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14. Saying Hello and Good-bye -Like the Parisians! 
Meeting People in Public Places/ Including Shops and Markets.
Updated January 21 2003
French people are usually reserved. Personal questions about someone's family or way of life are not considered polite, so keep your conversation general at first.
Greetings and Saying Goodbye. Social encounters in France have very clear beginnings and ends. A handshake and kisses on the cheeks ( la bise) are the most common forms of greetings and taking leave. The handshake, used even among close friends, consists of a single shake with a slight pressure on the grip. Women should offer their hands to men, not vice vera. People usually shake hands whenever they meet one another, even if they have seen each other only a few hours before.
La Bise, or the Little KissesKissing on the cheeks is the appropriate way to greet close friends and family. Different families and friends have different customs concerning the number of kisses: some greet with two kisses, one on each cheek, others greet with three kisses, on alternating cheeks; still others greet with four kisses, also on alternating cheeks. I found this little guide for la bise:
How many kisses are too many? 
Two: is the most common, everyone does two. It is the more friendly than a handshake.Four: is more classical, for family and dear friendsThree: is for those who want to be a bit different without abandoning the tradition. People from the south of France and the younger generation tend to kiss more.
Shops and Markets
When you enter a store in France, it is customary to greet whomever you are dealing with, as well as others in the shop, before you state what you need. When you leave, say goodbye. Appropriate expressions are Bonjour, Messieurs (hello), or Au revoir, Messieurs (goodbye).
In France, to enter a shop without saying Bonjour Madame or Bonjour Monsieur to the proprietor or clerk in attendance, acknowledging them as another human being would be considered very rude.
In England or America, it would be considered unusual, a bit forward even. It is an important habit to develop in France, no matter what your other limitations in the language. Always say “Bonjour” and make eye contact if you can. If you can then continue the conversation with a description of what you are looking for, all the better.
No matter what transpires, never leave the shop without a “Merci and Au revoir” to these same people. You are acknowledging them as “hosts” in a way; you are in their domain and should respect the relationship that exists between you by the mere fact of your walking into their establishment. Even if you are “just looking”.
Privacy.
The French respect their privacy. They prefer not to discuss personal matters with people who are not close friends or family. You should telephone if you want to visit someone; " dropping on" without warning is not appropriate.
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14. Saying Hello and Good-bye -Like the Parisians!