I'm traveling to Paris soon and I was just wondering what I can expect in terms of what some of the local customs, traditions, and etiquette found in Paris are? Generally speaking the French are more formal than most North Americans.
In everyday speech this means appending "s'il vous pl芒it" to any request. It means saying "je voudrais" and not "donnez moi" when ordering from a menu. It means calling the waiter "Monsieur" and not "Gar莽on." It means greeting the staff at a shop with "Bonjour" (madam or monsieur as appropriate) before ordering something and saying goodbye when you leave.
The French tend to follow the older practice of not calling each other by first names or using the familiar without at least some acquaintance (although this is not so much true of young people).
The easy presumption of friendship or the discussing of personal matters with relative strangers that is common in North America is sometimes seen as boorish or crude by the French.
Americans in particular who will talk about the intimate details of their love lives, the state of their personal finances, and the cost of everything they own with someone they met ten minutes ago are, for that reason, regarded as utterly outr茅.
On the other hand, Americans, who have been taught to never discuss politics or religion, sometimes think they are being singled out for abuse when the French express their opinions on such matters. They are not, of course. they are simply engaging in the second most popular French indoor sport (and the one that does not usually require a bed).
[As a personal observation, I have never hesitated to make my own opinion perfectly clear, even when it is one unpopular with the French. Despite the fact that I speak French with an obvious Canadian accent (I learned how to speak French in Montreal) I always correct people who identify me as a Quebecois and never hesitate to say I am an American. If people want to argue politics and/or current events I am happy to oblige. I have never met a worthwhile person who was offended by a sincerely held opinion that is supported with logic and facts. Some Americans seem to believe that they must meekly agree with every opinion expressed in France (or pretend to be Canadians.) to avoid being labeled an "Ugly American." This is, in my opinion just as bad as those halfwits who routinely mouth insulting anti-French platitudes. The French are some of the most well informed and intellectual people in the world. Match them thought for thought and you'll be respected and liked.]
When in a cafe, which often seems the center of life in Paris, recall that Cafe au lait is only called that at breakfast. At other times it is "caf茅 cr猫me " or "une cr猫me." If ordering the a standard tiny cup of black coffee, sound like a native by calling for "un espress."
Asking for special preparation of food items is generally frowned on as is the practice of the "doggy bag."
By law, prices must be posted in the window of cafes. You will notice that there are usually at least two price levels. One is for service at the bar (le zinc) and the other for table service. It is cheating to buy a drink at the bar and then take a table to drink it at.
Butter is served with bread only at breakfast and with the cheese course.
A little oddity...in Paris one asks for "la note" rather than "l'addition" as one does in most other parts of France and the Francophone world.
When you pay for something the person taking your money expects you to put it down, rather than taking it directly from your hand. Most places have a sort of tray on the counter expressly for this purpose.
When you're in a theater and have to go by someone to get to your seat always pass in front of them facing toward them, that is, away from the screen or the stage. It's very rude otherwise. Ushers in theaters, including movie theaters, should be tipped when they show you to your seat. A small coin is enough.
Although there are fewer and fewer of them with each passing year there are still public toilet facilities that have attendants. They should also be tipped.
When traveling on public transportation you'll notice little fold down seats close to the doors. These can be used until the subway car fills up. If and when it does become crowded you should stand up to make more room. You'll also notice that there are some seats which are identified as being for wounded war veterans, pregnant women etc. You may sit there but should give up your seat if someone in these categories needs it.
If you keep you eyes open, watch what others do, and bear in mind that even in the simplest things there can be differences, you'll do fine. http://wikitravel.org/en/Paris If yoiu greet people in a friendly manner, and say please and thank you, you'll do really well. Truly. They aren't so bad anymore. A lot of it will depend on what culture you are coming from. Paris can come across as a bit harsh to people who are not used to it, but try to put that aside and you'll have a great time there. So much to do and see.
Poor customer service and snooty waiters are things that stand out in my memory.
Try to at least master basic pleasantries in French language if possible. It will make quite a difference, Make sure to say bonjour when you go into a shop or other small establishment. Don't assume that people speak English, ask them if they do. Make sure to say please and thank you, and always use honorifics (Monsieur, Madame). Other than that, relax have fun and enjoy. go to Le Louvre, the most visited muesum in the WORLD |
