Any traveler visiting a foreign country is bound to do a few things that bother the locals. However, there's no tension quite like that between American tourists and the French, especially in Paris. Many French people see Americans as rude, loud, and disrespectful... could they be right?
UPDATE: 2022/12/02 15:01 EST BY ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
12 Things Every American Does Wrong When Visiting France (And What To Do Instead)
This list has been updated to provide new ideas and tips to travelers. We strive to provide current information to our readers to maximize the usefulness of our content. Travelers planning an upcoming trip to France from America can use these ideas to prepare for the adventure!
If traveling to France, there are many things travelers can do differently to ensure they aren't seen as stereotypically disrespectful American tourists. What are these things? Let's look at the behavior the French are adverse to and what you can do instead.
12 Not Taking Proper Care Against Scams
In France, especially Paris, tourists are known to be the target of scams and pickpockets. Though that can be frustrating and even scary, blaming France or the French people isn't the right response; locals suffer from these crimes too, and tourists should always take precautions to not make themselves a target.
Instead: When traveling throughout France, especially in big cities like Paris or Lyon, be sure to leave expensive items back at your hotel. Jewelry and very expensive cameras can make you a prime target. If carrying a backpack or fanny pack, wear it at the front instead of the back. Don't carry wallets, documents, or money in your back pockets.
11 Not Realizing Many Locals Speak English
Because of the friction between the two cultures, American tourists can often have a bad impression of the French - unfairly or not. Because of this, they may be tempted to bad-mouth the French or Parisians in public, which is bound to make a few enemies out of many French citizens who know how to speak English, even if not fluently.
Instead: If you have anything bad to say, leave it for the hotel room. In fact, even if it's the opposite of how you feel, making a few compliments while out and about can get help in making a few friends who might be more willing to help you take photographs or give you directions.
10 Adding Locks to Picturesque Bridges
Adding locks to the sides of many bridges in Paris (and Rome) has been common practice since the early 2000s. The idea is to add your lock and then throw the key into the river, ensuring the love you've shared in Paris will last a lifetime. However, this practice started to pollute the historical bridges in Paris, some parts of them even collapsing from the weight of up to a million love locks across the bridges. Though the practice was forbidden and removed in 2015, some stubborn tourists insist on it, perhaps not knowing how damaging it can really be.
Instead: There are many other ways you can declare your love to your partner that won't damage bridges. Why not take pictures at every spot you enjoyed together and then turn it into a scrapbook you can share with everyone back home? Or how about a souvenir you can take home? Custom souvenirs are a great way to celebrate your love as well as the trip.
9 Not Saying Hello Or Greetings
If there were tourists in America who just walked up to someone and started asking questions or making requests without even a greeting, that would come across as very rude. However, most Americans in France walk up to locals and ask for directions or to take a photograph without so much as a "hello", which is rude and upsetting.
Instead: Even if you use the English word, "Hello," instead of saying "Bonjour," it's more likely that the person will help you. However, if you'd like to appear more sensitive to the French language and culture, a simple, "Bonjour," before speaking to someone can go a long way.
8 Not Respecting Locals Traveling in Paris
Locals who are using the Metro subway system or the Velib bike rental system to get to and from work, visit friends and family, do their shopping in Paris, and do other things locals do in any city, are usually disrespected in many ways by American tourists, who crowd transport or sidewalks to take photos during rush hour or delay citizens without meaning to in their confusion on how to get around.
Instead: When you know you will be using the Metro or a Velib bike rental, be sure to research how the payment process works beforehand. On the Metro, study the map before boarding, so you know which direction you should be headed and what exit you need to look for. If you need directions, ask the metro employees politely. Also, take off all large bags and set them on the floor between your feet, so riders can move more comfortably. Public transportation in Paris can be busy, so plan ahead.
7 Not Making An Effort To Speak (Even A Little) French
Americans who encounter tourists in the USA often get upset when someone comes up to talk to them, without making an effort to speak English. Just as this practice is frowned upon in the US, it's also frowned upon in France. Trying to communicate even a little in the native language of the country you're in is both polite and practical.
Instead: Even if you only learn one French word, it should be "Bonjour." However, it's very easy to look up a short list of words and phrases that you can memorize before your trip. To make things even easier, there are cheap, and even free, apps that can translate English to French for both Android and iOS. Some do this in text form and some with voice, but it's an excellent way to express yourself in the local language.
6 Getting In The Way For Photographs
With so many landmarks that tourists love to photograph, sometimes the way you go about taking them can not only be dangerous but get in the way of locals going about their business. For example, many tourists stand in the middle of the street to take a photo of themselves directly in front of the Arc de Triomphe. This is frowned upon and can make locals upset.
Instead: There are many places from which to take excellent photographs of landmarks within the city. If you aren't able to get the photo from the exact angle you'd like, you can usually purchase a photo book or even just a postcard that can be added to the photograph you were able to take. Keep yourself safe and the locals happy by staying out of the way.
5 No Table Manners
The sidewalk cafés in Paris are famous for great food and great coffee. However, these cafés often have tables set up for those who wish to order food and those who only want to enjoy coffee and scones. Asking to sit in the wrong area because it's more convenient can quickly make for a disgruntled waiter. Also, moving tables around to sit in the sun or so that a large party can sit together can earn your waiter a hefty ticket, paid on the spot, from local police.
Instead: It's perfectly fine to ask your host or hostess if there is seating available that you'd like, such as in the sun. You can also ask what tables would be available, so you can choose from several. However, seating yourself and rearranging tables and chairs is highly frowned upon. When in France, follow typical French dining etiquette.
4 Speaking Too Loudly
American tourists are known all over the world as being very loud. Both speech and laughter aren't as loud in most other regions of the world, especially in France. Because of this, you often don't need to speak as loudly as we are used to in the US to speak over other people and over traffic. It's just not necessary and by being loud, tourists can disturb others.
Instead: Sit closer together or communicate directions before setting out so no one will need to raise their voice or yell to be heard. If you need to convey a message farther away from you and feel you would need to yell, texting the person or having the message relayed through someone closer to them is the best bet.
3 Disrespecting Local Cuisine
French cuisine is a serious business in France. Most chefs have spent years or decades studying and perfecting recipes based on local cuisine, available fresh ingredients, and the unique tastes of the French people. Asking to have a locally made cheese that's added to a salad substituted for cheddar won't just make the chef mad but also the waiter who will have to tell the chef.
Instead: Part of traveling to France should also be experiencing the unique French cuisine they are famous for. If there's something in the dish you don't feel you would like, you can always choose something else. Your waiter is also a great resource when it comes to choosing menu items you would like.
2 Wearing White Sneakers
It's no secret that North Americans love a good pair of white sneakers as a summer style. They pair well with shorts, and casual dresses, and they're sensible for walking. Seems like the perfect choice, right? In France, wearing white sneakers is an immediate giveaway that you're a tourist. What might be seen as good style in America and Canada is almost a fashion-faux-pas in Paris.
Instead: Choose a stylish ankle boot for the spring and fall or a pair of loafers or strappy sandals for the summer. Ballet flats are also a chic choice that provides comfort. Some French residents may opt for white shoes, but these sneakers are typically a sleek, form fitting shoe rather than the chunky New Balance sneakers that are common in America.
1 Forgetting About "Flâner"
Flâner is a French word that means "to wander aimlessly". This beautiful concept may be foreign to North Americans who are used to a rushed pace of life. In America, hustle culture extends to almost every part of the day from over scheduling hangouts, workplace meetings, our kids sports activities, and more. Applying the same "go-go-go" mentality to a French vacation is sure to make travelers stand out among the locals and is likely to be looked down upon.
Instead: Leave ample free time in the itinerary to explore each city and town at a leisurely place. Don't schedule back-to-back guided tours or make too many advance dinner reservations. The truly master the concept of Flâner, American travelers need to leave room for mystery and discovery during their trip to France.