France is revered for her cities, villages, picturesque countryside, her medieval cathedrals, castles, and art museums, and her restaurants, high-fashion and luxury goods - but the French people are often viewed negatively. Will visitors to France find the French as arrogant as they are reputed to be? How real is France's antagonism toward foreigners, particularly Americans? And how should one navigate a society where traditional values are buffeted by the process of modernization? This handy guide to understanding how people in France think, do business, and act in their daily lives. t presents a portrait of today's French society through characteristic French behaviors, attitudes, and customs. Organized alphabetically for ease of use, it is an indispensable reference to the way French celebrate holidays, interact with one another, eat, dress, and so on. Its insights into customs and attitudes will enable the student, tourist, or business traveller to better understand the country and to increase their ability to communicate with the French.