The Eiffel Tower, charming pastoral villages, sunny French Riviera, and elegant Parisian boulevards are some of the things that travelers dream about when planning a trip to France. However, some people enjoy the French experience by partaking in local activities instead of just sightseeing. This is where they find their most memorable moments of a vacation. Such unique adventures and amazing experiences go beyond hitting a museum or monument. They also capture the spirit of the place.

For many, nothing feels more magical than taking a Seine River cruise, strolling through the charming Old Quarters of Paris, watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower, making a pilgrimage to Mont Saint-Michel, and much more. However, and whatever the way one loves to experience France, here is a guide to the most essential dos, and dont’s when visiting the country for the first time.

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Here’s What To Do When Visiting France For The First Time

People visiting France must do as the French do, that is, follow the etiquette and customs, to have a more inviting and enjoyable time in this iconic country. For instance, people must say hello, or Bonjour in French, when hitting a restaurant, store, or other establishment. Moreover, they must say good-bye, or Au Revoir when leaving. They are also expected to learn some French sentences. This will prove that one is making an effort to learn the language, and it will also show respect.

  • Phrases to learn in French:- Hello ( Bonjour)- Excuse me ( Excusez-Moi)- Thank you ( Merci)- I am lost ( Je suis perdu)- I don’t speak French ( Je ne parle pas le Français)- In English, please ( En Anglais, s’il vous plaît)

People must expect to pay a specific fee for using the bathroom in train stations, department stores, and other places in France. Moreover, people are advised to keep their tickets with them when taking the metro until they leave the station. This is because the police conduct continuous checks and may fine people who don’t hold their tickets.

Additionally, it is essential to validate the ticket before boarding the train. At the entrance of each platform or quai, people can find the validation machines.

Another thing people visiting France must pay attention to is to dress appropriately. For instance, they should avoid wearing running shoes, shorts, and flip-flops. The latter are for exercising and for the beach.

Here’s Why Kissing Is Essential In France

People are also expected to shake hands with acquaintances and air-kiss people close to them. This was the custom before the coronavirus pandemic, and hopefully, it will return once everything goes back to normal. Air kissing is known as Faire la bise in French. It indicates friendship and involves bringing each other’s cheeks close to each other as if they were going to kiss. Every region in France adopts a number of kisses. In most of them, people kiss each cheek once, while in other parts, that figure can go up to 3 or 5. Moreover, they usually start by kissing the right cheek.

When spending time in France, people are advised to use a Prix Fixe menu, where they will get a fixed price for a starter, main course, and dessert. Some restaurants offer such a menu with various choices for main courses. Others include wine on their menus.

Speaking of wine, people must consider ordering a pichet, or jug, which is a carafe of wine available in various sizes, usually 250 ml or 500 ml. This is the restaurant’s house wine, generally of perfect quality, very tasty, and has a reasonable price.

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Here’s What Not To Do For First-Time Visitors To France

Unless someone is familiar, people must not use Tu, or You, to address another person because it will sound rude and disrespectful. Instead, they must use Vous, which is more formal. Moreover, people must not take their coffee and drink it while walking down the street. On the contrary, they should consume their drink at the café, sitting at a table, or standing at a bar. At outdoor markets, people must avoid touching any produce. They should only ask the seller for what they want.

A cafe au lait after finishing a meal is a no-no. Such drink is ordered in France for breakfast. Also, French people do not like to rush their meals. Instead, they want to take their time to relax over a meal or coffee. Visitors to France are expected to do the same and take at least a couple of hours to savor the flavors. Additionally, people must keep in mind that the French will have lunch between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm, which means that many shops will be closed during those times of the day.

Learning French phrases is essential when visiting the country because one should not assume that everyone understands or speaks English.

Unlike the United States, a 15% service charge is included in the bill at French restaurants most of the time. This means that people do not have to tip. However, it is a custom to keep a couple of extra Euros after finishing dinner if the service was of very high quality.

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