35-hour week

French people still work less than other Europeans

France is second only to Finland as the EU country that works the fewest hours per year

Explainer: How France’s 35-hour week works in practice

We guide you through exceptions to the rule, overtime allowances and other legislation related to how much time you can spend on the job

Mythbuster: The French are workshy with a 35-hour week

This is false. In fact, the French work more than employees in the UK

practical

France's 35-hour week: My staff work less and my fashion house does better - agnès b

Agnès Troublé , the head of fashion house agnès b, introduced a 35-hour working week to her company before it became law. She tells Emily Commander why it's good for business

Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025
Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025
Letters: Retirement in France costs more than €15,000 a year
Dordogne: See which communes have grown in population - and those that have fallen
How to create the perfect French Christmas cheese platter
Learning French: when and why do we say le jour J?
Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22

35-hour week

French people still work less than other Europeans

Explainer: How France’s 35-hour week works in practice

Mythbuster: The French are workshy with a 35-hour week

France's 35-hour week: My staff work less and my fashion house does better - agnès b

Trending

Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

Letters: Retirement in France costs more than €15,000 a year

Dordogne: See which communes have grown in population - and those that have fallen

How to create the perfect French Christmas cheese platter

Learning French: when and why do we say le jour J?

Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22