French Business Etiquette Do’s & Don’ts

Americans doing business in France: It’s a growing phenomenon that couldn’t be more timely. After all, France is the world’s fifth largest economy, centrally located within the European Union. BuyUSA.gov and Showcase Europe both say there is strong competition for market share in all French industrial and service sectors.

That said, some French business etiquette do’s and don’ts are good to have on hand. French business etiquette is perhaps different than the procedures generally followed in the U.S., but fortunately, reasonable etiquette guidelines still apply, and many of the parameters are what American executives would expect them to be.

According to French etiquette expert Maurice Contal, acceptable conversation components include the following:

First up, dishing out accolades to French cuisine, art and music. Of course, sports are a welcome topic of conversation as well – and by sports, we mean soccer. If the Tour de France is currently underway or has recently finished, you’ll want to make mention of that as well; the same goes for the Olympics, if it is an Olympic year.

Despite the generally lighthearted nature of these topics, don’t be surprised if a conversation quickly becomes a spirited debate. Even in professional settings, the French are apt to become emotional when discussing any number of topics. Diffusing is fine, but there’s no need to take offense (even if you are interrupted – it’s considered the norm).

In French conversations, moments of silence are rare, so be sure to keep the back-and-forth going. Oh, and politics? Unless the other party initiates the topic, leave it on the shelf – that is, in regards to your client or colleague’s own political leanings. If it seems appropriate, though, it is fine to ask about the political system in France or about the general public opinion of political leaders.

Also off-bounds: personal inquiries, even seemingly harmless ones. If someone wants to offer information on his family, interests or pastimes, he will.

In terms of dress, executive dress for men and women alike should be formal, whether the setting is business, social or some combination of both. Think tasteful, stylish and conservative – and of course, high quality. Men should wear dark suits, especially in winter; women should dress simply and elegantly (no stockings in summer). Accessorize, but do so sparingly. Receive an invite that declares an event has an informal dress code? That really means the American version of business casual at its highest end.

Want to give a gift to your French business associate? Proceed, but do so with caution. Much information is available regarding gift-giving in France, so read up on the topic and abide by the rules.

Don’t be in the dark on French business etiquette if you plan to visit an associate in the near future. Use these guidelines as a beginner’s manual for navigating the networking waters on the French business scene.