Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is understood as a form of respect. It is considered to be extremely rude not to make and maintain eye contact. Gestures: French people tend to use the 'thumbs up' sign to indicate 'okay'.
French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day. Guests may also bring a bottle of wine or dessert.
France is a high-context culture.
A high-context culture is one in which communication may be more unspoken rather than explicit - for example, much attention is paid to body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues in order to discern a speaker's meaning.
France is a high context culture. Communication is more ambiguous and nuanced. There is less overall instruction and a more “figure it out as you go” mindset.
French people don't normally stare, it's just that French culture allows people to look at others for a longer time than would be acceptable in the US or the UK, for example.
For Parisians eye contact is a personal matter, much like your choice of wine, or infidelity in relationships. As a general rule, you have to avoid looking strangers in the eye; it's slightly offensive.
The French see beauty as accentuating natural beauty and feeling good about yourself, which helps the effortless aesthetic. Kate Kasbee of Edit writes, “French ideals of beauty are imperfect, laid-back, and undone.
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.
French values
The French national motto “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” reflects the core values of French society. Equality and unity are important to the French. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'are often identified as essential to what it means to be 'French'.
French communication style can be very direct, honest, and frank because people are not afraid to share their opinions. They value wit and provocative humour, which can be misunderstood by foreigners.
Try and arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes late
While in many countries this is considered rude, in France it's an unspoken rule. Guests will always arrive a little late – lest they surprise their host in the middle of the preparations.
France has a somewhat Feminine culture. They value quality of life and life purpose. Both male and female have equal social roles. At face value this may be indicated by its famous welfare system, the 35-hour working week, five weeks of holidays per year and its focus on the quality of life.
Dating in France is very common; according to this study, 91% of the French say to have had at least one “date” in their lifetime —a “rendez-vous” preceding a possible romantic relationship. However, in France, there is no proper dating protocol or dating typical scenario as there is no word for “dating” in French.
“French men pay attention to things like women wearing make-up, perfume, dressing well, and they enjoy a woman's sensuality.” This doesn't mean they expect women to be mere 'eye candy,' though. To the contrary, explains Carol: “French culture appreciates both the sensual and the intellectual."
Embrace the French je ne sais quoi when it comes to apparel. Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes.
At a business or social meeting, shake hands with everyone present when arriving and leaving. A handshake may be quick with a light grip. Men may initiate handshakes with women. When family and close friends greet one another, they often kiss both cheeks.
French Values
The French motto “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” reflects the values of French society. Equality and unity are important to the French. The French also value style and sophistication, and they take pride in the beauty and artistry of their country. Family is also highly valued in French culture.
The French celebrate the traditional Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter. They mark May Day, also known as Labor Day, on May 1. Victory in Europe Day on May 8 commemorates the end of hostilities in Europe in World War II. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14.
4 – Flirting is an Artform in France
It's in our genes and it's socially accepted in France. A Frenchwoman is expected to play her feminine side, and be “admired” for her beauty and wit among other qualities. Frenchmen like to flirt as well, even if they know very well there is no hope of it leading anywhere.
Poverty and Inequality
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies and the National Council for Poverty and Social Exclusion Policies, the Covid-19 crisis exacerbated the precariousness of the poorest people, despite government support and safeguard measures.
France is renowned for its sensuality. In this way, erotic love is expressed healthily. This isn't something that is sordid or dirty like many other countries consider it to be. It's considered a healthy expression of love, and for that reason all intimacy is considered beautiful.
You might say that flirting is an art form in this playful nation; this goes for both sexes, too. French women, for instance, are expected to play to their feminine side and be admired for their beauty and wit. They might smile in excess, blush, and laugh at your jokes, all the while playing with their hair.
Australians uphold “fit, healthy, and natural” as the attributes that make you beautiful. Vibrancy, warmth, and self-confidence also top the list of qualities deemed important. Healthy skin and beautiful eyes are seen as the most desirable physical traits.
Hugging in France
Unlike Americans, the French do not use hugging as a greeting. Instead, they kiss cheeks (faire la bise) informally and shake hands in formal settings. Because they are not given often, hugs tend to make French people uncomfortable and can easily seem like an invasion of personal space.