How late should you be for a formal dinner in France?

Question

We have a myth in the UK that you should arrive 'fashionably late' for dinner in France. Is this still true? Was it ever? How late is fashionably late? And is there a French expression for it?

Answer 1

It's not a myth it's true ! I'm French and I can tell you that isn't good to be on time for a dinner.

I usually arrive 15-20 minutes late.

Being on time shows you're looking forward too much to going to your dinner and arriving earlier is almost rude !

Have fun to your dinner and don't forget some flowers for the 'Madame'

Answer 2

Hmmm, we don't espacially like to arrive late at a formal dinner but at a party it's better.

If you have rendez-vous at 8PM for a party, don't come before 9PM or you'll be the first!!!!lol

Don't do it for a dinner, especially if you are the only guest (30 minutes maxi, not more) and bring something (a bottle of wine or a posy).

There is no expression for the latecomer in France or perhaps "mal élevé" (ill-bred)!!!lol

Answer 3

In Paris it is very bad.  People arrive at 10pm.

Answer 4

In France, you have the "quart d'heure académique" (expected and polite quarter hour). You are expected to arrive about ten to fifteen minutes after the agreed time to allow your host to have some spare preparation time. If you arrive on time, you run the risk of your hosts not being ready.

Answer 5

Well, let's say that I sweat over the stove all day to prepare a fancy dinner, I have all the evening planed, and you arrive late, you'd better be the cherry of the party ;-)

From a French lady