Everyday culture in France

Cheek kisses, handshakes and the choice between tu and vous are among the first things newcomers to France wonder about. What people commonly do, how habits changed after Covid, and how to handle greetings without stress.

Five weeks of paid leave, the 35-hour reference week, RTT days, long weekends and a protected lunch break shape working life in France. What newcomers commonly notice, what the law says, and how practice varies between jobs.

Living in a Paris apartment building means living close to your neighbours. What newcomers commonly notice about noise, building rules, waste sorting and neighbourly contact, and how disputes are usually handled.

Proofs of address, registered letters, online portals and long waits for a residence permit are part of life for many newcomers in France. What people commonly run into, why it works this way, and where to get help when a procedure gets stuck.

Many newcomers learn quickly that bonjour opens almost every interaction in France, from the bakery to the bus. Why the greeting carries so much weight, which other small courtesies matter, and how to avoid being misread.

Fixed mealtimes, long lunches, the apéro and dinner invitations shape a lot of social life in France. What newcomers commonly notice at the table, how restaurant bills and tipping work, and what to do when you are invited.

Open disagreement in meetings, lively debate over dinner and a first 'non' that is not always final surprise many newcomers in France. What lies behind it, how it varies, and how to take part without feeling attacked.

Strikes in transport, schools and other public services are a visible part of public life in France. Why they happen, how they are announced, and how to plan your commute and childcare when one is called.

Sunday is still largely a day off for shops in France, with exceptions that make Paris busier than most places. How opening rules work, where you can shop on a Sunday, how markets and sales seasons run, and how to plan your week.