Professional Social Events

The After-Work Apéro

French colleagues often share an after-work drink, but this isn't happy hour as Americans know it: - Usually just one or two drinks - Conversation remains somewhat professional - Personal lives stay relatively private - Leaving after an hour is acceptable - Not attending occasionally is fine

Office Celebrations

French offices celebrate differently: - Champagne for achievements - Galette des Rois in January - Possibly pot de départ for departures - Birthday persons often bring treats (reverse of US custom) - Keep speeches brief and witty