French Culture: An Awesome Guide to Traditions, Customs & More

Moving to France or Switzerland is an exciting adventure—whether for work, love, or a new lifestyle. But beyond the practical side of relocating, truly feeling at home comes from understanding the culture. French culture is rich, layered, and sometimes a little mysterious for newcomers. From social etiquette to food rituals, traditions to celebrations, this guide will help expatriates like you navigate daily life with confidence.

1)       Why Understanding French Culture Matters for Expats

When you live abroad, adapting to local customs is more than politeness—it’s a key to connection. In France and the French-speaking regions of Switzerland (such as Geneva, Vaud, or Neuchâtel), people often appreciate when foreigners make an effort to respect traditions. Even small gestures, like greeting properly or showing table manners, can make a big difference in your integration.

2)      Greetings and Social Etiquette

One of the first cultural differences you’ll notice is how people greet each other.

- La bise: In France, the cheek kiss is common among friends and colleagues who know each other well. The number of kisses depends on the region (usually two, but sometimes more). In French-speaking Switzerland, people usually give three kisses.

- Handshakes: In professional settings, a firm but brief handshake is the norm.

- “Bonjour” first: Always say “Bonjour” (good day) before asking a question or starting a conversation, whether at the bakery or in the office. Skipping this can be seen as rude.

Pro tip for expats: Practice adding a quick “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur” before speaking—it immediately creates a good impression.

3)      French Food Culture

Food is not just about eating—it’s a cultural ritual.

- Mealtimes: Lunch is a long affair, often between 12:30 and 2:00 pm. Many businesses even close during this time. Dinner usually happens later, around 8 pm.

- Bread and cheese: A baguette on the table is essential, and cheese often comes after the main dish.

- Wine etiquette: In both France and Switzerland, wine is part of the meal culture. It’s polite to wait for everyone’s glass to be served before toasting with a cheerful “Santé!”

- Cafés: Ordering coffee is more than a caffeine fix—it’s a moment of socializing. A tiny espresso is the most common choice, not a large latte.

4)      Celebrations and Traditions

France and Switzerland share many traditions, but each has unique customs that are worth discovering.

National holidays:

• France celebrates 14th July (Bastille Day) with parades, fireworks, and parties.

• Switzerland’s 1st August National Day features lanterns, bonfires, and local events.

• Christmas traditions: Both countries celebrate with festive markets, mulled wine, and traditional dishes like bûche de Noël.

• Carnival: In certain regions, colorful parades bring music, costumes, and a joyful spirit.

Pro tip: Join local festivities—it’s one of the best ways to meet people and feel connected.

5)      Work and Daily Life

For expatriates, understanding workplace culture is key:

- Punctuality: In Switzerland, being on time is non-negotiable. In France, a few minutes late is more tolerated, though still not ideal.

- Formality: Professional life is generally more formal in France and Switzerland than in English-speaking countries. Titles like Monsieur, Madame, and using last names are common until you’re invited to switch to first names.

- Work-life balance: France values leisure and has a strong culture of vacation time. Expect long summer holidays and less emphasis on overtime compared to Anglo-Saxon cultures.

6)      Language and Communication

While many French speakers in Switzerland and France know some English, learning French opens doors —professionally, socially, and personally.

- Politeness counts: Saying “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you) is not optional, but expected.

- Small talk: Avoid diving into personal details too quickly. Instead, talk about food, travel, or cultural events.

- Body language: French communication style is expressive—expect hand gestures, animated discussions, and plenty of debate.

Pro tip: Even if your French isn’t perfect, trying to speak makes locals more open and welcoming.

Improve Your Skills with French Conversation Classes

One of the most effective ways to truly embrace French culture is by joining French conversation classes. These classes focus on real-life dialogues, helping you practice greetings, social etiquette, food vocabulary, and even cultural expressions you’ll encounter every day. Unlike traditional lessons that often stay too academic, French conversation classes prepare you for spontaneous exchanges—whether at a café, with colleagues, or during local celebrations. They also build your confidence so you can interact naturally with locals and integrate more easily into French-speaking communities.

Final Thoughts: Living French Culture

Adapting to French culture doesn’t mean losing your identity—it means enriching it. The more you engage with traditions, customs, and daily habits, the smoother your integration will be. Whether you’re enjoying a café in Paris, greeting colleagues in Geneva, or joining a fête du village, every experience is a chance to connect.

And if you’d like to go beyond the basics, learning French with a tutor can help you not only master the language but also understand the cultural nuances that make life in France or Switzerland truly enjoyable.

À bientôt!

Audrey, your French teacher 👩‍🏫