France, known as the land of romance, attracts many foreigners, but what a culture shock it is when they realize how much of a nightmare doing the bise can be. Even though it might seem that the French invented the bise simply to prevent foreigners from settling in France, the tradition dates back a long time. It actually comes from the Romans who invented the intermediate kiss called “baesium”. Often used as a sign of peace, respect, and as a gesture to seal religious agreements, the gesture kept evolving through the years and spread across Europe, such as France, but also southern European countries and Russia.
This French tradition is not for everyone, nor for every situation. It’s mostly used among friends and family, and sometimes with colleagues, depending on the workplace. Moreover, it is to note that two women will do the bise, as will a man and a woman, but two men are more likely to do a handshake.
Nowadays, it can be complicated to understand the way the French do the bise, even for the French themselves. In reality, this greeting is very different from one region to another, it can vary from one kiss in the West, up to four kisses in some northern regions, while the majority of France does only two. And there is another concern: which side do we start with? This one is simpler, in the South-East of France, you start from the right and in the North from the left.
Easy! With these tips you can properly fit in among the French, avoid awkward moments like kissing someone on the lips…and fully embrace French culture. Bienvenue!
