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.
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| 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 other well. It is also common when people are introduced to a friend of a friend in a relaxed setting. It is a warm greeting, and it says "I am glad to see you" in a way a handshake does not.
How many kisses should you give?
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| Watch how local people greet each other first, then follow their lead. |
This is the part that confuses visitors, because there is no single rule for the whole country:
| Situation | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Most of France | Two kisses, one on each cheek, is the most common pattern |
| Some regions | One kiss, or three kisses, is normal |
| A few areas | Four kisses is the local habit |
| A formal first meeting | A handshake is more common than a cheek kiss |
The number depends on where you are and who you are greeting. People from the same town usually know the local habit without thinking about it. A visitor does not need to know it in advance.
Which cheek do you start with?
Most people start with the left cheek — that is, they lean to their right, towards the other person's left cheek — and then switch to the other side. But this also varies, and two people can easily start on the same side and bump into each other.
If that happens, do not worry. Smile, laugh lightly, and try again. French people are used to this small mix-up, and it happens to them too.
Who kisses whom?
In general:
- Woman to woman: a cheek kiss is very common between friends.
- Woman to man: a cheek kiss is common between friends and acquaintances.
- Man to man: it depends. Older generations and close friends often do it, especially in the south of France. In other settings, men often shake hands instead.
Age, region, and how well people know each other all matter. A good rule is to watch what the other person does and match it.
When should you NOT do it?
Do not use a cheek kiss in these situations:
- A formal business meeting. A handshake is the safer choice.
- Meeting someone for the very first time in a formal setting. Wait until they offer a cheek kiss, or shake hands.
- When the other person steps back or offers a hand. Follow their signal.
- When you are unwell. A smile and a wave are polite and kind.
If you are unsure, a warm smile and a handshake are never wrong.
A simple example: arriving at a friend's house in France
- You arrive, and your friend's partner opens the door. They lean in for a cheek kiss, so you lean in too.
- You give one kiss on each cheek, then step back and smile.
- An older relative is introduced. They offer a cheek kiss as well, so you do the same.
- A neighbour you have never met is standing nearby. They offer a handshake, so you shake their hand.
You did not need to know the local number of kisses in advance. You followed each person's lead, and the greeting felt natural.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaning in too far. A cheek kiss is light and quick. Keep it brief.
- Making a loud kissing sound. A soft sound is enough.
- Grabbing the other person's shoulders. Keep your hands relaxed, or lightly touch their arm if that feels natural.
- Insisting on a cheek kiss when the other person offers a hand. Respect the signal they give you.
- Treating it as a romantic gesture. It is a friendly greeting, and treating it that way keeps things comfortable for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Is "faire la bise" a real kiss?
No. It is a greeting. Cheeks touch and a small sound is made in the air. It is not a kiss on the lips.
How many kisses are normal in Paris?
Two is the most common pattern in Paris, but people from other regions may give one, three, or four. Follow the other person's lead.
What should I do if I start on the wrong cheek?
Smile and try again. It is a common, harmless mix-up.
Do children do it too?
Children in France often greet family and family friends this way, but it depends on the family. Let the child or their parent take the lead.
Is it rude to offer a handshake instead?
No. A handshake is polite and safe, especially in a formal setting or with someone you have just met.
The short version
"Faire la bise" is a friendly cheek-kiss greeting in France. Two kisses is the most common pattern, but the number varies by region. Start with the left cheek, keep it light and quick, and follow the other person's lead. When in doubt, a handshake and a smile are always polite.
Updated: 5 November 2026. General travel and culture information only.
