In Paris, as well as in some other major cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, two kisses are the norm. In the South, particularly near Marseille and Montpellier, as well as in the North, near Lille, people have a preference for three kisses. In western France, meanwhile, near Nantes, four kisses are given (that's a lot!)
What is la bise? La bise is a French greeting where two people kiss each other's cheeks two, three, and even four times.
The reason behind these differences remains unknown. One respondent remarked that the custom of three kisses appeared more prevalent in the area roughly corresponding to 17th-century Protestant France, and that it could have been a way of recognising those of the same faith (three being a sign of the Trinity).
North Americans may have the half-hug, but French people have la bise. The “bise etiquette” in France is to greet family, friends, and even acquaintances with a kiss on each cheek as a greeting. Cheek kisses can be made between people of any gender, including two men, depending on how close they are.
As can be seen on the maps below, the custom of four kisses is more prevalent among older residents of France, primarily in eastern Brittany and the Loire region. Yet there's also a hot spot of support among under-25s in the Champagne region.
Three Kisses: Belgium, Slovenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Egypt, and Russia (where it's accompanied by a bear hug)
Spain: Generally speaking, two kisses (one for each cheek) is the norm. Italy: Two kisses is standard, but watch out — Italians tend to start with the left cheek. Also, try to save it for casual social environments (not networking events).
Despite stereotypes monogamy is very important. As kissing someone is considered very meaningful in France, so too is sleeping with someone. While the French may be masters of flirting and love the chase, true intimacy is more reserved than you may expect.
The French have an undeniable reputation when it comes to love and sex. They are passionate, enticing and simply irresistible. French people have a way with words and actions that's all about love. And when it comes to displaying their fairness in bed, they are said to be absolute sex gods!
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.
It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.
French kisses can be more stimulating than kisses without the tongue since the lips, tongue, and other parts of the mouth are powerful erogenous zones that contribute to sexual arousal.
It has been found that when couples French kiss, gently entwining their tongues with one another, there is an increase in the production of oxytocin, which is a hormone associated with building bonds with someone special to us.
In Paris, as well as in some other major cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, two kisses are the norm. In the South, particularly near Marseille and Montpellier, as well as in the North, near Lille, people have a preference for three kisses. In western France, meanwhile, near Nantes, four kisses are given (that's a lot!)
La Bise, or the kiss in English, might not be the type of French kissing you have in mind, but instead, is an important cultural action that is used to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and even “congratulations” and is something you will encounter all over France– the act of air kissing the cheeks!
Main Difference: Main difference between these two kisses lies in the technique; a smooch only involves lips of the two individuals involved in the kiss and a French kiss involves the lips as well as the tongues. A kiss is an expression of love, warmth and affection towards our loved ones.
Expect Lots of Flirting
But whether you're single or not, in France, there is plenty of flirting regardless of marital status. To both sides, flirting is an art form. So you're going to see it thrown around a lot.
For centuries, French couples were told by the church that their duty was to sleep in the same bed. But as Christian practices decline, increasing numbers are opting for separate rooms, with the blessing of experts who say there is no reason to feel guilty.
French men are attracted to women who are confident, self-assured, and who know how to have a good time. Be sure to keep these things in mind if you want to make a French man fall head over heels in love with you!
Researchers from the Netherlands in a 2014 study estimated that a French kiss lasting just ten seconds can facilitate the transfer of up to 80 million bacteria. Though most of those bacteria aren't pathogenic, there are still certain microorganisms that may cause problems while kissing and shouldn't be overlooked.
Public displays of affection in France
People kiss acquaintances when they meet them in the street and you even shake hand with the plumber when he comes to fix your leaky pipe: the French are definitely touchy-feely. So, in Paris (and other major cities) anything goes; elsewhere, be more restrained.
The French generally embrace the art of flirting, and it is not necessarily always with a romantic intent. Sometimes it is just light flirting among friends, and usually involves a play or humor and wit that is not meant to be taken too seriously.
The number one country was Austria (97.3), followed by Germany (96.8) and Cuba (95.8). The United States was at 91.3 points. The least affectionate touch toward their partners was shown by volunteers from China (52.8), The Netherlands (57.5), and Ukraine (58.6).
The wet kiss is an open-mouthed kiss that can involve as little or as much tongue as you and your partner want. These kisses are typically reserved for passionate embraces and indicate desire for your partner.
Dating in Italy is passionate
Going out with an Italian is a passionate affair, so expect to be showered with compliments and affection. Don't be surprised if they want to be affectionate on the first date and try to kiss you.