French workplace culture rewards formality, intellect, and a firm grasp of unwritten hierarchies.
In the office, men typically shake hands daily. Women and mixed-gender greetings may include la bise (cheek kiss). When in doubt, extend your hand — it's always safe.
Never start a French professional email with "Bonjour" alone. Use "Madame, Monsieur," and close with the legendary multi-line closing formula. Brevity can read as rudeness.
The French take a real lunch break — usually 1 to 1.5 hours. Eating at your desk is seen as sad or aggressive. Go out, sit down, and don't bring the laptop.