What are the cultural aspects that I need to be aware of before moving to France?

I'll be the most simple and direct here. Here are 8 things. 1. France has a very secular society - No one talks about their religion or religious practices in public 2. French people does not like small talks and they like to have long discussions about politics, intellectual things, cinema, etc. - French people are the type of people who likes to "agree to disagree" - Almost everyone in France disagrees with everyone else. Don't try to make yourself nice by agreeing with what people says. The French love it when you disagree with them so they can start a discussion with you. 3. In France, when dining with the French, makes sure you never stop talking with others. Don't just eat. Dining is a way of socialising. 4. The way French people have conversations are different from many English-speaking cultures. - French people will keep on talking and talking unless you "interrupt" them. So when conversing with French people, you need to interrupt them if you want to respond (don't worry its not rude). 5. French people care a lot about their food. 6. French people may sometimes appear less "conservative" - they may ask you whether "you have any children" or whether you are married on the first day they met you or even at a job interview (Don't be offended or shock!). 7. In France, people don't like to "show off" their wealth (they think its pretentious).It is not usual for the French to wear really showy things - French clothing is usually very simple. Fashion is important but keep it simple (and you can see that being reflected in Chanel's style compared to the luxurious garments of D&G or Prada). 8. French people like to be direct when they are talking about what they want. So here, these are the 8 essential things to keep in mind and you'll have a great time.

First, the good news is that no one will expect you to do everything culturally right. Interestingly, researchers have found that people are very forgiving of cultural errors when the person speaks with an accent. So the fact that you can't speak French like a native is an asset. Now, one of the things I find tricky in France is knowing when to do the kiss on both cheeks. You don't do it when you first meet a person. After that it's a good idea to wait for them to say, "We're friends now, so we can kiss" and head into the kiss. After that, you HAVE to kiss (sort 0f- in the air, really) them hello AND good bye every time you see them. I guess the other fairly easy thing is that when you go into a store, you don't just say "Bonjour". You have to add "Monsieur", "Madame" or "Mademoiselle". Otherwise you're considered rude. You might want to read the books by Harriet Welty Rochefort. She's an American who married a Frenchman many years ago and writes very funny books about the things she loves about French culture.

If you are muslim you may find some hostility. Try to speak the language and they will like you better