8. Culture guides the social interactions between members of society and influences the personal beliefs and values that shape a person's perception of their environment
9. The culture of France and of the French people has been shaped by geography, by profound historical events, and by foreign and internal forces
41. Fête des lumières in Lyon, France expresses gratitude toward Mary, mother of Jesus on December 8 of each year
42. This uniquely Lyonnaise tradition dictates that every house place candles along the outsides of all the windows to produce a spectacular effect throughout the streets.
43.
44. Le petit déjeuner is often a quick meal consisting of "tartines“ of buttered french bread, croissants or pain au chocolat along with coffee or tea
47. Le déjeuner was once a two hour mid-day meal but has recently seen a trend toward the one hour lunch break. Sunday lunches are often longer and are taken with the family.
50. Le dîner often consists of three courses, hors d'oeuvre or entrée, plat principal, and a cheese course or dessert, sometimes with a salad offered before the cheese or dessert.
51. Yoghurt may replace the cheese course, while a normal everyday dessert would be fresh fruit. The meal is often accompanied by bread, wine and mineral water
58. Frenchart Decorative arts The Objets d'art collection spans from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century. The department began as a subset of the sculpture department, based on royal property and the transfer of work from the Basilique Saint-Denis, the burial ground of French monarchs that held the Coronation Sword of the Kings of France. Painting The painting collection has more than 6,000 works from the 13th century to 1848 and is managed by 12 curators who oversee the collection's display. Nearly two-thirds are by French artists, and more than 1,200 are Northern European. Nail Art
64. The most-watched sports in France are soccer, rugby union, basketball, cycling, sailing and tennis
65. France is notable for holding (and winning) the football World Cup in 1998, for holding the annual cycling race Tour de France, and the tennis Grand Slam tournament Roland Garros, or the French Open
66. The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race that covers approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,200 mi) throughout France and bordering countries
67. The race lasts three weeks and attracts cyclists from around the world.
74. People say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir‘ with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' when leaving
75.
76. Some older French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving certain flowers: White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals; red carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white flowers as they are used at weddings
77. If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The French appreciate their wines.
78.
79. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening
80.
81. If there is a seating plan, you may be directed to a particular seat
82. Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetite‘
83. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife
84. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap
91. Creating a wide network of close personal business alliances is very important
92. If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language may aid in developing a relationship
93. The way a French person communicates is often predicated by their social status, education level, and which part of the country they were raised.
94.
95. Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon the level of the person you are meeting
96. Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common vacation period.
97. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation
98.
99. Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits for the initial meeting. How you dress later is largely dependent upon the personality of the company with which you are conducting business
100. Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses in soft colours
101. The French like the finer things in life, so wear good quality accessories
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