Sunday, November 15, 2026

🎨 Culture

The Rules of the Bise

Number and starting side vary by region, from two in most places to four in parts of the north. Between men it is usually a handshake, and getting it wrong is entirely forgivable.

Follow the other person lead rather than initiating. In doubt, offer a hand and let them convert it. Nobody in France judges a foreigner on this.

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Our Recommendation

Nothing at all. Social conventions are learned by watching, which costs nothing.

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