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French Etiquette

“Etiquette and Customs of Courtesy in France.

This is by no means complete and does not try to cover all of the idiosyncrasies of the French. It does try, however, to capture the essence of the broadest range of the culture. The French

French Clothing:

The French have a style that is uniquely their own. They have a tendency to dress as well as humanly possible. Even low-level executives buy the best clothes they can afford. French women dress with taste and savoir-faire. Their clothes are often chic and modern, but most important is they are of good quality. Better to own only a few good quality items than a closet full of cute cheap clothes. The Gentlemen, tend to dress to the teeth, not even loosening their ties or removing their jackets in the office.

Meeting and Greeting:

Always offer your hand (or cheek, if a social situation and this person is a friend). The French do not shake hands like an American. Their handshake is more of a handclasp, with no pumping action and the grip is loose. Always shake hands upon meeting, as well as when departing. Les bises, or touching cheeks and kissing the air, is appropriate for social settings with friends.

Do not use first names unless invited to do so. Address strangers and senior people by their title, even if the title is simply Madame. The French sometimes say their last names first. This can be a tad confusing.

Never drop by unannounced. Always secure an appointment and be on time, even though your French colleague may be habitually tardy.

Make eye contact and do not flinch away from eye contact. This can be at times so intense and frequent that you become uncomfortable. Hide it.

Socializing -

Again, use titles and last names, until invited to do otherwise.

Should someone lean in to kiss your cheek, rest assured they are likely going to kiss the air by your cheek and you should also. Do not initiate this with anyone until they have permitted it the first time.

The French are bored with the mundane, as well as long winded stories. Learn, if you wish to regale them, to tell a story with eloquence.

Do not drink hard liquor before a meal. Choose wine instead. They believe that hard liquor deadens the taste buds and may wonder if you consider the upcoming meal to be undesirable.

Dress well!

The French tend toward the flirtatious and do not like confrontation. They are lovers, not fighters typically (though I have met a few very hot tempered Frenchmen). Their treatment of sex is vastly different from their English counterparts. They are not puritanical, nor prudish about sex and sexual situations. If you are shocked, pretend otherwise.

Nudity is not seen as a sinful thing and topless beaches are common (especially along the Riviera). Many French television shows do not shy away from nudity, even during prime time viewing.

Gift Giving Practices -

In France and most European countries, gift giving is not a ritual, and is not expected, beyond the traditional birthday, Christmas, christening, wedding, or hostess gift. Flowers, Good perfume, Chocolates, wines, liqueurs, etc are acceptable.”

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