French Office Celebrations: The Guide to Les Pots

In France, there’s a special workplace tradition known as the pot (plural: les pots). It is a small informal office gathering where colleagues share a drink and some food together. These French office celebrations typically last between 30 minutes and an hour and are held at the end of the working day.

Here’s a look at the main types of pots in French companies and how to navigate them like a local!

The Pot de Départ: The Most Common Celebration

The pot de départ (farewell gathering) is the most frequent type of pot in French companies. Usually organised by the team or colleagues, it’s a chance to say goodbye to someone who is leaving. Colleagues often bring a card or a small gift, and everyone gathers to share a drink and some cake. 

It’s a warm way to maintain good connections and thank the person for their contribution.

The Pot d’Arrivée: Greeting a New Colleague

Less common than the pot de départ, the pot d’arrivée (welcome gathering) celebrates a new team member. It’s typically organised by the company or the manager, and gives the new employee a chance to feel included and meet their colleagues straight away. 

During the event, people introduce themselves, ask a few light questions, and share a drink or a bite to eat — all of which goes a long way toward building good working relationships from the start. 

If you’re the newcomer, check with your manager whether this tradition exists in your workplace. If it is, make the most of it — it’s the perfect opportunity to make friends at work!

The Pot de Noël: An End-of-Year Celebration

The pot de Noël (Christmas party) is held in December to mark Christmas and the end of the year. It’s usually funded by the company, which covers the wine, chocolates, and pastries. It’s a relaxed, friendly moment to meet colleagues from other departments and exchange warm wishes. 

It is one of the most beloved French office celebrations, bringing a festive atmosphere to the workplace.

The Pot de Promotion: Sharing Your Success with the Team

The pot de promotion (promotion celebration) marks the achievement of an employee who has earned a promotion. Typically organised by the company or manager, it’s an opportunity to congratulate the person, exchange a few kind words, and raise a glass together. 

These moments strengthen team bonds and reflect the company’s recognition of individual success.

The Pot de Retraite: A Meaningful Milestone

The pot de retraite (retirement send-off) is a special occasion to bid farewell to someone who is leaving after many years with the company. It can be organised by colleagues, the team, or the company itself. People share anecdotes, offer their congratulations, and enjoy a drink together. 

It’s a moment of genuine respect and recognition for everything the person has contributed over the years.

The Pot de Réussite: Marking a Team Victory

The pot de réussite, also known as the pot de célébration (success celebration) is held after a significant achievement — such as completing a major project or winning a company award. It’s organised by the manager or the company to acknowledge the team’s efforts. 

Even if you weren’t directly involved in the project, joining in shows your support and lets you enjoy a well-deserved moment of camaraderie.

The Pot de Déménagement: A New Address, a New Pot!

The pot de déménagement (office move celebration) marks a move to new premises. You may also hear the expression pendre la crémaillère — literally “to hang the pot hook” — which is the French way of saying housewarming, and it applies to workplaces too! 

Usually organised by colleagues or the team, it’s a chance to explore the new offices, share a drink and some food, and catch up with everyone in the fresh surroundings.

A final tip: even if you’re a little shy, do make the effort to attend these pots! French office celebrations like these are a wonderful opportunity to get to know your colleagues better and to show respect for French workplace culture. If you’re feeling shy, my 5 tips for overcoming shyness and speaking French can help you feel more at ease!

Want to improve your professional French? Want to truly understand workplace culture in France? Check out my online French courses at La French Zone!