France university restaurants face overcrowding due to one-euro meal program

The expansion of the one-euro student meal program in France has led to significant overcrowding in university restaurants. According to the Cnous, the number of meals served has increased by 48%—approximately 1.3 million additional meals—since the start of the current academic year compared to 2025.

In response to the surge, Bénédicte Durand, president of the Cnous, has instructed Crous directors to determine the “maximum sustainable capacity” for each dining location. Some facilities are reportedly already at their limit, requiring staff to implement regulation measures to manage flows and ensure safety.

On campuses in regions such as Brest and Rennes, students have reported long wait times and insufficient food supplies. Some students have noted that excessive queues and depleted stocks of various food items act as a deterrent, leaving some unable to access meals during their scheduled breaks.