The French at Work: Culture, Hours, and Hierarchy

The French Way of Working: Myths and Realities

When people think about working in France, they often imagine 35-hour workweeks, generous paid holidays, and the famous lunch break. But what is it really like? In this article, I share my personal experiences, anecdotes, and insights to help you understand French work culture.

Lunch break: social and professional time

In France, students have a mandatory lunch break of 1.5 to 2 hours, and teachers follow a similar schedule. But this time isn’t just for eating. It’s also a chance to discuss work: talk about students, plan projects, or simply socialize with colleagues.

I remember at the Collège de Mouthe, the principal often ate lunch with us. It was a great moment: informal and friendly. But some colleagues felt uncomfortable — hierarchy is still strong in France, even during lunch.

I have little personal experience in the private sector, but I do know experience is similar in companies : lunch break are long, should be shared with colleagues as regularly as possible, and hierarchy is still very often respected during meal time !

Paid holidays: a fundamental right

Today, I work as a freelancer… and I work almost all the time. For my French friends, it’s hard to understand. Work needs clear limits to remain healthy.

French employees are legally entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation.
Recently, the right to disconnect protects employees: emails sent outside work hours don’t require a response.

The 35-hour workweek: myth or reality?

The legal workweek is 35 hours. But reality is more complex: in France, you must plan absences in advance, take an RTT (=time you are entitled to take off in case you've worked more than 35hours is an given week) for personal appointments, and be fully committed during work hours.

French people work fewer hours, but are highly structured and fully engaged while at work.

My personal evolution

Today, I feel more American in my work style: flexible, ambitious, and autonomous. But I keep a very French trait: the need for meaning and quality in my work, of being very committed while working (my kids often get angry because I don't answer my phone while teaching!).

And you? How do you perceive work in your country? Do you prefer a structured and protective system, or a flexible and dynamic one?

You are now ready to listen to the episode of the podcast "Le French Vocal" dedicated to work in France ! You can access all the episodes and links for different podcast platforms here.

written by Estelle Materne