Q & A

Subject: Etiquette for invitations to dinner.

Question: You have a really informative web site! I am working with a student exchange program and have a few questions for you.
What is the etiquette for invitations to dinner? (Arrive late or on time?) When is it appropriate to give and accept gifts and what kind of gifts would be good?
What are the social norms of dating and mixed gender relationships?
What is the normal daily schedule of a student/family including meals and any rest periods?
What is the customary time to visit friends? And are these visits scheduled?
And finally, what is the attitude in France towards alcohol and tobacco?
Any information you have on these questions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!

Answer: I don't have answers to all your questions, here is what I can tell you; for etiquette with invitations to dinner, my experience is that it is much like in the states. I would say that the French generally arrive on time and maybe a little late and not early. Remember though, the French eat later than Americans, usually after 8 pm and as late as 10 pm and for much longer. A meal with a guest could last up to 2 hours. The most important part of French culture is eating and the conversation that takes place.
Most times when you go eat at someone's house, you will bring something, a token of thanks, i.e. a cake or flowers. As for gifts for other occasions, the French like to give gifts, mostly within families, for things like Christmas and birthdays. At least that seems to be very popular with my French in-laws, my wife always will give a gift to the children she is godmother of, for their birthdays and Christmas.
A daily schedule would go something like this, breakfast between 7 am and 8 am then work/school until noon. Then lunch from noon tell 2 pm, then school/work from 2 pm to 5 pm or 6 pm, perhaps later.
The French are very liberal when it comes to alcohol and tobacco, mostly tobacco. It is not uncommon to see teenagers smoking.