Traveling abroad to France can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, it is quite easy to accidentally offend members of the local population if you are unaware of local cultural customs. Therefore, it is essential to become familiar with some of the most common customs before your trip.
France Cultural Customs
Greetings
Unlike the U.S. where a simple handshake is used when meeting/greeting someone, the French opt for the double air kiss. Keep in mind that you are not actually being kissed, but your cheeks will touch the other person’s while an air kiss is given on one side of your face and then the other.
It is important to note, however, that for formal business meetings a handshake will often occur instead.
Shopping
The French observe certain customs while shopping and even though you are a visitor, you will be expected to do the same. When shopping at open-air markets, never, ever touch the food displayed for sale.
In American grocery stores, we are used to squeezing produce to check for ripeness or smelling it to check for freshness. This is considered to be extremely rude behavior in France. You should observe the items carefully, and when you find the item you want, simply point to it. The grocer will pick up the item and hand it to you.
Additionally, while it is customary in the U.S. for shop employees to greet you, you are expected to greet the salesperson when you enter a store. A nod or a smile is not acceptable. You should greet the employee with “hello sir/madam” when you enter, say goodbye when you leave, and always say thank you.
Dining
Table manners are of the most important when dining in France. These expected manners do vary slightly from American ones. Here is a quick rundown.
- your hands (no elbows) should remain on the table unless you are using your napkin
- bread does not rest on your dinner plate, but lays on the tablecloth
- tear the bread into bite size pieces to eat it, never bite into a full piece of bread
- you will most likely never eat with your hands, unless eating bread
While these are the general rules for dining alone or with your traveling companions, the rules are quite different if you are invited to dine in someone’s home. If you are dining in a French home, be sure you:
- do not place your napkin on your lap until the woman of the house does it first
- bring a gift for your host, such as desert wine, champagne or chocolates
- flowers should be sent the morning of the dinner party
- do not ask for a house tour, the French consider it rude
Speaking of flowers, the French have very particular rules about which flowers are and are not acceptable gifts. Carnations are not acceptable, as they are considered unlucky. Chrysanthemums are only for funerals and roses imply a familiarity with your host, so do not give them if the dinner is with business associates. Additionally, any flower bouquet should have an odd number of flowers, excluding the numbers seven and thirteen. Never give an even number of flowers.
These are the basics of French cultural customs. However, there are many more rules, especially for dining. Be sure to brush up on your etiquette before you make your trip to France.