What Americans Often Get Wrong About Greeting Etiquette In France

Before visiting a new country, it's important to learn about the destination and become familiar with the culture, traditions, and etiquette. Respecting local traditions will not only help prevent awkwardness or misinterpretation, but will also be appreciated by locals, even if it's as simple as a friendly greeting in the local language. In some countries, there is a certain decorum even when it comes to greeting etiquette and it's necessary to follow the guidelines to achieve cultural chameleonism and blend in with the locals. The stunning country of France is one of these places.

Contrary to popular American traditions, a common greeting tourists should avoid in France is hugging. Instead, it is best to opt for a handshake or a kiss or two on the cheek — known as "les bises" — which can take some getting used to. When meeting a friend or even an acquaintance, French greeting etiquette does not involve an embrace and can actually be considered too intimate or awkward. Instead of making this common greeting mistake that locals think is a bit strange, if you're meeting someone for the first time it is best to only use a handshake.

Instead of jumping into kissing anyone on the cheek, wait for the local to make the first move to know which greeting they're going for or how friendly they are. This is also helpful for the cheek dilemma, where there are no rules to which cheek to kiss first. Wait until the person in front of you leans into a certain cheek and adapt accordingly. If you misunderstand, and you end up going for different cheeks, just laugh it off and start again. If you wear glasses, it is customary to take them off for the greetings.

To prevent any awkwardness, there are a few unspoken greeting rules that can be followed when it comes to French etiquette. For starters, if you're in a professional setting, its best to stick to a handshake and avoid cheek kissing unless you've developed a rapport over time. When in social gatherings, the key is to observe others first and follow their lead. If you're not sure if you should initiate les bises, a smile and slight hesitation will be the cue needed for the other party to take the lead and guide the interaction.

When meeting someone, begin with a friendly "bonjour" meaning good day or "bonsoir" meaning good evening in French when meeting someone. After you're introduced, you can say "enchanté" which is the French word for "pleased to meet you." These simple french phrases will enhance the politeness of your greetings and help you master the etiquette in France.

Another important tip is to pay attention to body language and cues to identify the form of greetings expected. Just remember that, unlike Americans, the French can be more reserved during initial meetings and adopt a formal approach. Don't mistake this for rudeness, it is simply the cultural norm. Keep in mind that if someone leans in slightly, it is an invitation for a kiss on the cheek (or two, or three, or even four depending on the region). But if they extend a hand, then they're likely sticking to a handshake.

You might notice that greeting etiquette can not only differ from one region to another, but also from one generation to another. While one or two kisses might be the norm in Paris, other regions may use three or sometimes even for kisses so be sure to research local customs and traditions before visiting different French regions. you might also notice that younger generations are more likely to start with a kiss on the cheek while older generations prefer the more formal approach of a handshake.