Work-Life Balance

The 35-Hour Week Reality

While France famously has a 35-hour workweek, reality is complex:

Actual Practice: - Cadres (managers) work longer hours - Flexible arrangements common - Long lunch breaks traditional - August vacation sacrosanct - RTT days provide extra time off

Vacation Culture

French Vacation Norms: - 5 weeks minimum by law - Often taken in blocks - August is traditional shutdown - Respect others' vacation time - Limited email checking expected - Work-life boundaries clear

Cultural Context Box: The Right to Disconnect

Since 2017, French law includes "right to disconnect" provisions for companies over 50 employees. This reflects deep cultural values about work-life separation. Respect colleagues' off-hours—don't expect immediate responses to evening or weekend communications.