The golden hour is the current weekly photo challenge. Around sunrise or sunset the sun’s low angle causes more diffusions in the atmosphere and casts long shadows. The result can be spectacular light. I used to strictly time my photography around this time, until one day a teacher asks when the best time to take a photo was. I replied “the golden hour” to which he responded, the best time to take a photo is anytime. While I still prefer catching the dramatic and soft lighting prone to the golden hour, that piece of advice has stuck with me and greatly influenced my photographing habits.
These two images were recently taken in the town of Versailles, France.
Apparently weary of my camera, a dad plays with his son during sunset.
Pedestrians cast long shadows walking by packed cafes.
Far North Light 
Like your shot with the long shadows and cafe culture. It looks so relaxing. I’m with you on liking the golden hour for photography, I’ve always been naturally drawn to that time. Convenience mostly, I guess but I think the golden countryside and blues skies here in Australia look particularly stunning at that time.