Does anyone have courtesy or politeness tips for me when i go to france?

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nicolestittmills

I would say the best advice is to be very aware of your surroundings. When you enter a French restaurant, for example, you will likely notice that is very quiet. In general French people speak very softly in this setting, and you will want to do the same. Americans, especially ones who have been drinking good French wine, tend to be really loud in comparison, and that makes people annoyed. French table manners dictate that both hands (but no elbows) should remain on the table during a meal. Tips are included in a restaurant bill, but a few small coins can be left for good service.

As others have suggested, make every effort to speak French, even if you only know how to say "Bonjour" and "Au revoir." Even that is appreciated. One stereotype about Americans is that they expect everyone to speak English for them and this gesture of respect towards the French language will show that you are making an effort.

You might be asked about the American presence in Iraq or about other political issues. You might want to think about how you would answer this question. I always try to be as objective as possible and to talk about the different points of view in the U.S.

When entering a small business, such as a boulangerie, make sure to always say "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur" and "Au revoir Madame/Monsieur."

And lastly, patience is a good quality in France! Americans are used to the "customer is always right" and "I want it now" mentalities. I have seen Americans throw temper tantrums in France, where this is not always the case. That definitely does not help the American image overseas!! Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is part of the experience.

Guerrilla Soldier

Do not wash yourself or wear deoderant as this is taboo among the French

worldglobetrottergirl

When entering a shop, say "Bonjour monsieur/madame" and when leaving, say "au revoir."

At least try to speak French. They appreciate the attempt.

Learn a few basic phrases: Bonjour, Au revoir, Excusez-moi, Parlez-vous anglais, Pardon, Merci, s'il vous plait, just to name a few.

Don't go around smiling at everyone. While this is the norm to greet someone with a smile in America, it's a sign of senility in France.

If you want to get the waiter's attention, say "Monsieur." Or "Mademoiselle" if it's a waitress. Garcon is insulting.

They normally don't bring your bill in restaurants until you ask for it. They don't want to rush you. Meals tend to take a long time. The French enjoy their food.

In souvenir shops, I've noticed that the shopkeepers don't want you to unfold the T-shirts to look at them. They usually have them on display or the shopkeepers will show you themselves.

paulrgreasley

When in Rome, do as the Roman's.... So, taking from that, I suggest you wear a berret, eat garlic and horses, wear a black and white horizontal stripy jumper, with a necklace of onions whilst pushing a bicycle and giving up in every war ever participated in.

hawndawg

Do NOT attempt to speak French. Get close up when you talk to them. Eat garlic

fatherf.lotski

That's OK just speak English in a really loud voice all the time. I little known tip is to keep asking the question Can I smell garlic? This is an ancient custom of the French, meaning something smells delicious,and will win you brownie points wherever you go.

CulturalWiz

There is a book called "Savoir Flaire" out there, and one thing it points out is that you should memorize the "ten magic words". I can tell you for a fact that this is true. The phrase is:

Excusez-moi de vous deranger, mais, j'ai une probleme...

The last part, "mais, j'ai une probleme" is only if you are having difficulty with something. However, the "excusez-moi de vous deranger" is so common that if you don't use it, you can be taken for rude. Basically, it is an acknowlegement that the person to whom you are speaking values his or her time as much as you do. Thus, you are apologizing for taking up his or her time. If you do this, the person is far more likely to help you, wait on you, or give you information than if you just expect them to help. This is not rudeness on the part of the French. Instead, it is a cultural issue.

For instance: You are on the Champs Elysees and are trying to find your way to a particular monument or museum. You have a map, but are having difficulty finding the address. If someone is walking by or waiting, and you say "Excusez-moi de vous deranger, mais, j'ai une probleme..." they will be far more willing to take the time to assist you.

And for those who say you shouldn't try to speak French...don't believe it. The French are far more likely to help you and be friendly to you if you make even a small effort to speak their language. Yes, you may butcher it from time to time, and they may smile or laugh, but you will open up the lines of communication and will find that the French can be some of the most wonderful folks you will meet. Try it! And "bonnes vacances"!

ctsrules921

Don't pee in the gutter

apollo

attempt to speak French. If you approach somebody in France speaking English they might become insulted. If you start in French they will reply in English if they can.

Use vous not tu when address poeple.

Bored

make every effort to speak french, if you don't they will not like you.
do NOT call the waiter "garcon" it means boy.

nimo22

When you want something from a store or bakery, do not point to the item you want and expect them to get it. Do your best to tell them what you want, they think it's rude when you point like that. They also consider it an insult when you leave a business without saying Good Bye, or walk in without saying Hello. I've been to France several times, for the most part the people I encountered were friendly and helpful, just be friendly back.
One word of caution, in a lot of touristy type places there are pickpockets. It's crazy, they will even take your stuff in churches. So be very careful. And no, I'm not saying that all French people are pickpockets, the French people despise thise criminals as much as anyone.

Oh yeah, if you ride the metro, these people will get on and perform for money. Try not to look at them, if you do they will come right to you for money before they move on. If you don't look at them they will leave you alone. They are just trying to make some money and some of them are good, but if you give your money to all of them you will end up broke. Also beware of the people who descend on you at tourist places, they are all trying to sell things, you have to walk away from them. Some of them are these guys who will walk up and ask if they can see your finger. If you give them your finger they will tie a string on it and make this little string bracelet then charge you too much money for it, no joke!

Greymelken

I was insulted when I went to france, by a waiter, he said: "typical american... no gratuity..." so I looked at him and said: "Gra' two of 'dees..."

dont do that.

yogazen

At least learn the basic greetings in French and perhaps a few sentences such as how to ask for directions or how to ask for the time. When you go into the smaller shops, always greet the person working. It is usully the shop owner and they consider their store a part of their home, you are a guest...so be polite and they will return the gesture.
When you are at a cafe or restaurant, remember that in France, the people don't want to be constantly hasseled by waitstaff, so you will more than likely have to flag down the waiter when you need something. They aren't being rude, so don't take offense...that is just the way they prefer to eat in France! Always tip as you would in the U.S.
As for clothing, they always dress nice, so make sure you're not going to the Moulin Rouge in your dirty sneakers and a t-shirt. Don't wear the American flag on all your clothing...there are other ways to have pride in your country!
Have fun, relax and treat other people as you'd want to be treated if they were on vacation here...France is a wonderful place and as with any vacation is what you make of it.

worldwidegirl86

Have fun, I was just there a few months ago. they actually aren't that unfriendly but they can get cranky if you don't speak french..

Bobas

be careful when talking about frogs

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