Don't discuss personal life with business people. Personal lives are kept separate from business relationships. The French get down to business quickly, but make decisions slowly after much deliberation. Organizations are highly centralized with a powerful chief executive. Bosses are often dictatorial and authoritative French are leaders in the area of economic planning.
Plans are far-reaching and detailed.
Entering a room and seating is done by rank. Meetings follow an established format with a detailed agenda. The French dislike disagreeing and debating in a public forum, but enjoy a controlled debate, whereby an informed rebuttal is appreciated. State your intentions directly and openly. The French dislike the hard sell approach.