Morning: A Rather Calm Start to the Day
 

In general, a French person’s day starts between 6:30 and 8:00 AM. It all depends on their schedule and the distance between their home and workplace.
 

The French breakfast is often light and sweet:
 

  • a slice of bread with butter and jam,
     
  • cereal,
     
  • a croissant or a pain au chocolat for those with a sweet tooth,
     
  • black coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
     

In the morning, the French usually don’t spend hours at the table. It’s a quick moment, often rushed before heading to work or school.
 

Then, it’s time for work or school. Many French people take public transportation, especially in big cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille. Others drive to work, especially in rural areas.
 

Workdays generally start at 8:00 or 9:00 AM and can extend until 6:00 or 7:00 PM. But be careful, in France, there is often a long lunch break in the middle of the day…
 

 

Midday: A Real Lunch Break
 

Unlike in other countries where lunch is quick and eaten on the go, in France, the lunch break is sacred.
 

In companies, many employees have at least an hour, sometimes an hour and a half. They take advantage of this time to eat at a restaurant, a brasserie, or the company cafeteria. Some prepare their meals at home and eat them at work, but this is less common.
 

A typical lunch includes:
 

  • a starter (salad, soup, cold cuts…)
     
  • a main course (meat, fish, pasta, vegetables…)
     
  • sometimes a dessert (fruit, yogurt, pastry…)
     
  • and of course, a coffee to finish.
     

In schools, lunch lasts longer than in other countries. School cafeterias serve full, often balanced meals, including a starter, a main dish, cheese, and dessert.
 

After this break, it’s back to work or class until late afternoon.
 

 

Afternoon: Between Work and a Small Coffee Break
 

Afternoons are dedicated to work, but the French enjoy taking a coffee break in the afternoon, usually around 4:00 or 5:00 PM. This break is an opportunity to chat with colleagues and relax for a few minutes before finishing the day.
 

Children finish school around 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Many of them have extracurricular activities such as sports, piano, or drawing. And most importantly, it’s snack time! Hot chocolate with biscuits, a slice of bread with butter, or a pain au chocolat—it’s a real tradition for French children.
 

 

Evening: Relaxation and Family Dinner
 

In France, dinner is usually between 7:00 and 9:00 PM, depending on family habits and the region.
 

Dinner is an important moment, often shared with family. Unlike in other countries where the evening meal is light, in France, it can be substantial, including:
 

  • a starter (salad, soup…)
     
  • a hot main dish
     
  • cheese (of course, this is France!)
     
  • and sometimes a dessert.
     

This meal is a time to talk, share the day’s events, and spend time together.
 

After dinner, the French enjoy watching TV, reading, or chatting over a drink. Many watch the news, series, or popular shows. Some go out, especially on weekends, to a restaurant or for a drink with friends.
 

Children usually go to bed between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, while adults stay up until 11:00 PM or midnight, depending on their work schedule.
 

 

And the Weekend?
 

Weekends are a bit different. The pace is more relaxed:
 

  • People sleep in a bit later,
     
  • They take time to enjoy a good breakfast,
     
  • They engage in sports, shopping, or outings with family or friends,
     
  • And of course, they love to enjoy meals together.
     

Sunday is often a quieter day. Many families have a big Sunday meal, and the afternoon is usually spent on walks or resting.
 

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