LeGuideParis

Greetings

Understanding the nuances of greeting someone in Paris is crucial for making a good first impression, whether it’s a casual encounter, a business meeting, or a formal event. Here’s what you need to know:

Casual Greetings

• Cheek Kissing (La Bise): Common among friends and acquaintances, the cheek kiss is a standard greeting in Paris. It usually involves touching cheeks and kissing the air near the other person’s cheek. The number of kisses can vary, but two kisses (one on each cheek) is typical in Paris.
• Handshake: A firm handshake is appropriate when meeting someone for the first time or in less familiar or more formal situations. It’s also common among male friends.
• Verbal Greetings: “Bonjour” (Good day) or “Salut” (Hi) are typical verbal greetings. “Bonjour” is more formal and can be used any time of the day before evening, while “Salut” is casual.

Business Greetings

• Professionalism: Always start with a handshake in business settings. Even if you later move on to cheek kisses as your relationship warms, a handshake is initially the most professional approach.
• Addressing: Use “Monsieur” (Mr.) or “Madame” (Mrs./Ms.) followed by the last name until invited to use first names. Titles are important in French business culture.
• Timing: Punctuality is appreciated, though a grace period of about five minutes is often observed. Always apologize if you are late.

Formal Greetings

• Elegance in Simplicity: In formal settings, a simple, polite “Bonjour Monsieur/Madame” with a handshake is appropriate. Avoid overly enthusiastic gestures.
• Dress Code: Your appearance can also communicate respect in formal situations. Dressing smartly according to the occasion reflects well on your sense of propriety.
• Follow the Host: In more formal or traditional settings, wait for your host or the senior person present to extend their hand or initiate la bise.

Tips for All Situations

• Eye Contact: Maintaining gentle eye contact during greetings signifies sincerity and interest.
• Smile: A warm, genuine smile goes a long way in making a friendly impression.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be observant and sensitive to the reactions of the French individuals you meet. They will guide you through the subtleties of their greeting customs.

Dining Etiquettes

Dining out in Paris is an experience steeped in tradition and social customs. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a quaint bistro, a busy brasserie, or a Michelin- starred restaurant, understanding and respecting local dining etiquette will enhance your experience and show respect for the culture.

Before the Meal

• Reservations: It’s common courtesy and often necessary to make a reservation, especially at popular restaurants. Always confirm your reservation if you’re running late or need to cancel.
• Arrival: Arriving on time is considered polite. If you are invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift, such as wine, chocolates, or flowers.

During the Meal

• Napkin Etiquette: Once seated, unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. Use it occasionally to dab your mouth, and when you are finished, place it loosely next to your plate (not back on the table).
• Bread Etiquette: Bread is usually placed directly on the tablecloth or on a bread plate if provided. Break bread with your hands, not a knife, and place your piece on the side of your plate, not on the table.
• Utensil Usage: Start using the utensils from the outside in as courses arrive. Rest utensils on your plate between bites and place them parallel on the plate when you are done eating.
• Eating Pace: Try to match the pace of your fellow diners to not finish too early or linger too long over your meal.

Drinking Etiquette

• Toasting: Wait for everyone to be served before toasting. Make eye contact when clinking glasses and say “Santé” (health) or “À votre santé” (to your health).
• Wine Etiquette: Allow the host or an expert at the table to choose the wine. It’s considered polite to taste the wine before approving it, but only if you are asked to do so.

General Table Manners

• Speaking: Parisian dining is as much about conversation as it is about food. Engage in light, pleasant conversation and avoid controversial topics.
• Please and Thank You: Use “s’il vous plaît” (please) when asking for something and “merci” (thank you) when served something.
• Tipping: Service charge is typically included in the bill in France, but it’s customary to leave small change or round up the bill in a restaurant if the service was exemplary.

Dressing Etiquettes

In Paris, fashion is considered a form of self-expression and is taken quite seriously. The Parisian style is chic yet effortless, reflecting a deep appreciation for quality and subtlety. Understanding how to dress for different occasions can significantly influence social interactions and how you are perceived. Please do not trust your impressions of Paris from American TV Shows such as “Emily in Paris” as they do not accurate reflect the realistic lifestyle and fashion of the city. Here’s a guide to help you fit in with the local style.

General Guidelines

• Understated Elegance: Parisians favor a neutral color palette with occasional splashes of color. Clothes should fit well and be in good condition. When in doubt, it’s safer to err on the side of overdressing slightly.
• Seasonal Sensibility: Always check the weather before your trip. Paris an be quite variable. Lightweight fabrics are common in the summer, while winters necessitate stylish coats, scarves, and possibly a tasteful hat. Visitors can utilise our weather forecast page on our website to obtain the most accurate weather information in the city.

Causal Wear

• Day-to-Day: For everyday activities like shopping or sightseeing, opt for comfort yet stylish outfits such as well-fitted jeans paired with a nice top or a casual dress. Comfortable, yet chic footwear is essential, as walking is a part of Parisian life.
• Cafés and Informal Dining: BWhile casual, it’s still fashionable. Men might wear trousers with a polo or button-down shirt, while women might choose a blouse paired with a skirt or trousers.

Business Attire

• Formal and Conservative: WBusiness attire is quite formal in Paris. Men typically wear dark-colored suits and ties, while women wear suits or dresses with conservative hemlines.
• Accessories: Keep accessories to a minimum and of high quality. A good watch, a subtle piece of jewelry, or a professional briefcase or handbag can complete an outfit. But be aware of pickpocketing in Paris.

Evening Wear

• Theatre or Fine Dining: This is an opportunity to dress up. Women can wear elegant dresses or sophisticated cocktail attire, and men should opt for a dark suit or a tuxedo if the event is particularly formal.
• Invitations: Pay close attention to any dress codes mentioned on invitations to events. Terms like “black tie” or “cocktail attire” are important guidelines.

Special Occasions

• Weddings and Formal Parties: Such occasions usually require formal dress. Women should opt for a formal dress or an elegant pantsuit, and men should wear a suit and tie or a tuxedo if specified.

Tips for All Occasions

• Shoes: Shoes can make or break an outfit. Ensure they are clean, polished, and appropriate for the occasion. Parisians often judge shoes as an indicator of status and taste.
• Minimalism in Makeup and Perfume: Makeup should be natural-looking, enhancing rather than masking. Perfume should be subtle, not overwhelming.
• Be Prepared for Layers: Due to the variable weather, layering is a practical and stylish way to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Shopping Etiquettes

Shopping in Paris can be an exhilarating experience, from high-end boutiques on the Champs- Elysées to quaint bookshops and markets in the Latin Quarter. Here are some tips to help you navigate these experiences with the grace and respect that Parisians value.

General Shopping Tips

• Greeting: It’s customary to greet shopkeepers when you enter and leave a store. A simple “Bonjour” (before purchasing) and “Merci, au revoir” (after purchasing) can make a big difference in how you are perceived.
• Language Efforts: Even if you are not fluent in French, showing effort in using basic French phrases is appreciated. Shopkeepers are generally more responsive to those who try to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words.
• Handling Merchandise: Be mindful when handling merchandise. In smaller boutiques, it’s polite to ask before touching delicate items. If you accidentally displace something, try to put it back as it was.

Clothing Stores

• Dressing Rooms: Always wait to be directed to a dressing room; don’t assume you can use one without asking. Some boutiques may have a limit on the number of items you can try on.
• Privacy and Courtesy: When trying on clothing, handle items with care and hang them back on hangers. If you decide not to buy something, return it to a staff member or leave it in the designated area inside the dressing room.

Markets and Street Vendors

• Bargaining: While bargaining is not customary in retail stores, it’s acceptable at flea markets and some street vendors. However, always remain polite and don’t bargain aggressively. A gentle negotiation is often seen as part of the fun.
• Cash Transactions: Many market stalls do not accept credit cards, so carrying cash is a good idea. Small change can also facilitate easier transactions.

High-End Boutiques

• Service Expectations: In luxury stores, expect personalized service. Acknowledge this courtesy with politeness and patience. Salespeople in high-end stores take pride in their work and appreciate recognition of their expertise.
• Appointments: For a more personalized experience, especially in high-end jewelry or bridal boutiques, making an appointment is advisable.

Antiques and Art

• Expertise and Questions: In specialty shops like antiques or art galleries, it’s expected that buyers may have questions. Feel free to ask about the history and provenance of items. Showing genuine interest can lead to a more meaningful shopping experience.
• Documentation: For high-value items, always ask for documentation regarding authenticity. This is standard practice and shows that you respect the value of both the item and the establishment.

Supermarkets and Everyday Shopping:

• Reusable Bags: Bring your own shopping bags or be prepared to purchase them at the store. This practice is part of France’s environmental efforts.
• Self-Service Etiquette: When using self-service lanes in supermarkets, be quick and efficient to keep the line moving. Make sure to weigh and sticker produce items in the designated areas before checkout.

Language Tips

Navigating Paris with some basic knowledge of French can greatly enhance your experience. Parisians appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few phrases. Here’s a guide to some essential French phrases and language tips that will help you communicate during your stay.

Basic French Phrases

• Greetings:
  • Bonjour (bohn-zhoor) – Good morning/Good day
  • Bonsoir (bohn-swahr) – Good evening
  • Bonne nuit (bohn nwee) – Good night (only used when leaving or going to sleep)
• Common Courtesies:
  • S’il vous plaît (seel voo pleh) – Please
  • Merci (mehr-see) – Thank you
  • Merci beaucoup (mehr-see boh-koo) – Thank you very much
  • De rien (duh ree-ahn) – You’re welcome
  • Excusez-moi (ex-kew-zay mwah) – Excuse me
  • Pardon (par-dohn) – Excuse me (to get past someone or to apologize)
• Getting Around:
  • Où est…? (oo eh…) – Where is…?
  • Combien ça coûte? (kohm-byen sa koot?) – How much does it cost?
  • La carte, s’il vous plaît. (la kart, seel voo pleh) – The menu, please.
  • L’addition, s’il vous plaît. (lad-dee-syon, seel voo pleh) – The bill, please.
  • Je voudrais… (zhuh voo-dray…) – I would like…
• Emergency and Health:
  • Au secours! (oh suh-coor!) – Help!
  • Appelez la police. (a-peh-ley la po-leece) – Call the police.
  • J’ai besoin d’un médecin. (zhay buh-zwan duhn may-deh-san) – I need a doctor.
  • C’est urgent. (say ur-zhahn) – It’s urgent.

Language Tips for Travelers

• Pronunciation: French pronunciation can be tricky. Don’t worry about mastering it—just trying is often enough to show respect and make a connection.
• Learning Resources: Consider using language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone before your trip to get familiar with basic vocabulary and phrases.
• Carry a Phrasebook: Having a French phrasebook or a translation app on your smartphone can be incredibly helpful in complex situations.
• Speak Slowly and Clearly: If you need to revert to English, speak slowly and clearly. Not everyone speaks English fluently, and speaking slowly can help facilitate understanding.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Always use formal language in formal settings or with people you’ve just met, transitioning to informal language only if invited to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tipping customary in Paris?

• Restaurants and Cafes: Service charge is typically included in the bill (service compris). However, it’s common to leave small change or round up the total as a gesture of thanks for good service.
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest euro or adding 5-10% is customary for taxi drivers.
• Other Services: For services such as hairdressers or guided tours, a small tip is appreciated but not mandatory.

What are the smoking regulations in Paris?

• Public Spaces: Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants, and public transportation. Look for designated smoking areas if you wish to smoke.
• Respecting Others: Even in outdoor public spaces, it’s polite to ask those around you if they mind before you smoke.
• Prices: Cigarettes in France are relatively expensive compared to neighbouring countries, it is recommended to bring a small amount of cigarettes before arriving in France if you wish to smoke.

What is considered rude in Paris?

• Loud Conversations: Speaking loudly, especially on public transportation or in restaurants, can be viewed as disruptive and impolite.
• Phone Etiquette: Always step away from quiet or crowded areas to take phone calls. Avoid using your phone at the dining table.
• Jumping the Queue: Cutting in line is very disrespectful. Always wait your turn whether it’s in a store, at a bus stop, or entering a metro.

Can I speak English in Paris?

• Language Use: Many Parisians speak English, especially those working in tourism, hospitality, and young people. However, it’s polite to start any conversation in French, even if it’s just a greeting or asking if they speak English. A simple “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?) is appreciated. But do not be surprised if they do not wish to speak English despite them perfectly capable of speaking English, this is quite common in France.

Are public displays of affection acceptable in Paris?

• Cultural Acceptance: Moderate public displays of affection, such as holding hands or a quick kiss, are commonly accepted in Paris. However, more intense displays can attract unwelcome attention and might be considered inappropriate in public spaces.