‘Life has sprinkled magic on me’: Venice entices remote workers to reverse exodus of youth

Italian city wants new blood to restore its dynamism and skills – and those who answered the call are inspired by its beauty

On most mornings, Mylène Ebrard hops on a waterbus from her home in Giudecca, a neighbourhood of Venice with a village-like feel, and across the canal to her favourite bar, where over a hot chocolate she works from her mobile phone. The ritual has become sacred to the rhythm of her day in Venice, where the French communications specialist has lived since October as part of a project aimed at attracting remote workers to help repopulate the lagoon city.

“I was just working on social media for one of my clients. They don’t see the difference if I’m here or in Paris,” said Ebrard, 38. “I love this bar during the day as you get the sun on the terrace. It’s impossible to say it’s ugly in Venice, even when it’s raining.”