Is There a Chick-fil-A in France? (2025 Travel Guide)

Quick answer: Not anymore. Chick-fil-A made a brief appearance in France, but the location shut down shortly after opening. If you're traveling through Paris or elsewhere in France hoping to grab waffle fries and a chicken sandwich, you’ll need to adjust your plans—but we’ll help you navigate the alternatives.

Chick-fil-A in France: A Very Short Story
In 2019, Chick-fil-A tested the waters in France with a small location inside the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris. It was met with curiosity by travelers, but also with significant backlash due to the company’s political and cultural controversies.

After protests and media coverage, the Paris Chick-fil-A quietly closed within months of opening.

As of 2025, Chick-fil-A has no locations in France, and there are no current plans to return.

Nearest Chick-fil-A to France
If you’re desperate and willing to travel, your options include:
- United Kingdom: Some temporary pop-ups have existed, though none are permanent
- Canada: More established international presence
- Back in the U.S.: Your safest bet

There are no Chick-fil-A restaurants in mainland Europe, so France is no exception.

What You Can Get Instead
While Chick-fil-A is out of reach, there are other fast food options in France that offer similar vibes—crispy chicken sandwiches, fries, and creamy sauces.

American Chains You Will Find in France:
- McDonald’s (“McDo”) – Ubiquitous, with tons of French-exclusive menu items
- KFC – Very popular, especially in suburban and urban shopping centers
- Burger King – Widespread and often cleaner than in the U.S.
- Five Guys – Growing presence, especially in Paris
- Domino’s – Not chicken, but consistent and familiar

Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Options in France
If you’re specifically craving fried chicken, here’s where to look:

KFC France:
While it’s not Chick-fil-A, KFC France offers similar products:
- Crispy chicken sandwiches
- Fried chicken buckets
- Spicy “Hot Wings” and limited edition wraps

Local Fried Chicken Spots:
France has embraced American-style chicken with its own twist. Look for:
- Taster – A French fast food chain that does crispy chicken burgers with gourmet sauces
- Chicken Street – A halal-friendly fried chicken chain found across French cities
- Independent “Chicken Spots” – Found in suburbs and near train stations, often with amazing spicy wings and fries

Want Something Similar But French?
Let’s be real: Chick-fil-A is good, but France invented culinary satisfaction. Try these French fast food options that are quick, affordable, and satisfying:

- Croque Monsieur – A grilled ham and cheese sandwich covered in béchamel sauce
- Poulet Rôti Sandwich – Rotisserie chicken with mustard and greens on fresh baguette
- Panini Poulet – Thin grilled chicken sandwiches with cheese and tomato
- Frites avec Sauce Andalouse – Belgian-style fries with spicy mayo-based sauce

Make-Your-Own Chick-fil-A (Kinda)
If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel with a kitchen, you can create your own mock Chick-fil-A experience.

Head to a Grocery Store (Carrefour, Monoprix, or Franprix):
Buy:
- Breaded chicken filets or nuggets (poulet pané)
- Brioche buns
- Pickles (cornichons)
- Mayonnaise and mustard
- Frozen fries or potato wedges
- A bottle of Orangina or iced tea

Optional: Add honey mustard or spicy sauce for the full Chick-fil-A kick.

Why Chick-fil-A Doesn’t Work in France (Yet)
Chick-fil-A’s signature traits—religious affiliation, closed Sundays, and American conservative values—don’t always translate well abroad, especially in secular countries like France.

Other challenges include:
- Tough competition from French fast food chains
- Cultural sensitivity over American politics
- Loyalty to traditional cuisine (and baguettes)

Until Chick-fil-A develops a more neutral international brand identity, they may struggle to gain traction in places like France.

Fast Food That’s Actually Good in France
France has its own “fast casual” scene that focuses on fresh ingredients and quick service. If you’re into food that feels high-quality but fast, try:
- Cojean – Think Sweetgreen, but French
- Pret A Manger – A U.K. chain, but great for sandwiches and snacks
- Paul – Bakery chain with hot sandwiches and quiches
- La Mie Câline – Affordable, street-side sandwiches and pastries

You’ll still be eating fast—but you’ll feel like royalty.

Pro Tips for Finding Chicken in France
- Search “sandwich poulet croustillant” or “fast food halal” for Chick-fil-A-style food
- Use Google Maps to find chains like Taster and Chicken Spot
- Ask locals for “le meilleur fast food au poulet” (the best chicken fast food)

Will Chick-fil-A Ever Return to France?
Possibly—but not soon. Chick-fil-A seems to be focusing on friendly markets first (like Canada and parts of Asia), and France may remain on the back burner due to past backlash.

Still, if public opinion shifts and demand grows, don’t rule it out entirely. Paris does love a food trend.

Final Verdict
Is there a Chick-fil-A in France?
Not anymore—and not likely in the immediate future.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy crispy chicken, flavorful sauces, and unforgettable fast food moments while in France. In fact, with a little effort, you might even find something better.

Just don’t ask for waffle fries—you’ll get frites, and they’ll be amazing.