France attracts people with its food, culture and quality of life, but many newcomers find daily life harder to navigate than they expected. Much of the friction comes from unwritten social rules, a formal approach to relationships, and a famously paper-heavy administration. The good news is that these rules are learnable. This guide explains the cultural norms that matter most — greetings, language, meals, work, bureaucracy and social life — so you can settle in faster and make friends.

Greetings: always start with "bonjour"

The single most important habit in France is greeting people before anything else. Walk into a shop, a bakery, a doctor's waiting room or even a lift and say "bonjour, madame" or "bonjour, monsieur" (or "bonsoir" in the evening). Launching straight into a question without greeting comes across as rude, and staff will often be noticeably cooler. When leaving, say "merci, au revoir".

Among friends and relaxed acquaintances, people greet each other with la bise — light kisses on the cheeks. The number varies by region, commonly two, but three or four in some areas. In professional settings, a handshake is normal. Use the formal "vous" with anyone you don't know well, older people and in professional contexts, and wait to be invited to switch to the informal "tu".

Language: effort matters more than perfection

French people appreciate even imperfect attempts to speak French, and conversations go more smoothly if you start in French before asking whether someone speaks English. Outside international companies and big-city tourist areas, you will need French for almost everything, from healthcare to renting a flat. Non-EU citizens applying for multi-year residence cards must now show a minimum level of French and sign a republican integration contract, as set out on Service-Public.fr, the government's official information site. The state-funded French courses offered through the integration contract are a useful starting point.

Food and mealtimes

Meals are social occasions, and the "gastronomic meal of the French" is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Lunch is typically between noon and 2pm, and many small shops and offices close for part of that time outside big cities. Dinner usually starts around 7:30 to 8:30pm. Snacking between meals is less common than in the US or UK, bread is served with nearly every meal (and placed directly on the table rather than a side plate), and it is normal for the whole table to wait until everyone is served before eating. Say "bon appétit" at the start.

If you are invited to someone's home for dinner, bring a small gift such as flowers (avoid chrysanthemums, associated with funerals), chocolates or a good bottle of wine, and arrive about 10 to 15 minutes after the stated time rather than early. Expect several courses and a long evening.

Work culture

French employment law is protective. The legal working week is 35 hours, although managers (cadres) often work longer under annual day-based contracts. Employees receive five weeks of paid holiday, and August remains the main holiday month, when many businesses slow down or close. Since 2017, companies with 50 or more employees must negotiate a "right to disconnect" from work messages outside working hours.

Workplaces tend to be more hierarchical and formal than in the US, UK or Scandinavia, especially in large traditional companies. Meetings can involve lengthy debate, which is seen as a sign of engagement rather than conflict. Written communication is often formal, with elaborate greetings and sign-offs. Lunch with colleagues is an important part of building relationships; many employers subsidise meals through restaurant vouchers (tickets-restaurant).

Bureaucracy: be patient and keep copies

Administrative procedures in France — residence permits, social security, bank accounts, tax — are notoriously paper-heavy. Many are now online through official portals such as ANEF for residence permits, ameli.fr for health insurance and impots.gouv.fr for taxes, but you will still need to collect documents such as a recent proof of address (justificatif de domicile), a birth certificate with an official translation and bank details (RIB). Tips:

  • Scan and keep digital copies of every document you submit.
  • Always ask for a receipt (récépissé) when you hand in paperwork.
  • Be polite and patient in person; it genuinely helps.
  • Use the government's official portals rather than paid intermediaries whenever possible.

Healthcare

Once you have lived in France for three months with a stable residence, you can generally join the public health insurance system (PUMa) and get a carte Vitale. The system reimburses most care, and many people buy a top-up policy (mutuelle) to cover the rest. You should register with a family doctor (médecin traitant) to receive full reimbursement rates.

Social life and friendships

The French tend to separate private and public life more than Americans or Australians do. Small talk with strangers is less common, and personal questions such as "what do you earn?" are avoided. Friendships can take longer to form but are often deep and long-lasting. Joining an association — a sports club, choir, language exchange or volunteering group — is one of the best ways to meet people; France has a rich network of local associations.

Conversation is valued, and debate about politics, philosophy, food or culture is enjoyed rather than avoided. Humour is often ironic and dry.

Daily rhythms

  • Sunday is a quiet day: many shops are closed, except bakeries and some markets in the morning.
  • Markets are held weekly in most towns and are the best places for fresh produce, cheese and meat.
  • Many people buy fresh bread daily from a boulangerie.
  • La rentrée, the return to work and school in early September, marks the real start of the year, with new projects and administrative deadlines.

Dress and manners

French style tends to be understated and classic, favouring quality over quantity. Speaking quietly in public, especially on public transport and in restaurants, is expected. Queue politely, keep your voice down on the phone, and don't eat on the go on the metro.

Adapting to French culture takes time, and every newcomer has frustrating days. But learning the unwritten rules — start with bonjour, make an effort with the language, respect mealtimes and be patient with paperwork — goes a long way. For practical information on costs and visas, see our France country guide.