Lost in Translation: The Hilarious (and Costly) Mistakes of Doing Business in France
Let’s face it—doing business in France can feel like stepping into an episode of a reality show where the prize is… not embarrassing yourself in front of French executives.
If you’ve ever wondered why your perfectly planned business deal fell apart over lunch, why your French colleague stared at you like you just insulted their grandmother, or why email etiquette suddenly feels like decoding ancient hieroglyphics—don’t worry. You’re not alone.
Here are some real-life (and slightly exaggerated) cultural mishaps that could happen when doing business in France—and how to avoid them with a little help from Clervil Cross-Cultural Consulting.
1. The Great Handshake vs. La Bise Confusion
Imagine this: You arrive at a meeting, ready to make a great impression. You reach out for a firm handshake, but the other person leans in… for a cheek kiss (la bise).
Congratulations! You’ve just created an awkward business tango.
💡 Lesson: In France, the rules around greetings can be tricky. While professionals mostly stick to handshakes, some colleagues who know each other well may do la bise. The trick? Let the French person lead. If they lean in, go with it. If they extend a hand, shake it with confidence (but not too aggressively—this isn’t a wrestling match).
2. The Business Lunch That Lasted Three Hours
You schedule a quick business lunch at noon, thinking you’ll be back at your desk by 1 PM. Ha! By the time dessert rolls in at 2:30 PM, you’re wondering if you accidentally signed up for a full-day event.
In France, business lunches aren’t about speed-eating while checking emails. They’re about building relationships. Rushing through a meal or trying to talk “just business” the whole time can make you seem uninterested (or worse—rude).
💡 Lesson: Relax. Enjoy the food. Let conversations flow naturally. And if you’re waiting for the bill? You’ll have to ask for it. No one’s going to rush you out.
3. The Email That Started a War
You send a straightforward email to your French counterpart:
“Hey Pierre, can you send me the report by Friday? Thanks.”
You think: “Nice. Clear. Efficient.”
Pierre thinks: “Why is this person being so cold? Did I offend them? Do they hate me?”
In France, emails (even in business) tend to start with politeness rituals like Bonjour and end with a friendly Cordialement (or something even fancier like Je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées—because why not?).
💡 Lesson: A little formality goes a long way. Start with a greeting, soften direct requests, and never skip the closing niceties.
4. The Mistake of Speaking French… Too Well
You impress your French clients by flawlessly ordering in French at dinner. They’re amazed! Then, suddenly, the waiter starts rapid-fire talking to you like you’re a local.
Panic sets in. Your brain short-circuits. You mumble, “Uhh… pardon?”
And just like that, your credibility plummets.
💡 Lesson: If you speak a bit of French, fantastic! Just be prepared that once you open that door, people will expect you to keep up. If in doubt, just say: “Je parle un peu français, mais on peut parler anglais si vous voulez.” (I speak a little French, but we can speak English if you prefer.)
The Clervil Cross-Cultural Consulting Solution
Look, we get it. Doing business in France is an art form. It’s about balance—being polite but not too formal, being friendly but not overly familiar, being professional but not robotic.
That’s where Clervil Cross-Cultural Consulting comes in. We help businesses avoid cultural mishaps, build stronger relationships, and actually enjoy working with the French—instead of wondering why they suddenly stopped responding to your emails.
Because let’s be honest: A little cultural know-how can save you from a lot of awkward moments.
Want to learn more? Let’s chat (over a three-hour lunch, of course). 😉