Is it polite to be late in France?

If you arrive late, it is considered rude and the host may be offended. While that is the custom in America, it is not the custom around the world. In fact, in France, arriving on time to a dinner party is considered rude. The proper etiquette is to actually arrive around 15 minutes late to the party.
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Is being on time important in France?

Even though punctuality is important in France, a five-minute delay is generally tolerated if it has been informed. There are some regional differences regarding punctuality, so the further South you go the more casual the approach to time usually is. Meetings should be scheduled about two weeks in advance.
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What is considered rude in France?

It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.
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Are French people not punctual?

Appointment when you work in France

Also, arrive on time at your meeting: French people are punctual.
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What offends the French the most?

10 ways to offend the French and how to avoid it
  1. Not saying hello when you enter a shop. ...
  2. Refusing food or drink in someone's home. ...
  3. Offend the French by making no effort to speak their language. ...
  4. Asking how much someone earns. ...
  5. Not making the kissing sound when you do the bise. ...
  6. Not returning invitations.
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How to be polite in France - Master the French etiquette



How do you annoy French?

How to annoy French people
  1. Mistake France for Paris.
  2. Think they're all geography experts.
  3. Expect them to understand your French accent.
  4. Keep reminding them about their French accent.
  5. Leave the stereotypes alone.
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What should you not say to a French person?

We've both put our pieds in our mouths at a few dinner parties, so take it from us and avoid these topics:
  • “You're French? ...
  • “Your accent is sooooo cute!” ...
  • “Ew, you eat that?” ...
  • “So, what do you do for a living?” ...
  • “I love your home/car/bag, it's so nice. ...
  • “Everyone knows French people don't like to work.”
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What are some strange laws in France?

10 funny, outdated, and weird laws in France
  • Snails must have their own ticket on French trains. ...
  • You can't name your pig Napoléon. ...
  • Don't kiss in a French train station. ...
  • Women who want to dress like a man must first ask the police. ...
  • You must listen to French music. ...
  • Don't let the kids have ketchup. ...
  • You have to say bonjour.
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What are some norms in France?

As far as social norms in France go, the most important you should know is how to greet French people. The French have a lot of different ways to say hello, so it's not easy to navigate between the customs. Bises/kisses on the cheek: The traditional kisses on the cheek is a very important greeting in France.
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How do French people view time?

In France, as in many other parts of Europe, we use Military Time, which divides the day in 24 hours. Anything after 12 noon can get a bit tricky for you if you are not used to seeing time expressed this way, but its pretty easy - you all know what number follows 12.
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What are taboos in France?

The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo. To do so is considered highly inappropriate, regardless of how close the relationship is between those conversing.
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Is Paris rude to Americans?

Any traveler visiting a foreign country is bound to do a few things that bother the locals. However, there's no rivalry quite like that between American tourists and the French, especially in Paris. Many French people see Americans as rude, loud, and disrespectful but they have many reasons to feel that way.
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Is it rude to finish your plate in France?

French etiquette indicates that you should finish your plate, or the host will be offended (thinking that the meal was bad). What is this? There is a potential conflict here, as in some cultures if you finish your plate it means you didn't get enough!
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Is it really illegal to work weekends in France?

French Law Bans Employers From Contacting Employees With Work During Weekends.
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Are the French Puntual?

French people treat punctuality very casually, however, still there remains a regional difference, If you go towards south of France you go towards the more relaxed way. The French have a very comfortable approach when attending meetings themselves, so it wouldn't be surprising if a French colleague arrives late.
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How long is a work day in France?

The French working hours are usually 8 or 9 AM to 4 or 5 PM, with 1 hour of unpaid lunch break. This will, however, vary depending on the business and company agreements. The weekly working hours are 35 (7 hours a day, five days a week).
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How do you show respect in French?

One should remove their sunglasses and/or hat when doing a la bise. Respect is shown in verbal greetings by referring to the person as “Madam,” ('Mrs') “Monsieur” ('Mr') or “Mademoiselle”. Madam is only used to refer to a married woman, while Mademoiselle is reserved for unwed women.
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How do you not act like a tourist in France?

How to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in France
  1. Dress Appropriately. Leave the baseball caps at home. ...
  2. Have Good Table Manners. No doggy bags please. ...
  3. Avoid Outdated Stereotypes. Say "non" to a beret. ...
  4. Use Your Indoor Voice. Be seen, not heard. ...
  5. Learn a Few Key Phrases. ...
  6. Skip the Hug. ...
  7. Don't Leave Huge Tips.
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Can you kiss in public in France?

Public displays of affection in France

People kiss acquaintances when they meet them in the street and you even shake hand with the plumber when he comes to fix your leaky pipe: the French are definitely touchy-feely. So, in Paris (and other major cities) anything goes; elsewhere, be more restrained.
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Is kissing on French trains illegal?

Since 1910, in accordance with a law introduced by the Société national du Chemin de fer (the precursor to the SNCF), it has been illegal to kiss in French train stations and especially on their platforms. The ban was intended to avoid costly delays to the service and overcrowding in the stations.
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What can't you do in France?

15 Things Tourists Should Never Do in France
  • Never Underestimate How Far a Few French Words Can Go. ...
  • Never Wave Wildly at a Waiter to Get Their Attention. ...
  • Try Not to Speak Louder Than Everyone Else, Particularly at Night. ...
  • Never Leave Your Cell Phone Out When Having a Coffee/Meal With Friends.
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How do you get a French man to fall in love with you?

If you're wondering how to navigate the world of French dating, here are 10 tips to date French men.
  1. Be yourself. Photo by Alban Martel on Unsplash. ...
  2. Don't be afraid to flirt. ...
  3. Be open minded. ...
  4. Learn a little French. ...
  5. Plan a creative date. ...
  6. Come prepared for a little PDA. ...
  7. Dress to impress. ...
  8. Don't forget the perfume.
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Why you should never say mon ami in French?

1) “Mon ami” is just a cliché

It's kind of like saying Bonjour with a really heavy accent. Sure, it shows that the character is French, but it's not something you'd actually hear in France. Using “Mon ami” alone as “Hello my friend” will make you sound like you only know French clichés – and you deserve better!
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Is eye contact important in France?

Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is understood as a form of respect. It is considered to be extremely rude not to make and maintain eye contact. Gestures: French people tend to use the 'thumbs up' sign to indicate 'okay'.
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Is burping rude in France?

Before diving into our list of places where belching is accepted, it's important to note one pervasive myth we ran into while researching this. When we asked people where it's polite to burp, answers included France, Italy, Spain, Canada and Japan.
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