Jean Vanessa Altarejos BSBA MM 2-1D


Mark De Ala
Matthew Rouwie Ong

FRANCE

Population
In 2006 the population of France was estimated at 60,876,136, up by more than 2 million since
the last census in 1999. In addition, 1.9 million live in France’s overseas departments and
territories. The annual population growth rate has averaged about 0.4 percent in recent years, less
than half the U.S. rate but somewhat above the low West European norm. Nearly all of the
European Union (EU) population growth in recent years has come from France, as in 2003, when
France added 211,000 out of the EU’s 216,000 total increase. The population density in France
proper is 111 people per square kilometer of land area (2005 estimate). Three- quarters of the
French population live in urban settings, defined as cities and towns with more than 2,000
inhabitants.

Demography: Since the late eighteenth century, France’s demographic pattern has differed from
that of other West European countries. France was the most populous country in Europe until
1795 and the third most populous in the world, behind only China and India. However, unlike the
rest of Europe, France did not experience strong population growth in the nineteenth century and
first half of the twentieth century. The country’s birthrate dropped after the French Revolution,
when the peasantry gained an ownership stake in land and then limited births to ensure passing
on viable plots of land to their children. Thanks to this limitation, France effected the
“demographic transition” to lower birthrates much earlier than other countries, and France’s
population eventually fell in comparative terms behind Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy,
as well as a score of non-West European countries. After World War II, France was again atypical
among European countries, in that its postwar baby boom lasted longer than elsewhere. As a
result, since 1991 France has regained its position behind only Germany as the most populous
West European nation. If present trends continue, the French will outnumber the Germans by
mid-century.
Estimates on current total fertility rates in France range from very slightly above to slightly
below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman. Women continue to postpone childbearing
through high contraception usage (legalized in 1967) and abortion (legalized in 1974). In 2004
the average age of women who gave birth was 29.6. Notwithstanding this late childbearing, the
native birthrate has been rising slightly and stands at 11.99 per 1,000 (2006 estimate). Infant
mortality stands at an extremely low level, 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006. The overall
death rate is 9.14 deaths per 1,000 population (2006 estimate).
The most striking demographic feature of France, as of other advanced industrial countries, is
population aging. France’s median age is 39.1 years. Life expectancy for men and women
combined stood at 79.7 in 2006, with men living 76.1 years and women living 83.5 years. Life
expectancy gains stem from reductions in adult mortality, with more and more of all deaths
occurring in advanced old age. The age structure of the population is typical for Europe, with
18.3 percent under 15 and 16.4 percent over 65, a number expected to grow to 24 percent in
2030. If labor market behavior remains unchanged, France’s labor force will begin to shrink and
age significantly after 2010. One person in four of working age will be over 50 in 2010,
compared with one in five at the present time.
Positive net migration⎯0.66 migrants per 1,000 in 2006⎯plays a relatively minor role in
France’s population dynamics, and, once immigrants are settled in the country, their birthrates
fall rather quickly toward the local norm. According to French statistics, this change can occur
within a single generation.

Economy
With a gross domestic product (GDP) in 2006 of US$2,124 billion, France is the sixth largest
economy in the world in U.S. dollar terms, after the United States, Japan, Germany, the People’s
Republic of China, and the United Kingdom (UK). France is a member of the European Union
and, as part of the Eurozone, has ceded its monetary policy authority to the European Central
Bank in Frankfurt. For the past two decades, the French economy has undergone substantial
adjustments that diminished public ownership and economic planning and increased the sway of
markets, especially financial markets, over French business. At its high- water mark in 1985,
public ownership accounted for 10 percent of the economy and public- sector employment for 10
percent of employment. By 2000, public-sector employment had been cut in half, and the state’s
direct control of the economy was reduced to core areas of public- service provision, such as the
post office.
Currently, the French economy is performing strongly by several measures of economic activity.
In 2005 productivity measured as GDP per hour worked exceeded that of the United States and
the other Group of Eight economies. Large French companies are expanding internationally and
performing impressively

Culture , Traditions, Values and Beliefs

French traditions and culture hold a special fascination for foreigners. Certain elements of the
culture are world-famous, such as the deep regard the French have for excellent food and wine.
Other parts are less well-known, and you’ll only discover it when you’ve made some horrible
faux pas (mistake) at a dinner party. When you stay in France, whether for four days or four
years, familiarizing yourself with its cultures and traditions will deepen your experience.

Social conventions

In French culture, there are few social conventions as important as greeting people properly. It’s
the number one way to make a good first impression. On the flip side, failing to greet someone
properly is also the number one way to offend someone. But don’t worry, once you know the
rules it’s easy.
Formal greetings

In France, it’s polite to say “bonjour” or “bonsoir” (good morning/good evening) when
encountering someone, even if it’s a stranger. For example, when entering a doctor’s office, it’s
customary to greet those in the waiting room with a brief “bonjour.” You should also do this
when entering a small boutique, shop or café.
When addressing or trying to get the attention of a person that you don’t know, you should begin
the conversation with: “Bonjour Madame/ Monsieur.” No last name is necessary or expected. For
example, if you get on a city bus and want to buy a ticket, don’t just ask to buy a ticket
straightaway, but say: “Bonjour Monsieur…” then ask your question.

Informal Greetings

The double (and sometimes triple) kisses the French plant on each other’s cheeks in greeting is
familiar to anyone vaguely familiar with French culture. This kiss is called la bise. Women
generally give la bise to both male and female friends upon greeting them or when being
introduced to new people in a social setting. French men give la bise to all female friends and
their closest male friends, otherwise they shake hands.
When new to France, follow the lead of a French person you’re being introduced to, but
generally women should prepare to give faire la bise (do the kiss) in non-business settings. Men
should prepare to shake hands with other men, but faire la bise with women.

Relationships

Family
French families are generally close-knit. Immediate families dine together during the week and
it’s common to lunch or dine with extended family on weekends.

Marriage
Marriage rates in France have notably declined over the past 12 years. Many people are opting
instead to enter into a civil union, known as a PACS (pacte civil de solidarité). Couples in a
PACS enter a formal contract that gives them many, but not all, of the same legal rights that
married couples enjoy. While the law was created in 1999 to give same-sex couples increased
legal and financial protections, the number of heterosexual couples getting pacsé has overtaken
the number of homosexual couples entering the contract. This may be partly due to the fact that
same-sex couples are now legally entitled to marry in France.

Friendships
The French have a reputation for being “cold” or “closed” but again this is a misunderstanding of
French culture. On the whole, French people tend to behave with more formality and reserve
than Americans, especially with strangers or new acquaintances. It may take several months–or
even years, in some case–before you’re invited to a French home, especially among the older
generation. But this doesn’t mean that person doesn’t enjoy your company. You’ll find that,
whether invited into their homes or not, the French can be extremely kind, loyal, and caring
friends and neighbours.

Food and Drink

It’s no secret that French cuisine and wine are held in high esteem throughout France and the
world. Although the term “French cuisine” is generally used to embrace all foods from France,
each region has its own specialties and styles, usually based on local ingredients. For example:
• Normandy’s farmlands and Atlantic coast produce dishes featuring seafood, apples, and dairy-
products, such as butter, cream, and cheese.
• Burgundy, so close to cattle country, Boeuf Bourguignon (cubed beef cooked in red wine) is a
well-known classic.
• The south of France’s Provence favors using olive oil over butter and traditional dishes often
include fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs such as basil, rosemary and oregano.
• The Alsace, near the border of Germany, tends to feature hearty meat dishes, choucroute
(sauerkraut), and other German-influenced foods.

Wine and Alcohol

French wines hold probably the most revered cultural status of all. With a history dating back to
the Middle Ages, there are 12 major wine-growing regions in France, the most famous being
Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. It’s thanks to France that we have well-known grapes like
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Indeed, almost all classic grape
varietals in the world were originally sourced from France.
In 2016, France exported some $9 billion in wine, amounting to 28.2% of total wine exports. The
country exports the highest percentage of fine wines in the world, although not the world’s top
wine exporter (that honor goes to Italy…at the moment).
Despite the strong wine culture, most French people don’t drink wine willy-nilly. Wine is
generally imbibed with meals, not before or after. Before-dinner drinks are called apéritifs and
usually consist of champagne, beer, cocktails, or sweet drinks like fruit juice or port wines.
Digestifs, after-dinner drinks, commonly consist of brandies or liqueurs, such as Cognac,
Armagnac, Calvados, or fruit-based Eau de Vie.

Etiquette

Public behavior
In France, people are generally expected to behave discreetly, although public displays of
affection aren’t uncommon. You’re also expected to speak in quiet tones, particularly in
restaurants. Whether true or not, Americans have a reputation for speaking loudly in public. So,
if you want to show yourself to be a model of politeness in French society, modulate your tone
accordingly.

Guest etiquette
Being a guest in a French home can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield when you’re not
familiar with the culture (and sometimes even when you are). But most French people are
forgiving of foreigners who make cultural faux pas, as long as it remains within the bounds of
decency. Still, you can impress French hosts by knowing basics guest etiquette.

Arrival
Never arrive precisely on time to a French dinner party. Being timely is considered slightly rude,
as the hosts are often still making final touches. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes after the stated time is
considered polite–but don’t arrive later than that.

Gift giving
When arriving at a French home for dinner, it is customary to bring a small gift to the host. Your
safest bet is to bring flowers (avoid chrysanthemums due to their association with death) or a
small box of chocolates or fine candies. Unless you know the host well, foreigners should avoid
bringing wine as the host will have already paired wine with the meal. Never bring food, unless
asked.

French table etiquette

The French have certain dining rules that may come as a surprise to people new to French or
European society. Here are a few:
• Wait to be instructed where to sit a French dinner table. The host usually has a seating plan.
When possible, guests are seated by alternating men and women, but spouses and partners are
almost never seated next to each other.
• Do not begin eating until everyone has been served. Often eating commences once the host
says, “bon appétit” (have a good meal). If in doubt about when to begin eating, watch your host.
• Both hands should remain on the table (but not your elbows) while eating.
• As a rule, women do not pour themselves a glass of wine. It’s tradition that the male host or the
French man seated next to a woman pours the wine for her. If you’re pouring wine, never fill the
glass to the brim. The glass should be no more than two-thirds full.
• The French eat with their fork in the right hand and the knife in the left. They do not switch the
knife to the right hand to cut their food. Don’t feel that you are expected to do the same.
• When you’ve finished eating, put your fork and knife together and lay them on your plate at the
four o’clock position. The host will understand that you don’t want any more food. (This is true
for dining in French restaurants as well).
• Cheese is served after the main course. One could fill a small book on the proper way to cut
different cheeses. Just observe how other French people cut the various cheeses and do your best.

Business protocol
Business culture in France tends to be fairly formal and hierarchy is of the utmost importance.

Greetings
When introduced someone always address them as Monsieur or Madame unless you are
specifically invited to call them by their first name. Introduce yourself with both names. Shake
hands lightly and briskly while looking the other person in the eye.
Attire
Wear formal business attire, unless you are specifically invited to dress casually. But caution!
“Business casual” in France usually means that you don’t have to wear a tie with your suit.
Appearance is highly judged in France: you should look well-groomed at all times and your
clothes should be good quality.

Relationships
Long-term relationships are extremely important in France. When new to the country, start
developing a network of French colleagues. Make an effort to engage in light chat about work to
build those relationships. Don’t veer into talk about your personal life. The French value their
privacy and rarely talk about their personal lives at work.

Hierarchy
Hierarchy is adhered to strictly in France. Decisions come from those at the upper echelons of
authority. Subordinates only act when specifically instructed to do so by a superior or the action
is embodied in their job description. This can be frustrating for people who come from cultures
that value taking initiative, even if it isn’t in the job description, when there is a visible need for
action. In France, taking initiative in this way would be viewed as overstepping one’s
boundaries.

Religion
Between 83 percent and 90 percent of the French population is Roman Catholic and only 2
percent Protestant. The rate of religious practice among the nominally Catholic population is
very low. France also has a Jewish minority of about 1 percent, a Muslim minority of 5–10
percent, and about 4 percent unaffiliated. France’s Muslim population is the largest in Europe.
France lacks official statistics on religion, a fact that reflects the country’s commitment to the
religious neutrality of the state, or laïcité, considered necessary for religious freedom. Faced with
antidemocratic pressures from the Catholic Church in the early decades of the Third Republic,
France promulgated a law in 1905 calling for the strict separation of church and state. The
government has since reaffirmed this law, with, for example, a controversial March 2004 bill that
banned the display of all conspicuous religious symbols in public schools. This ban targeted in
particular the wearing of headscarves by Muslim girls in public schools. The government
maintains that the wearing of religious symbols threatens the country’s secular identity, while
others contend that the ban on symbols curtails religious freedom.
France currently seeks to encourage the emergence of a “French Islam.” In 2002 the government
set up the French Council for the Islamic Faith based on the model of the Consistoire for Jews
created in 1808. The government also has called on private divinity schools to train tolerant
homegrown imams who can compete with more militant foreign imams. At present, fewer than
20 percent of France’s approximately 1,600 imams have French citizenship, only a third speak
French with ease, and half of those who receive regular pay receive it from foreign sources,
mainly Algerian, Moroccan, Turkish, and Saudi. Many imams work in unknown “backyard
mosques,” a concern for both security agencies and Muslim leaders.
France (Maui)

Language

French language, French français, probably the most internationally significant Romance
language in the world.
At the beginning of the 21st century, French was an official language of more than 25 countries.
In France and Corsica about 60 million individuals use it as their first language, in Canada more
than 7.3 million, in Belgium more than 3.9 million, in Switzerland (cantons of Neuchâtel, Vaud,
Genève, Valais, Fribourg) more than 1.8 million, in Monaco some 80,000, in Italy some 100,000,
and in the United States (especially Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont) some 1.3 million.
Furthermore, more than 49 million Africans—in such countries as Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Côte
d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco,
Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia—use French as a first or second language, and
millions of inhabitants of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia use it as their principal international
language. Many creole French speakers too use standard French in formal situations.

Communication Styles
French people communicate formally. Thus, when a person is communicating with French
people, language, gestures and expression must be considered. From the communication style,
communicating with French people appears as unfriendly, strict, organized and professional
because social status must always be considered. However, beneath the way French people
communicate, there are hidden complicated interpersonal relationship. Importantly, if a person is
not fluent French speaker, then, English is better to be used to avoid misunderstanding.
Moreover, the degree of each cultural dimension of Hofstede’s 5 dimensions can also affect the
communication styles of French people.

Directness Culture
France are diplomatically communicate in a direct way (Communication Style, n.d.). This is due
to the country’s high degree of individualistic, which people tend to speak directly of what they
think and feel. Also, they value less about the ‘face’ of their communication partner. French
language can clearly explain the directness and formal style of communication of French people.
They also express their emotions directly.

Verbal & Non-verbal Communication Style

For French people, the first impression is important; therefore, the verbal and non-verbal
communication matters must be considered.

For non-verbal Communication:

• “Okay” sign with your hand is considered as “worthless” or “zero” for French people
 • Facial expression - French people do not express their feelings and emotions through their
facial expression. This is because French people are conservative thus, this kind of non-
verbal practice is considered as rude.
◦ For example, in the case of smiling. French people only smile when it is necessary
to smile because smiling for no reason is considered as rude manner.

Low Consideration & High Involvement

French is considered to be a low consideration and high involvement society. This is because
French people favor interruption of the communication partner. This is because they view
overlapping as a form of enthusiastic and honour that the communication partner give towards
each other (France introduction, n.d.).

High Context Culture

France is believed to be a high context due to the reason that French society has adopted social
hierarchy and has strong behavior norms. Thus, people in France tend to make decisions based
on emotions and intuition (Pajuupu, n.d.). For example, the subordinates have no rights to make
decisions, the decisions must be based on the managers and working performance is often
appraised in short period of time. Country that adopts high context culture also communicate
verbally and nonverbally, which makes this type of culture very abstract. Thus, the person who
interact with people from France, requires to have observational skills because they would not
only have to listen to the context, but also to listen to the speaker’s tone and look at gesture,
posture, emotion and the facial expression that they respond (Gupta, 2014).

Greeting
French uses handshakes and kisses as a way of greeting to say hello and goodbye. The practice
of kissing must only be done when the communication partner is familiar to you. For the first
meeting, if your communication partner is female, you must wait to let her start the move. The
practice of kissing can be regarded as air kissing, there must be no contact between lips and
cheeks. When kissing, you must start from left to right for cross gender partner. Kissing can be
one, two or three times, depends on the tradition from different region of the country (Business
Communication, n.d.).

Eye Contact
Looking into the communication partner is marked as a good manner. If a communication
partner do not look into the French partner’s eyes, there could be a misinterpretation that the
person who is speaking, is looking down on him or her. However, staring is forbidden because it
considers as impolite and inappropriate (Business Communication, n.d.).

“Tu” and “Vous”

This two words mean “you” in English. “Tu” uses with one person and “vous” uses with two or
more person. However, addressing the wrong “you” could create negative perception towards the
speaker. For “tu” can only be used with people around the same age, close of familiar friends and
family; whereas, for “vous” can only be used for addressing people in higher position (Business
Communication, n.d.).

Pronunciation

Written French
French first appeared in writing in 842 AD, when it was used in the Strasbourg Oaths. Before
then, Latin was the language used for literature throughout Europe. During the 10th and 11th
centuries, French appeared in a number of documents and religious writings. However, French
literature didn't start to take off until the late 12th / early 13th century. The first great work of
French literature was the 'Chanson de Roland' (Song of Roland), which was published in about
1200.
The French alphabet (l'alphabet français)
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii
[ɑ] [be] [se] [de] [ə] [ɛf] [ʒe] [aʃ] [i]
Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr
[ʒi] [ka] [ɛl] [ɛm] [ɛn] [o] [pe] [ky] [ɛʀ]
Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
[ɛs] [te] [y] [ve] [dubləve] [iks] [igʀɛk] [zɛd]

Business Culture

Gender does not play a major role within the business culture in France. French organisations
and businesswomen, including foreign women, are as well respected as their male counterparts.
However, it should be noted that women are more readily accepted in management positions in
the major cities than in the provinces, where some gender inequality can still be found.
Females should be aware that flirting is generally considered normal and acceptable behaviour in
France, and is seen as harmless entertainment to lighten the day at work and socially. Harmless
flirting however, should not be confused with sexual harassment, which is completely
unacceptable. For example, paying appreciative comments on a colleague’s dress or perfume
choice could be considered sexual harassment in some countries. Meanwhile, in France it is
considered a genuine compliment and as such is appreciated. However, within the business
culture in France, trying to emulate your French co-workers in flirting should only be done if you
can do it elegantly, since crossing the line into vulgarity and roughness can get you into trouble.
Cultural taboos
Within the business culture in France there are a number of issues that are considered
inappropriate and that you should be aware of in order to avoid insulting your French
counterparts and showing disrespect for their views and values:
▪ Don’t start a conversation in English, try to speak French even if your language
knowledge is limited, you will increase your chances of a positive business meeting.
▪ Don’t ask “how much is your salary?”
▪ Do not shake hands if you are exchanging ‘la bise’ – the kiss on the cheek, which is done
at least twice.
▪ Do not address anyone with “tu” – which is the informal term for ‘you’ use “vous”
instead.
▪ Try not to call or meet anyone during their lunch break 12 till 2pm – unless you have
been invited for a lunch meeting.
▪ Typical discussion topics do not include your wealth – showing off your wealth is
considered bad taste.
▪ French organisations are very hierarchical and communications across these lines can be
a time consuming process, if you want to speak to the manager, speak to them directly.
▪ Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar.
▪ Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public.
▪ Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is offensive to the French.
▪ Snapping fingers is also considered offensive.
▪ It is extremely bad manners to ask a French individual about his political leanings or how
he voted. You can enquire however about the political system or public opinion about
political leaders.
▪ Do not criticize Napoleon, since he represents a part of the French spirit.
▪ Refrain from using any standard conversation openers such as, ‘What do you do?’
▪ Politeness is of the utmost importance to the French. Any rudeness will not be easily
forgotten or forgiven.

Business Etiquette

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 (don’t 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 you’re 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 it’s 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 don’t 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 haven’t
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 you’ve 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 person’s
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 won’t 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
you’re saying. Reciprocally, if you want to show your interest, don’t be afraid to interrupt and
finish other people’s sentences, too.

Social Habits

Eating & Drinking in France

You shouldn’t serve any drinks (or expect to be served one) before all guests have arrived – even
if some are an hour or more late! If you’re offered a drink, wait until your host has toasted
everyone’s health ( santé) before taking a drink. Never pour your own drinks (except water)
when invited to dinner. If you aren’t offered a(nother) drink, it’s time to go home. Always go
easy on the wine and other alcohol; if you drink to excess you’re unlikely to be invited back! The
French say bon appétit before starting a meal and you shouldn’t start eating until your hosts do.
It’s polite to eat everything that’s put on your plate. Cheese is served before dessert.
Conversation
The French love detailed and often heated discussions, but there are certain topics of
conversation that need handling with care. These include money, which is generally avoided by
the French; it’s a major faux pas to ask a new acquaintance what he does for a living, as his job
title will often give an indication of his salary. Far safer to stick to discussions of food and drink.
When conversing, even in the midst of a heated debate, avoid raising your voice, which is
considered vulgar. Note also that the French often stand close when engaging in conversation,
which you may find uncomfortable or even threatening at first.
Gesticulating
Like the Italians, the French talk with their hands – often more than with their tongues – but the
art of gesticulation can be as difficult to master (and as full of pitfalls for the unwary) as the
spoken language. Here are a few tips that could help you avoid a faux pas: never point with your
index finger, which is considered rude, but use an open hand (which should also be used when
‘thumbing’ a lift); similarly, beckon with your four fingers, palm down; the thumb is used to
mean ‘one’ when counting, not the index finger; to indicate boredom, rub your knuckles against
your cheek, to show surprise, shake your hand up and down, and to convey disbelief pull down
your lower eyelid; tapping your fingers on the opposite forearm while raising the forearm
slightly indicates an impending or actual departure – usually as a result of boredom! The classic
French shrug is perhaps best left to the natives!
Cards
The sending of cards, other than birthday cards, isn’t as common in France as in some other
countries. It isn’t, for example, usual to send someone a card following a bereavement or after
passing a driving test. Instead of Christmas cards, the French send New Year cards, but only to
people they don’t normally see during the year.
Dress code in France
Although the French are often formal in their relationships, their dress habits, even in the office,
are often extremely casual. Note, however, that the French tend to judge people by their dress,
the style and quality being as important as the correctness for the occasion (people often wear
‘designer’ jeans to dinner). You aren’t usually expected to dress for dinner, depending of course
on the sort of circles you move in. On invitations, formal dress (black tie) is smoking exigé/tenue
de soirée and informal dress is tenue de ville.
Phone Calls
Always introduce yourself before asking to speak to someone on the telephone. Surprisingly it’s
common to telephone at meal times, e.g. 12.00 to 14.00 and around 20.00, when you can usually
be assured of finding someone at home. If you call at these times, you should apologise for
disturbing the household. It isn’t always advisable to make calls after 14.00 in the provinces,
when many people have a siesta.
Noise
It’s common for there to be noise restrictions in French towns and villages, particularly with
regard to the use of lawnmowers and other mechanical tools. Restrictions are imposed locally
and therefore vary, but in general, noisy activities are prohibited before around 08.00 or 09.00
every day, after 19.00 on weekdays and Saturdays and after 12.00 on Sundays, and additionally
at lunchtime on Saturdays.

France’s Top 10 Exports

The following export product groups represent the highest dollar value in French global
shipments during 2018. Also shown is the percentage share each export category represents in
terms of overall exports from France.

At the more detailed Harmonized Tariff System code level, France’s most valuable exported
products are large airplanes followed by therapeutic or prophylactic drugs and medicines then
motor cars.

1. Machinery including computers: US$67.7 billion (11.9% of total exports)

2. Vehicles: $56.5 billion (9.9%)

3. Aircraft, spacecraft: $51.8 billion (9.1%)

4. Electrical machinery, equipment: $44.9 billion (7.9%)

5. Pharmaceuticals: $33.8 billion (6%)

6. Plastics, plastic articles: $22.6 billion (4%)

 7. Perfumes, cosmetics: $19.7 billion (3.5%)

8. Beverages, spirits, vinegar: $19.4 billion (3.4%)

9. Mineral fuels including oil: $18.7 billion (3.3%)

10. Optical, technical, medical apparatus: $16.9 billion (3%)

France’s top 10 export categories accounted for over three-fifths (61.9%) of the overall value of
its global shipments. Among the 10 largest product categories, mineral fuels including oil was
the fastest-growing via its 27.5% uptick from 2017 to 2018.

In second place was the machinery including computers category up by 11.3%. Exports under
the perfumes and cosmetics category rose by 10.9% year over year, trailed by vehicles’ 10.7%
appreciation.

Aircraft and spacecraft was France’s slowest-growing top export category thanks to its 0.7%
uptick from 2017 to 2018.



Advantages

The following types of French product shipments represent positive net exports or a trade
balance surplus. Investopedia defines net exports as the value of a country’s total exports minus
the value of its total imports.



In a nutshell, net exports represent the amount by which foreign spending on a home country’s
goods or services exceeds or lags the home country’s spending on foreign goods or services.

1. Aircraft, spacecraft: US$30.8 billion (Up by 11.7% since 2017)

2. Beverages, spirits, vinegar: $14.6 billion (Up by 5.1%)
3. Perfumes, cosmetics: $13.4 billion (Up by 12.4%)
4. Pharmaceuticals: $8.6 billion (Up by 4.1%)
5. Cereals: $6.3 billion (Up by 39%)
6. Other chemical goods: $3.7 billion (Up by 19.9%)
7. Leather/animal gut articles: $3.5 billion (Up by 26.1%)
8. Ships, boats: $2.7 billion (Up by 123%)
9. Dairy, eggs, honey: $2.5 billion (Down by -7.2%)
10. Iron, steel: $2.4 billion (Up by 0.8%)
France has highly positive net exports in the international trade of aerospace products. In turn,
these cashflows indicate France’s strong competitive advantages under the aircraft and spacecraft
product category.
Culture of French Food

What is it about French food that makes it so celebrated? Is it really so mind-blowingly

delicious? In truth, most French cuisine enthusiasts don’t merely cherish the taste of French food,
but the culture that embodies it.

In France, food is sacred. When preparing a dish, the freshest, best quality ingredients one can
afford are chosen. Before anyone eats a bite, the table is laid with care, even if it’s just a simple
lunch. During the meal, people put away their phones and no one watches the clock. Eating is a
celebration of both the food before you and the company around you. It is this reverence for food
that many lovers of French cuisine value as much as the food itself.

• Three Square Meals a Day

The pace of the day is set around meal times, comprising a light breakfast followed by a three-
course lunch and a similarly substantial dinner.

At home, French dining etiquette connected to meals is less formal than you may think. Most of
all, it is important to relax and gather round a table to eat and talk. The French don't approve of
grazing, scrounging around in the fridge, grabbing a snack on the go, or standing over the sink to
munch on an apple. Dropping coins into a vending machine that dispenses candy bars, potato
chips, and soda isn't a viable option in the accepted French way of life.
• French Markets

Every French food journey begins at the market. Most cities and large towns feature a market at
least twice a week, sometimes every day. Smaller towns and villages have a market once a week.
Some of these markets date back for centuries: one, on the Ile de Ré in western France, boasts
that the market has been in existence since the 14th century. In Paris, the Marché des Enfants
Rouges dates from 1628.

A good French market has virtually everything one needs to prepare the meal of your choice:
butchers, fish mongers, cheese vendors, produce farmers, producers of local specialties, such as
hone or olives.

Naturally, people have their favorite markets and favorite vendors. It’s not unusual to see a long
queue, some 15-people deep, for a certain fromagier (cheese-maker), while another cheese
vendor a few stalls down has only a few customers. The French take quality very seriously. They
scrutinize the offerings carefully and ask questions about their intended purchase before buying.

What Are Typical French Meals Like?

For the most part, there is no “typical” French meal. Although people often use the broad label
“French cuisine” to describe French food, most French dishes are region-based and thus vary
depending on where you are located. The main exception is breakfast foods.

For breakfast, the French often eat tartine: a slice of bread, usually a baguette, smothered with a
fruity jam. This is sometimes accompanied by yogurt and a croissant, and almost always
accompanied by coffee, hot chocolate or orange juice. On weekends, it’s common to pick up
freshly-made viennoiserie from the bakery: croissants, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants),
pain aux raisins and more.

Lunchtime meals vary by region. But one thing that typifies the French lunch is its length. A few
decades ago, lunches were akin to mini-dinners, lasting for hours and served with wine. These
days, French lunches are shorter, but are still leisurely sit-down affairs that last about an hour.
True, in some big cities like Paris, a few people may commit the sacrilege of hastily eating a
sandwich. But for the majority of French people, lunch is a highly valued moment to take a break
from work and socialize with peers and friends over good food.

Once again, a typical French dinner depends on the region. However, the structure of a basic
French dinner tends to be unvarying. A four-course meal is served as follows: entrée (the
appetizer), plat (main course), fromage (cheese) and dessert. Sometimes there is also a salad
course, which would follow the main course. If both fish and a meat course are being served, the
fish would come before the meat.

Apéritifs and digestifs usually bookend French dinners. The apéritif occurs at the very start of the
meal. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served along with small appetizers, such as nuts or
olives, to stimulate your appetite. By contrast, the digestif happens at the very end of the meal.
Guests are served drinks with a high alcohol percentage, such as whiskey, bourbon or a liqueur,
to aid digestion.

French Regional Foods

To truly get to know “French food,” you have to know the regions. Despite the hoity-toity
reputation that many French dishes have, most have humble origins – not created for kings, but
for farmers and labourers. Now-famous regional specialties were largely based on the local
products that were available at that time. That’s why you’ll find plenty of apple-based and dairy-
heavy dishes in Normandy, a region rolling in apple orchards and dairy farms. In Provence, the
cuisine features the olive oil that comes from the olive groves of the region.

Let’s take a look at the cuisines from some of France’s most popular food regions.
• Lyonnaise Cuisine

Lyon, France’s third largest city, is the natural place to begin an examination of French food.
The city is so renowned for its outstanding cuisine that it’s referred to as “the gastronomic
capital of the world”. Home to nearly 2,000 restaurants, Lyon has produced some of France’s
most famous and innovative chefs, including the legendary Paul Bocuse, who
popularised nouvelle cuisine.

Traditional Lyonnaise cuisine is hearty, stick-to-your-bones fare that should be avoided by

vegetarians or anyone who prefers eating light. The cuisine often features pork (in every
permutation, from snout to feet), chicken and duck (particularly the livers) and offal from a
variety of animals. The adventurous eater will enjoy dishes such as salade de foies des
volailles (salad with pan-seared chicken liver), tête de veau (poached calf brains), or tripes à la
Lyonnaise (tripe fried with onions and garlic).

The less adventurous among us will go crazy for quenelles de brochet, a delicious fish dumpling
covered in a creamy lobster sauce. Salad Lyonnaise (green salad with bacon and poached eggs) is
also a great choice, as popular, as is fonds d’artichaut et foie gras (artichoke hearts with foie
gras). If you want to sound more adventurous than you are, try cervelles de canut. Although this
translates as “silk worker’s brains,” it’s really just fromage blanc (the French version of sour
cream) with shallots and herbs.

When in Lyon, be sure to eat traditional food in a bouchon. A bouchon is a tavern-style restaurant
that once served the silk workers that populated the city in the 16th and 17th centuries. While the
city has many excellent bouchons, the Comptoir Abel has the reputation of being the most
authentic–it’s been serving up meals since 1928.
• Provencal Cuisine

In contrast to the heavy fare of Lyon, in Provence food seems feather light. Provence is a region
in the south of France, known for its lavender fields and olive groves. The cuisine is distinctly
Mediterranean, featuring plenty of fish, vegetables, olive oil, garlic and herbs.

The region’s most famous dish is probably bouillabaisse, a fish stew that comes from Marseille.
Coming in second for best-known is likely ratatouille, a vegetable casserole made of tomatoes,
zucchini, aubergines, onions, peppers, garlic and a healthy dose of olive oil. Also popular
is petite farcie – assorted vegetables, from tomatoes to peppers, stuff with minced meat. One of
the heartier local dishes is daube provençal, a beef marinated in red wine with onions, garlic and
herbs, and served over pasta.

Even in Provence, dishes can be narrowed down to a precise origin. You’ll often see certain
foods labelled “Provençal”, but they’re actually Niçoise–from the city of Nice. Typical examples
of Niçoise food is socca, a chickpea pancake, pissalidière, an onion tart and, of course, salad
Nicoise–a salad primarily made of tomatoes, tuna (or anchovies), hard-boiled eggs, and onions.
Other ingredients, such as potatoes or string beans, may also be included, but will inevitably
upset some purists.
• Normandy/Brittany Cuisine
On France’s northwestern coast, you’ll find the regions of Normandy and Brittany. Each have
their distinctive dishes, but being so close to the ocean, both are known for having excellent and
huge variety of seafood and shellfish. Beyond seafood, you’ll find plenty of apples in Normand
cuisine and products, such as Poulet Vallée d’Auge, chicken roasted with apples, Tarte aux
Pommes (apple tart), and Calvados, an apple brandy. Normandy, dairy country, is also known for
its excellent cheeses, most notably the famed Camembert.

Brittany best stands out for its crêpes. Savory crêpes are typically known as galettes. These are
made with buckwheat flour and are commonly served with eggs, ham, and cheese (although
fillings can run the gamut of ingredients). Sweet crepes are often slathered in salted caramel, or
chocolate, or simply sprinkled with butter and sugar.
• Other Types of Regional French Cuisine

Writing about all the regional cuisines of France could fill a book. In Burgundy, you’ve got boeuf
bourguignon, a rich beef stew cooked for hours in red wine. From the Alsace in eastern France,
comes cuisine with a distinctly German touch, including choucroûte garnie (sauerkraut with
boiled potatoes and sausage), flammekueche (a savory thin-crust tart with cheese, onions and
bacon) and bäckeoffe (a casserole made with assorted meats, potatoes and leeks).

In the southwest, expect lots of spiciness from Basque country cuisine. Here, dishes tend to be
enhanced with red Espelette peppers. Try the Omelette piperade, a tarte-like omelette filled with
tomatoes, onion, espelette peppers, olive oil and garlic.

Top 5 Things About Daily Life in France

1. French Baguettes:

Buying fresh bread is essential to daily life in France. Everyone, and I mean everyone, buys
‘du pain’ every day. Whether they have it with butter and jam in the morning for breakfast or buy
it to accompany lunch or dinner, the French eat lots of bread. French baguettes are made without
preservatives and cost about one euro each, making them one of the best bargains in all of
France. In addition, going to the ‘boulangerie’ (bakery) anywhere in France is often a social
occasion, whether it means running into your neighbors or having a brief chat with the
‘boulanger’ or ‘boulangère’.

2. FRENCH MANNERS:

The French place a high value on manners and etiquette, particularly verbal etiquette. It’s a
daily verbal dance to interact in French society whether you’re doing your baguette shopping or
attending a cocktail party. For travelers to France, verbal manners are a daily must even if it’s
just for a few days or for a longer living experience. And everyone, no matter their level of
French, can master the basic tenets. Whenever you interact with someone in France, it’s vital to
follow the following relationship protocols:
 • Make positive eye contact
• Say ‘bonjour’ (hello) to open the relationship or interaction
• Be liberal with ‘Monsieur’ and ‘Madame’
• Of course, use ‘s’il vous plaît‘ (please) and ‘merci’ (thank you) often
• Say ‘au revoir’ to close the interaction

And it goes without saying that a spirit of good will even if you are met with a welcoming
smile or a stone face will go a long way in France!

3. FRENCH FOOD MARKETS:

The outdoor food markets in France are an impossibly beautiful combination of great
culinary ingredients, stunning colors and textures, amazing arrays of choices, dazzling displays,
and soul-satisfying camaraderie among shoppers and vendors. And ‘les marchés’ happen day in
and day out, week after week, month after month, year after year. It’s a daily food ‘festival’ that
turns ho-hum grocery shopping into a sensory extravaganza. And it’s a French social experience
as people from all walks of life rub elbows in search of the next good meal.

4. A Café Society

As France would not be France without its outdoor food markets, the country would not be
the same without its cafés. It’s the daily French gathering place par excellence where you can
have a coffee or a glass of wine or a (usually) simple meal. You can sit for as long as you like –
people watching is a great French café pastime. And the table is your ‘real estate’ in Paris or
wherever you happen to be, as long as you’re a paying customer of course.

Join the locals when you grab a great seat for more people-watching from a table at a
sidewalk café. Order coffee, a lemonade (citron pressé), a carafe of wine, or a sparkling water.
The art of passing time lingering in a French café, whether in conversation or alone with a
newspaper, is what lazy French days have been made of for centuries.

Nowhere does "café society" better than Paris where thousands of neighborhood cafés are central
to the ebb and flow of authentic French joie de vivre.

5. FRENCH CHURCH BELLS:

One of my most favorite things about daily life in France is the bells. In almost every city,
town and village where there’s a church, the bells ring every day on the hour or more during the
day. The Courances village church also rings out the Angelus at 8am, 12noon and 7pm, giving
off a chorus of bell tones for a good two to three minutes.
Coaching to support learning is a process that gives learners a chance, after training, to go back
to their jobs and practice using the concepts they just learned. Providing employees with two or
three 1-hour coaching sessions creates an actual learning process instead of just a training event.
This extra step is important in today’s busy work environment. Many organizations don’t have
the resources to provide managers the time to grow and develop their people. And employees
often don’t have enough room in their schedules to practice training concepts when they get back
to work.
Done right, coaching to support learning sends employees a clear-cut message: Your leaders
believe training is important—and we want to provide you with the support you need to be able
to apply your new learnings back on the job.
Here are three best practices to provide coaching that supports learning in a way that works.
• Support and reinforce behavior change after learning new skills. Post-training
coaching sessions keep training concepts top of mind for a much longer period of time.
During coaching, participants choose one, two, or three of their newly learned skills they
believe would benefit most from practice. The skill(s) they select become the focus for
their ongoing development plan.
• Support learners in taking action and using training concepts back on the job.
Coaching provides the gift of time and space as well as a neutral partner to help them
think through how to practice and implement what they learned in training. So that their
new learning doesn’t feel overwhelming, coaching participants are encouraged to begin
their new skill practice on a small scale, choosing one or two trusted colleagues to
practice with. During coaching, participants strategize with their coach exactly what they
will practice and with whom. Once the person is more confident, their new skills can be
rolled out more broadly.
• Create a learning lab environment where employees can safely review and practice
training concepts. Confidential coaching allows employees the opportunity to define
their own customized learning plan—to declare how they are going to structure their own
development. It allows employees to define a customized approach to their learning.
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