Question

How is the custom of shaking hands different in France?

Answer 1

The French shake hands almost whenever they meet, and always when meeting someone for the first time or for business. Arriving at work in the morning, it is common to greet colleagues with a handshake and to shake hands again when leaving. Read more about French business culture and French business etiquette tips.

Greeting anyone familiar — like a favorite restaurant waiter or a next-door neighbor — also usually involves a crisp handshake.

However, when colleagues know each other well or in situations between friends, women often greet each other, and male colleagues or friends, with a kiss on the cheek. Beware – don’t take the first step if you are uncertain, but be ready to embrace what comes.

Answer 2

You can call this shaking hands (se serrer la main, or "to shake hands") or the French handshake (la poignèe de main, or "the handshake"). Shaking hands is, of course, common in many countries, but the French way of doing it is an interesting variation.