Michael Proudie’s survival guide
"You don't see people’s expressions on the phone, so no help there. At least you’re free to contort your face wondering what you’re going to say next. Check time in France .... one hour ahead. So dial 0033 + number without the first 0. Le déjeuner in France, is it really 12-2pm?
Stay on Monsieur or Madame terms until they do otherwise. First names is a step up in familiarity.
Likewise with the plural vous for ‘you’ even when you are speaking to just one person. Only use tu with someone who uses it with you or to a youngster.
The old French word for hear, ouïr, was one of the French words to reach England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The vous form survives in American courtrooms and British towncriers: "oyez! oyez! oyez!". The tu form also survives: "oy!".
I suppose 'oy' terms in English is about the equivalent of being on tu terms with the French. William the Conqueror was called William the Bastard in France. Why there and not here?"
From 'French for Business & Pleasure'
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