Greetings
Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact. Good friends may include a light hug.
Woman greeting Woman- Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting in . Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. However, it is very rude to “faire des bises” if you are sick. In this case you can simply say hello or shake hands. At a first meeting, women generally shake hands.
Greetings between Men & Women- Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting for friends and family . Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.
Note: The number of kisses also varies depending on the region of France. In Nantes , you greet with four kisses, alternating cheeks. In the south, it is two kisses. Foreigners often have a hard time determining which side to kiss first. In this case, follow the French person’s lead.
Woman greeting Woman- Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting in . Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. However, it is very rude to “faire des bises” if you are sick. In this case you can simply say hello or shake hands. At a first meeting, women generally shake hands.
Greetings between Men & Women- Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting for friends and family . Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.
Note: The number of kisses also varies depending on the region of France. In Nantes , you greet with four kisses, alternating cheeks. In the south, it is two kisses. Foreigners often have a hard time determining which side to kiss first. In this case, follow the French person’s lead.
Communication Style
- French people are usually direct but in a diplomatic way. The will tell you the truth but often in a polite manner.
- Do not be intimidated if the French seem distant at first. They are in fact quite warm and witty once you get to know them. It’s worth the effort.
- Many French are also hesitant to speak English, so knowing even just a few words in French can get you a long way.
- In the south, it is much more common to kiss three times than two, particularly in the south central and south eastern regions (from the Languedoc Roussillon to the P.A.C.A. region)
Personal Space and Touching
- An arm's length distance or a bit closer is an appropriate amount of personal space.
- Given the close nature of the French greeting with kisses, the French are generally more at ease maintaining personal space.
- The French may seem reserved upon first meeting. However, during subsequent meetings, touching during a conversation is acceptable and considered a sign of affection.
Eye Contact
It is seen as extremely rude to not look someone in the eyes when speaking, especially when shaking hands. It is also important to have a firm and confident hand shake.
Views of Time
- The pace of French life depends on the region. Life in Paris is fast and urban while life in Provence or “la profound” (the deep heartland) is much slower.
- When invited for dinner, being "fashionably late" (arriving ten minutes to a half an hour after the expected time) is not unusual. However, it is considered unprofessional to be late for a business meeting.
- Trains and buses are mostly on time. Except when there are union strikes, which happen quite often in France. In this case, plan on walking.
Gender Issues
- Thirty years ago, women were expected to stay at home and raise the kids.Nowadays, while still not earning as much as men, women are just as likely to work outside the home as be stay at home moms.
- There is a high divorce rate in France. Around 40% of marriages end in divorce, leading to more women in the work force.
Gestures
- There are a myriad of French gestures used on a daily basis.
- Wiping the brow with one hand means “that’s enough” or “I can’t take it anymore.”
- Turning your palm upwards and touching your thumb to your fingers means “I’m afraid.”
- Making a fist, touching your nose like you are squeezing a clown nose and slightly turning it from side to side means “drunk” or “tipsy.”
- Loosely grabbing your throat with one hand means “unbelievable” or “yeah right.”
- The "Bof" or "Gallic Shrug" is done by raising your shoulders, holding up your hands palms out and raising your eyebrows. It usually means "I don't know" or "It's not my fault."
- Tapping the side of your nose with your index finger usually means that one is clever/smart.
- To indicate that something is expensive, most French hold out their hands with their fingers and thumb touching, and rub the thumb across the fingertips.
Taboos
- It is quite comical to see large groups greet one another, with everyone giving kisses and exchanging pleasantries, it can take quite a while to greet everyone. Even if it takes a while, it is often seen as a bit rude or exclusive if you do not say hello to everyone when arriving.
- Making a fist with one hand and slapping the top of it with the other hand is a rude gesture.
- Avoid putting your feet up on chairs and tables.
- Talking about the cohabitation period with the Nazi (WWII) is a big no-no.
- People are very liberal about their sexual orientation but discussing it is a personal matter. No one should ever be asked what it is, because it is their own business, no one else's.
- Discussing one's wealth is a big taboo. You might say what you do for a living, but do not ask any questions about salary or bonuses
Law and Order
- Wine, among other alcohol, is a staple in the French lifestyle and it is completely normal to start drinking at a fairly young age. The official drinking age is 18, although it is not uncommon to start much younger.
- The legal smoking age is 18 but is not readily enforced. Anti-smoking school programs are just now starting to sensitize students to the harms of smoking.
- In 2008, the French government imposed a smoking ban in cafes, bars and restaurants. People in rural are protesting, seeing the ban as an affront to personal liberty. However, the rest of the country seems to have accepted the fact that they have to now go outside to have a smoke.
Source: http://www.culturecrossing.net/