Whether you’re a seasoned or novice traveler, the easiest way to avoid the “ugly American” stereotype is to act on your best behavior. That means respecting the people, their culture, and their environment. The last thing you want to do is draw attention to yourself because of boorish behaviors.
Every country and culture has its norms and traditions; understanding them before and during your travels is essential. France has expectations of how visitors should carry themselves during their stay. You don’t have to be fluent in French to understand their norms. If you’re unsure what to avoid, these tips will help you.
1. Poor Manners
When entering any place of business, don’t immediately jump to what you want until you’ve made the proper greetingsin French. Making eye contact is polite and acknowledges the other person’s presence.
Next, say the appropriate greetings for the time of day, like bonjour (good morning), bon après-midi (good afternoon), or Bonsoir (good evening), when leaving (au revoir), please (s'il vous plait), and thank you (merci) at all times.
2. Dining While Walking
In the U.S., grabbing a quick bite or a beverage and walking down the street while eating or drinking is commonplace. Americans have fast-paced lives, and sitting for a leisurely meal isn’t always possible.
The French take the opposite approach to consuming food and beverages. They feel the dining experience is to be savored and enjoyed – while sitting down. When in France, do as they do and sit for your meals and coffee.
3. Assuming Everyone Speaks English
The belief that everyone you meet is fluent in English is a mistake. While you may find some fluent English speakers in large cities like Paris, it is a different story outside of the city.
No matter where you're visiting in France, assume no one speaks English. Learn a few sentences in French, and use a translation app on your smartphone to help you communicate.
4. Waiting for the Check
In U.S. restaurants, servers typically give you the check once they see you’ve finished eating your meal. They’re not rushing you out the door, but they’re also not encouraging lounging at the table for hours, either.
In France, it's customary for diners to relax at a table long after their meal has been eaten, and restaurants encourage staying longer. When they’re ready to pay and leave, you will ask the server for the check.
5. Visiting in August
Many Europeans take a holiday break lasting two to six weeks in August. Citizens of France, including business owners, are included in this long-standing tradition.
If you plan to visit France in August with the intent of shopping, you may be surprised to learn that many stores are closed for the summer holiday. You’ll want to schedule your travel for a different month.
6. Taxi Rides and Car Rentals
Taxis are found throughout most of France but may not be available at all hours and are non-existent in some rural areas. They can be expensive, and in cities like Paris, the traffic is gridlocked.
The same goes for rental cars. Gas prices in France are higher than in other European countries, and drivers must pay tolls to use the highways. Take the Metro train system unless you’re planning to visit rural France.
7. Touching Items for Sale
Shopping at the different markets and shops is fun, as long as you practice French etiquette. In the U.S., if you see something you want at a fruit vendor or other shop, you pick it up to inspect or buy it.
That isn’t the way things are done in France. If you see something you’re interested in buying, get the seller’s attention first and tell them what you’d like. Don’t touch anything first.
8. Sunday Shopping
In the U.S., very few places are closed on Sundays, meaning you can go shopping whenever and wherever you want, from malls to grocery stores to convenience stores and nail salons.
The opposite is true in France, where many stores are closed on Sundays – not by choice but by law. Some attractions are open, but many places aren’t. Be prepared if your visit includes being out and about on a Sunday.
9. No Reservations
Are you planning to dine at a sit-down restaurant? Call ahead to reserve a table. In the U.S., many sit-down eating spots take both reservations and walk-ins, though the latter may require waiting.
Recall how French restaurants emphasize relaxed dining and enjoying one’s experience long after you’ve eaten. Table turnover isn’t as frequent, making reservations a necessity.
10. Showing Up Empty-Handed
On the chance you’re invited to someone’s home for any reason, never show up empty-handed. It’s a major faux pas that could ensure you won’t be on their guest list again.
This etiquette should be practiced if you’re visiting France or live in the United States. The gift doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it should be thoughtful and appropriate for the occasion.
11. Waiting for Water and Ice
In the U.S., automatically getting a glass of ice water or being asked if you want ice water is the norm. Believe it or not, it’s an oddity in many parts of the world.
If you want water, you have to ask your server for it. Unless you ask for bottled water, you’ll probably get a glass of tap water. It likely won’t come with ice unless you specifically ask for it.
12. Too Casual Clothing
Nothing screams American like wearing sweatsuits, shorts, and sneakers. If you’re visiting Paris, it’s like attending a fashion show, so how you dress matters.
When traveling around the rest of France, wear nice casual clothing so you don't stick out like a sore thumb. Looking like you’re wearing pajamas isn’t a good look.
13. Getting Inebriated
It’s common knowledge that some of the best wines in the world come from France. That doesn’t mean you have to try to drink them all at once.
Drinking in moderation is the French way of imbibing. It’s a good and safe practice to uphold no matter where you are in the world.
14. No Planning
Popular attractions like the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower are the top points for many to stay in France. Do your homework first to avoid the disappointment that the attraction you want to see is closed.
For example, the Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, and the Eiffel Tower is open most days of the year. For popular ticketed attractions, see if you can buy tickets online to avoid long wait times.
15. Limiting Your Visit to Paris
Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it’s also the site of the 2024 Summer Olympics and home to numerous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Élysées.
These spots are wildly popular with tourists, but there’s a whole other country to see with lesser-known attractions like the city of Avignon and its history as the papal seat, and Megève, near the Swiss border. Check a map and plan your trip!