The French Cheek-Kiss Greeting Explained: How "Faire la Bise" Works
A quick answer: In France, "faire la bise" is a friendly greeting in which people touch cheeks and make a small kissing sound in the air. It is a hello, not a romantic kiss. How many kisses people give varies by region and by who they are greeting — often two, sometimes one, three, or four. When in doubt, follow the other person's lead. Updated: 5 November 2026. This is general travel and culture information only. Customs vary by region and by person, and this guide describes the custom in general terms. In France, a cheek kiss is often just a friendly hello — not a romantic gesture. What is "faire la bise"? "Faire la bise" means "to do the kiss", and it is one of the most common greetings in France. Two people lean towards each other, touch cheeks, and make a light kissing sound in the air. Their lips do not usually touch the other person's cheek. It is used between friends, between family members, and between people who know each...