I’m traveling to France later this month, and I’ve been thinking about some of the rookie mistakes that people can make when they visit for the first time. The stereotype that the French are rude is a bit extreme, but avoiding these six mistakes will go a long way to making your visit to France as rewarding and satisfying as you hope!
Mistake 1: Try to see and do everything.
Be realistic about travel distances. Familiarize yourself with a map to understand the geography of Paris, or whatever city or part of the countryside you are in. Plan your activities accordingly. Avoid zigzagging across the city or countryside.
Mistake 2: Eat like a tourist.
High-tourist places bump up their prices for everything they serve. If you eat and drink away from the typical tourist traps, you’ll save on exorbitant prices, and you’ll also enjoy food which is much more authentic.
Avoid calling waitstaff with "garçon.” This is considered rude. Instead, make eye contact or subtly beckon for assistance when needed.
The French like to savor the moment; waiters usually keep their distance and let you fill your own glass. They almost always wait for you to ask for the bill. Eating on the go in France is very uncommon; be sure to make time for your meals. Another custom: the French don’t usually include ice in their drinks. You can always ask for it, but it might not be an option.
Bonus bread tip: In France, bread is torn rather than cut, so put your knife down.
Mistake 3: Don’t use public transportation.
Utilize the public transportation system in Paris and other cities to save time and money. It’s efficient and gives you a chance to experience daily life.
On the metro, be sure to stamp your ticket when entering. If you forget and you’re caught, you can expect to pay a 40-euro fine. If you purchase a paper ticket, don't discard it until you've left the metro system, as transit police often check tickets.
Buses are also a great way to see the city without paying high rates for private drivers or taxis.
Mistake 4: Ignore the French timetables.
The French people have a European timetable that you should be aware of. For example, everything shuts down on Sunday afternoons. Almost every restaurant, grocery store, bar, and café will be closed in the middle of the day for a couple of hours, so plan to eat lunch before 1:00 or after 3:00 pm, especially in more regional areas of the country.
Mistake 5: Dress and act like a tourist.
Wearing flip-flops, shorts, or overly casual clothing (including athletic wear like leggings) can mark you as a tourist. Instead, opt for comfortable yet stylish outfits in neutral colors. If you wear flip-flops, shorts, and a T-shirt to a restaurant, you could be refused entry. (You don’t need to dress up, just don’t be too casual.)
Choose appropriate footwear. Paris and some other French cities are best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking.
When entering a shop, be sure to greet the shopkeeper with a “Bonjour.” French people can be formal in this aspect; it is considered very rude to not announce yourself when you enter. Also, be sure to say goodbye when you leave (“Au revior”).
Tipping everywhere you go is also a huge “tourist” giveaway. In France, service is already part of the bill (usually about 15%), but nobody will be offended if you leave a euro or two. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and waiters don’t expect a tip, but you can leave a small one (a couple of euros) if you’d like. More than that is unnecessary.
Mistake 6: Assume that everyone speaks English.
Although many of the French do speak some English, not everybody is willing to communicate in their second language. Some people are embarrassed to practice their English in front of you, so don’t take it personally. Know how to say hello, goodbye, and thank you in French, and this will go a long way to enhance your interactions and show respect for the culture. You can bring Google translate with you, or an app like Duolingo can help as well.
Hopefully these tips help if you’re planning your first visit to France! By avoiding these pitfalls, you can enhance your experience in France and enjoy the amazing culture, history, and beauty the country has to offer. Bon voyage!