FRENCH

BUSINESS
ETIQUETTE
J ul i a n n a Po u ld a
 TOPICS

How to Dress

Greetings Etiquette

Business Meeting Etiquette

Dining Etiquette

Gift Giving Etiquette

Top Rules to Remember​

2022 FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 2

HOW TO DRESS
• Business dress in France is sleek and subtle

• Wear a well-tailored dress or suit

• Avoid bright colors

• Avoid over the top jewelry

• You should not take off your jacket

• Take note of how others dress in business

settings

• Refrain from dressing in a business casual

manner

2022 FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 3

 GREETING ETIQUETTE
• All address people using “Monsieur,” or “Madame.”

• Handshakes are the appropriate greeting

• Handshakes are light

• Are very brisk

• Loose Grip

• One or two movements

• Kissing cheeks

• Common greeting among colleagues

• Is used across all genders

• Only attempt if your female colleague makes the

first move
2022 FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 4
BUSINESS MEETING ETIQUETTE
• Important to get to know your colleagues

• Learn some basic French phrases

• Be straightforward with your discussions and questioning

• Be very patient

• Always schedule meetings

• Be prepared

2022 FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 5

 DINING ETIQUETTE
• Always arrive on time

• Do not drink or smoke before a meal

• Dress well

• Star t eating once the host says “Bon Appetit”

• There should be no remaining food on your plate

• Always empty your wine glass

• Hold your knife in your right hand and your fork in

your left

• During lunch keep your hands on the table

• Business conversations star t once deser t is ser ved

2022 FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 6

 GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTE
• Use discretion

• It is appropriate to send gifts as a thank you

• Gifts are expected when going to a social event

• Do not include your business card with your gift

• Do be worried about price

• Books, music, and food work as gifts

• Give gifts that reflect your country.

2022 FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 7

 TOP RULES TO REMEMBER
• Arrive on time to all business events

• All business events are conducted in a formal manner

• Keep handshakes light and loose

• Wear understated well tailored suits or dresses

• Be prepared and patient

• Always finish your meal and wine

• Do not talk business until desert is served

• Use discretion when giving gifts

• Give a gift that reflects your country.

2022 FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE 8

 SOURCES Bows-N-Ties. “Business Attire and Etiquette in France.”

Bows, 1 June 2012, https://www.bows-n ties.com

/mens-fashion-tips/business-attire-and-etiquette-in-

france/.

“Business Culture and Etiquette in France.” Today Translations,

28 Mar. 2019, https://www.todaytranslations.com/consultancy-

services/business-culture-and-etiquette/doing-

business-in- france/#:~:text=The%20appropriate

%20greeting%2 0is%20a,two%20up%20and “International Gift

Giving Etiquette - France.” International Gift Giving Etiquette - France,

http://www.1worldglobalgifts.com/francegiftgivingeti

quette.htm#:~:text=Be%20aware%20that%20displays

%20of,yous%20after%20a%20dinner%20party.

%20down%20movements.

Team, TieMart. “Business Etiquette in France.” TieMart, Inc.,

TieMart, Inc., 10 Jan. 2013,

https://www.tiemart.com/blogs/tiepedia/business-

etiquette-in- france#:~:text=Dress%20Well%20And

%20Conservatiely&text=When%20conducting% v

20business%2C%20wear%20a,wear%20glitzy%20or%20gaudy%2

2022 0jewelry. 9
FRENCH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE