France: First Name or Title?

From ExecutivePlanet.com

First Name or Title?

Respectfully addressing others

In accordance with French business protocol, use first names only when invited. Use of first names has become common for colleagues at work. This is less frequent when the age or position gap is very large. Outsiders, clients, suppliers are usually referred to as Monsieur or Madame followed by their name.

Only Medical Doctors are called “Docteur”. Lawyers love to be called “Maître” (Master).

When speaking French, use the "vous" form until you are asked to use "tu." If you are under 40, it is quite likely that your peer group will use “tu”. You are expected to reciprocate.

"Madame" is a basic title of courtesy for all women, as is "Monsieur" for men. Today, the courtesy title "Mademoiselle" (Miss) should be avoided unless the person requests it.

The French will sometimes introduce themselves by first saying their surname, followed by their first name; if both sound like first names, this can be especially confusing (i.e. if Maurice Francois introduces himself as "Francois", "Maurice"). If in doubt, be sure to ask.

For casual contacts such as waiters and clerks, names are not used; courtesy titles such as "Monsieur" or "Madame" will suffice. When entering a store or restaurant, you should say "bonjour" or "bonsoir", and "au revoir" upon leaving.