Many people visit Paris for the first time and report back that they found the French rude. Did it ever occur to these people that they could have been making a huge faux pas? (Literal translation – An embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation) Chances are as an uninformed tourist, they did.
One of the great things about Google and bookstores, is that if a person just brushed up on the local etiquette, way of life and a few phrases, they would be treated better.
Here are a few more tips from an American that now lives in France:
I hope this helps out anyone that is heading to Paris, or anywhere in France for that matter – these simple rules apply all over the country.
I also have to remind people ( Americans really) that the French still hold a bit of a grudge – I have been mistaken for an American and have to say “Je suis Canadien” in order to set them straight. Seems they still wish you all joined in the Second World War sooner and want many of the tourists from USA to stop expecting things in France to be just like in America ( as told to us by a Frenchmen ). I recommend you speak in a lower tone, and follow all the above advice, and they will react better. It is important to note – Waiters are paid a living wage in France and thus, should be treated as equals, they are definitely not someone working in a bistro while they go to school.
Credits: some excerpts and photos – Pinterest
niftyatfiftyblog 