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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in France? Maybe you’ve heard that French people take long lunch breaks or enjoy lots of holidays. Or maybe you’re curious if people in France really have a better work-life balance than in other countries.
In this blog, I’ll explain everything. Whether you’re thinking of moving to France for a job, or you’re just curious about French work culture, this guide will help you understand what work life in France is really like.
Work Culture in France
In France, work is important, but it’s not everything. People value their jobs, but they also care a lot about their free time, family, and personal life. The culture is quite different from that of some other countries, especially the U.S., where people may work longer hours or even on weekends.
In France, there is a clear line between work life and personal life. Once you leave the office, you are not expected to check emails or take work calls. Most people enjoy their evenings and weekends doing things they love — relaxing, meeting friends, or spending time with family.
Working Hours
The standard working hours in France are 35 hours per week. This is called “la durée légale du travail”. Many full-time jobs follow this rule, though some people may work a little more, especially in higher positions.
Work usually starts around 9 AM and ends around 5 or 6 PM. There’s often a long lunch break, and in some places, especially small towns, people take up to 1.5 to 2 hours for lunch.
For many workers, this shorter weekly schedule helps create a better work life balance in France.
Paid Time Off and Holidays
One of the best parts of working in France is the amount of paid time off. Employees get a minimum of 5 weeks of paid vacation per year, and there are also around 11 public holidays.
It’s very common for people to take time off during the summer, especially in July and August. Some companies even close for a few weeks during this time.
This generous vacation policy is a big reason why work life in France feels more relaxed than in many other places.
Work Contracts in France
There are different types of work contracts in France. The two most common ones are:
- CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée): This is a permanent contract. It’s what most people want because it offers more job security.
- CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée): This is a fixed-term contract, often used for short projects or seasonal work.
It can be difficult to fire someone on a CDI, so companies take their time before offering one. But once you have it, it means your job is more stable.
Workplaces and Environment
French offices are usually formal, especially in big cities like Paris or Lyon. People dress nicely and often greet each other with a handshake or even a “bonjour” every morning.
Meetings may take longer and involve a lot of discussion. French workers like to share ideas and often enjoy debating topics, even in a professional setting.
Teamwork is important, but so is independence. You’re expected to take responsibility for your tasks and manage your time well.
Remote Work and Flexibility
Since COVID-19, remote work (télétravail) has become more common in France, especially in larger cities. Many companies now allow employees to work from home 1–3 days a week.
This has improved work life balance in France, especially for parents or people living far from the office.
However, some smaller companies or traditional sectors still prefer people to be at the office.
Lunch Breaks and Daily Life
Lunch is a big part of French work culture. Instead of eating at their desks, most people take a proper break and go to a café, restaurant, or company canteen.
It’s not just about food; lunch is also a time to relax, chat with coworkers, and enjoy a moment of calm in the middle of the day.
Also, most shops, especially in small towns, close during lunch. So the whole culture supports taking a pause during the day.
Salaries and Benefits
Salaries in France are not always as high as in countries like the U.S. or Germany, but the benefits are very good.
- Healthcare is mostly free or low-cost
- You get unemployment benefits if you lose your job
- Paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- Retirement pensions
So even if your salary is average, the overall quality of life can be better because of the support system.
Finding a Job in France
If you’re a foreigner, finding a job in France can be harder if you don’t speak French. Some international companies or tech startups hire in English, but most regular jobs still require at least basic French.
Some helpful websites for job hunting:
- Pôle Emploi (official government site)
- Indeed France
- LinkedIn
- Welcome to the Jungle (good for startups and English-friendly jobs)
Also, many people find jobs through connections or networking events, so try to meet people in your area.
Work-Life Balance in France: Is It Really That Good?
Yes, in many cases. People in France take their time off seriously. They don’t feel guilty for taking vacations or spending time with family. The system supports it.
Even in busy cities, you’ll find that evenings and weekends are calm. Shops close on Sundays, and families gather for long meals. This mindset helps people avoid burnout and enjoy life more.
That’s why many people say work life balance in France is one of the best in the world.
My Personal Experience
Living and working in France has taught me a lot. At first, I found the paperwork and formal work culture a bit hard. But over time, I saw the benefits.
Having free time in the evening, knowing that I won’t get work calls at night, being able to take a proper break, it really makes life feel more balanced.
Work is important, but so is life outside of it. And I think that’s something France understands well.
Final Thoughts
Work life in France is different from what many people expect. It’s not always perfect, and things like high taxes or job hunting can be tough. But overall, the culture gives people time to breathe, enjoy their lives, and stay healthy.
Whether you’re planning to move to France for work or are just curious, I hope this gave you a good look into daily work life here. If you’re looking for a country where you can work and still enjoy your life, France might be the right choice.
And if you want to know more about life in France, I invite you check out our other blogs in French Sider.
