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10 Key Phrases for Business Emails in French

Writing professional emails in French can feel intimidating at first.
Should you say “Salut” or “Bonjour”?
Is “Cordialement” too formal — or not formal enough?

Don’t worry — French business emails follow clear patterns, and once you know them, you’ll sound polite, confident, and professional.

Here are 10 essential phrases you can start using right away in your business communication.

1. Bonjour [Name]

Always start your email with “Bonjour” (never “Salut” in a professional context).
If you know the person’s name, add it — “Bonjour Monsieur Dupont” or “Bonjour Claire.”

💡 Tip: In formal business emails, avoid starting with “Cher/Chère” unless you already know the person well.

2. J’espère que vous allez bien. (I hope you’re doing well.)

❌ Don’t do it — at least, not in French business emails.

This phrase sounds polite in English, but in France, it’s not really used in professional writing.
It comes directly from English and can feel a bit too personal or informal for most workplaces.

✅ You might see it in international contexts or when writing to someone you already know — for example, if you work with French colleagues abroad or in a multicultural company.

💡 Cultural tip: In French professional culture, being direct is not rude — it’s efficient.
So it’s perfectly fine to start your email with your main point right after “Bonjour.”

3. Je me permets de vous contacter au sujet de… (I’m reaching out regarding…)

A very natural and professional way to start an email.
It works in almost every situation: asking for information, following up, introducing yourself.

✅ Example:

Je me permets de vous contacter au sujet de notre prochaine réunion.

4. Suite à notre conversation / à votre message… (Following our conversation / your message…)

This helps you link your email to a previous exchange.
It’s professional, polite, and shows you’re being attentive.

✅ Example:

Suite à votre appel, je vous envoie les documents demandés.

5. Je vous remercie pour votre message / votre aide / votre temps. (Thank you for your message / your help / your time.)

Simple and effective — gratitude is always appreciated in French business communication.
You can adapt it easily:

  • Je vous remercie pour votre compréhension.
  • Je vous remercie pour votre retour rapide.

6. Je reste à votre disposition pour toute question. (I remain available for any questions.)

A very typical French closing line — polite and professional.
It’s the equivalent of “Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.”

7. Dans l’attente de votre réponse, je vous souhaite une excellente journée. (I look forward to your reply and wish you a great day.)

A perfect way to end an email politely.
It’s slightly formal, but you’ll see it in almost every business exchange.

8. Cordialement / Bien à vous / Sincères salutations (Kind regards / Best regards / Yours sincerely)

These are the standard professional closings.

  • Cordialement → most common and neutral.
  • Bien à vous → slightly warmer.
  • Sincères salutations → very formal.

💡 Tip: Never sign off with “Amicalement” or “Bisous” unless it’s a friend or someone you know extremely well!

9. Veuillez trouver ci-joint… (Please find attached…)

A must-know phrase if you’re sending documents.

✅ Example:

Veuillez trouver ci-joint le contrat signé.

You can also say more simply:

Je vous joins le document demandé.

10. Je vous souhaite une excellente journée / soirée. (Have a great day / evening.)

Friendly, polite, and positive — the perfect final touch before your signature.

💼 Bonus: Mini Email Example

Here’s an example of a professional French email, with its English translation for reference.

✉️ Email in French 🇫🇷

Objet : Réunion de suivi du projet

Bonjour Monsieur Martin,

Suite à notre réunion de la semaine dernière, veuillez trouver ci-joint le compte rendu.
N’hésitez pas à me faire part de vos commentaires.

Je vous souhaite une excellente journée.

Bien à vous,
Émilie — Native French Teacher

✉️ Email in English 🇬🇧

Subject: Project Follow-up Meeting

Hello Mr. Martin,

Following our meeting last week, please find attached the minutes.
Don’t hesitate to share your feedback.

Wishing you an excellent day.

Best regards,
Émilie — Native French Teacher

🌟 Quiz

You’ve just learned 10 key phrases for writing professional emails in French — now it’s time to test yourself!
Read each situation carefully and choose the most natural, professional response.

Let’s Practice Writing Emails in French

1 / 5

You’re writing a first email to a French business contact. What’s the best way to start?

2 / 5

You want to attach a document to your email. What’s the most natural way to say it?

3 / 5

Your colleague from Paris sends you information. How can you reply politely?

4 / 5

You want to end your email to a client you’ve never met. What’s the most suitable closing?

5 / 5

You need to remind a partner politely about a previous message. How could you start your email?

Your score is

The average score is 100%

0%

✨ In Short

With these expressions, your emails will sound both natural and professional.
The key is to keep your tone polite, concise, and warm — the French way.

If you’d like to improve your professional French, practise writing emails, and gain confidence speaking at work, my Business French lessons are designed for you.

➔ Book your Introduction Call today and start communicating in French with confidence.

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