Never give chrysanthemums as a gift, they are only for All Saints Day to put on graves
--Diana
202
Don’t call 14th July ‘Bastille Day’. Its Fete Nationale
--Jane Le Chêne Vert
203
Don't just pick up stuff in stores! In small towns outside the main tourist areas it's polite to ask permission before handling retail merchandise.
--Christine F
1816
To say hello to a woman one kiss on the cheeck is expected, don t really kiss it, touch her cheek with yours and make a smack noise with your lips. To a man grab the hand. If you are a woman and don t want the cheek kiss, extend your hand to make things clear :). With corona, easier too avoid now :)
--Frenchingermany
10
Don't cut cheese on a charcuterie as you wish, it's a sacred process for the French and needs to be cut the right way.
--Oregano55
10
Wishing Someone Happy Birthday in Advance: In France, wishing someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday is considered bad luck. Always wait until the day of their birthday or afterward.
--James
00
Don't Forget to Say Goodbye: When leaving a shop or restaurant, it's polite to say "Au revoir" (Goodbye) to the staff.
--James
00
Avoid giving knives, scissors, or other sharp objects, as they symbolize cutting the relationship.
--James
00
Don't Touch the Produce: In markets, avoid touching fruits and vegetables. Instead, indicate to the vendor what you want.
--James
00
Avoid giving gifts in sets of 13, as it is considered unlucky.
--James
00
When you enter a shop (bakery, cafe, etc.), it's polite to greet the owner/attendant. A simple "Bonjour!" will do!
--Dave
373
bonjour / bonsoir - is for greetings
bonne journée / bonne soirée - when you leave
--french.lu
120
Place your bread on the table next to your plate instead on your plate
--Tina
100
In France, it is appreciated if you are a guest, to come with a small gift, for exemple, flowers, a bottle of wine, some cheese or chocolates.
--Valerie Marcenac
102
Greet people first with "Bonjour" etc before anything else. Before you order your coffee, before you ask something in a shop, etc. Bonjour first.
--Serra
80
Make sure to sit in your assigned seat # on the train, and if there's someone already sitting there and they don't want to move, then it's normal to ask the train conductor to mediate.
--Bonjour
80
When you meet someone, especially if they are older, we use formality in France.
--Valerie Marcenac
51
It is appreciated to say "Hello" to a bus driver.
--Valerie Marcenac
51
Be polite, as well as saying bonjour to anyone working in a shop even the cashiers, remembering to say thanks/ merci and goodbye au revoir. If all cases if somebody says bonjour to you always respond with bonjour
--George Colvin
20
Arriving at a Customer Meeting or in a room With unknown people, say hello to everyone personally and introduce yourself if possible or wave the hand/node the head if there is too much people as it can be perceive arrogant or impolite to “ignore” people.
--FrenchinGermany
