Years later I would need to conclude more formal French letters and once again was plagued with feelings of “what do I say?” In part 1 of our Business French blog posts we’re offering several options for salutations and closings in professional French settings should you happen to find yourself with the same conundrum!
Salutations

Occasion: Writing to a particular person that you don’t know OR writing not to a particular person in a company or large organization that you don’t know
Salutation: Cher Monsieur, Chère Madame,
Occasion: Writing to a person you know a little or a lot
Salutation: Bonjour Madame/Monsieur Monet,
Occasion: Writing to a person you know a little or a lot
Salutation: Bonjour Pierre/Marie,
Occasion: Writing to a person you know a little or a lot
Salutation: Monsieur le Directeur/Madame la Directrice,
Occasion: Writing to a manager or the head of a department
Closings

Very formal closings
Veuillez recevoir mes salutations les meilleures/distinguées.
Je vous prie de recevoir mes salutations les meilleures/distinguées
Formal closings
Cordialement, /Bien cordialement,
Bien à vous,
Bien à toi,
Closings for those you are friendly with
Amitiés,
Amicalement,
Sincèrement,
Bonus!
Here are some phrases you can use to conclude your letter before the closing:
To let them know you are waiting for their response: Je reste dans l’attente de votre réponse.
To thank them in advance: Je vous en remercie par avance./Merci par avance.
To let them know you remain at their disposal: Je reste à votre disposition.
To excuse yourself: Je vous prie d’excuser….
To offer your expertise: N'hésitez pas à revenir vers moi avec la moindre question

Natalie Collet
Former Membership Manager
From the Midwest, Natalie is a Francophile at heart. Her interest in French started when studying ballet and the language and culture entranced her through her student years. She became involved with the - Alliance - in the suburbs of Chicago after she spent an unforgettable year teaching English in a French high school near Bordeaux. She is happy to join the team in Boston and work with the members to provide them with unique opportunities, quality programming, and a community through French!