ENYTER<\/strong>, we support many professionals and their families each year as they relocate to France for work.<\/p>\nArriving in a new country is more than just a move \u2014 it\u2019s an encounter with a new culture, habits, and social codes. Sometimes surprising, often enriching.<\/p>\n
Here are a few cultural markers that might catch you off guard \u2014 and that we help you navigate with care and clarity.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83c\udfe0 Personal Life: Everyday Habits to Observe<\/h3>\n\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f Language: Your Cultural Passport<\/h4>\n
While English is widely understood, especially in major cities, speaking French is a real advantage for daily tasks, school, and connecting with neighbors.
\nSpeak up \u2014 even imperfect French is welcomed with kindness.
\nLearning a few key expressions before you arrive can make a big difference in your integration.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\ude4f Politeness: A Cultural Reflex<\/h4>\n
Saying \u201cbonjour,\u201d \u201cau revoir,\u201d and \u201cmerci\u201d is expected in most interactions.
\nUse \u201cvous\u201d in formal situations or when speaking to strangers \u2014 it\u2019s better to be too polite than not enough, especially at first.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc4b Greetings: A Kiss on the Cheek, Not a Hug<\/h4>\n
In France, hugs are rare between friends. People usually greet with \u201cla bise\u201d \u2014 two, three, or even four kisses depending on the region \u2014 or a handshake, especially in professional settings. Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll get the hang of it quickly!<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udecd\ufe0f Sundays: A Day Like No Other<\/h4>\n
Outside of tourist zones, most shops are closed on Sundays \u2014 a day traditionally reserved for family and rest. Plan your errands ahead to avoid surprises.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Mealtime Schedules<\/h4>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe1 Compact Living, Simpler Lifestyle<\/h4>\n
Homes, cars, and even food portions may be smaller than what you\u2019re used to \u2014 part of a more minimalist lifestyle.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udcbc Professional Life: Key Insights for Integration<\/h3>\n\ud83e\udded A Clear Hierarchical Structure<\/h4>\n
In many French companies, hierarchy is well-defined and decisions are made at the top.
\nRespecting this structure is important, especially in early interactions.<\/p>\n
\u2709\ufe0f Formal Communication<\/h4>\n
Emails tend to be formal, with established polite phrases.
\nHumor or overly direct messages can be misinterpreted. Observing how others communicate will help you adapt.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Lunch Breaks: A Social Moment<\/h4>\n
Lunch is often a time to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting \u2014 a great opportunity to build relationships within your team.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf34 Valued and Protected Vacation Time<\/h4>\n
With a minimum of five weeks of paid leave, time off is seen as essential for work-life balance.
\nIt\u2019s common to take several consecutive weeks off, especially in summer.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcac A More Implicit Communication Style<\/h4>\n
Professional messages may be phrased more subtly.
\nCriticism, for example, is often expressed with tact. Pay attention to nuance and what\u2019s left unsaid.<\/p>\n
\n\u2705 A Few Tips to Get Started:<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Take French classes, even at a beginner level.
\n\u2022 Observe, ask questions, and don\u2019t hesitate to seek help.
\n\u2022 Get involved in local life: markets, events, community groups\u2026<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll see that discovering French culture means being surprised, adapting, and always growing.
\nWith a bit of curiosity and patience, these differences will become familiar \u2014 and often, deeply meaningful.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udca1\u00a0ENYTER supports you at every step of your relocation to France<\/strong>: paperwork, housing, schooling, cultural integration\u2026
\n\ud83d\udce9 Contact us for personalized support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udf0d Moving to France: 10 Cultural Differences to Discover At\u00a0ENYTER, 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 \u2014 it\u2019s an encounter with a new culture, habits, and social codes. Sometimes surprising, often enriching. Here are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[94,100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-enyter-en","category-relocation-en"],"yoast_head":"\n
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