Guide To Business Travel Etiquette: France
Guide To Business Travel Etiquette: France
About France
France is the largest country in Western Europe slightly smaller than Texas. France is between the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea; bordering Italy and Spain. 58 million people live in France about 4.5 million of them foreigners.
Language
French is the primary language spoken in France. If you plan to travel to France it is strongly recommended that you learn the basics of the language. Your effort will be noticed and appreciated. If you cant speak French begin by saying. Please excuse me for bothering you but I do not speak French; ndash; Excusezmoi s’il vous plait de vous deranger mais je ne parle pas francais.;
Business Dress
The French are very conscientious of their appearance and view dress as a reflection of social status and success. Because of this be sure to wear welltailored stylish clothing. Dark conservative clothing is most appropriate ndash; avoid bright colors or flashy accessories.
Business Hours
Most businesses in France operate from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with a lunch hour lasting up to two hours. Many executives or those in senior positions will stay at the office until 7:00 or 8:00 pm.
Holidays
There are 11 public holidays in France. In 2007 they are:
January 1st New Years Day
April 9th Easter Monday
May 1st Labour Day
May 8th 1945 Victory Day
May 17th Ascension
May 28th Whit Monday
July 14th Bastile Day
August 15th Assumption
November 1st All Saints’ Day
November 11th Remembrance Day
December 25th Christmas Day
Most French employees get five weeks of vacation and many will take up to three weeks of this in July or August.
Conversations and Behavior
The most important aspect of French behavior is the emphasis on courtesy and formality. When meeting someone it is customary to shake their hand. But handshakes in France are light and quick ndash; a strong handshake is considered aggressive. Good posture is important to the French ndash; so be sure to stand up straight.
Do not address a business associate by their first name unless invited to do so. The basic courtesy title for women is ‘Madame’ and is ‘Monsieur’ for men. ‘Mademoiselle’ is considered oldfashioned and should be avoided.
Sometimes the French will introduce themselves using the last name followed by their first name. This can be confusing if they both sound like first names. It is fine to ask for clarification if needed.
When engaging in conversation avoid topics related to individual political views or other personal matters. Stick to topics such as sports art music and food. Be prepared to discuss your own countries history and political system.
There are many common gestures and behaviors that are considered offensive in France. Be sure to avoid the following:
Chewing gum in public
Putting your hand in your pockets while in public
Slapping an open palm over a closed fist
Snapping fingers
The OK symbol forming a circle with the thumb and forefinger actually means zero or useless in France. Use the thumbs up instead.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Safe Harbors Travel Group is shaping a new age of business travel management. Safe Harbors expertise in business travel global travel infrastructure vendor management expense and accountability reporting and travel information systems is helping clients achieve their business goals with a higher returnontravelinvestment. Headquartered in Baltimore Safe Harbors provides global travel management to more than 100 corporate clients.
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