Struggling to choose the right way to end an email, letter, or cover letter? Whether it's a professional note, cover letter, thank-you message, administrative correspondence, or letter to a notary, mayor, or lawyer, French etiquette offers nuanced options.
As a former student who consulted my esteemed French teacher for guidance, I've compiled this practical guide—drawing from traditional conventions—to help you close communications with polish and respect.
Here are 102 proven formulas to end any letter or email gracefully. Bookmark it for quick reference.
Contents
- 1. Closings for superiors or clients
- 2. Formulas for cover letters
- 3. Simple email closings
- 4. Friendly polite expressions
- 5. Courtesy for nobility
- 6. Formulas for officials like prefects, ambassadors, deputies, senators, ministers, mayors, councilors, and presidents
- 7. Politeness for notaries, lawyers, bailiffs, judges, prosecutors, doctors
- 8. Administrative letter closings
- 9. Formulas for religious figures
- 10. Informal and friendly closings
- 11. Firm polite expressions
Click here to easily print this guide in PDF format.
1. Closings for Superiors or Clients
For managers, directors, or valued clients, opt for formal, elaborate phrases that convey deep respect.
- Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my deep respect.
- Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my respectful sentiments.
- Please believe, dear Sir, in my cordial and respectful sentiments.
- Please accept, Madam Director, my respectful greetings.
- Please accept, Mr. Director, the expression of my deepest respect.
- Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my profound respect.
- Receive, Madam, Sir, my respectful greetings.
- Receive, Madam, Sir, my sincere greetings.
- Please accept, Madam, Sir, my best regards.
- Please accept, Madam, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.
- Please accept, Madame, my respectful respects.
- Receive, Sir, my best regards.
- Please accept, Sir, the expression of our respectful and devoted sentiments.
- Please accept, Sir, the expression of our most devoted feelings.
- With my respectful respects, please accept, Sir, Madam, the expression of my most distinguished consideration.
- Pending your agreement, please accept, Madam, Sir, my best regards.
Note: When a man writes to a woman, traditional etiquette favors "my respects," "my most devoted sentiments," or "my respectful sentiments."
2. Cover Letter Closings
A flawless cover letter boosts your interview chances. Seal it with a formal, proactive close.
- I remain at your disposal for an appointment to demonstrate my motivation in an interview.
- If my profile interests you, let's meet. Please accept, Madam, Sir, my respectful greetings.
- Awaiting your response, please accept, Madam, Sir, my sincere greetings.
- Pending your response, please accept, Sir, Madam, my most respectful greetings.
- I hope my application convinces you for an interview at your convenience. Please accept, Sir, Madam, my respectful greetings.
- Pending a favorable response, please accept, Madam, Sir, my best regards.
- I remain available for an interview and, pending our meeting, please accept, Madam, Sir, my respectful greetings.
3. Simple Email Closings
Emails allow brevity. These straightforward options work well professionally.
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Sincerely yours,
- Best,
- Wishing you a great day,
- With my regards,
- With thanks,
4. Friendly Polite Expressions
For acquaintances—warm yet polite.
- Please believe in my best memory.
- Please find here the assurance of my friendship.
- Receive, with all my friendship, my best regards.
- Receive, dear friend, my sincere greetings.
- Friendships,
- Cordially,
- Believe, Madam, Sir, in my best feelings.
- All my regards.
5. Courtesy for Nobility
Rare but ready: phrases for royalty and titled nobility.
- Please accept, My Royal Highness, my respectful and honorable greetings.
- Please accept, dear prince/princess, the assurance of my highest consideration.
- Please accept, Madame la Duchess / Monsieur le Duc, my most respectful greetings.
- Please accept, Madame la Marquise / Monsieur le Marquis, my honest and respectful greetings.
- Please accept, dear Count/Countess, the assurance of my consideration.
- Please accept, Madame la Baronne / Monsieur le Baron, my honest and respectful greetings.
6. Courtesy for Officials: Prefects, Ambassadors, Deputies, Senators, Ministers, Mayors, Councilors, Presidents
Match the title precisely for elected officials or state representatives.
- Please accept, Madame/Mister Prefect, the expression of my highest consideration.
- Please accept, Madam Prefect / Mr. Prefect, my respectful greetings.
- Please accept, Madame la sous-préfet / Monsieur le sous-préfet, my best regards.
- Please accept, Madam Ambassador, the assurance of my respectful consideration.
- Please accept, General, my sincere and respectful greetings. (Adapt for other ranks like Colonel, Major, etc.)
- Please accept, Prime Minister, the expression of my highest consideration.
- With my respectful respects, please accept, Madam Prime Minister, the expression of my highest consideration.
- Please accept, Mr./Madame Keeper of the Seals, my deepest consideration.
- Please accept, Minister of State, the expression of my highest consideration.
- Please accept, Mr. Deputy, the expression of my highest consideration.
- With my respectful respects, please accept, Madame la Députée, the expression of my most distinguished consideration.
- Please accept, Mr. Mayor, the expression of my distinguished consideration.
- With my respectful respects, please accept, Madam Mayor, the expression of my distinguished consideration.
- Please accept, Mr. Deputy Mayor, the expression of my distinguished sentiments.
- Please accept, Madam Deputy Mayor, the expression of my respectful respects.
- Please accept, Counsellor, the expression of my distinguished sentiments.
- Please accept, Madam Counsellor, the expression of my respectful respects.
For the President of the Republic:
- Please accept, Mr./Madam Secretary General of the Élysée, the expression of my deep respect.
- Please accept, Mr./Madam Director of the Civil Cabinet, the homage of my respectful devotion.
Regional/general council presidents: Please accept, Mr. President, the expression of my highest consideration. / With my respectful respects, please accept, Madam President, the expression of my most distinguished consideration.
7. Politeness for Notaries, Lawyers, Bailiffs, Judges, Prosecutors, Doctors
- Please accept, dear master, my respectful and sincere greetings. (For lawyers, bailiffs, notaries)
- Please accept, Madam or Mr. Justice, my respectful and sincere greetings.
- Please accept, Madam Prosecutor, the expression of my highest consideration.
- Please accept, doctor, my best regards.
8. Administrative Letter Closings
For insurance, teachers, school officials, etc.
- Please accept, madam/sir, my cordial greetings.
- Please accept, Madam/Sir, my cordial greetings. (Teachers/principals)
- Please accept, Madam/Sir Professor, my best regards.
- Please accept, Madam Principal, my respectful greetings.
- Please accept, Madame l'Inspectrice d'Académie / Monsieur l'Inspecteur d'Académie, my respectful greetings.
- Please accept, Mr./Madam Rector, my respectful greetings.
9. Closings for Religious Figures
- Please accept, Most Holy Father, the expression of my immense and profound devotion. (Pope)
- Please accept, Father, the expression of my deep devotion.
- Please accept, Bishop, the expression of my respectful and sincere devotion.
- Please accept, Eminence, the expression of my respectful and sincere consideration. (Cardinal)
- Please accept, Sir, my sincere and respectful greetings. (Deacon)
10. Informal and Friendly Closings
For friends/family—relaxed but courteous.
- Friendships,
- Please find here the assurance of my friendship.
- Cordially,
Very close: Kisses, / Until next time, / See you soon, / To be continued,
11. Firm Polite Expressions
Concise for dissatisfaction.
- Best wishes,
- Cordially,
- Greetings,
- Best regards,
- Thanking you for your attention to these lines.
