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  Day 3326 (Friday) 17 th July 2026 This is Grasse and this is Beaulieu.     How to be French Part 1 Many people will say well you’re French if you’re born French – but is it really as simple as that? And what makes French people uniquely French? I can tell you that coming from London as I do, and now having lived in France for many years, I know that there are certain things that French people do that make them stand out as French – such as dunking a buttery, flaky croissant in a bowl or cup of coffee. I’ve studied what it means to be French – and lived the life and here’s what I’ve found… Things the French do that make them French. I’ve thought long and hard about how to be French. For me, I don’t think that you can just say being born in France is the only way to be French. I know French people who live outside of France, or whose children may have been born outside of France, but still they are “French” in the sense that they seem French, do French things… For instan...
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  Day 3325 (Thursday) 16 th July 2026 This is the seafront in Villefranche and this is La Turbie. Here are the rest of the social etiquette tips… Business Communication Tips: Use formal titles ( Monsieur ,  Madame ) until invited to use first names. Maintain eye contact during conversations. Listen actively without interrupting. Respect hierarchical structures within companies. Follow up meetings with written summaries in French. Professional networking events and business lunches present valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships. These gatherings often last several hours, combining business discussions with social interaction. 4. Understanding Social Dynamics: From Acquaintances to Close Friends In France, there are clear differences between casual acquaintances and true friendships. The journey from being a stranger to becoming a friend follows unwritten rules that influence social interactions in Paris and throughout the country. The Importance of Privacy. French ...
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  Day 3324 (Wednesday) 15 th July 2026 Yesterday afternoon we had a wonderful fly by and these were the 86 lights that shone over Nice last night. This is Villefranche from the sky. I found this article online and French social etiquette, it’s quite long so I’ll post it over two days… Cultural Norms in France: A Comprehensive Etiquette Guide for Expats Understanding French Social Etiquette Living in France as an expat opens doors to a rich cultural tapestry woven with distinct social customs and unwritten rules. French social etiquette forms the backbone of daily interactions, shaping everything from casual greetings to formal business meetings. Successful integration into French society hinges on mastering these cultural norms. A simple  bonjour  carries significant weight – its omission can mark you as impolite, while its proper use creates positive first impressions. This cultural awareness helps build meaningful connections with locals and prevents unintentional soci...
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