FRANCE | Socializing | Cultural information
Mentality & Communication
When you meet someone for the first time in France, the greeting is very friendly: To greet, you kiss the person on the cheeks. The number of kisses on the cheek depends on the customs of the region. However, you must make a difference when greeting friends and acquaintances and when greeting colleagues, professors and shopkeepers for example. In these cases, you can also shake hands, which represents a formal contact. There is no rule that will help you to know whom to kiss on the cheeks. The best is to always wait and see how the other person (especially when he/she is older than you) greets you and then do the same.
Even though France is multi-cultural given its inhabitants come from various overseas states and territories, the French mentality can be summarised in a few basic values: nationalism, freedom, movement, pleasure, politeness, spirit, elegance, good manners, live and let live etc. The French stereotype is well known. Nevertheless, there are some types of implicit behaviour that form the basis of understanding the French culture.
In general, the French people pay a lot of attention to politeness and good behaviour, which can also be observed in the spoken language. The French do not differentiate much between neighbours, colleagues and acquaintances and their family and friends. Talking to people, having a discussion on any topic and philosophising on current affairs are part of their pleasures. You can understand the lifestyle by meeting people on the street, by chatting with shopkeepers or by having a coffee with friends.
It may however take some time to build up a friendship. Here, one comes across the known difficulty faced by foreigners of trying to overcome the first difficult steps. But as soon as the first contact is made, the relationship takes on a new dimension and becomes very open. However, the private space is closely guarded and not shared with others.
Another typical characteristic of the French is their nationalism. This feeling of being very proud of one's country is the result of a heritage that has been handed down in French history. Today, this is evident in the effort to defend the cultural diversity and the French language. For example, France has a "General Directorate for the French language and languages of France as well as some laws that try to maintain, hold on to and defend the uniqueness of the language.
The French culture is a hedonistic and warm culture wherein one tries to enjoy life to its maximum.
Invitations
Meetings between friends and acquaintances are generally by word of mouth or if it is a more official function then in writing. Do not be surprised if the French arrive late; punctuality is not an important part of life in France, especially between friends. "Informal get-togethers" are very common amongst friends like a picnic in the park or an invitation for a drink to your friend’s house to spend the evening together. If you are invited to come for a "pot", this is an invitation for a drink or aperitif with others. Generally, the person who makes the invitation organises the drinks and something to munch.
Going out to Eat or Drink
Since the French people care a lot about food, the act of eating together became a symbol of the French way of life. Traditionally, each region has its own cuisine and specialties.
An old ritual in France is the arrival of the Beaujolais Primeur or Beaujolais Nouveau. This is the first wine that goes on sale in the year of its production. This always takes place on the third Thursday of November and is almost like a cult.
The shops are generally open from 9 am/10 am to 8 pm with a lunch break between noon and 2.30 p.m. Since working hours in France are not governed by law, the timings may vary. In large cities, it is also possible to find shops that do not close for lunch or even those that are open 24/7. Tobacconists and bakeries are also open on Sunday mornings. This is very essential especially for the tobacconists since there are no cigarette machines in France. Often, the small corner shop traders especially the "petits arabes" (stores run by members of the Arab community) make their own rules. This offers the possibility to do some shopping on Sundays.
Local Customs
The French love fireworks which are part of nearly every festival and are really magnificent. In particular, the National Day which culminates with parades on the Champs Elysées is well worth watching in person or on the television. In addition, there is also the celebration day of the saint whose name one has been given, which in France is nearly as important as one's birthday. On this date, that person must be congratulated on the occasion of the day of his celebration.