Working Days and Work Culture in France: What you need to know before starting your Job
Bienvenue en France!
Planning to move to France for work or business? Along with the croissants and charming cafés, you'll also discover a unique work culture that blends productivity with a love for life. France is renowned for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, but it also boasts a unique approach to work-life balance and productivity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working days, hours, holidays, and workplace habits in France.
The French workweek structure and rhythm
In France, the typical workweek runs Monday to Friday, with standard hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, the official full-time workweek is 35 hours, offering more free time than many other countries.
This shorter workweek is designed to promote work-life balance, a core value in French professional culture.Just like a well-coordinated ballet, the French workweek is a finely tuned routine. Here's the lowdown.
Lunch Breaks are serious business
Unlike fast lunches elsewhere, the French treat lunch as a proper break. Expect a 1 to 2-hour lunch between 12:00 /12:30 PM and 2:00 PM, especially in traditional workplaces. It's a time to recharge, not to multitask. Bon Appétit!
What’s Up with Wednesdays?
In many families, Wednesday is a half-day for schoolchildren, which historically stems from religious education. For parents, it’s often a more flexible day, and some companies support this rhythm.
You might have heard rumours about the French's knack for taking long vacations. Well, it's no myth. Vacation time is practically sacred here:France is famous for generous time off. Here’s what you can expect:
Annual Leave
All full-time employees get a minimum of 25 paid working days off per year, that’s five full weeks!
The All-Important "RTT" Days
RTT days are additional paid days off that employees earn when they work more than the legal 35-hour workweek. While the 35-hour week is the legal standard, many employees in France work longer — often 37 to 39 hours per week — depending on their role and contract. Instead of receiving more pay for those extra hours, many companies offer compensatory time off, known as RTT.
Who is eligible for RTT?
Full-time employees working more than 35 hours/week.
Generally applies to salaried employees under a "forfait jours" (days-based) contract, especially in executive roles.
Your eligibility and number of RTT days depend on your employment contract and company policy.
How many RTT days can you get?
On average, employees earn between 6 and 12 RTT days per year.
Some companies offer even more, especially if weekly working hours are closer to 39.
RTT days are usually pre-scheduled or flexible, depending on your employer.
Why are RTT days important?
RTT is part of what makes the French work culture so attractive to foreign professionals. It allows employees to:
Take extended weekends throughout the year,
balance work and personal life more easily,
use time off for travel, family, or personal development without cutting into annual paid leave.
RTT vs Paid Holidays: What’s the difference?
Paid holidays (congés payés) are the standard 25 working days per year (minimum).
RTT days are additional, and come on top of your paid vacation.
Together, they often give French employees more than 35 to 40 days off per year, not counting public holidays!
August: The Big Break
August is vacation month. Many companies slow down or even close completely, especially smaller businesses and small shops. It's a great time to travel, relax, or enjoy French summer life.
The French love their holidays, and who can blame them? Here are some key dates to keep an eye out for:
There are 11 official public holidays, including:
New Year’s Day: January 1
Labour Day: May 1
Easter day
Bastille Day: July 14
Assumption Day: August 15
All Saints’ Day: November 1
Christmas Day: December 25
Keep in mind that if a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is not moved to a weekday.
Work Culture Trends in France
France is modernizing its approach to work. Some key changes:
The Rise of the 4-Day Workweek
Some companies are testing a 4-day week, with the same salary, to improve employee well-being.
Remote Work
Remote work (télétravail) has become widespread in France, especially since the pandemic. While many companies still value in-office presence, hybrid models are common, particularly in sectors like tech, customer service, and international roles. Employees benefit from flexibility, but must have a clear agreement with their employer.
Mental Health Focus
Well-being is now a priority, with many companies offering mental health support, wellness programs,and open dialogue.
What About Visas?
If you're from the EU/EEA, you don’t need a visa to work in France. But if you're from outside the EU, you'll need a valid work visa or residence permit.
You can find more details on the official website: Welcome to France.
Let’s start your French adventure
Working in France offers a delightful blend of professional dedication and a zest for life. From the cherished long lunches to the celebrated RTT days and the joyful August vacations, the French work culture showcases the perfect harmony between work and leisure. Embrace the "joie de vivre" and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, while making the most of your working days. Whether you're dreaming of sipping Bordeaux in a Parisian cafe or enjoying the stunning landscapes of Provence, understanding the working days in France will help you fit right into the cultural tapestry of this enchanting nation.
Are you ready to embark on your French work adventure? Bonne chance !
