Do shake hands with everyone, but be aware that the famous bise (kissing on the cheek, two in Paris, often three in the regions) is reserved for people you know. Note that the terms “madam”, “mademoiselle” and “monsieur” are much more widely used than their equivalents in English. The second person in French has “vous” and “tu” forms. For business, you should always use the polite “vous” form rather than “tu”, unless specifically asked to “tutoyer”. Listen to how the person addresses you and if in doubt err on the side of politeness; the transition from vous to tu is a subtle art that takes non-natives years – or perhaps forever – to master. Getting the timing right can be complicated too. Do be punctual for business meetings or if you have reserved a restaurant, but if invited for dinner, arrive politely late but not too late — around 8.30pm if invited for 8pm — and do take flowers for the hostess. The French generally dress smartly but informally. Trendy restaurants may attract high levels of glitz, but otherwise dress is generally casual. Men may be required to wear jacket and ties for the smartest haute-cuisine restaurants.