Structure of a Business Letter in French

Anatomy of a French Business Letter

1. Sender’s Details (En-tête)

Name, position, company, address, phone, email — usually on the letterhead.

2. Recipient’s Details (Destinataire)

À l'attention de Monsieur Pierre Dupont
Directeur Général
Société Immobilière Atlantique
12, avenue des Champs-Élysées
75008 Paris

3. Place and Date

Dubaï, le 15 mars 2024

4. References

Réf.: Notre offre n° 2024-087 / Votre demande du 10 mars 2024

5. Subject (emphasized)

Subject: Proposition de partenariat commercial

6. Attachments (if any)

Att.: 1 annex (2 pages)

7. Salutation Formula

Monsieur le Directeur Général, / Madame, Monsieur, / Cher confrère,

8. Body of the Letter

Introductory part:

• Following our meeting of... / In reference to your letter of...
• We have the honor to send you... / We are sending you...
• Following our telephone conversation...

Main part:

• Informational content, structured by paragraphs
• One paragraph = one idea
• Logical transitions: Furthermore / Moreover / In addition / However / Nevertheless

Concluding part:

• Awaiting your reply... / We thank you for the attention given to...
• Remaining at your disposal for any additional information...
• Hoping to meet you soon...

9. Complimentary Close

Very formal: We kindly ask you to accept, Monsieur le Directeur, the expression of our distinguished sentiments.

Formal: Please accept, Madam, the expression of our distinguished regards.

Cordial: We send you our cordial greetings.

Important rule: The complimentary close repeats exactly the salutation formula.
If: "Monsieur le Directeur Général," → "... Monsieur le Directeur Général, ..."

10. Signature

[Handwritten signature]
First name LAST NAME
Title / Position
[Company seal]

Types of Business Letters