How and when to kiss in France?

You may have noticed that in France, people often greet each other with kisses on the cheek, called

"la bise". But how do you do it, whom should you kiss, and when is it appropriate?

In France, greeting someone with a kiss on the cheek, la bise, is a common way to say hello or goodbye, but it’s not done with everyone. You usually kiss family members, close friends, and sometimes friends of friends. Women greet women and men greet women with la bise quite often, while men greeting men depends on the region and how close they are.

With colleagues, you sometimes kiss, but only if you know them better. Strangers are typically spared from la bise, unless they’re introduced by someone who already kissed you, in which case the chain reaction has begun, and everyone is doomed.

The number of kisses can vary; two is most common, but three or even four can happen in certain areas.

If you’re really confused now about when and whom to kiss, just wait. When it’s appropriate, the French person will lean in, and then you’ll know exactly what to do. :) :)