---
title: "How to write a formal email in French (with templates)"
description: "How to write a formal email in French: greeting, structure, polite phrases and sign-off, with ready-to-use templates and typical English speakers' mistakes."
url: "https://laclassefrancaise.es/en/blog/formal-email-in-french"
lang: "en"
author: "Thierry Gustin"
published: "2026-10-30"
updated: "2026-11-07"
---

# How to write a formal email in French (with templates)

> **Key takeaways** — A formal email in French starts with Madame, Monsieur or Bonjour Madame Dupont, states its purpose in the first sentence, develops it in short paragraphs and ends with a polite closing such as Cordialement or Bien cordialement. Always use vous, avoid literal translations from English and adapt the sign-off to the level of formality.

Writing a **formal email in French** worries many professionals: the French are particular about polite formulas, and a poorly chosen greeting makes a bad impression. Fortunately, the structure is highly codified: with a few templates, you'll write correct emails in any situation.

## The structure of a formal email

1. **The subject line (*l'objet*)**: short and clear. *Objet : Demande de rendez-vous*.
2. **The greeting**: depending on the level of formality (see the table).
3. **The purpose**, from the first sentence: *Je me permets de vous écrire au sujet de…*
4. **The body**, in short paragraphs.
5. **The request or next step**: *Je reste à votre disposition pour…*
6. **The closing formula** and your signature.

## How do you open the email?

**Greetings in a formal email in French**

| Situation | Greeting |
| --- | --- |
| You don't know the recipient's name | *Madame, Monsieur,* |
| You know the name (very formal) | *Madame,* / *Monsieur,* |
| You know the name (standard formal) | *Bonjour Madame Dupont,* |
| Regular professional relationship | *Bonjour Marc,* |

Note: *Cher Monsieur* exists, but it is warmer and reserved for people you already know. Translating "Dear…" as *Cher…* in a first contact sounds too familiar.

## Useful phrases for the body of the email

- **Stating the purpose**: *Je vous contacte au sujet de…* / *Suite à notre conversation téléphonique…*
- **Asking for something**: *Pourriez-vous m'indiquer…* / *Je vous serais reconnaissant(e) de bien vouloir…*
- **Attaching a document**: *Vous trouverez ci-joint…* / *Je vous transmets en pièce jointe…*
- **Apologising**: *Je vous prie de bien vouloir m'excuser pour…*
- **Suggesting a meeting**: *Seriez-vous disponible mardi à 10 h ?*

## How do you sign off?

**Closing formulas in French**

| Level of formality | Formula |
| --- | --- |
| Standard professional | *Cordialement,* / *Bien cordialement,* |
| Cordial, established relationship | *Bien à vous,* |
| Very formal (letter, administration) | *Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.* |
| Before the sign-off | *Dans l'attente de votre réponse,* / *Je reste à votre disposition pour tout renseignement complémentaire.* |

In an email, *Cordialement* is the safest choice. The long formula (*Je vous prie d'agréer…*) is kept for formal letters and the administration, and it is what examiners expect in a [DELF B2](https://laclassefrancaise.es/en/blog/delf-b2-exam) letter.

## Template: asking for information

> **Objet : Demande d'informations sur la formation de gestion de projet** — Madame, Monsieur,  
>   
> Je me permets de vous contacter au sujet de votre formation en gestion de projet. Pourriez-vous m'indiquer les dates de la prochaine session ainsi que les modalités d'inscription ?  
>   
> Je vous remercie par avance de votre réponse.  
>   
> Cordialement,  
> Laura García

## Template: thanking someone after an interview

> **Objet : Remerciements – entretien du 12 novembre** — Bonjour Madame Martin,  
>   
> Je tiens à vous remercier pour notre entretien de ce matin. Notre échange m'a confirmé mon intérêt pour le poste de chargée de projet et pour les missions de votre équipe.  
>   
> Je reste à votre disposition pour tout complément d'information.  
>   
> Bien cordialement,  
> Laura García

If you are in the middle of a recruitment process, prepare for the conversation too with my guide to the [job interview in French](https://laclassefrancaise.es/en/blog/job-interview-in-french).

## Typical mistakes made by English speakers

1. **Copying "Dear Sir or Madam" or "Dear Mr…"**: in French, *Madame, Monsieur* is the neutral formula; *Cher* is only for people you know.
2. **Translating "Best regards"**: ✗ *Meilleurs regards* does not exist; use *Cordialement*.
3. **Mixing tu and vous**: in a formal email, always *vous*.
4. **Writing long paragraphs**: French emails are short and get straight to the point.
5. **Forgetting the space before two-part punctuation marks** (*: ; ? !*), a French typographic rule that English doesn't have and that stands out in a formal text. The [Académie française](https://www.academie-francaise.fr/questions-de-langue) answers questions like this in its language questions section.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do you say "Kind regards" in French?

*Cordialement* in a standard professional email, or *Bien cordialement* if you want to be a little warmer.

### How do you start a formal email in French without knowing the name?

With *Madame, Monsieur,* followed by a comma. It is the neutral formula par excellence.

### What does "ci-joint" mean?

"Attached": *Vous trouverez ci-joint mon CV.* (Please find attached my CV.)

### Can you use "Bonjour" in a formal email?

Yes, *Bonjour Madame Dupont* is common in professional email today. For a very formal first contact or the administration, prefer *Madame, Monsieur*.

Do you write emails in French every day? In my [business French](https://laclassefrancaise.es/en/business-french) lessons we work on your real emails so you gain speed and confidence.

— Thierry Gustin, Profesor nativo de francés · November 7, 2026