
France - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
Barry Tomalin(Author)
Kuperard (Publisher)
Published on 18. April 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
168 pages
978-1-85733-673-3 (ISBN)
Description
France has experienced considerable upheaval in recent years. The Eurozone crisis, a new socialist president, rioting by an alienated underclass, a ban on the burqa (full veil) in public places, and an attempt to democratize the elite system of education all point to significant changes in French society. At the same time leading French companies are major investors in European energy resources, services, and luxury products, and between three and four hundred thousand French people live in Britain, making London, as former President Sarkozy stated, France's fifth- or sixth-largest city. The implications of these changes have not yet fully permeated French society, but they reveal a slow process of adaptation to new realities. Meanwhile, in international affairs, France makes a major and distinctive contribution and carefully guards its interests and prestige. The rivalry between Paris and the provinces continues the traditional split between North and South. France as a whole maintains its stately pace as a centre of culture, civilization, and, of course, the good life, which is one of the reasons it remains, with 75 million visitors a year, the most visited country in the world. This new, updated edition of Culture Smart! France looks at the attitudes and values of the French today. It explains how French life and business work and shows you how to fit in as a foreigner. There is practical advice on how to avoid the pitfalls and do things the French way. It takes you through history, festivals, and traditions, the French at home, on the road, in the restaurant, and at work. Above all, it shows you how the French communicate, and how best to get along with this sometimes frustrating yet charming and brilliant people.
Reviews / Votes
Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers...' Sunday Times Travel,' the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries.' Global Travel,
' full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas.' Observer,
' as useful as they are entertaining.' Easy Jet Magazine,
' offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world.' New York Times
More details
Series
Edition
Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 169 mm
Width: 110 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-85733-673-3 (9781857336733)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Previous edition
Book
03/2003
Kuperard
€28.61
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Barry Tomalin, M.A. is an English writer, trainer, and public speaker specializing in cultural awareness and international communication. He is Director of Cultural Training at International House, London, and Visiting Lecturer at the London Academy of Diplomacy, University of East Anglia. A former producer and presenter with the BBC World Service, he has worked in over sixty countries worldwide, including France, Algeria, and Francophone West Africa. As well as Culture Smart! France, he is the author of Culture Smart! Germany.
Content
Brief History Politics - Economic Life Traditions - Friendships & Family Relationships Bureaucracy Religion Humour - Local Holidays Taboos Invitations Gifts Dress - Business etiquette - Punctuality & Appointments - Team working Communication Negotiating - Women in Society Tips - Eating Out - Traditional Food - Dos and Don t - Making Friends