Current Time in Mende
French culture regarding time
French culture regarding time
Relatively punctual in business
In the French business scene, meetings and conferences are relatively punctual. Especially in large companies and international transactions, punctual progress is emphasized.
Some delays are tolerated in daily life
For daily appointments and private gatherings, a delay of about 10 to 15 minutes is often accepted as "common sense," and strictness regarding time is relaxed.
Longer lunch times are common
In France, it is common to spend 1 to 2 hours for lunch, and lunch time is widely recognized from noon to around 2 p.m. Because of the long lunch break, afternoon activities may start at a leisurely pace.
French values regarding time
Time is for "enjoyment"
There is a culture that values spending the present moment richly rather than efficiency and speed. Time tends to be seen as something to be "enjoyed" rather than "managed".
Emphasis on work-life balance
Overtime is not preferred, and leaving work on time is common. People are proactive about taking vacations, and it is natural to use up all of their paid vacation time. The awareness of how to use time is very clear.
The balance between concentration and rest
The idea of concentrating while working and leaving work completely after work is deeply rooted. The culture of clearly separating work and private life is also reflected in the values regarding time.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or moving to France
Public institutions may close at lunchtime
In rural areas, government offices and banks may take a break for about two hours in the afternoon. It is safe to check the opening hours in advance.
Trains and buses are not always on time
In urban areas, trains and buses run relatively accurately, but in rural areas and areas susceptible to strikes, delays may occur, so you need to be patient.
Value time for meals and conversation
Dinner generally starts after 8 p.m., and people often enjoy a leisurely meal and conversation over several hours. Trying to finish in a short time can be seen as rude.
Interesting trivia about time in France
Daylight saving time is used
France uses daylight saving time (summer time), and the clocks are advanced by one hour from the end of March to the end of October. Due to this system, it is sometimes light until after 9 p.m. in the summer.
Timetables have "R (regular)" and "S (school)"
Bus and train timetables list regular operating days and school days separately, and travelers may not be able to board if they fail to check.
Paris does not operate on time on July 14th
During Bastille Day (Festival of the Famous French Bastille), central Paris is closed off, and transportation and schedules are greatly disrupted by parades and events. It is best not to expect things to operate on time on this day.