Eating alone at work in France: are attitudes changing?
Why the social taboo is being reconsidered in the modern workplace
Eating lunch together is a common practice at French companies... but not everyone enjoys it
Dani D.G/Shutterstock
Lunchtime at work can be surprisingly complicated in France.
Sharing a meal at midday with colleagues has long been seen as standard practice – a chance to bond, exchange ideas, and strengthen workplace relationships.
Similar to the difference between British and French breakfasts, lunch breaks also see a cultural divide, with Brits tending to have shorter breaks and sometimes eating at their desks.
The French, on the other hand, have longer breaks, often eating at restaurants and with desk-based lunch breaks strongly discouraged.
However, not everyone wants to eat in a group, and for some, choosing solitude can feel awkward or even frowned upon.
Going against cultural norms
A recent feature in national newspaper Les Echos highlighted the dilemma, exploring why some employees feel judged for eating alone at work and how social expectations around lunch can make solitude feel uncomfortable.
The article suggested that while traditionally, joining colleagues for lunch is a form of informal ‘team building,’ many people now deliberately choose to eat alone, whether to recharge, focus, or simply enjoy personal time.
For physiotherapist Oiane Boutens, eating alone is simply part of her routine. “I prefer to keep my meals private and use lunchtime to recharge. It’s nothing personal, I just find I work best when I have that time to myself,” she said.
A chance to build relationships
Others, however, see lunch as an opportunity for connection.
Geoffrey Beauduin, Occitanie area manager for CELO Fixings France, says he values face-to-face interaction with colleagues and clients.
“I really enjoy inviting colleagues and clients for lunch and visiting them on site. It’s the best way to see the projects they’re working on and understand their needs. Face-to-face conversations are far more personal than emails or phone calls, and they allow me to get to know people on a deeper level,” he said.
“We’re so lucky in France because many restaurants offer lunchtime set menus - entrée, plat, dessert - which I wouldn’t get to enjoy as much if I were on my own.”
“I also get to discover common interests that extend beyond work, especially when we end up seeing each other again at networking events or tradeshows. Building these relationships in person is definitely more collaborative and enjoyable.”
Recharging according to need
For Belen Sebastien, a beautician, spa therapist and trainer at Bel Beauté Concept, the choice depends on the day.
“When I’m training students, I often need to leave them to work on their own. It gives me time to focus and recharge, because speaking and concentrating all day can be intense.”
“I’ve worked in this field for more than ten years, including freelance work at a private practice alongside Aline Claret, a naturopath and iridologist in Montpellier. I really enjoyed eating with Aline there; it was a nice chance to connect, talk about work and life, and switch off from professional stress.”
“Now, whether I eat alone or with colleagues depends. Sometimes I need time to myself, especially after a tough morning, so I stay at the canteen. Other times, I like to go outside to our spa or events space and mingle - it’s very pleasant.”
“Some colleagues can make conversation tricky, talking about trivial things or gossiping, so I often try to steer the discussion toward something lighter. Overall, though, I prefer to eat with colleagues; it’s a good way to connect and take a break from work.”
Independent minds
Helen O’Byrne, a marketing and sales consultant in France says working independently suits her perfectly.
“Being on my own gives me the flexibility to focus, but I also really enjoy the opportunity to meet friends outside of client meetings,” she explains.
Lunchtime habits, it seems, are as varied as the people who take them.
While some professionals use the break to recharge in solitude, others see it as a key opportunity to build relationships and maintain connections.
In a changing workplace landscape, both approaches are valid, and the decision often comes down to personal preference, energy levels, and the work being done.
