No, French people generally don't smile at strangers as a default greeting like in some cultures (e.g., the US) because they view smiles as reserved for genuine, intimate moments, not as social filler, and excessive smiling can seem superficial, flirtatious, or even strange, though nods or subtle acknowledgments are more common, especially in smaller towns. A neutral facial expression is considered polite in public, and smiles are reserved for people you know or truly pleasant interactions, making them more meaningful when given.
Smiling at strangers is simply not part of French culture. There isn't even a word in the language meaning "friendly" with its resonance of spontaneous warmth toward everybody". The fact is that mistakes are culturally unacceptable in France.
The "5 to 7 rule" in France, or le cinq à sept, traditionally refers to a secret, after-work rendezvous (5 PM to 7 PM) with a lover for an illicit sexual encounter before returning home to family, but it's also used more broadly for discreet romantic meetings or even just a casual happy hour, though its meaning varies by region, with Québec using it more for social gatherings than affairs.
Indonesia Tops the List of the World's Most Smiling Countries. According to Gallup's 2023 Global Emotions Report, Indonesia has been named the country that smiles the most, showcasing the nation's warmth and optimism even amid global challenges.
However, it's important to understand that while the French are protective of their traditions, they are not inherently unfriendly towards foreigners. Many expats who move to France find that once they make an effort to learn the language and understand local customs, they are warmly welcomed into their communities.
Politeness and French culture
Politeness in France is an essential component of French culture. The French attach great importance to respecting social conventions and courtesy, whether in daily, professional or social life. This preoccupation with politeness often reflects the notion of “French savoir-vivre”.
Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather jackets and shoes. Use tote bags or earth-toned simplistic bags if you really want to dress in France to fit in with the locals.
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Ranking of the least happy countries worldwide 2024, by score. Afghanistan was ranked the least happy country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report from 2025. The country scored only 1.36 on a scale from 0 to 10.
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Given the close nature of the French greeting with kisses, the French are generally more at ease maintaining personal space. The French may seem reserved upon first meeting. However, during subsequent meetings, touching during a conversation is acceptable and considered a sign of affection.
Iceland is the country with the least number of cheaters (9%). Some people prefer one-night stands with strangers! In fact, most respondents from Thailand, France, Russia and Australia said they've slept with a stranger behind their partners back.
Seine-Saint-Denis (French pronunciation: [sɛn sɛ̃ d(ə)ni]) is a department of France located in the Grand Paris metropolis in the Île-de-France region. In French, it is often referred to colloquially as quatre-vingt treize or neuf trois ("ninety-three" or "nine three"), after its official administrative number, 93.
Perhaps the most odd law of all is that it is legal in France to marry a dead person, though you do need the permission of the President and you must have a good reason to do so.
To respond to "Ça va?", use simple, context-dependent answers like "Ça va bien, merci, et toi/vous?" (Very well, thanks, and you?) for positive, polite replies, or "Pas mal" (Not bad), "Bof" (Meh/So-so), or even "Ça va mal" (Not well) for more nuanced feelings, often followed by asking back "Et toi?" (informal) or "Et vous?" (formal).
France 2024. Systemic racism and religious discrimination persisted, including against Muslim women and girls. Racial profiling continued with impunity. Excessive restrictions on peaceful protests and excessive use of force by police persisted.
Yet, richer people are happier than poorer people, and richer countries are happier than poorer countries. This is the Easterlin Paradox. Researchers typically explain the paradox by suggesting that these higher levels of wealth raise our expectations, preventing us from getting any happier (the hedonic treadmill).
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The latest Expat Insider 2025 ranking reveals the world's least friendly countries for foreigners, with Kuwait once again taking the top spot. Expats cite challenges in making local friends, difficulties integrating into the culture, and a generally unwelcoming social environment.
The humble Number One: Finland. We Finns are sometimes accused of being too modest about our achievements, but this article makes a dent in that reputation. Given that most Finns won't blow their own horn – it's culturally de rigueur to downplay personal achievements – we're going to do some serious bragging.
In Paris, it's frowned upon to be loud, eat while walking (especially on public transport), skip basic French greetings like "Bonjour", dress too casually (sneakers and sweats), expect immediate English service, be rude to staff, or stop abruptly on busy sidewalks, with Parisians valuing politeness, quiet, and taking time for meals.
The 3-3-3 clothing rule is a simple styling method for creating many outfits from few items: choose 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes, which allows for 27 potential combinations (3x3x3) and reduces decision fatigue, often used for travel or building a minimalist capsule wardrobe. It's a versatile concept, sometimes expanded to include 3 layers (like jackets or cardigans) for even more looks, making dressing easier by focusing on mix-and-match versatility with core pieces.
Facial structure: A well-defined bone structure is a hallmark of classic French beauty. High cheekbones, a straight nose, and a strong jawline are often highlighted. These features contribute to a balanced and symmetrical face, which is universally considered attractive.