Greetings

• Always shake hands, upon meeting as well as leaving. French handshakes are not generally as firm as in the U.S., nor is there much "pumping action."
• Les bises, or touching cheeks and kissing the air, is for social settings, with friends.

• Do not use first names until you are told to do so. Address senior people by their titles--even simple ones like Madame.
• The French sometimes say their last names first; Pierre Robert might introduce himself as "Robert, Pierre."

• While you are expected to be on time, your French colleague may be late. Don't expect an apology.
• Never "drop in" unannounced.

• There is a great love for debate.
• Eye contact is frequent and intense, so much so that North Americans may be intimidated.

• The French value eloquence, but find windy stories boring.
• Don't drink hard liquor before meals--the French believe it deadens the taste buds.