Western+Europe

France

There are certain ways that are more appropriate to greet People when visiting France. Some important things to try to remember:

•	All countries have peculiar social customs and France is no exception. As a foreigner you will probably be excused if you accidentally insult your hosts, but it’s better to be aware of accepted taboos and courtesies, especially as the French are much more formal than most foreigners (especially Americans and Britons) imagine. •	When you’re introduced to a French person, you should say ‘good day, Sir/Madam’ ( bonjour madame/ monsieur) and shake hands (a single pump is enough – neither limp nor knuckle-crushing). Salut (hi or hello) is used only among close friends and young people. When saying goodbye, it’s a formal custom to shake hands again. In an office, everyone shakes hands with everyone else on arrival at work and when they depart. Source: www.justlanded.com

FRENCH MEAL AND CUSTOMS Food is a subject of prime importance to every French person. It is not uncommon for suggestions for the day's menus to be discussed by family members at the breakfast table over a hot drink, breads, and preserves. Traditional French food recipes are treasured and the happy purchase of a young vegetable or a fine piece of meat will send the whole family into rapturous anticipation of the "special dish." The morning meal is light but each of the simple items must be "just so" - the exact proportion of hot milk to well-prepared coffee, the freshest bread of exactly the length, width, and crust favored by the members of the family, and choice preserves to each one's taste. The noon meal is usually dinner, the special meal of the day, although in cities this pattern is changing somewhat as more women move into the workforce. Source: www.food-links.com When visiting France, your money may not go as far as it would in America or any other Country. It is best to be prepared to pay more or less for some things that usually may cost more or maybe less.

Devin