Moving to France means beautiful landscapes, great food…
But also those little everyday surprises that make you smile — or raise an eyebrow 😅
Here are some of the most common culture shocks shared with me by the expats I support:
🥖 Politeness and the all-important “bonjour”
Saying “bonjour” first — especially when entering a shop, and even more so at the bakery!
Even on the phone, it’s “bonjour” before anything else.
🗣️ Tu or vous?
This is a tricky one. With your banker, it’s formal (vous), of course.
But what about a colleague you barely know? Or your neighbor? It’s often unclear… and can get awkward.
⏰ Mealtime (and lunch break) culture
Having lunch at 12:30 or 1 p.m. is perfectly normal.
• With office colleagues: 45 minutes to 1 hour, and coffee at the break area.
• In a business lunch: 2 hours are not just okay, they’re expected.
🗂️ The French bureaucracy
Forms, documents, appointments… it’s often a real adventure.
Patience and support are essential.
And please — don’t complain like many French people do, it won’t help move things along (as we say: “ça ne fera pas avancer le schmilblick” 😉).
👋 Social customs
Kissing on the cheek, after-work drinks, and avoiding taboo topics like salary or politics —
…or better yet, avoiding them completely, given the current tensions.
📞 Are you moving to France and looking to fully immerse yourself in French culture while easing your integration? Contact us to start your relocation journey and discover everything France has to offer!