Coworking is defined as the rental of shared workspaces used by multiple workers. Increasingly, coworking spaces also offer private offices, along with a range of associated services and events, such as internet access, happy hours, and gyms. This concept, which originated in Germany in the late 1990s, rapidly expanded in France during the 2010s. The first French coworking space opened in Paris in 2008. Currently, nearly 4,000 coworking spaces are registered throughout France, and their numbers continue to grow.
This sector of activity has significantly transformed the commercial real estate market by addressing the growing demand for flexibility from companies and workers. This article explores the state of this market in 2026 and its future development prospects.
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By 2025, the French coworking and flexible office market will be mature and diverse. Paris remains the second-largest European market after London. Spaces larger than 1,000 m² are significantly overrepresented: 37 % in France and 41 % in the capital. Operators are predominantly local, but a few international players, such as IWG, are present. IWG dominates with Regus, Spaces, and HQ, while Morning has surpassed WeWork in Paris. Other notable players, such as Wojo, Deskeo, InSitu, Now Coworking, and Newton Offices, continue to expand. Coworking accounts for approximately 5 % of the office supply in the Île-de-France region.
After a phase of hypergrowth between 2019 and 2022, the market is consolidating. Demand is stabilizing, while supply is diversifying to better differentiate itself and adapt to customer expectations. The share of operated offices continues to grow, offering comprehensive and flexible services. The French market is characterized by large-format spaces and differentiated concepts, allowing operators to position themselves from standard to premium.
The total floor space operated by the leading players in the flexible office sector now exceeds 1.28 million m² in 2025. In addition, 84,065 m² of new space is opening in 2025. The share of flexible spaces in office transactions will reach 30% in 2025, up from 23% in 2024, illustrating the growing adoption of this model.
Sources: Cushman & Wakefield, Statista, Ubiqdata 2025, Coworking Europe, Epsimas
Coworking is establishing itself as an unmissable work model and is evolving towards an immersive and personalized experience. Digitalization and the development of hybrid work are redefining workspaces. Thus, flexible spaces are now appearing to be particularly suitable solutions for the needs of freelancers and companies.
Faced with competition, spaces are trying to differentiate themselves. The offering of premium services is one of the main areas of differentiation: nine out of ten operators offer services such as spas, coaching, dining options, and sports facilities. Customer experience is at the heart of the strategy, with dedicated on-site staff and shared services. Another trend observed, particularly since 2021, is the emergence of rural coworking spaces on the outskirts of major cities.
Historical players and new entrants are focusing on quality and flexibility. Innovation is driven by personalization of the experience, digitalization, and the integration of high-value-added services. All of these trends reflect the evolution of a mature sector with growing competitive density.
Over the last 5 years, French interest in coworking spaces has been on the rise. August and the last week of December each year observe dips in interest for the subject. Furthermore, this interest is also unevenly distributed across the French regions.
Sources: Cushman & Wakefield, Google trends, Epsimas
Interest in coworking continues to rise in France. Users include freelancers, startups, and large companies. Usage frequency is high: more than half of users go to the spaces four to five days a week. Seasonality persists, with periods of lesser activity in August and late December.
Large companies are looking for flexible solutions for their hybrid teams, while freelancers prioritize proximity and community. The quality of services and customer experience are major selection criteria. The presence of on-site site managers, responsible for customer service and operational management, is crucial for nine out of ten operators. The pooling of resources, including maintenance, security, and personnel, optimizes company budgets and simplifies their daily management. The ability to offer a complete and personalized service is becoming a determining factor in retaining users in a competitive and consolidating market.
This evolution is accompanied by a decline in traditional leases. In 2025, demand for classic office space is decreasing year by year. In parallel, flexible office space is establishing itself as a sustainable strategic solution for SMEs, mid-cap companies, and even some large corporations.
Sources: Epsimas, Coworking Europe
Coworking space rates vary by French city. In 2025, Paris will adjust its prices downward to €689 per desk in a private office. Lyon, Toulouse, and Marseille will also see decreases to €373, €388, and €361, respectively. Conversely, Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Rennes will experience increases, reaching €427, €443, and €361 per desk. The most affordable cities remain Strasbourg (€280), Nantes (€329), and Lille (€332), offering the best value for money. These variations reflect local dynamics and market maturity.
Demand remains strong, resulting in high occupancy rates. Sharing on-site services helps companies optimize their budgets and improves user satisfaction. On average, 80% of coworking members use the spaces three to five days a week.
Source : Ubiqdata 2025
Specialized trade press allows coworking space market players to stay informed about industry developments (market trends, regulatory changes, new products, etc.). The main media to follow in France are the following:
Ubiqdata A section of the Ubiq media outlet, publishing an annual report on the corporate real estate market
Working Life An online media outlet specializing in workspaces
Workplace Magazine A magazine specialized in workspaces, notably featuring a «Real Estate» section»
Co-Living and Co-Working A website cataloging new real estate trends
Republik Workplace A media outlet covering workplace and facility management news
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