How to Write an Email in French: A Complete Guide

Writing an email in French may seem challenging at first, but with the right structure and expressions, it becomes much easier. Whether you're writing a formal, semi-formal, or friendly email, this guide will help you craft a message that sounds natural and professional.

1. Greeting (L’en-tête) - How to start an email in French

The greeting sets the tone of your email. Here are the best ways to start an email in French:

Formal:

• Madame, Monsieur (if you don’t know the recipient)

Less formal:

• Bonjour [Name]

Friendly:

• Salut [Name]

2. The beginning (Le début)

The beginning should clearly state why you're writing. Here are some useful phrases:

• Je me permets de vous contacter pour… → I’m reaching out to you about…
• Je vous écris afin de… → I’m writing to…
• J’espère que vous allez bien. → I hope you’re doing well.

3. The body (Le corps du mail)

Keep your message clear and structured. Using transitions will help organize your ideas:

• Tout d’abord… → First of all…
• Ensuite… → Then…
• Enfin… → Finally…

Try to be concise and avoid overly complex sentences. If you need to ask for something, be polite and direct.

4. The end (La conclusion) - How to end an email in French

Your end should match the level of formality of your email. Here are the the most effective ways to sign off an email in French:

Formal:

• Dans l’attente de votre retour, je vous prie d’agréer, Madame/Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées.

→ While awaiting for your response, please accept, Madam/Sir, yours sincerely.

-Cordialement.

→ Regards.

Less formal:

• Merci d’avance pour votre réponse.

→ Thanks in advance for your reply.

• Bien à vous (if you say "vous")

-Bien à toi (if you say "tu")

-Bien cordialement.

→ Best regards.

"Cordialement" would be my top recommendation to remember because it is the most commonly used closing phrase and can be used even in formal contexts (but not in a friendly email)

Friendly:

• À bientôt !

→ See you soon!

Examples of French emails:

Formal:

Madame, Monsieur,

Je me permets de vous contacter afin d’obtenir des renseignements concernant votre podcast en français. Serait-il possible de savoir quel sera le projet sujet de podcast s'il vous plait ?

Dans l’attente de votre retour, je vous souhaite une agréable journée, cordialement.

BUNT Gatien

Madam, Sir,

I would like to contact you to obtain information regarding your podcast in French. Would it be possible to know what the podcast subject project will be please?

Pending your return, I wish you a pleasant day, regards.

Less Formal:

Bonjour Elo,

Je me permets de vous écrire pour en savoir plus sur votre podcast. Pourriez-vous me dire quel sera le projet sujet de podcast svp ? (svp = s'il vous plait)

Merci d’avance pour votre retour. Bonne journée,

Gatien

Hello Elo,

I would like to write to you to find out more about your podcast. Could you tell me what the podcast subject project will be pls?

Thank you in advance for your feedback. Have a nice day,

Gatien

Friendly

Salut Elo,

Tu pourrais me dire le sujet du prochain podcast stp ?😁​ Merci !

À bientôt !

Gatien

Hi Elo,

Could you please tell me what the next podcast is about? 😁 Thanks!

See you soon !

Final Tips

• Keep your email polite and structured.
• Use proper greetings and closings depending on the recipient.
• If unsure, opt for a more formal tone, especially in professional contexts.

This guide should help you write better emails in French. If you have any questions, feel free to ask on our social medias. Bonne rédaction !