La bise

Greeting kisses in France: 5 regional expressions

We look at different terms used for ‘ se faire la bise ’ - the kiss on each cheek which is one of the most widespread greetings in France

‘Faire la bise? French kiss-kiss greeting forever changed post-Covid’

A minefield for French non-natives and then came the pandemic. Nick Inman wonders if ‘la bise’ is dying out while sociability lives on

Have Covid and #MeToo killed la bise?

Mask-wearing and social distancing due to Covid have blocked a staple of French social (and work) life: la bise. Sociologist Jean-Claude Kaufmann talks on what the future holds now

practical

Could Covid make the French kiss goodbye to workplace 'bise'?

'It is possible that ' la bise' or handshakes will disappear from the workplace, because they are both practices that are more recent in our history'

Make sense of... La bise and other greetings

The art in la bise and other greetings can be a subtle, nuanced affair depending on situation and social milieu as well as geography. Here are some pointers to bear in mind, from essentials to very refined.

French manners: tu, vous and kisses

French people are usually more formal in addressing others than the British - and yet think nothing of kissing each other several times when they first meet.

La bise

Greeting kisses in France: 5 regional expressions

‘Faire la bise? French kiss-kiss greeting forever changed post-Covid’

Have Covid and #MeToo killed la bise?

Could Covid make the French kiss goodbye to workplace 'bise'?

Trending

Films and series to watch to improve your French in the New Year

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

French officials consider ideas to help second-home owners

French visas, EU citizenship case, pension contacts: Updates in brief

Man shot dead by fellow hunter in southern France

Do French people celebrate their ‘main’ Christmas on December 24 or 25?

Healthcare: What's new in France in 2025

Make sense of... La bise and other greetings

French manners: tu, vous and kisses