Greetings in france

[katreeen]

What exactly is the rule on kissing as a greeting in France (if there is one) ? One cheek, both, air kisses, shaking hands...I seem to have experienced them all but never know which is appropriate

[Jacquie62]

My Aunty has lived in Paris for most of her life ,she kisses both cheeks.

[landie]

No tongues on a first meeting.

[Pollyfrance]

It all depends on how well you know the person you are greeting. A handshake is the norm until the person has proffered his or her cheek to you. Then you must give the required number of air kisses to the cheek everytime you meet  and when you say goodbye. As for the number of kisses, it depends on where you are in France and where the person you are greeting originates from. Two pecks for Bordeaux, three for the Jura region, generally four for Paris, though sometimes two!!!  Just let the person you are greeting lead you on how many are expected, it's even more confusing when you have friends from all around France living in your area as you have to remember how many pecks are expected from each one. Very strange at dinner parties

[irisred]

It is both to do with formality and regional.  one kiss on both cheeks is from one end of France and 2 on one and one on the other is another etc.

I guessing if your about to enter a seroius negotiation in France, there is very little kissing!  But I'll let you know when I've done it!

Hope this helps!