On time

The further south you go, the more free time is used. At least, that’s what many people think. But how punctual are the French really?

“Time is time; before the time, it is not yet the time; after the time, the time has passed,” according to writer Jules Jouy. In other words, when it is time, it is time; once the hour has passed, it is over. This expression (especially the beginning) is often cited to emphasize punctuality. This might lead one to believe that the French are always on time.
For business appointments, this is indeed the case (although they are somewhat less strict about this in the south). If you are late (preferably by no more than 5 minutes), you should send a text message (un SMS or un texto).

When it comes to appointments with friends, the French are usually less punctual: you can easily arrive 15 minutes late. In fact, that’s what the expression quart d’heure de politesse is for. If you invite your French friends at 8 o’clock, they will come somewhere between 15 minutes and 8.30 am.

On Youtube:

Alice in Wonderland – I’m Late (French version)