Formal Closings for a French Cover Letter

Published on February 18, 2026

The closing formula is the finishing touch of your French cover letter. In France, it follows very specific codes. A clumsy closing can ruin the impression left by an otherwise excellent letter. Here are the best formulas for your context.

Why is the closing formula so important?

In France, the cover letter is a highly codified exercise. The closing formula ("formule de politesse") is not a mere formality: it reflects your mastery of French professional codes. An experienced recruiter will immediately spot an inappropriate one.

Classic and safe formulas

These formulas are suitable for the vast majority of applications. They are correct, professional, and will never leave a negative impression:

For formal applications

• "Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées."
  (Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my distinguished greetings.)
• "Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes sentiments respectueux."
  (Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my respectful regards.)

For addressing a specific person

• "Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame la Directrice, l'expression de ma haute considération."
  (Please accept, Madam Director, the expression of my highest regard.)

For a more modern tone

• "Dans l'attente de votre retour, je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées."
  (Looking forward to your reply, please accept my distinguished greetings.)

Dynamic formulas (startups, SMEs, digital)

In less formal environments, you can adopt a more direct tone while remaining professional:

• "Dans l'attente de pouvoir échanger avec vous, je vous adresse mes cordiales salutations."
  (Looking forward to speaking with you. Kind regards.)
• "Je serais ravi(e) de discuter de ce poste avec vous. Bien cordialement."
  (I would be delighted to discuss this role with you. Best regards.)

Common mistakes

Mistake #1: "Cordialement" alone

"Cordialement" (the French equivalent of "Best regards") is fine for everyday professional emails, but too brief for a formal cover letter. It can give an impression of carelessness.

Mistake #2: Too-casual expressions

Avoid "Bien à vous," "À bientôt," or "Merci d'avance" as closings. These expressions are too informal for a job application letter.

Mistake #3: "sentiments" vs "salutations"

Traditionally, a woman addressing a man uses "salutations" rather than "sentiments" to avoid any ambiguity. This rule is fading but still observed in very formal settings.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to match the salutation

The closing formula always mirrors the opening salutation. If you wrote "Madame, Monsieur" at the beginning, you must include "Madame, Monsieur" in the closing as well.

The complete closing structure

The closing formula never stands alone. It's part of a conclusion paragraph that includes:

1. A follow-up sentence (expressing your availability for an interview)
2. The formal closing itself
3. Your signature (first and last name)

Save time with AI

Writing a cover letter with the right formal closing takes time. With LeCV, AI generates a complete letter with the appropriate conclusion for your chosen tone (formal, dynamic, or creative), respecting all French conventions.