As thousands flock to France for the 2024 Olympics a legal expert has explained the French labour law that protects the sacred lunchbreak.
While quickly eating a meal between calls at your desk may be commonplace in the UK, in France this is forbidden.
Experts at The University of Law (ULaw), explain: “Those heading to the Olympics to work, including the presenters, should be prepared to take lunchtime very seriously.
“In France, lunch is regarded as an incredibly important part of the day and is never overlooked. Workers are banned from eating in the workplace and instead required to change their pace and scenery for lunch. These guidelines protect the sacred lunchbreak and encourage workers to savour that time for food and socialising – something I’m sure many of us would love to bring to UK work culture.”
According to historians, the lunch laws were introduced in 1894 during a time when workplaces carried with them high risk of disease and infection. Taking lunch in outdoor bistros became the norm, until Covid changed the lunch landscape as the world tried to limit the spread.
In more recent years, French people have returned to a love of al-fresco dining, meaning those working at the Olympics this year should prepare for indulgent lunch breaks spent with friends and colleagues.
These laws around lunchtime aren’t the only ones tourists should be aware of at this year’s Olympics either. Research by ULaw has also uncovered several other weird and wonderful laws which are technically still enforceable across France.
Taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower
We all saw the spectacular light show on display at this iconic French landmark, but taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night could land you in serious trouble with the law. This is down to copyright laws and will depend on your intended use of the images.
An innocent snap of the Tower on your phone isn’t likely to cause anyone any harm. However, if you intend to use the image for “professional purposes” and haven’t sought prior consent from the Eiffel Tower’s management, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Kissing on a train platform
In 1910, this law was introduced as soldiers prepared to leave their loved ones just before the First World War. Loved ones spent time on platforms saying long emotional goodbyes, causing significant delays to the train service – hence a law that prohibited kissing on the train platform.
This is a law that still exists in France today, although no formal penalty is currently in place.
Speedos are a must
Put the board shorts away and bring out the tighter fits. Anyone who has visited a public pool in France will be well aware of the rule that prohibits the wearing of loose fit swimwear.
According to research, this rule dates back to 1903 when longer board shorts were banned across France. Despite efforts to update the law, so far the answer remains a strict “non”.
The idea is that longer shorts could easily be worn as part of your day-to-day activities, thus collecting dirt and germs, which would then be transferred into the pool. However, the slightly less conspicuous swimming briefs would only be worn for swimming and are therefore more hygienic.
While those who break this rule aren’t likely to be hauled away by the Police Nationale, they will almost certainly fall foul of the lifeguards on duty and be asked to leave.