Break bread, keep eye contact: dining dos and don’ts in France

French people take food seriously, which is both a delight and a potential minefield for non-natives.

“I’ve been a francophile since I was 11,” says Steve H.

“My wife and I nally moved to Normandy when I took early retirement, and we were delighted to join the village’s Christmas meal in the local restaurant.

“I speak good French and felt fairly culturally confident, so when I asked our neighbour, Alain, to debrief me, I was shocked by my many mistakes.

“Although I’d made a good start with greetings and introductions, when we sat down, I apparently sipped my wine before everyone had been served.

“No one said anything, but Alain explained that I should have waited for the toast.

“Speaking of which, I’d dutifully clinked glasses with everyone – which took forever! – but I hadn’t realised how important it is to look each person in the eye as you tap their glass.

“I’m American, so I’m used to a general toast where you just raise your glass and carry on.”

Another etiquette error he made concerned the bread.

He explains: “I’d taken a piece and bit into it with gusto, but Alain told me that I should have placed it on my sideplate, then broken off one small piece at a time.”

The cheese course too was a challenge.

“I cut it in a way that left too much rind for the others. I’ve since read up on cheese etiquette so I won’t offend anyone.

“It’s always embarrassing when you mess up, but at least I’ll know better next time. If they’ll have me back.”

Have you made a similar faux pas? Email feedback@connexionfrance.com.