A polite formality governs daily life in Paris. Say “Bonjour” (hello ), “Merci” (thank you) and “au revoir” ( goodbye ) whenever you leave a place. At first it can be quite disconcerting being greeted by a complete stranger in the close confines of an elevator.
Basic Etiquette
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.
Meeting Etiquette
The handshake is a common form of greeting. Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name.
Polite Formality Governs the Country
The French are known for their polite and formal manners. In fact, these traits govern the country and play a big role in everyday interactions. From the way you speak to the way you dress, good manners are essential when interacting with the French.
While speaking English, in Paris, is not considered rude, expecting every French person to speak French will surely be seen as such. To avoid a cold reaction from the other party, it will always be appreciated to start the conversation with a simple sentence in French.
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.
Bad French Table Manners Are… To start drinking before everybody has a full glass in front of them (and someone has a chance to make a toast). To keep your hands under the table. If you are a man, to serve yourself before offering the food to the woman sitting next to you.
Another tip to respect the French etiquette is politeness. Manners are very important to French people and can be tricky for overseas visitors. “Please” (s'il voul plait ) “Thank you” ( merci ) and “You're welcome” ( je vous en prie or de rien) are used in any circumstances, whenever given the chance.
The French lifestyle (“l'Art de Vivre à la Française” in French) is the art of living life to the fullest: enjoying the best moment in life, whether it's through social gatherings, food, or art. It's about elevating simple everyday routines into something pleasurable.
To greet people, you say "Bonjour". Among young people and students, "Salut" is used more frequently.
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'.
"Cooking / baking" and "Reading" are the top two answers among French consumers in our survey on the subject of "Most popular hobbies & activities". The survey was conducted online among 12,177 respondents in France, in 2023.
In France, it's considered rude not to say hello every time you enter a shop or when you first begin a conversation with a local. Brush up on these ten French words or phrases that'll get you beyond bonjour.
Yes, people in Paris are very nice and super polite. They appreciate it if you know some basic French phrases, however even if you don't they will still be friendly to you.
French etiquette indicates that you should finish your plate, or the host will be offended (thinking that the meal was bad). What is this? There is a potential conflict here, as in some cultures if you finish your plate it means you didn't get enough!
The “fig sign”: The fig sign, or “la figue,” is a gesture that involves making a fist and sticking the thumb between the index and middle fingers. This gesture is considered vulgar and offensive in France and is used to express contempt or insult someone.
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. Remember, personal space reigns.
The French beauty philosophy… “Being beautiful for yourself is a simple art de vivre as well as being beautiful for others. Beauty is a vibration going from inside towards outside and not the reverse. It is the perfect alignment between your soul, mind and attitude.”
French manners and etiquette
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.