A Living Culture, Not a Museum

Cultural Context Box: Evolution vs. Tradition

French culture, like any living culture, constantly evolves. While certain core values persist—appreciation for good food, emphasis on intellectual discourse, respect for privacy—how these manifest changes with each generation. A startup in Station F (Paris's tech hub) operates differently from a traditional family business in Lyon, yet both are authentically French.

Modern France is a tapestry woven from many threads. The hexagon (as France is often called due to its shape) is home to people whose families have been French for centuries, recent immigrants from former colonies, EU nationals who've made France their home, and many others. Each brings their own interpretation and contribution to French culture.

What's Changing: Digital Age Etiquette

Traditional French formality is adapting to global digital culture. While a handwritten thank-you note remains the gold standard, a thoughtful email is increasingly acceptable. Video calls have introduced new etiquette questions: Do you still faire la bise (kiss cheeks) when meeting in person after months of Zoom meetings? (The answer varies, but generally, follow the other person's lead.)