The most common is to offer the right cheek for la bise. However, in some parts of France, especially in the South and South-East, we offer the left cheek first! Once the cheek is presented, how many kisses should you give? In most cases, 2 is the norm.

Do you kiss the left or right cheek first?

General Guidelines (No Matter Where You Are) In most countries where cheek kissing is the norm, you usually offer your right cheek first. No big deal if you both go in opposite directions — just laugh it off. Generally speaking, an air kiss is an air kiss. When in doubt, avoid planting your lips on the other person.

Which cheek do you kiss first in Europe?

In Italy (especially southern and central Italy) it is common for men to kiss men, especially relatives or friends. In most Southern European countries, kissing is initiated by leaning to the left side and joining the right cheeks and if theres a second kiss, changing to the left cheeks.

Why do the French kiss on both cheeks?

But, she told The Local news site, It also shows an inequality between men and women. Thats because while it is customary for women in France to greet both men and women with a kiss on each cheek, men generally reserve la bise for close male friends or family.

Do French kisses greeting?

More than a tradition, its a habit and even a reflex. Of Latin origin, the greeting kissing persists in countries where the culture of contact dominates, and this culture is deeply rooted in France. The French still greet each other by touching each other, kissing or shaking hands.

Do French people kiss hello?

La bise is an exchange of kisses on the cheek and the traditional greeting in France. Its something most French people engage in at least once or twice a day, whether with family or friends, or with colleagues.

What is kissing on both cheeks called?

This act of cheek kissing is called “Faire la bise” (pronounced Fair la bees). Throughout this article, I refer to “cheek kiss ,” “la bise,” and “Faire la bise” interchangeably.

How many kisses does France have?

two kisses Elsewhere in France, most residents exchange two kisses when greeting somebody, except for those in the region of Languedoc and the south of the Rhône-Alpes region. Two kisses are also customary in the French-speaking parts of Switzerland.