Take the Boy Scout approach to culture shock: be prepared. Expatica recommends 10 good books that will help you answer the eternal question: why are they like that?
The biggest mistake made by new arrivals in France is not understanding that the French really are different: if you want to feel comfortable here over the long haul, it’ll take more than knowing the right number of kisses and when to use the subjunctive. There’s a reason why there are so many books on the subject!
Big Thanks for this sweet surprise !