France Gift Giving Customs

Flag of France Officially the Republique Francaise or French Republic, Official Language: French Currency: euro (EUR) National Holiday: Fête de la Federation, 14 July (1790). Other names are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July). More French Holidays

[edit] Social Etiquette

Always offer your hand for a brisk handshake, accompanied by an appropriate greeting.
The French handshake is quick and light - no pumping up and down or strong grips.
Shake hands upon meeting, as well as when departing.
Les bises, or touching cheeks and kissing the air, is appropriate for social settings with friends.
Do not use first names unless invited to do so. Address strangers and senior people by their title, even if the title is simply Madame.
In France, gift giving is not a ritual, and is not expected, beyond the traditional birthday, Christmas, christening, wedding, or hostess gift. Flowers, good perfume, chocolates, wines, liqueurs, etc. are acceptable.
The "okay" sign commonly used in the United States (thumb and index finger forming a circle and the other fingers raised) means zero in France.
Do not discuss how much, or how little, you paid for something. The French consider this uncouth and uncivilized.

Good gift selections can include coffee table books about your home country or anything that is representative of your country.
Holiday Cards can be an appropriate expression of thanks to your business associates. The French gift giving protocol is to send New Year's greetings and this can occur during the whole month of January but not later.
Avoid including your business card with a gift since it goes against French business etiquette.

French Business Card Etiquette

Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions without formal ritual.
Have the other side of your business card translated into French. Although not a business necessity, it demonstrates an attention to detail that will be appreciated. ^[1]

Gifts of flowers should be given in odd numbers, except that bouquets of 13 should be avoided.
White chrysanthemums or lilies, as they are for funerals, and should be avoided for other occasions.
White flowers, as they are used for weddings.
Yellow flowers should be avoided as they are a symbol of infidelity.
Red carnations, as they symbolize bad will.
It's usually best to not bring wine to a dinner party as the host/hostess typically expects to make the selection. If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford.