The French are private people and have different rules of behaviour for people within their social circle and those who are not. Although the French are generally polite in all dealings, it is only with their close friends and family that they are free to be themselves.
The French people are known for having good etiquette, but always arriving at their destination fashionably late. They take the time to savor their meals and have an appreciation for fine dining, formal dress, and intellectual conversations, but they do not argue about money.
Staring at a person is considered very rude. Speaking loudly to a person who accompanies you or when on the phone is also frowned upon. At the end of a meal, it is normal in France to share the bill equally among all the guests, unless one of them wants to pay everything.
French people love to entertain and what better place to do it than your own home. There's nothing better than a night full of great conversation and friends, good wine, and delicious food. The art of a french dinner party is not to make it too overcomplicated.
Everybody gets a smile and it is considered rude not to smile. The smile is free and ubiquitous, like air or sunshine. It's expected and polite.
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.
Don't kiss in a French train station
The SNCF (French railways) got tired of the delays caused by couples kissing their farewells on platforms. Thus was born this weird French law that prohibits making out once the train has pulled up to the station.
The French are private people and have different rules of behaviour for people within their social circle and those who are not. Although the French are generally polite in all dealings, it is only with their close friends and family that they are free to be themselves.
Respect is shown in verbal greetings by referring to the person as 'Madam' ('Ms') or 'Monsieur' ('Mr'). Though previously the title 'Madam' referred to a married woman and 'Mademoiselle' referred to an unwed woman, this practice is no longer commonplace.
The French generally date someone that they had previously met either through their friends or social circles, meetup groups, local events, but also through online dating site and apps. What is this? Online dating sites, or apps —like Tinder, Happn, Meetic, etc. — are more and more popular for both men and women.
A typical gesture of French manners and politeness, which becomes the opposite if you don't apply it, is to let another person pass through a door first, and a man always gives way to a woman. If someone gives way to you, it is common to thank them or say pardon.
Observe social etiquette. Address people by their appropriate title and talk to them in a polite manner to avoid committing a 'faux pas' (see Demeanour and Interactions under Core Concepts). Expect discussion to be well thought out. French generally express opinions when they are fully formed and refined.
“The French believe that kids feel confident when they're able to do things for themselves, and do those things well,” writes Pamela Druckerman, an American mom who chronicled her experience raising children in France in her book Bringing Up Bébé and the follow-up Bébé Day by Day: 100 Keys to French Parenting.
Eye contact is not considered rude in France, however, the level of eye contact may vary depending on the situation. French people do make eye contact while speaking as it is a sign of attentiveness and interest.
Never eat on the go
Therefore, munching on anything while walking around in public places is highly frowned upon. This applies to public transport, too. Indeed, scoffing your morning croissant while riding the métro to work will almost certainly attract some scornful looks.
Parisians are said to be more reserved, while Southern French people are more talkative. But in general, French people love silence. French people simply don't engage in small talk or long conversations with strangers. Friendships and sharing are seen as much more intimate than, for instance, American culture.
More than a tradition, it's a habit and even a reflex. Of Latin origin, the greeting kissing persists in countries where the culture of contact dominates, and this culture is deeply rooted in France. The French still greet each other by touching each other, kissing or shaking hands.
Because they are not given often, hugs tend to make French people uncomfortable and can easily seem like an invasion of personal space. Hugs are not normal between strangers, acquaintances, or even most friends and family. If at all, they are usually reserved for young children or lovers.
It's not normal in French culture to hug, so if you attempt to hug a French person, they may get a little too close, too touchy-feely, might not know what to do with their hands or might just stand there waiting for you to move on to the next unsuspecting Frenchie. It'll make them feel really awkward or embarrassed.
French values
Equality and unity are important to the French. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'are often identified as essential to what it means to be 'French'. For many, the values of equality and fraternity indicate that the French are a unified and undivided group.
Sports and recreation
Certainly organized sport has a place in French society, however, with cycling, swimming, football (soccer), skiing, tennis, boules (pétanque), and, increasingly, golf, basketball, and martial arts being the most popular activities.
The French value family above all else. They cherish these close relationships and it's an important part of French culture. But, you should know more than just the French vocabulary for family members. You should also know what a typical French family is like.