France Etiquette & Customs: A Complete Guide for Expats and Visitors

Introduction

French etiquette and customs are vital to experiencing the country’s culture. France is famous for its rich history, sophisticated cuisine and stylish streets. Beyond the travel clichés lies a set of social norms and manners that locals often take for granted. Whether you plan to study, work or simply holiday in France, understanding these customs will help you integrate more smoothly and avoid awkward misunderstandings. This evergreen guide explores the French way of greeting, dining, communicating and tipping, as well as etiquette for visiting homes, giving gifts and dressing appropriately. It draws on reliable cultural sources, so you can be confident in your cultural knowledge. By understanding French etiquette, you will navigate daily life and relationships with ease.

For further reading on social norms, consult the Cultural Atlas French etiquette guide, and if you are planning to relocate, check out our Moving to France guide.

Greetings and social introductions

Handshakes versus la bise

Greeting etiquette in France depends on the context and the relationship between the people involved. In business or with acquaintances, a brief handshake is customary. Among friends and relatives, the standard greeting is la bise – lightly touching cheeks and making a kissing sound on both sides. Regional differences mean that the number of kisses can vary, so follow the lead of your host. Remove hats or sunglasses during la bise, and wait until the other person initiates the gesture. Hugging is rare; as one French etiquette guide notes, Americans’ casual hugs are often seen as inappropriate in France.

Formal and informal address

Politeness is essential in French daily life. You should always greet service providers with a simple “Bonjour” and address them as Monsieur or Madame. When speaking to strangers, elders or anyone in a professional setting, use the formal vous form rather than the informal tu. The French view the shift from vous to tu as a sign of closeness; switching too soon may seem disrespectful. Titles are important too – use someone’s academic or professional title when appropriate. Compliments are usually accepted with self‑deprecation rather than a simple “thank you”.

Politeness, punctuality and visiting etiquette

Always say “bonjour” – and other manners

Politeness governs French daily interactions. At counters, shops and restaurants, greet staff with “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” before making a request. Use “s’il vous plaît” (please), “merci” (thank you) and “au revoir” (goodbye) liberally. According to a language school in Paris, saying “bonjour” opens doors to better service and avoids being subtly dismissed. When entering and leaving a gathering, greet everyone present, regardless of how many people are there.

Punctuality – never arrive à l’heure

Timekeeping depends on the setting. When invited to someone’s home for dinner, the unspoken rule is to arrive around fifteen to twenty minutes after the stated time. Being exactly on time is considered impolite because hosts need last‑minute preparation. By contrast, punctuality is required for business meetings and restaurant reservations. For everyday errands like buying bread or visiting the pharmacy, queues are respected; wait patiently and greet the shopkeeper when it is your turn.

Visiting and gift etiquette

French people rarely visit unannounced. Being invited into someone’s home is an honour, so make sure to ask whether you should bring something. Bringing a quality bottle of wine or a gourmet dessert is customary, and guests are usually expected to dress smartly. Gifts are often opened immediately, and quality matters: if you offer wine, choose the best you can afford. During dinners, offer to help the host with serving or clearing dishes.

Dining and drinking etiquette

Table manners

Table etiquette holds particular importance in France. Meals are structured around courses – an entrée, main dish, cheese and dessert – and everyone waits until all guests are seated and served before starting. It is customary to say “bon appétit” at the start of the meal. While eating, avoid talking with your mouth full and wipe your mouth gently after drinking. Keep your hands visible on the table and do not rest your elbows on the table. When passing dishes, hold the dish so your neighbour can serve themselves. Finish what is on your plate to show appreciation for the cook’s efforts – leaving food is frowned upon. In restaurants, diners typically do not split the bill; instead, one person pays or everyone leaves cash to approximate their share.

Wine and drinks

Wine plays a central role in French dining. People comment on the aromas and flavours, and there is a ritual to tasting: smell the wine, take a sip and savour it before swallowing. To decline more wine, leave your glass mostly full. At an apéro (pre‑dinner drinks), bring something gourmet like olives, bread or cheese. The last piece of food is often left until someone politely offers it to the group.

Tipping and paying

Unlike in some countries, gratuity in France is built into the price of meals and services. AFAR explains that a 15 per cent service charge (service compris) is automatically included in restaurant bills, and hospitality workers are paid a living wage. Customers may choose to leave a small tip (un pourboire) for excellent service, but it is not required. For drinks, locals round up to the nearest euro or leave 20 to 50 centimes per beverage. At casual cafés, one or two euros per person is sufficient, while upscale restaurants merit a five‑ to ten‑per‑cent tip. Taxi drivers are not routinely tipped; rounding up or adding a euro or two for help with bags is appreciated. In hotels, small gratuities recognise specific services: one or two euros per bag for luggage handlers, a few euros for room service, and five to 20 euros for a concierge who arranges special reservations.

Communication and conversation

Direct yet polite communication

The French are known for their articulate expression and logical argumentation. Communication style varies by social status, education and region, but is generally more direct than many visitors expect. The precision of the French language makes vagueness difficult, so statements may seem blunt to outsiders. This directness is viewed as polite and diplomatic rather than aggressive. Debating is a valued pastime; people enjoy dissecting ideas and appreciate informed rebuttals. Applying French etiquette will help you engage in conversations gracefully.

Reading between the lines

Although verbal communication is direct, French interaction can also be implicit. Université Paris‑Saclay notes that the communication style is often both frank and ambiguous. People may expect listeners to interpret non‑spoken cues and read between the lines. Talking openly about money is considered taboo and even improper. Instead, conversations often revolve around culture, art, politics or education. Compliments are met with modesty rather than exuberant gratitude.

Non‑verbal cues and personal space

Physical contact is acceptable only once a degree of familiarity is established. Young couples may embrace in public, but acquaintances maintain a comfortable distance of about an arm’s length. Direct eye contact signals respect, and it is considered very rude to avoid it. Common gestures include a thumbs‑up or forming a circle with the thumb and index finger to indicate “okay”. Adhering to French etiquette helps maintain comfort and respect.

Dress code and general behaviour

Conservative style and sophistication

Although fashion trends vary, French dress codes tend towards understated elegance. Neutral colours, well‑fitting garments and quality fabrics are preferred. Avoid overly casual outfits, sportswear or flip‑flops when visiting cities or attending dinners. When invited to someone’s home or a restaurant, smart casual attire (a blazer or dress, polished shoes and a scarf) shows respect for your host. In rural areas or during festivals, dress may be more relaxed, but neatness and style remain important.

Behaviour in public spaces

Maintain a moderate volume when speaking in public; loud conversations can be seen as intrusive. Queue patiently at shops and transport stops. Do not place your feet on chairs or tables, and sit with legs crossed at the knee or together. Smoking is common on café terraces, but you should ask before lighting a cigarette when sitting with others. Keep mobile phone use discreet in cinemas, museums and restaurants.

Conclusion

French etiquette is rooted in a respect for courtesy, quality and shared enjoyment. Learning to greet people properly, navigate the subtleties of vous and tu, bring thoughtful gifts, savour meals patiently and tip appropriately will help you blend into French society. Equally important are the nuances of communication: be direct yet polite, observe non‑verbal cues, and avoid taboo topics like money. By embracing these customs, expats and travellers can deepen their connections and experience France’s culture authentically. Ultimately, mastering French etiquette will enrich your experience and help you feel at home in France.