It is sometimes said that the predominant religion in France is French. This is especially true in Paris. The capital is rightfully proud of its culture, and visitors who exhibit an understanding of the country's lifestyle and customs will be given more consideration than those who don't.
Appointments—Schedule business meetings well in advance. Punctuality is expected. It is not necessary to have your business cards translated into French, but if you do, it is common to include your educational degrees if they extend to post-graduate studies.
Personal Introductions—Handshakes are the common form of greeting and are somewhat less firm than is common in other countries. Eye contact should be direct. Use professional titles or standard French titles (monsieur, madame, mademoiselle) along with the person's last name. Don't use a person's first name until instructed to do so. Les bises, or "air kisses," as a greeting occur only among people you've already met. As a visitor, participate only if your host initiates the action. Do not expect your smile to be reciprocated: Parisians do not always smile easily.
Negotiating—The French are formal in their business dealings, but the conversation may take a winding path and at times may dwell on minutiae. Do not let this confuse or frustrate you. Decisions are typically made very deliberately and after consultation with superiors. Junior executives typically do not have a great deal of authority. The French tend to avoid the subject of money in meetings, although it is by no means taboo. It shouldn't, however, be the first item on the agenda.
Business Entertaining—Business lunches are common and often extended in duration—three hours is not uncommon. Keep your hands on the table while dining.
Body Language—The French converse at a somewhat closer distance than is common in some other areas. It is not uncommon for polite conversational touching to occur. "Thumbs up" means OK. Posture is important, as is the quality of your clothing. Chewing gum in public is considered ill-mannered, as is eating while walking on the street.
Business Gift Giving—Though the practice is not typical, tasteful gifts are appreciated. They are usually given only after a relationship is relatively well-established.
Conversation—If you speak French, do so. If you do not, learn a few polite phrases—and learn them well. Do not be offended if your French pronunciation is corrected. Good topics are food, wine and art. Be careful not to inadvertently demean any aspect of French culture, especially in comparison with that of the U.S. Parisians are a private people. Personal questions are considered poor form. Privacy extends to the audible level of conversation. The French tend to speak more quietly than people from other countries.
Other Information—Office doors are typically kept closed: Knock before entering. The French pride themselves on their lifestyle. It is not unusual for six weeks of every year to be given over to vacation, and the workweek consists of 35 hours. Still, French society's productivity is on a par with or even better than that of other developed nations.
