Search results
Cafes are a central part of daily life for many French people. Photo taken in Montmarte (Paris) by Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash. Etiquette & Customs in France 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.
- How to Greet French People. As far as social norms in France go, the most important you should know is how to greet French people. The French have a lot of different ways to say hello, so it’s not easy to navigate between the customs.
- Should You Bring Wine to a Dinner Party in France? While bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party in the US is a thoughtful and polite gesture, it may not be in France.
- Are the French Always Late? While in the US and the UK there’s a culture of arriving early, the French social norm is the exact opposite. French hosts need an extra 10-15 minutes to set up the table or fix their makeup before guests arrive.
- What Do French Kids Eat? French food is exquisite, and even the kids know this. There’s no “kids menu” in France. While American children opt for chicken nuggets and French fries, French children eat the same kinds of food their parents do.
- Population of France. The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) places the population of France at 67.81 million people as of January 1, 2022.
- French language. French is the official language and the first language of 88% of the population, according to the BBC. It is the dominant language of France, but there are a number of variants based on region.
- Religion in France. Catholicism is the predominant religion of France. In a survey by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP), 64% of the population (about 41.6 million people) identified themselves as Roman Catholic.
- French values. The French take immense pride in their nation and government and are typically offended by any negative comments about their country. Visitors, particularly Americans, often interpret their attitude toward foreigners as rude.
- Etiquette is Key in France. Generally speaking, the French are very formal people – even among friends, they usually stick to polite formality. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but in general, you should avoid being too informal when talking to someone you don’t know well.
- The French Take Family Seriously. The French have strong traditions related to family matters, and they place a lot of importance on family values. In France, you often hear that family is everything – it is the cornerstone of French society and plays a central role in French culture.
- Language Is Important in French Culture. France is a country with a rich linguistic heritage. French is the official language of France, but it is not the only language spoken there.
- French Workplace Culture Can Be Confusing. The French workplace can be a confusing and frustrating place for foreigners. This is because it is governed by a set of unwritten rules and customs that are not always easy to understand.
It’s estimated that 83%-88% of the population is Catholic, 2% Protestant, 5%-10% Muslim, 1% Jewish, 1% Buddhist, and less than 1% Sikh. Ethnic groups include: Bretons, Basques, North Africans, Africans, Eastern Europeans, Southeast Asians, and more. France’s official name is “The Republic of France”. The State is headed by the President ...
Jan 22, 2020 · Greeting in France. If you don’t know anything about French social customs, you should at the very least know to be formal. The French value this above all else in terms of social interaction. Use handshakes when greeting strangers. This includes both at the beginning and end of your conversation or meeting. When entering a shop or restaurant ...
People also ask
Are the French a proud people?
Are French people more comfortable than British people?
Are French people tolerant of foreigners?
How do you communicate with a French person?
Are French people Polite?
What should you not ask a French person?
Never say you don’t like something – it’s one of the most important French table manners to comment only positively on the food. Don’t snap your fingers to call a waiter. (And don’t say garçon! either – French servers hate that.) Don’t pick your teeth, lick your knife or fork, or make food spots around you.
