Connexion Tip: Writing a letter in France

The way you begin and end a letter in French can be just as important as what is written in between!

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There are a multitude of options depending on your relationship with the recipient, their rank, age and gender.
At the top, a simple Madame, Monsieur will suffice if you do not know the person, Cher Monsieur for someone you have met before and Chère Claudine Dubois if Claudine is a business contact.

For a lawyer or notaire, use Maître, Docteur for your GP, then there’s Monsieur/Madame le Maire/le (la) Ministre and Monsieur/Madame le Président.

The formule de politesse at the end is complicated. These two are often used to end a formal letter:

Veuillez recevoir, Madame/Monsieur, mes meilleures salutations.
Je vous prie de croire à l’assurance de ma considération distinguée.

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