangerie Julien.

For more than sandwiches, grab a table and treat yourself to the best Confit of duck in town ( so says Chef Ducasse) or veal escalope or farm chicken with hand-,made chips..oh..oh..oh!