The Cantine de la Fonction Publique is not your average office cafeteria. It is housed in the historic Sainte Sophie building in the heart of Luxembourg City. On a foggy spring morning the building looks like something out of a gothic novel. It sits proudly on Boulevard Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is the kind of place where the architecture is much more exciting than the paperwork being discussed inside.

A very convenient location for the powerful

The building is situated just a few steps from the government quarter and the Upper Town. This makes it a very central meeting point for the city’s many civil servants. If you enjoy being surrounded by people who probably know the secrets of the state then this is the spot for you. It has been operating here since May 1984. This was the result of a special agreement between the State and the CGFP union.

Getting there without breaking a sweat

Accessibility is one of the main perks of this location. The bus stop is only 25 metres away from the front door. This is perfect for those who find walking more than a minute to be a personal insult. It is a nice stroll through the city unless it is raining or foggy like a typical Luxembourg morning.

The exclusive lunch window

The canteen is primarily intended for employees of the public sector. They serve lunch on weekdays during a very specific window. You can get your meal between half past eleven and two in the afternoon. If you arrive at five past two you are probably out of luck. It is a highly efficient system designed for people who have very organised lunch breaks.

History in the historic centre

Being part of the historic centre gives the canteen a certain level of prestige. The Sainte Sophie building adds a touch of class to the daily routine of eating soup and salad. It is a reminder that even the most functional parts of city life can be beautiful. The area is always busy with people moving between government offices. It is the true heart of the Luxembourgish administration.