Foreign Language French - Basic cheat sheet
Foreign Language French - Basic · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Cultural and sociolinguistic awareness
Laïcité: since the 1905 law separating church and state, public schools and offices are secular; visible religious symbols are banned in state schools (2004 law), and the 2010 law bans face coverings in public space.
Meal and shop rhythm: déjeuner around 12h–13h30, dîner from 19h30–20h30; many shops close 12h–14h and on Sundays, and August is the main holiday month (les grandes vacances).
Administrative life: la mairie issues birth certificates and livret de famille; la carte d'identité, la carte Vitale (health insurance) and le numéro de sécurité sociale are core documents; the préfecture handles residence permits.
Calendar: fêtes légales include 1er janvier, 1er mai (Fête du Travail), 8 mai, 14 juillet (Fête nationale), 15 août, 1er novembre, 11 novembre and 25 décembre; school holidays are set by zone A/B/C.
Money and tipping: euro (€), prices include service (service compris); a small tip or rounding up is customary but not obligatory; card payment is widely accepted, and chèques are less common.
Social conventions: la bise (one to four cheek kisses depending on region, often two) among friends and family; a handshake (serrer la main) in professional contexts; vous with strangers, tu with peers.
Regional and linguistic reality: French is the official language; regional languages (breton, occitan, basque, corse, alsacien) have no official status; French overseas départements use the euro except in the Pacific territories (CFP franc).