An easy culture guide to French business etiquette & vocabulary

French business etiquette tips and culture

At first sight, French business etiquette might seem a little more formal than in America. However, it doesn’t necessarily imply professionalism.

As a French person who lived and travelled dozens of times to the US, I know the apparent laid-back, friendly attitude of Americans has nothing to do with their exemplary professional spirit, especially in the service industry.

French business etiquette

Below are a few basic pieces of advice that apply to many French companies. Of course, each organization as its own business culture — especially international companies — so take these with a grain of salt!

1. Be polite and professional

In France, politeness and good manners are appreciated. Things like a proper greeting, asking “How are you” and saying “Thank you” can make all the difference.

Remember to use proper titles to address people, mainly Madame and Monsieur.

And last but not least, never use “tu” or people’s first name unless invited to do so. Some people get really bothered by this, although I never really understood why!

We actually have a funny expression when someone is too familiar, too soon: “On a pas gardé les vaches ensemble.” (We haven’t kept the cows together).

2. Prefer face-to-face contact

Even if you haven’t looked after the cows together, try to favor face-to-face contacts whenever possible. This is especially valid for new business relationships and anything important you need to discuss.

If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, try a phone call or video call over an e-mail or letter, often considered too impersonal.

3. Book meetings well in advance

Last-minute is not a thing in France. Make sure to announce meetings with plenty of time, ideally a couple of weeks. Needless to say, avoid rescheduling or canceling.

The same goes for deadlines. French people are not fans of tight deadlines, and tend to prioritize quality.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for deadlines to be pushed back.

4. Follow up

Without harassing them or being too aggressive, try to follow up on new leads or partners.

This will show your dedication, motivation and efforts, something which is highly valued.

5. Be punctual

In their daily life, French people are probably not the most punctual — relatively speaking, as some European countries are worse!

However, in a serious business setting, being late is considered a lack of respect.

6. Accept being interrupted

While in the US, interrupting someone without apologizing can be considered rude, it’s usually not in France, even during meetings.

If you have a question or something to say, it’s perceived as a sign of interest and involvement. At least you’re not falling asleep or thinking about something else!

French business culture

1. Learn the dining etiquette

In general, French people don’t really like to mix professional and personal life. It’s not that common for colleagues to hang out together, to go for happy hour after work, or to make weekend plans.

However, business lunches are part of the French business culture. Therefore, make sure to behave as expected:

• Don’t lay your elbows on the table
• Chew with a closed mouth
• Use silverware — yes, even for finger food like fries or pizza
• Chose local dishes, if available, to show your interest in the merveilleuse gastronomie française
• Learn the proper restaurant vocabulary

Miam, les escargots !

2. Work-life balance is important

As mentioned above, French people like to separate their work life from their private life.

Although it’s harder to completely disconnect in the digital age, many French are really OFF when they turn off their computer.

In fact, a law was passed in 2017, called the “right to disconnect”. Companies with more than 50 employees are not allowed to read or even send emails off-hours.

Pretty drastic, but not that surprising when you know that the first paid holidays in France go back to 1936!

And of course, you might have heard about the “35 heures”! If not, here is an explanation.

3. The boss is the boss

While young and international companies have a different business model, traditional French organizations tend to be hierarchical and centralized.

Just like France, actually! Yes, consider your French boss as Paris, and the staff like Province (basically the rest of France)! More on Paris and Province in this hilarious video.

In other words, most decisions are made at the top of the company. Some companies might — and should — ask for employee’s input and feedback, but ultimately, the boss usually has the last word.

4. Tune it down

I love American enthusiasm. But unfortunately, you might need to tune it down a notch!

I have two American friends who moved to Brussels for work and learned this lesson the hard way, so be warned!

French people tend to be a little colder and neutral than Americans, even more so in a business setting. If you want to practice, that’s easy: try to act “blasé”. I think Damon here nails it!

HOW TO SOUND FRENCH WHEN YOU SPEAK FRENCH | DamonAndJo

Also, avoid the strong, affirmative American handshake. You should appear confident, but not overly confident.

And finally, we don’t kiss in a business setting, unless you work in the art/culture/show business industry.

French business attire

As we say in French, “L’habit ne fait pas le moine” (The attire doesn’t make the monk). Well, it’s funny French people would say that, because for many, it does.

Dressing properly for business is a key part of business culture in France. You don’t have to go over the top or dress in a formal suit if you work in an office with no clients or business partners, but you should always try to be “correct”, as I heard from my mom from a young age.

By “correct”, she meant “respectful”: no shorts, super mini skirts, worn-out or wrinkled t-shirts or jeans with holes — even if it’s trendy!

In doubt, always go for “chic and classique”. And of course, if you deal directly with partners or clients, you’ll need to dress formally.

Business French vocabulary

Now that you’ve mastered French business etiquette and found the perfect attire, let’s learn some French business vocabulary!

Basic business vocabulary

Business meetings vocabulary

Business writing vocabulary

We hope our tips on French business culture and French business vocabulary lists were helpful.

However, if you’re serious about working in a French company or with French people, you’ll need a specialized course and training. Check out our Business services and Culture training, specially designed for companies and professionals.