Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact.  Good friends may include a light hug. 

Woman greeting Woman-  Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting in .  Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses.  However, it is very rude to “faire des bises” if you are sick.  In this case you can simply say hello or shake hands.  At a first meeting, women generally shake hands.

Greetings between Men & Women- Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting for friends and family .  Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses.  At a first meeting a regular handshake will do.  It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.

Note: The number of kisses also varies depending on the region of France.  In Nantes , you greet with four kisses, alternating cheeks.  In the south, it is two kisses.  Foreigners often have a hard time determining which side to kiss first.  In this case, follow the French person’s lead.