Question:
How should a tourist act in France?
Jarrae
2011-04-17 13:32:43 UTC
WHat are the proper customs. What is consider polite and impolite.
Four answers:
WISE OWL
2011-04-18 01:10:58 UTC
Here are the recommendations I gave when I took groups to France. Whilst they may not all apply to your personal circumstances, you may find some of them useful:



If you know no French, learn a few basic greetings and use them continually and wherever you go. That even includes saying "bonjour" and "merci" to the person who sells you entry tickets to an attraction, when you enter a restaurant, or you ask the Mac Donald's attendant for a Big Mac.



Keep a low profile and speak in moderate tones. Do not exclaim loudly about things or comment about them in a critical fashion because they are different to what you are accustomed.

Do not accost people you do not know except in a tactful manner to ask for directions, or engage an unknown fellow traveller in conversation and tell him all about yourself, why you are in France, when you arrived and propose to leave. Likewise don't give strangers your life history or long descriptions of your family or of where you live. Keep that for the people you know and only if they ask you questions about yourself.

Do not ask personal or indiscreet questions. It is not done. Never discuss your bodily functions or illnesses except with a doctor.

Do not go to a person and say "Ho, my! I do love your shoes. Where did you buy them and how much did they cost?"

Do not be over familiar with waiters or waitresses and do not be offended if they do not engage you in chat. They are respecting your privacy.

Respect the places you are visiting and do not leave litter, sweet wrappers, tissues, drinks cans and the like in public places: use the bins provided in the streets. Most of the litter on Paris pavements is cast away by tourists.

If you want to be inconspicuous avoid over flashy clothes for everyday wear, or too garish colours.

On the other hand do not go around town in sportswear or sweats, or tatty holed jeans and distressed clothing . Girls should avoid wearing micro shorts in an inland town (seaside is OK) and never when going into a church.

Be patient, respect queues and do not overtake others unless you have a pre-bought ticket.

In shops do not handle goods unless you intend to buy them, try hats for fun, disarrange a neat pile of clothing and just throw it all back.

Be punctual for meals if you are a guest, or if you have booked a table at a restaurant do not arrive two hours late. If you are delayed, phone.

If you are invited to eat somewhere always take a small present. It does not need to be expensive if you are on a small budget; it is just a token of appreciation.

Mind your table manners. When a guest, wait till the lady of the house tells you where to sit then either tells you to start eating or starts herself. Do not overload your plate when food is passed round for you to help yourself, and think others have to be served after you.

Whether you are eating in a restaurant or in a private home, do not pick things up from your plate with your fingers. Use the napkin provided and wipe your mouth before you drink from your glass. Do not leave the table throughout the meal. If you need a bathroom call, go before or after the meal.



Do not smoke in public places- or in people's home without their consent.

If you are over 18 drink alcohol in moderation and do not get drunk.

Put your hand in front of your mouth before coughing. Do not chew and talk at the same time, particularly if chewing gum.

Do not walk around town eating food (except for ice-creams). It you have sandwiches, sit on a bench or in a park and dispose of wrappers in the bins provided.

When in somebody's house never wander out of public rooms without the owners' consent, and do not poke your nose into bedrooms: they are private territory.

In smart hotels do not leave the room littered with dirty underwear or discarded clothing all over the place before going down to dinner: there may be a turn down service and the maid who does it will feel obliged to tidy up for you, which reflects badly on you and could be embarrassing for you too.



If you spot fellow countrymen whilst in a hotel dining room, do not shout across to them "Hi! I am American too. Where are you from? How long have you been here? What did you do today? What did you think of .....?" Wait till they or you have finished your meal and have moved on to the lounge for coffee or drinks to accost them.

When walking alone, do not grin at strangers: people will wonder why you are doing it and if you have a 'bizarre' agenda.

These are basics and some of them may already be routine for you, but believe me some people can really behave like morons when they are abroad and take liberties which are absolutely shocking.

Basically if you think of others, do not invade their personal space, are polite and courteous and keep a low profile, you will have no problems.

Have a great time!
?
2016-09-17 03:15:41 UTC
Nothing that you just have got to be involved in any respect. You are going from a civilized Western nation to an extra. Use average feel and behave courteously and you'll have a unique time. A little caution, not anything to free sleep over however - there are lots of pocket thieves in every single place in Europe. They won't hurt you bodily however might fairly reduce to rubble the leisure of your commute. Keep copies of the entire contents of your pockets - AND your passport for your motel room. Carry your playing cards and cash in specific wallet, so if one is emptied, you'll nonetheless keep your commute. - Again, do not free any sleep over this, however be conscious of your matters. The simplest and fastest object to lose is your digicam - maintain monitor of it - and use 2 reminiscence playing cards, switch the cardboard daily. If you lose the digicam you have got best misplaced the images from each and every moment day.
Rillifane
2011-04-17 15:27:14 UTC
The French are more formal than Americans. They tend to be quieter in both voice and in clothing. They tend not to immediately presume friendship on short acquaintance as Americans do. They do not reveal the details of the personal life to strangers on first meeting. The American habit of discussing the price of everything and ones own possessions is regarded as vulgar. The habit of constantly smiling at everyone is regarded as slightly daft at best and insincere at worst.
anonymous
2011-04-21 04:03:00 UTC
Try to speak french if you can ! The french take pride in their language so its best to show some respect.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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