The Myth and Reality of French Dinner Times

Many people outside France often wonder about the exact time when the French have their dinner. Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a strict 9 PM rule. Instead, the time varies depending on a multitude of factors, including familial habits, social engagements, and popular dining norms.

General Dinner Times in France

According to my personal experience and observations, dinner times in France typically begin between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. This corresponds to a fairly standard schedule in many households. The meal often lasts for about 40 to 45 minutes, allowing for a leisurely and enjoyable dining experience. Once guests are invited, the start time might be pushed back slightly, with arrivals usually between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and the actual meal starting between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, sometimes even extending until midnight or beyond.

Eating Out in France

When dining out, the arrangement is similar. By the time I am seated at a restaurant, it is usually between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM. The actual dining experience generally commences 30 minutes later. Given the social nature of meals in France, such delays are common. Most dining establishments are more than willing to cater to such schedules, and patrons usually find themselves leaving between 10:00 PM and midnight. So, whether at home or in a restaurant, the French tend to enjoy their dinner in a relaxed setting, often lapsing near or even past 9:00 PM, especially if it’s a social occasion or a long-awaited reunion with family or friends.

Understanding French Culture Through Dining Habits

The question arises: in what time frame do the French actually eat? It becomes clear that the bulk of the action occurs around lunchtime, with dinner becoming somewhat of an afterthought. Lunch is indeed a serious affair in France. Shop closures often coincide with the lunch break, with most establishments closing by noon and reopening from 2:00 PM onwards. Restaurants generally offer lunch menus at more affordable prices, around 13 euros, and only lift the prices significantly in the evening, making dinner dinners both more expensive and harder to secure a table for.

Of course, major cities might present a different scenario with more flexibility in dining times, but for the vast majority of French people, lunch remains the primary meal while dinner is seen more as an indulgence or a social event, typically occurring later in the evening.

Understanding these norms can help those unfamiliar with French culture better appreciate the significance of meals not just as sustenance, but as social and cultural touchstones in everyday life.

Bon appétit!