How would you feel if you welcome a visitor inside your house then he breaks your house rules - not good, right? It’s good to search for the things you should do in France, from what places to visit or what food to try and so on, but it is also important to know what are the things we should not do to avoid conflicts, mistakes, wasting time and your money. Indeed, countries are different, cultures and traditions are unique, and locals have their own characteristics. The key word here is actually “respect” both for people and the place itself. Among the things not to do in France, not enjoying it to the fullest is number one. To sum it up, the rule here is to never annoy the locals. Be polite, smile, say “bonjour”, show respect, and be fabulous like them. Check out this article to know what not to do in France.
1. Don't travel in a taxi everywhere
Forget taxis or guided tours for a while as they are so much expensive. Exploring the beauty of France by taking trains or buses is a much better idea. Trains and buses are comfortable, much cheaper, and dependable, plus they can take you anywhere in France, as most cities now have trams that follow the main roads. Taking a bus to visit Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, a really beautiful place, will only cost you around 3 USD.
2. Don't get Wildly drunk
It’s not the most attractive to go around wasted and highly intoxicated by alcohol, especially in public. The French love to drink though with pre party or pre dinner rituals they call “apéro”, however, this kind of drinking is normal in French culture with beer being their favorite order in many parties or bars, but all to the point of moderation in mind. Maybe something to keep in mind when clubbing around Paris come vacation time.
3. Don't assume everyone speaks English
We all know that English is a universal language and if you are in a foreign place, knowledge in speaking English is a great advantage. While people know how to speak English in France, don’t assume everyone does. Even if they do, they might not try to converse with you in English, either because they feel shy or taciturn. It is recommended to learn some basic French, like “bonjour” (good day) and “je vous remercie” (thank you). Also, don’t ever forget to tote your French-English dictionary or your electronic translator.
4. Don't rush your meals
When it comes to romance and food, France is certainly well-known. One of the French eating habits is to eat slowly and enjoy the flavor of your meal one bite or sip at a time–it is healthy and at the same time classy. Don’t rush your meals especially when you are eating with locals, as eating slowly is part of their wholesome tradition.
5. Avoid tipping everytime you dine
Around the world, it is not necessary to tip every time you dine. France is no exception. Tipping is not an obligation, but it is a true gesture and appreciation for a good service. Every traveler moves in a limited time and budgeted money, that’s why there are plenty of little decisions that you should make to not spend more Euros than you have to.
6. Don't mix tu and vous
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You are not expected to be an expert in French to be able to visit this awesome place. But, everyone will agree, if you endeavor to speak their language, you will win the locals’ hearts–it’s polite and a gesture they will appreciate. Just don’t mix “tu” and “vous,” as “tu” is informal and singular, while “vous” is formal and/or plural.
7. Never forget to stamp your train ticket
The goal here is not to spend more Euros than you have to. Simple mistakes in France like forgetting to stamp your train ticket can cost you a large fine or charges. Train tickets here, like in Italy, need to be validated first before entering the train. All you have to do is find the machine then slide the ticket into the slot, wait until you hear the mechanical crunch of the stamp, and voila–you are good to go.
8. Don't stick to rules while crossing a road
Yup, you heard it right,–don’t stick to rules while crossing a road in France. There are plenty of pedestrian crossings in France, and what’s more shocking is there are also more people crossing the road not adhering to traffic lights, such as “green for go” and “red for stop”. So, to avoid confusion, just go with the flow–it is recommended to follow the locals when they are crossing a road.
9. Never arrive a party at the start time
It’s odd, but, that’s right never arrive at a party at the start time. For most places in the world, many parties or events don’t start on time, and France is no exception to that. To avoid wasting time, much better to invest your time in making yourself look better and more fabulous. Tardiness by a few minutes, say 15 to 20, won’t hurt.
10. Don't go shopping on a Sunday
Unlike other countries in the world, France prioritizes rest. Yes, they work hard and party even harder, but they know how to stop and rest. On Sundays, only shops that sell food are allowed to operate in France–it’s their law. Instead, set Monday to Saturday as your schedule for shopping galore.
11. Don't talk loud in public places
Talking loud is a big no-no in most parts of the world. No one wants or needs to hear your conversations or even your loud laughter in a park, on public transportation, in a shop, on the street, or in a restaurant. The French are quiet and serious when they’re not at home, so they expect others, even tourists, to behave in the same way.
12. Wave wildly at the waiter
Waiving at the waiter to follow up order may be normal in many countries but in a country like France, it is considered impolite to aggressively “summon” service personnel in restaurants and dining establishments. It’s best to make eye contact with one nearby your table or slightly raise your hand to signal them. French people are very observant about this and more often than not understand the perils of the service industry, something travelers and tourists alike should keep a keen eye on when dining out in France.
13. Never think you can eat at any time
It’s part of French culture for people to eat lunch and dinner late, the earliest being 2pm and 7:30 pm respectively. If you’re traveling to France anytime soon, keep in mind that takeout and delivery aren’t always available despite later lunch and dinner times as the French are rather strict with when to eat daily.
France, a unique place to be
We are all different–our countries are different, our cultures are different, you and me are different - that’s what makes us unique. France is one of the dream destinations for many and for a lot of reasons–from the food to attractions and the fabulous locals. Yes, treat France as if it’s your home country by following this list of what not to do in France and you will achieve a memorable France escapade.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data