Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is understood as a form of respect. It is considered to be extremely rude not to make and maintain eye contact. Gestures: French people tend to use the 'thumbs up' sign to indicate 'okay'. Making a circle with the thumb and index finger means 'zero' in France.
For Parisians eye contact is a personal matter, much like your choice of wine, or infidelity in relationships. As a general rule, you have to avoid looking strangers in the eye; it's slightly offensive. Remember, personal space reigns.
It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.
France is a high-context culture.
A high-context culture is one in which communication may be more unspoken rather than explicit - for example, much attention is paid to body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues in order to discern a speaker's meaning.
Bad French Table Manners Are… To start drinking before everybody has a full glass in front of them (and someone has a chance to make a toast). To keep your hands under the table. If you are a man, to serve yourself before offering the food to the woman sitting next to you.
Respect is shown in verbal greetings by referring to the person as 'Madam' ('Ms') or 'Monsieur' ('Mr'). Though previously the title 'Madam' referred to a married woman and 'Mademoiselle' referred to an unwed woman, this practice is no longer commonplace.
Equality and unity are important to the French. The French also value style and sophistication, and they take pride in the beauty and artistry of their country. Family is also highly valued in French culture. Mealtimes are often shared with family, and extended-family gatherings and meals are common over the weekend.
Within many societies and cultures EYE CONTACT is one of the most important forms of nonverbal communication as it shows respect for the person you are speaking and listening to. In most Western European countries, it is proper and polite for nurses to maintain eye contact with patients during a conversation.
Refusing food or drink in someone's home
The French are big on hospitality and always welcome guests with refreshments. This is just the 'done thing', and refusing food and drink is considered a direct snub of their welcome and will almost always offend the French.
For example, in African-American cultures, eye contact with authority figures may be viewed as disrespectful. Similarly, among some Asian groups, eye contact between strangers could be considered shameful. In some Latino cultures sustained eye contact may be viewed as disrespectful.
Hugging in France
Unlike Americans, the French do not use hugging as a greeting. Instead, they kiss cheeks (faire la bise) informally and shake hands in formal settings. Because they are not given often, hugs tend to make French people uncomfortable and can easily seem like an invasion of personal space.
The French beauty philosophy… “Simple and healthy. Healthy skin is naturally beautiful. French beauty, as French fashion, is about an effortless and natural look. Once the skin is properly cleansed, hydrated, protected and well-balanced, light makeup will enhance the natural glow of the skin.
French values
The French national motto “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” reflects the core values of French society. Equality and unity are important to the French. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'are often identified as essential to what it means to be 'French'.
Typical physical characteristics of French people include olive skin, darker features, definition in the nose and brow, and slightly larger eyes. The French have a wide collection of stereotypes, including being hopeless romantics, very elegant, stuck up, and highly intelligent.
These include the sexual exploitation of minors (France had no age of consent until 2018), racism, poverty in the banlieue, police brutality, immigration and reconciling with their colonial past, the concept of laïcité and its controversial implications for Muslims (especially Muslim women) in France, anti-Semitism, ...
People in France are actually some of the most polite and courteous people, and even with a bare minimum knowledge of French words, you can have a wonderful time in France if you know the very basic words of politeness and courtesy.