In France, the last weekend of October marks the transition to winter time. On this occasion, the country adjusts its clocks. Regularly questioned by many French people, the time change is defended by the authorities who see it as a way to save energy.
Twice a year, the French change their time. On March 31, the country switched from winter time to summer time. With the summer season coming to an end, it is now time to return to standard time. Each year, this change takes place during the night of the last weekend in October.
This year, the changeover to winter time will take place on the night of Sunday October 27. At 3 a.m., you will have to set the watches back one hour to return to 2 o’clock. Conversely, during the transition to summer time, which takes place in March, watches are moved forward. So, on the night of October 27, at 3 o’clock, it will actually be 2 o’clock.
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Winter time: France and Algeria will soon be at the same time
This change, well known to the majority of French people, allows you to gain an extra hour of sleep. Although digital clocks and smartphones update automatically, those with mechanical watches or clocks will need to adjust them manually. This switch to winter time will also align France with the Algerian time zone.
The time change was introduced in France following the oil crisis of 1973-1974. The initial objective was to reduce energy consumption by limiting the use of artificial lighting in the evening. According to the Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), which deals with the ecological transition, this system made it possible to save in 2009 a quantity of energy equivalent to that consumed by 800,000 homes.
Initially temporary, the measure was extended and harmonized at European level. In 2019, the European Parliament voted to scrap daylight saving time, but the Covid-19 health crisis delayed any final decision. The future of time change in France therefore remains uncertain for the moment.
