Standard office hours are Monday to Friday 0800-1900, with a lunch break between 1200-1400. Offices often close early on Friday afternoon. Breakfast meetings (between 0830 and 1000) are increasingly frequent, while late afternoon and lunch meetings are also common.

When conducting business, the first meeting is normally devoted to establishing a relationship - further meetings will enable decisions to be made. Behaviour is polite and formal. Business cards are vital and smart clothes (with ties for men) should be worn. Initial introductions should be made with surnames and handshakes, and visitors should bear in mind that the Strasbourgeois will use the formal French ‘Monsieur' and ‘Madame'.

When deciding to set up business in Strasbourg, it is wise for foreign businesspeople to include an Alsatian, with useful contacts, in the team. Alsace International (tel: 03885 28282; website: www.alsace.com) is a non-profit-making organisation linked through the Economic Missions of French Embassies with 15 other offices around the globe, which is geared towards facilitating international business for Alsace. It offers wide-ranging free support for companies wishing to locate in Strasbourg.