► GREETINGS AND NAMES
Shaking hands is usual when starting and when departing a meeting. The handshake should be light and brief. Smile at the person you greet and avoid distracted and mechanical handshake.
Avoid covering the right hands with your left hand as it may be interpreted as a sign of condescendence.
When introducing yourself, say your first name followed by your last name.
Unless you are good friend or have been asked to do otherwise, you should address your French associates as Monsieur or Madame (never Mademoiselle) followed by their last name.
You will notice that French people kiss (se faire la bise) when they meet, even in a business setting. This way of greeting is reserved to people who know each other and are close. Don’t initiate a “bise”, but if someone initiates a kiss by leaning in with their cheek, go for it…
Keep in mind that “la bise” is an air kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek (or the right) of the other person, then the other cheek. You may make a soft kissing sound.
The number of kisses varies from one to four and with which cheek to start depends on the region. Even French people get so confused that the French newspaper Libération has created an interactive map of kissing etiquette by region at http://combiendebises.free.fr.
If you want to know more about the French kissing etiquette, watch this funny video by British/Irish comedian Paul Taylor. It’s very funny although a bit stereotypical and contains some foul language.
Don’t hug anyone. It is not part of the French culture and could be considered as weird.
► BUSINESS CARDS
Business cards are exchanged after the first meeting.
There is no real need to have your business card translated as most French businesspeople can read English, but if you may decide to have your business card printed on two sides to show your attention to details. If you do so, add the country code to your phone number (+1), leave your address in English and add the country (États-Unis.)
► DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Good appearance is very important in France. Business suit and tie for men, dress for women is the professional attire for meetings. Dress in a classic and elegant manner for the first meeting, then adapt your style according to the type of meeting.
► CONVERSATION
Good topics for discussion include French cuisine, art, music, and philosophy. Avoid asking French people about their political inclinations and do not discuss any personal matters.
► GIFTS
Gift-giving among business associates is not a common practice in France. To express appreciation to a French business contact it’s better to host a special event or dinner than to give a business presents.
Gifts are however expected at social events, especially to thank the host/ess of private dinner parties.
