🌍 Moving to France: 10 Cultural Differences to Discover
At ENYTER, we support many professionals and their families each year as they relocate to France for work.
Arriving in a new country is more than just a move — it’s an encounter with a new culture, habits, and social codes. Sometimes surprising, often enriching.
Here are a few cultural markers that might catch you off guard — and that we help you navigate with care and clarity.
🏠 Personal Life: Everyday Habits to Observe
🗣️ Language: Your Cultural Passport
While English is widely understood, especially in major cities, speaking French is a real advantage for daily tasks, school, and connecting with neighbors.
Speak up — even imperfect French is welcomed with kindness.
Learning a few key expressions before you arrive can make a big difference in your integration.
🙏 Politeness: A Cultural Reflex
Saying “bonjour,” “au revoir,” and “merci” is expected in most interactions.
Use “vous” in formal situations or when speaking to strangers — it’s better to be too polite than not enough, especially at first.
👋 Greetings: A Kiss on the Cheek, Not a Hug
In France, hugs are rare between friends. People usually greet with “la bise” — two, three, or even four kisses depending on the region — or a handshake, especially in professional settings. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it quickly!
🛍️ Sundays: A Day Like No Other
Outside of tourist zones, most shops are closed on Sundays — a day traditionally reserved for family and rest. Plan your errands ahead to avoid surprises.
🍽️ Mealtime Schedules
Meals follow specific hours: lunch between 12:00 and 14:00, dinner between 19:00 and 21:00. Outside these times, many restaurants close their kitchens. Check opening hours or plan alternatives.
🏡 Compact Living, Simpler Lifestyle
Homes, cars, and even food portions may be smaller than what you’re used to — part of a more minimalist lifestyle.
💼 Professional Life: Key Insights for Integration
🧭 A Clear Hierarchical Structure
In many French companies, hierarchy is well-defined and decisions are made at the top.
Respecting this structure is important, especially in early interactions.
✉️ Formal Communication
Emails tend to be formal, with established polite phrases.
Humor or overly direct messages can be misinterpreted. Observing how others communicate will help you adapt.
🍽️ Lunch Breaks: A Social Moment
Lunch is often a time to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting — a great opportunity to build relationships within your team.
🌴 Valued and Protected Vacation Time
With a minimum of five weeks of paid leave, time off is seen as essential for work-life balance.
It’s common to take several consecutive weeks off, especially in summer.
💬 A More Implicit Communication Style
Professional messages may be phrased more subtly.
Criticism, for example, is often expressed with tact. Pay attention to nuance and what’s left unsaid.
✅ A Few Tips to Get Started:
• Take French classes, even at a beginner level.
• Observe, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to seek help.
• Get involved in local life: markets, events, community groups…
You’ll see that discovering French culture means being surprised, adapting, and always growing.
With a bit of curiosity and patience, these differences will become familiar — and often, deeply meaningful.
💡 ENYTER supports you at every step of your relocation to France: paperwork, housing, schooling, cultural integration…
📩 Contact us for personalized support.
