We’ve all seen those European air kisses that some people do when they greet each other in the States, but in France, la bise isn’t a rarity: it’s the norm. Generally speaking, any ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’ involving a woman (and sometimes, greetings between men who are particularly close) involve brushing your cheeks against those of your interlocutor. And to make things even more complicated… it’s not done the same way throughout France.
How to Bise
Giving the bise is generally done by brushing your cheeks against the cheeks of your interlocutor and kissing the air simultaneously. However, the rules change a bit for children: if you’re greeting a child, you’ll let the child actually plant a kiss on your cheek before doing the same!
(Some close friends will also opt for this style of bise, but it’s best to err on the side of air-kissing).
One thing’s for sure: unlike in the States, contact is made with the other person’s cheek.
Image: Morgan Meurice
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How Many Kisses?
Depending on the region where you are, the number of kisses involved in the bise will range from two to four:
- In Paris, as well as in some other major cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, two kisses are the norm.
- In the South, particularly near Marseille and Montpellier, as well as in the North, near Lille, people have a preference for three kisses.
- In western France, meanwhile, near Nantes, four kisses are given (that’s a lot!)
Image: Morgan Maurice
Which Side?
To make things even more complex, not all regions start their kisses on the same side. Not knowing which side to lean to first can certainly lead to some awkward moments!
- In the north of France (including Paris), turning to the right/droite (so brushing left cheeks first) is the norm.
- In the south, however, people turn to the left/gauche (and brush right cheeks first).
A Bit of Bise Etiquette
There are a few times where you won’t want to bise:
- If you’re ill. Because the bise can spread germs, if you’re under the weather, let people know!
- If you’re meeting someone in a business scenario. Here, a handshake is preferable.
With all of these rules, there are often some faux pas. If you’ve ever had a bise blunder, be sure to share the story with us on Facebook!