12 Unwritten Rules to Know Before Visiting Paris

The allure of Paris is intoxicating.  If you haven’t visited, you might have heard horror stories of rude locals and pickpockets.  Or you might have seen beautiful photos online of the historic monuments, beautiful shops, and ornately decorated restaurants.  It seems that everyone has an opinion on Paris and as the most visited city in the world – I would say many people feel drawn to “the city of light”.  As an American who now calls Paris home, I’ll be the first to admit that understanding French culture can be challenging; and it can be something that can make or break your trip.  Here are 12 unwritten rules that you should know before you travel to Paris.

 

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1.  Always Greet Someone with “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”

French people are often labeled as “rude” and as a local once explained it to me, “We’re the most visited city in the world.  It’s annoying when I’m rushing to work and someone walks up to me asking for directions without politely greeting me first.”  And I have to say, I see his point.  Imagine if every single day, someone walks up to you, speaking a language that isn’t your first language, asking for a favor… without politely saying “hello” first.  How annoying would that be?  Make sure to always greet someone with “bonjour” during the day and “bonsoir” in the evening.  (As a general rule of thumb, I start to use “bonsoir” around 5-6 pm).

 

2.  Leave Your Workout Clothes at Home

It’s true – the French do not wear any workout clothes while out and about.  Even when going to a workout class.  My advice would be to blend in as much as possible.  Leave your workout clothes at home, and if you plan to go to a workout class in Paris, dress nicely and pack your clothes in a bag to change at the gym.

 

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3.  Take Your Time While Eating

The French love to enjoy their food.  Someone once told me, “Why would you spend your time on the metro to go meet a friend for only one hour?  Don’t you want to enjoy their company?”  And I have to say – he’s right.  As someone who felt as though one hour was long enough for a dinner out, I’m now someone who loves to sit at a restaurant for 3+ hours.  When dining out, know that you’ll often have to get the wait staffs attention if you need something, and that while your food might take a while to come out – it will eventually come.  I encourage you to take your time and enjoy your surroundings.

A few things to note:  your main course will not come until your appetizer has been cleared from the table.  It’s not common to take food home (although it is possible).  Food is generally ordered all at once (i.e. appetizer, main plate, and dessert).  If you’re confused about ordering, just ask if they’d like you to order everything at once or wait to order the dessert until later.

 

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4.  Don’t Assume the Check Will be Brought to You

Even when you’re done with your meal – don’t assume the check will automatically be brought to you.  You will probably need to ask for it because nobody is in a rush to flip your table and seat someone else.  Again, the French value taking their time while dining out and it reflects in how long they allow you to sit around and enjoy your company… even if you aren’t planning on ordering anything else.

If you’re ready for the check, simply make eye contact and signal that you’re ready for the check.  If you feel comfortable, you can say, “L’addition, s’il vous plait”; which means “the check, please”.  Also know that your card will NOT be taken from you in Paris.  If you want to pay with a card, let your waiter know and they will bring the machine to you.

 

5.  Tipping is Not Expected

Tipping is absolutely not expected in France.  And as an American who is used to tipping, this one can be weird to adjust to.  Of course, you are more than welcome to tip if you want (I do if I eat at a nice, gastronomic restaurant); but it is not necessary.  If you do want to tip, 5-10% is the normal.

Now, some restaurants will ask you if you want to leave a tip when paying.  Again, it is not the norm and you don’t need to feel compelled to.  Simply exit out of the screen if you don’t want to leave a tip.  Or alternatively, if you do want to leave a tip and there isn’t a screen, just ask the server to please add “X” money.

 

6.  Learn Basic French Phrases

When traveling, I always believe that it’s polite to learn basic phrases of the country you’re visiting.  This is where you should start…

• Good day = Bonjour
• Good evening = Bonsoir
• Please = S’il vous plait
• Thank you = Merci
• You’re welcome = De rien

 

7.  Know Public Transport Etiquette

As an American who didn’t grow up with public transport, public transport in Paris can feel quite overwhelming.  Which can lead to many mistakes when taking the metro.  My advice to you would be to observe other passengers.  Generally, people don’t speak loudly, they use headphones when using their phone, and wait for passengers to exit the train before getting on themselves.  You’ll also notice that it isn’t common to greet another person – avoid saying “hello” and making eye contact when getting on the train.  If you need to get off but someone is in your way, use the word “pardon”.  And finally, when the train is very crowded, make sure to keep a hand on your purse/belongings to avoid getting pickpocketed.

 

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8.  Keep Conversations Quiet

The French are generally pretty quiet and you might notice that when on the metro or dining out.  As someone who has gotten more than one lecture for being too loud at a restaurant, my advice would be to try to blend in as much as possible and keep your voice low.

 

9.  Respect Meal Times

You might notice that many restaurants close in the middle of the day in Paris.  Generally, if a restaurant closes during the day, you can bet that it’s a more local restaurant and not catered to tourists (which is a great thing).  This allows for a rest and prep for the rest of the night.  Also, if a restaurant closes at 1500 – it’s totally fine to show up at 1430 and request a table.

 

10.  Know that Every Place Needs a Day Off

You’ll notice that everywhere (or at least most places) in Paris close for at least one day during the week.  Even the Lourve!  When I first moved here, I used to think that that was so bizarre.  After all, the pharmacy is even closed on Sundays and what if there was an emergency?!  Plus, I used to think, “Wow, the Lourve is really missing out on a ton of money by being closed on Tuesdays” but the reality is – the French take their time off very seriously and now I’ve started to look at it as a good thing.  Before visiting, make sure to check closing days so that you don’t end up missing something you really wanted to see.

 

11.  Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

While most French people speak English – especially the younger generation – don’t assume that everyone speaks English.  Another thing I’ve noticed is that many French people do speak English, but they are embarrassed by their English level which makes them say that they don’t speak English.  Again, make sure to greet locals in their language with “bonjour” or “bonsoir” before politely asking if they speak English before asking them for a favor.

 

12.  Don’t Over-Plan Your Day

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities to just *wander*.  When walking around, there will be so many places you’re going to want to stop and check out.  Don’t make the mistake of over planning your day so that you’re unable to stop and enjoy the small moments.  This is especially true if you plan to take advantage of the cafe culture – trust me when I tell you, you’ll be sitting much longer than you’re expecting to!

 

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France Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting France

 

Planning a trip to Paris can feel overwhelming, but I hope that this guide helps you understand Paris cultural tips and allows you to have the best trip.  If you have any questions about visiting Paris or planning a trip to France, let me know in a comment below!

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Paris, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinfrance” or under my highlights for “France 1″, “France 2”, & “France 3”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “France” highlight

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