10 Unobvious Things to Know Before Visiting France

Greet with a kiss? Or two? 

Ask for the missing salt and pepper on the table, or don’t?

Are French people rude, or is it me?

These are questions every foreign tourist has probably had at least once during their visit to the charming country that is France. 

As inviting as it is, the place has a preconceived reputation of being unfriendly. However, the truth is, in most cases, the seemingly gruff experience is a result of some form of cultural faux pas committed by clueless travellers, possibly visiting France for the first time. 

Unlike other European countries, France is a country that prefers to stay steadfast with its cultural norms. Hence, as a traveller, it is important for you to be up to speed with these unspoken rules before visiting the land of croissant-lovers. 

Here is a list of 10 unobvious things to know before going to France, that only a local would tell you.

Have a Good-Enough Grip on France’s Tourist Laws

Tourist guidelines and regulations are one of the most important segments of France laws to know for an Indian traveller.

For starters, non-EU nationals visiting the country, including Indians have a right to stay for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days with a short-stay Schengen visa. You also need to ensure that you have at least three months of validity left on your passport from the date of intended departure. 

Similarly, ensure that you carry your photo ID at all times while you are in the country. While the French police will rarely ask for it, it is good practice to carry it when stepping out to avoid unnecessary hassles.

Make sure that you have a thorough understanding of all such France visa requirements and traveller best practices before booking your France tour package to enjoy a stress-free trip.

Acquaint Yourself With Some Basic French Etiquette

The French are sticklers for manners and being polite. And not every universally accepted gesture is considered “friendly” in France. Hence, learning some basic French etiquette can go a long way in ensuring a pleasant French holiday.

Here are some basic French etiquette tips to keep in mind.

• Bonjour and bonsoir to greet – Say “bonjour” before 6 PM and “bonsoir” after 6 PM to greet people. This is perhaps one of the most important things to know before going to France, as it is considered very rude not to greet, especially when you enter a shop or stop by a florist on the street for example. 
• La Bise when meeting people you know – La Bise” is essentially an air kiss, an informal greeting in French culture, typically used among friends. The number of kisses depends on the region you are visiting, however, one air kiss on each cheek is generally considered polite. Use it when you are meeting friends or close acquaintances only, and not strangers, as overfriendliness is not quite accepted by the French either.
• Good bye and thank you when leaving – Leaving without saying goodbye is considered rude in French culture. Hence, make eye contact with the shop keeper, owner, or anyone you meet, and say “ aurevoir” (goodbye)  or “bonne journee” (have a good day)  or “bonne soirée” (good evening) when stepping out.
• Pardon instead of excuse me – When moving past people, say “pardon” (pronounced paar-dawn) as opposed to “excusez-moi” which is what tourists commonly say. “Excuse me” is used by the French to get someone’s attention, rather than when moving past people.

Also Read: France Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s More to France Than Paris

As magical as Paris is, France holds an immense amount of wonderful experiences beyond the city of lights, particularly around winter and Christmas. Hence, when planning a trip to the European destination, venture out and explore places beyond Paris. Visit the Alsace and Strasbourg Christmas markets, explore Lyon’s Festival of Lights, make day trips from Paris and explore the charming countryside, go wine tasting in Bordeaux, and go skiing in the French Alps. 

Pay More Attention to Your Outfits – Skip Athleisure

The French generally dress chic and sophisticated at all times. Athleisure is seldom considered a good option to roam about. Make it a point to pack thoughtful and tasteful outfits when travelling to France. Think chic, tailored fits, unique silhouettes, purpose-driven yet stylish outerwear, and classic prints. After all, it is always better to overdress than be underdressed. 

Learn Some Basic French Table Etiquette 

Table etiquette is another one of the most important things to know before going to France, as it can help avoid awkwardness and being perceived as rude when dining. Although the French have a massive list of table rules to follow, knowing some of the most basic ones can go a long way.

Here’s what you need to know.

• Bread is usually served directly on the table or tablecloth. You will not find crockery assigned for bread items. 
• You will likely not find salt and pepper on the table. The chef is generally expected to prepare the meal for your table exactly as per your specifications. Hence, asking for extra salt or pepper, although you may hardly ever need it, is considered disrespectful to the chef. 
• Restaurants typically adopt a relaxed and non-rushed service delivery practice. This means, you may not be offered a menu right after you sit at a table. You may also not be approached by a waiter as long as your menu is open, as it indicates that you haven’t decided yet. The general atmosphere is slow, as the French are particular about not rushing you with your eating experience.
• Expect long breaks in between courses, as once again, the French consider it culturally rude to rush you when dining.
• Lunch hours are strictly between 12 and 2 PM, while dinner hours are between 7.30 and 9.30 PM. Choosing to eat your lunch or dinner outside of these hours is a bad idea.
• Avoid talking too loudly, especially in restaurants. It is considered rude.

Use Public Transportation For Travelling Between Cities

Driving can be quite pricey in France. Péages or tolls can often cost even more than the fuel. Have a basic knowledge of local public transportation services to calculate and compare costs, and choose the best option to commute within and between cities. 

The French train system for example, is quite comprehensive and efficient with over 3000 stations spanning the country. You can also avail of quicker and affordable bus options with services like BlaBlaBus and Flixbus. France also has 30+ airports, making it well connected to other countries across the world. Book cheap flights to Paris or Lyon and choose local transportation options to make the most of your travel budget.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in France

Work Your Itinerary Around Shop Hours 

Work-life balance is hugely important in France. For the same reason, many shops operate on varying opening hours throughout the week. While most shops strictly close for lunch from 12 PM to 2 PM, many also remain closed from Sunday to Tuesday. Public holidays and peak seasons also affect opening hours of attractions and shops. Hence, navigating around the working hours of the shops are another one among important things to know when travelling to France.

Try to Pick Up On Some French

Unlike other European countries where English is widely spoken and accepted, France is a country that embraces its local language. Even though many locals may speak English quite well, they will likely not use it unless absolutely necessary. As mentioned before, the French hold their culture close to their heart. Hence, any little attempt that you make to communicate in their language goes a long way. 

Here are some basic phrases you can use.

• Bonjour – Hello
• Bonsoir – Good evening
• S’il vous plaît  – Please
• Excusez-moi – Excuse Me
• Merci – Thank You
• Au revoir – Bye

Use Pronouns Correctly

Along with greetings, another one of the most important things to know before going to France is how to use pronouns. It comes down to the difference between “tu” vs “vous”. While both mean “you”, “tu” is used in informal contexts and “vous” is reserved for formal situations. For example, you can use “tu” when talking to friends and acquaintances, and “vous” when talking to strangers, to people in professional settings, or elders. This can help you avoid offending anyone.

Also Read: A Romantic Guide to Spending Valentine’s Day in Paris

Keep Cash And Other Payment Options Handy

Last but not least, make sure to carry cash or other payment options when visiting France, because the country is not entirely paperless yet. While places like Lyon do have metros with contactless card payment systems, iconic cities like Paris still use rechargeable cards like Navigo for their metro. In fact, navigating the metro is one among the most important things to know before going to Paris. 

When travelling to small towns and countrysides in France, it is advisable to carry cash. While many places do accept cards, they often come with a minimum spend, which you may not always be able to meet.

Wrapping Up: 10 Things to Know Before Going to France

Glamorous as it is, France embraces culture and tradition like no other. To have an enjoyable and pleasant experience in the country, it is important to know and understand the nuances of their way of life. That is why among the most important tips for visiting France is to research and make an attempt to familiarize yourself with things like table etiquette and general etiquette.

Use this reliable travel guide to France to prepare yourself before visiting the country. Book thoughtfully curated France tour packages from India to experience this beautiful European destination. Be sure to apply for your Schengen visa with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries to avoid hassles. Book your accommodation with one of the best hotels in Paris for a comfortable stay experience as well.

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Quick Summary – Things to Know Before Going to France

Charming and much-sought-after as France is, the country is known to be strict with its cultural norms. For the same reason, it has a reputation for being unfriendly. However, it is only a result of cultural faux pas from tourists who were clueless about French culture.

Here are some important things to know before going to France:

• Have a good grip of France’s tourist laws
• Learn basic French etiquette
• Explore beyond Paris
• Skip athleisure and dress well
• Learn basic French table etiquette
• Use public transportation to travel between cities
• Work around shop opening hours
• Pick on some basic French
• Use pronouns correctly
• Keep cash and other payment methods handy

FAQs

What should I know before travelling to France?

Some basic things to know before going to France are:

• France is a part the Schengen area, which means you need a Schengen visa to visit
• A short stay Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days
• Ensure at least three months of validity on your passport from the date of departure
• France is strict with its cultural norms, hence, it is important to learn and absorb some of their culture before visiting to have a pleasant experience
• France is not entirely paperless; be sure to carry cash especially in rural areas and countrysides
• Learn French general etiquette and table manners
• Understand shop opening hours to plan your itinerary

What is the 5 to 7 rule in France?

The 5 to 7 rule in France, called le cinq à sept, is a tradition followed by employed professionals for after work. It refers to a two-hour window from 5 PM to 7 PM where people reserve time for socializing, much like happy hours. In some contexts it also refers to the time window where lovers meet up before going home. 

Historically, le cinq à sept was known to be the time for a private meeting for extra marital affairs.

What not to do in France as a tourist?

A few things you should be careful about when in France as a tourist:

• Do not ask for extra salt and pepper at a restaurant
• Don’t ask for extra butter for bread
• Remember to greet and share an air kiss (la Bise) with everyone you meet
• Try not to eat outside of the strict lunch and dinner hours of 12 PM to 2 PM and 7.30 PM and 9.30 PM
• Avoid talking too loudly
• Don’t arrive at parties, social gatherings and houses empty handed; always bear gifts
• Don’t leave any place without saying goodbye
• Avoid being over-friendly
• Avoid talking about money
• Separate work from pleasure
• Don’t wave at waiters and rush through at a restaurant

What is a polite thing to say before ordering food in France?

First, greet the server with “bonjour” or “bonsoir” and proceed to explain your order. 

Say “Je voudrais” (I would like) followed by the things you would like to order, and end by saying “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you).

Is it rude to not say hello in France?

Yes, it is generally considered rude to not greet someone when meeting them in France.

How to greet a lady in France?

To greet a lady, you can say ““Bonjour madame” (Good day, madam). To greet a man, you can say “Bonjour monsieur” (Good day, sir).

How to dress for France?

When packing clothes for France, focus on comfortable and stylish clothes. To be able to pack less, try to pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched as well. As a rule of thumb, always go for chic, elegant and well-put-together outfits. Avoid athleisure, and make sure to steam your outfits before you wear them.

Do I need to carry my passport in France?

All foreign visitors are ideally required to carry some form of identification, either a passport or a national identity card when in France. The French police may ask for your identity proof at any time, especially when entering or leaving the country.

Do people tip in France?

The France hospitality sector is well established and generous with its service inclusions and prices. For the same reason, most servers at restaurants enjoy decent monthly wages, paid holidays as well as other benefits. Hence, tipping is generally not expected in restaurants.

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