French Culture Facts

France, and more specifically its capital city of Paris, has been a high culture
center dating back to the 1600s in most of Europe. In the 1900s the French
culture and its high society appeal spread to be known throughout most of
the world. France has also played an important role in cuisine, fashion and
cinema, beginning in the late 1800s. There are several different regional
languages throughout France including Breton and Alsatian, Occitan and the
Basque language which is in no way related to French. Because France
maintains freedom of thought and religion, as established in the Declaration
of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789, there are several different
religions practiced in their country. French cuisine is world famous and plays
a strong role in the country's reputation for high culture, as is the strong
connection to high style fashion.
Interesting French Culture Facts:
There are approximately 65 million people living in France today.
Religions practiced in France include Roman Catholicism, Islam,
Protestantism, and Judaism.
France is well known for being a romantic country with strong emphasis on
passion, not only for love relationships but for food, wine, living well, and
less-commercialized pursuits.
A French meal usually includes bread (long, crusty baguettes are popular),
and cheese.
The French are known for food that requires a lot of preparation such as
boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin. Wine is often used in cooking French
dishes.
The most famous cooking school in the world was founded in France and is
called The Cordon Bleu.
Although most people believe that French restaurants are extremely
expensive, but in reality it is possible to eat very delicious food in France
without spending a fortune.
The French invented the crepe and they are still sold all over the place in
France, even at street vendor carts.
Art is highly regarded in France and France is known for the art collections

in museums in their country. The most famous art gallery in the world, The
Louvre, is located in Paris, France. It is home to the Mona Lisa and Venus
de Milo.
Many high-end fashion houses are located in Paris. Paris is home to
multiple fashion shows that attract many famous celebrities from around
the world.
Every one of France's 22 regions has their own traditional dress.
Famous French designers include Chanel, Yves St. Lauren and Coco
Chanel.
88% of those living in France speak French as their first language. Most
minorities in France also speak French as a second language.
French people tend to be private, polite, and the handshake is the common
form of greeting.
Some French using kissing on the cheek as a greeting. First a kiss is made
on the left cheek and then the right.
French believe that flowers should only be given in even numbers.
It is extremely rude to be more than 10 minutes late for a meal without
calling to explain the delay.
Table manners are extremely important to the French, as is the way the
table is set.
When eating fruit in France one is expected to peel and slice it prior to
eating.

BEHAVIOUR
If I have to change, it means that I lost.... : the French do not believe
in the possibility of a win-win situation. Therefore, if I change, it means that
someone forced me to do it and is winning over me : therefore I am reluctant
to change !
I changed, but don't tell anybody .... : in fact, the French society does
change. From rural to urban, from traditional to modern, from protectionist to
global, etc... But since I do not want to admit that changing is good in itself, I
change and expect nobody will notice it !

 Small changes are not good : they are a pretext not to make major
changes... : Peyrefitte gives a clue : revolutionary or immobilists
because the French never see themselves as in a situation where they can
be actors of the change . Since they do not believe they can be associated
with any project of change, the only options are either to change everything
(revolution) or nothing (status quo). Read more about the French
revolutions in history.
They prefer ideas to reality and the classical joke "The facts and the
theory do not match, let's change the facts" is actually seriously grounded if
you deal with the French ... It is probably for this reason that they love strict
Freudian pychoanalysis.
They think it is more important to protect the weakest than to
encourage the strongest : this is why there are so many social programs
and benefits paid by companies (see the anatomy of a paycheck) and
weighing on their profitability. This is why education is quasi-free for
everybody. Business people or taxpayers complain about it but the whole
French society, in fact, supports it. Contrary to Americans, people do not
think that it is (only) the responsibility of a person to protect himself / herself.
This is why the majority of the French do not think that market economy is a
system for the future.
The French, who pride themselves on being " logical ", are
profoundly irrealistic and passionate. "We express ourselves
logically in order to explain the illogical things that we do ". Among
many examples, they value :

Being different : they do not feel uncomfortable being alone against

everybody else (they would not think " maybe the others are right ")
and do not value consensus

Being synthetic (as opposed to analytic) : they do not like "weighing

pros and cons" : it is mediocre. They prefer broad ideas and the big
picture. They write differently their business memos.

Being " grands seigneurs " : in many situations (when prestige or

image are at stake), money is not an issue and they do not like
to share bills the way Americans do.

Being negative : criticizing is valued and praising is not : it could lead

the praised one to stop making efforts (typically, when a kid gets an
B+, the reaction is "Why not an A?"). Read more about the
nationalpessimistic mood.

Being happy-pessimists : they pretend they are collectively unhappy

but individually happy. Are you following me ? read about "joie de
vivre" in France.

GREETINGS
If you plan to spend more than a few days in France, youll eventually have
to faire la bise (kiss on the cheek). But thats far from being the only way
to greet French people. In fact, there are lots of different greeting words and
gestures depending on the occasion, the place and the person youre
greeting.
1. The French wont greet you as warmly as Americans do
When you arrive in France, the first thing you will notice is that French
people dont smile as much as Americans and generally dont seem
as enthusiastic.
This doesnt mean they dont like you, its simply how they are.
This is one of the reasons why the French are often considered rude.
In France (and in Europe in general), saying bonjour to strangers and using
polite words is normal. But youll rarely hear a sales person say things such
as thank you so much for visiting our store, we cant wait to see you again.
This would make most French people feel uncomfortable.
2. Using the right politeness level is essential
When you speak English, levels of politeness arent extremely visible.
For example, the sentence when you speak English could be used with a
child, your boss or your best friend.
Its different in French. When you speak, you choose between two forms:

The vous form (formal)

The tu form (informal)

Read You in French: How to Choose Between Tu and Vous to learn more!
Lets look at the sentence when you speak English in French:

Quand tu parles anglais (informal)

Quand vous parlez anglais (formal)

There is a clear difference between the formal and informal version, and
whileusing the formal version in an informal environnement isnt a
big deal, youre likely to offend someone or come across as rude if
you do the contrary.
In addition to using tu in informal situations and vous in formal
situations, you should use the right vocabulary and conjugation.
When you enter a shop or meet someone new, make sure you say
bonjour and use the vous form.
You can then switch to the tu form if you become closer to the person or if
the person asks you to.
For example, the person could say:
Tu peux me tutoyer
You can use the tu form with me
If youre not sure which form to use, use the vous form. Its better
to be overly polite than not polite enough.
Again, you read more about the two ways to say you in French in this
article.
3. Not greeting a sales man when you enter a shop is rude
When I went to Russia, I was surprised to see that many people enter shops
without greetings the sales person.
At first, I thought wow Russian people are so rude!.
Then I realised thats simply normal in Russia and isnt considered rude at all.
In France, its the opposite.
You should always greet the sales person when you enter a shop. Not
doing so is considered rude.
If the person is on the phone or seems busy, simply nod.
When you leave, make sure you say au revoir. Youll learn how to
pronounce that in the second part of this post.
4. Even if you feel that your accent is terrible, make sure you say
bonjour and not hello.
I know saying bonjour can be scary when youve never spoken French
before, but for many French people, hearing hello in France is the

equivalent of hearing I dont care about your country and culture so Im not
even going to greet you in your own language.
And this is true in all countries I visited. People tend to be much
friendlier when they see you make an effort to speak their language.
A few basic words go a long way.
I saw how true this was when I was teaching French in Korea. Every time I
entered a shop, the sales person had a look that probably meant something
like great Ill have to speak English now and sound ridiculous. But as soon
as they heard me speak Korean, they would suddenly relax and become
super friendly.
Its important to remember that many French people are as terrified at
the idea of speaking English as youre at the idea of speaking
French.
When you greet them in French, you make yourself vulnerable and show you
care, this is often all it takes to convince them to try to speak English.
5. Dont say how are you if you dont want to know the answer
In the US, its common to say how are you when you greet someone
without expecting an answer.
This would be strange in France.
Here, when people ask how are you, they usually expect an answer.
I say usually, because this depends on people. Younger French people who
have watched lots of American movies and speak English well (yup they
exist) sometimes use a va ? as a greeting too.
6. Kiss, dont hug
When you meet someone in France, you have three options:

Shake hands (with strangers)

Kiss (friends, acquaintances and family members)

Simply say Bonjour

If youre a woman, you usually kiss friends, family members and sometimes
acquaintances.
If youre a man you only kiss people of the opposite sex.

These are of course general rules and depend on your environnement. For
example I always kiss members of my family on the cheek, whether theyre
men or women.
Hugging is only an option with close friends and family.

Ten tips on French business etiquette

Have you ever faced an awkward moment while working in France?
As part of The Local's JobTalk series professional etiquette expert
Kara Ronin gives us ten points of business protocol to help you
avoid giving the wrong impression.
Whether its a simple handshake or an epic business lunch, professional
protocol is serious business in France and it is, at times, very different to
anywhere else in the world. To help guide you through the minefield of
French business customs, expert Kara Ronin, who runs her own company
Executive Impressions in Lyon, has come up with ten points of etiquette, that
could help you land that all important job or clinch that crucial deal.
1. Address others using Monsieur or Madame.
Formality is highly regarded in France. You should always address your
superiors and those you meet for the first time using Monsieur or Madame.
Many people from outside France find it difficult to get used to this level of
formality. However, in order to make a great first impression in France, a high
level of politeness is critical.
2. Introduce yourself using your first and last name.
In a French business context, introductions are always made using both your
first and last name. At times, you may hear others introduce themselves with
their last name first, followed by their given name. This is also acceptable in
French business culture. If you have trouble remembering names (dont
worry, everybody does), repeat their name aloud when you receive their
business card. Another tip is to use their name as much as you can in
conversation, of course without sounding like a parrot in training.
3. Use a brisk, light handshake.
French style handshakes are known to be brisk and light. You should expect a
loose grip with only one or two up and down movements. If youre not
familiar with this light style of handshake, you could easily walk away with
the costly wrong impression that the other person is in a hurry to get away
from you! Be careful of this. Similarly, if you use the stronger American style
handshake with a firm grip and two or three movements, you could easily
leave your French business associate feeling overpowered and inferior.

4. Wear quality business attire, even if its Friday!

First impressions in France are heavily dependent on appearance. Quality
business attire, jewellery and accessories will earn you valuable points in the
office. The concept of Casual Friday is not widely known in the French
workplace. So dont automatically turn up to work in your cosy weekend
sweater and especially not in your sneakers (trainers)! You need to look like
you mean business. Grooming is another important issue in France. Facial
hair for men is not well received, particularly with superiors. Before that
important business meeting get rid of that sneaky stubble.
5. Learn French gestures.
The French are just as famous for their gestures as they are for les bises
(kisses). If you havent spent a lot of time in France, it can be difficult to
interpret the meaning of certain gestures that often come up in day-to-day
business life.. You should be careful using the OK gesture (forming a circle
with your thumb and index finger) that is common in Anglo-Saxon countries.
In France, this gesture actually means nothing, worthless or zero, which
is not the best response when somebody asks Did you like my proposal?
6. Have one side of your business card in French.
It always shows respect and courtesy for the other person when you have
one side of your business card printed in French and the other in your native
language. In France, people commonly write their family name in capital
letters so that it stands out. You should do the same. If you are interviewing
in France, you will be remembered if you present to the interviewer your
personal business card. If you attend networking events, you will always look
organised if you use a professional business card case. Just make sure there
is enough room for both your cards and for the cards that you will receive.
7. Keep your hands on the table at lunch.
The French business lunch is an experience in itself. Be ready for a style of
dining that is formal and long. A very important rule in French dining
etiquette is to keep your hands resting on the table, never on your lap. If
wine is being served, remember the more you empty your glass, the more it
will be topped up. If youve had enough wine, simply leave some resting in
your glass. Business conversation generally starts after the dessert is served
and it is up to the host to initiate it.
8. Keep your professional and personal life separate.
In French business culture people prefer to keep their professional life and
family life very much separate. This helps to maintain a consistent structure
of formality in the workplace. When you are engaged in small talk at the
beginning of a meeting or a networking event, it is in your favour to keep the

topic of discussion purely professional and avoid questions about the other
persons personal life, family or even what they did on the weekend.
9. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
French business people do not like to be pressured into making quick
decisions. Aggressive selling techniques wont work. If you are in a business
meeting, be patient and expect a lot of discussion and exchange of
information. Decisions are generally not made on the first meeting. They are
made after many detailed discussions and by somebody at the top. Be
patient.
10. Expect probing questions and interruptions.
It is not frowned upon in France to ask a lot of questions and to interrupt
somebody before they have finished. It is a common French conversation
style. In other countries, interrupting may be inappropriate but in France it is
simply a way to express your interest in the other person and the
conversation. If you are being interrupted, take it initially as a positive sign
that they like what youre saying. Reciprocally, if you want to show your
interest, dont be afraid to interrupt and finish other peoples sentences, too.

Gift giving
Gift-giving among business associates is not common practice in France. To
express appreciation to a French business contact, it may be better to host a
special event or dinner than to give a business gift. Gifts are however
expected at social events, especially to thank the host/ess of private dinner
parties.
When Invited to Dinner

If you are invited to a French home, consider it a rare honour. Bring

flowers, quality chocolates or liqueur for the host, and present your gift
before the entertaining proceeds.

Flowers should be sent in advance on the day of the dinner (popular in

Paris) so that the hostess has time to arrange them and is not faced with this
task when she is busy with a meal, or else unwrap them before presenting
them to your hostess. Otherwise, present a gift on arrival this will probably
not be unwrapped immediately (unless no other guests are present or
expected).

In accordance with the old European tradition, a bouquet should have

an odd number of flowers, but never seven or thirteen. On Labour Day (May
1) the French give lily-of-the-valley. Red roses are not reserved for lovers in
France, but do imply a familiarity that business associates are unlikely to
achieve. Carnations are associated with bad luck or bad will.

Chrysanthemums are used for funerals, and are placed on graves on All
Saints Day (November 1).

Do not take a gift of wine, since the host usually prefers to make the
evenings selection themselves this will have been carefully thought out to
complement the food. The only possible exceptions to this would be a special
French dessert wine or high-quality liqueur. Other exceptions if you really
want to bring a bottle of wine would be one from your own country or a
bottle of Champagne.

If you have been a guest at a dinner party or similar social gathering in

a home, ensure that you send a thank-you note to your hosts the next day.
Preferably, your note should be handwritten and delivered by La Poste.
Sending flowers or a basket of fruit is another thoughtful gesture appreciated
by the French.
Take Note

Be aware that displays of warmth and generosity between business

associates are not the norm in French business culture. Giving presents is
acceptable here, but exercise discretion. Business gifts are usually not
exchanged at the first meeting.
Give a good quality gift or none at all

Gifts are expected for social events, especially as a thank-you after a

dinner party.

Give candy, macaroons, cakes and flowers. A gift should be of high

quality and beautifully wrapped.

Esoteric books and music are often valued as gifts. Make sure,
however, that you are reasonably acquainted with the recipients interests
and tastes before making this kind of gift purchase.

Good gift selections can also include coffee table books about your
home country, or anything that reflects the interests of your hosts and is
representative of your country.

Do not offer gifts with your company logo stamped on them (the
French consider this vulgar).

French business etiquette dictates that you do not include your

business card with a gift.

Never send a gift for a French colleague to his/her home unless it is

related to a social event.

Card giving at holidays is appropriate and appreciated. Thanking

business partners for the previous years business and wishing them a
prosperous year to come is a sentiment that will be received with gratitude.
The practice in France is to send New Years greetings and this can occur
during the whole month of January but not later.
6. Kiss, dont hug
When you meet someone in France, you have three options:

Shake hands (with strangers)

Kiss (friends, acquaintances and family members)

Simply say Bonjour

If youre a woman, you usually kiss friends, family members and sometimes
acquaintances.
If youre a man you only kiss people of the opposite sex.
These are of course general rules and depend on your environnement. For
example I always kiss members of my family on the cheek, whether theyre
men or women.
Hugging is only an option with close friends and family.

Negotiation process
When conducting business negotiations with your French counterparts you
need to be aware that you are very likely to come across bureaucratic and
centralised decision-making. This is not to say that radical change does not
happen but it takes time since traditions are always given precedence.
This importance of tradition is evident in French business protocol, which
adheres to persistent formality in the negotiation stages. You cannot change
the serious approach that your French counterparts will take and you are
advised not to attempt to . In your negotiations, you have to focus on the
subject matter of the deal you are discussing and at no point should you
bring in other matters such as family as this will, if anything, reduce your
chances of getting what you want and also possibly offend your negotiation
partners.
During business negotiations, be prepared to answer direct and detailed
questions. Your persistence and tenacity are likely to be rewarded since the
longer the negotiations continue the higher are your chances of success,

since agreements usually take a long time to reach. Because your

negotiation partners will want to be comfortable that all risks have been
identified and managed or mitigated, it might appear to you that they are
making things more complicated than necessary.
A common sign that you have reached a point where your counterparts will
not change their position is when they begin repeating their viewpoints. The
main way to persuade your counterparts to change that viewpoint is through
the use of logical reasoning. Any hard sell techniques or hard bargaining are
likely to cause offence and reduce your chances of getting a deal altogether.
Because of the hierarchical structure of organisations in France, once a
decision has been reached between those in the negotiation process, there is
a high likelihood that your partners will have to go through a similar internal
process and therefore even if you have signed a contract, there is a chance
that they will come back to re-negotiate it as a result of internal negotiations.
This is another reason why you should always try and seek out the top
decision maker in the organisation to speed up your negotiations and reduce
discussions with intermediaries. However, if you are facing intermediaries
treat them with same respect, even though you might be aware that they are
not able to finalise the decision on their own. They can help you to reach a
positive outcome, but if you offend them this will also be reported and your
chances of successful negotiations will be reduced.
When negotiating be upfront about your deadlines and make sure that your
counterparts are reminded of them if they are critical for you, otherwise
these will generally be regarded as flexible dates.

Business etiquette
Attitudes and values are the foundation of every countrys culture, and are
the building bricks for developing business culture. Cultural influences,
communities. attitudes and behaviour vary within and across nations and
within and across ethnicities, and are strongly embedded in
Business executives who hope to profit from their travels to France should
learn about the history, culture, and customs of the areas that they wish to
visit. Flexibility and cultural adaptation should be the guiding principles for
doing business in this country. Business manners and methods, religious
customs, the importance of family are all covered in the following sections.

Some of the cultural distinctions that businesspeople most often face include
differences in business styles, attitudes towards the development of business
relationships, attitudes toward punctuality, negotiating styles, gift-giving
customs, greetings, significance of gestures, meanings of colours and
numbers, and customs regarding titles. The following headings give an
insight into the values, attitudes and culture of the French.