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- 12 Things We Wish We Knew Before Visiting France
Home to 66 million people, France is a stunning country known for some of the most iconic art museums in the world, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and so much more. Paris, France's busiest city, has inspired countless poems, stories, and backdrops for works of art and film. Overall, France is the heart of romance.
So it's not too surprising that every year, millions and millions of tourists travel to France to be whisked away by the French language and to see the incredible sites only found in Europe. However, many fall flat when it comes to French customs. From coming off as ignorant to locals to being ill-prepared on your travels, there are simply a few things visitors shouldn't do. So to help you avoid these faux pas or missteps, here are ten tips for your next France getaway that will ensure you have a seamless trip.
UPDATE: 2022/11/16 15:22 EST BY SERA PARRIS
12 Things We Wish We Knew Before Visiting France
Traveling to France is on many people's bucket lists. So often, travelers come from far and wide to visit this amazing European country. But, upon arrival, many suffer from culture shock and wish they'd taken the time to learn a few things about their destination beforehand. With that in mind, these tips were updated to include more pertinent info and to ensure first-time visitors of France were prepared for the little things that may come up.
12 Learn Your Basic French Phrases
First things first, if you are not fluent in the language, that's perfectly okay. Much like the rest of Europe, English is a second language here, and tours are offered in a variety of other languages.
However, learning basic French phrases to navigate this beautiful country during your visit is still helpful. Knowing how to say good morning/hello (Bonjour), goodnight (Bonne nuit), excuse me (pardon), thank you (merci), please (s'il Vous plait), and where is the bathroom (Ou some les toilettes?) can go a long way.
11 When To Shake Hands Or Double Air Kiss
We've seen the French kiss on both sides of the face in more movies than we can count. That must be how they all greet one another, right? Wrong! Whether you kiss someone twice on the face depends on how well you know the person.
A handshake is completely acceptable if you're traveling for business or just meeting someone for the first time. However, a double kiss is customary if you've become comfortable with someone and see them around often. When in doubt, read their body language and follow suit.
10 Dress The Part Or Stand Out
Travelers might be a tad disappointed that not everyone is dressed for a runway show when they arrive. That said, the French do seem to have a certain "je ne sais quoi" or air about them that is effortlessly chic and the embodiment of style.
So, if you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb when you're there, try to find a balance with your look—not too runway, touristy, or everyday basic. At the very least, while there, don't sport flip-flops about town or rock your gym wear (unless you're going to the actual gym).
9 Most Spots Are Closed On Sundays
Sundays are reserved for religion and family. Depending on the city you're in, you'll notice that some of the smaller, family-owned shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays, and that's because the French understand what it means to have a work-life balance.
Moreover, the French believe Sundays should be spent with loved ones or attending church. Of course, certain cafes may be open or tend to close a little earlier on Sundays. But, overall, most of the shops in France shut down, so the employees can have some personal time—so try to be mindful of this.
8 Bring Your Reusable Bag
In general, Europe is very progressive when it comes to going green. From composting to ditching plastic to buying locally — Europeans make it look easy. A prime example of going green in France and other European countries is when stores charge a fee for anyone who doesn't have a shopping bag of their own in tow.
It doesn't matter if you're grabbing a few bottles of water from a nearby market or a scarf from a shop; France charges a small bag fee. So to mesh with the country and respect its rules, bring your own reusable bag to save money and do what the locals do.
7 The French Eat Dinner Late
The French love to have an extended lunch in the middle of their day. Many people sit down between noon and 2 p.m. for lunch, coffee, and dessert. And since lunch doesn't end until around 2 or 3 p.m., dinner also tends to be a bit later in the evening as well.
If you're planning on dining out and are making a reservation, notice that some restaurants may not even open until around 6 or 7 p.m. So be prepared to eat dinner around 8 p.m.; if you have kids, try to plan around this minor bump in the road.
6 Lunchtime Is Nap Time
Remember how lunch is typically from around noon to 2 p.m.? Well, nap time is also around the same time. Many European countries block off a few hours in the middle of the day to eat lunch and nap before returning to work.
And while this is becoming less common in certain cities, don't let this catch you off guard when traveling through France. If you plan to go somewhere in the afternoon, make sure you check to see if they're even open. This includes banks!
5 Ask For The Check
North Americans are known for rushing. We always have somewhere to go or someone to meet. When we sit down for lunch, we believe our food should be delivered in a reasonable amount of time and often expect the waitress or waiter (literally) to wait on us, hand and foot at times. In France, café and restaurant workers will take care of you, but they don't breathe down your neck like some of the waiters in America or Canada.
If you're traveling through France and are in a rush, once your waiter delivers your meal, apologize for the inconvenience and ask for the check when they have the chance. The French believe that food should be savored. As a result, restaurant workers in France don't bother those sitting down unless they look like they need something or are called over.
4 Know When To Tip
Some people may tell you not to tip while in France, while others may say to you that you should always tip when visiting. But it really comes down to where you're at and what you're tipping for. Most bills will already have a service charge attached to the price, meaning tipping isn't necessary. So, pay attention to your bill.
Tipping at a café isn't really necessary unless you spend over €20. However, tourists can tip their cab drivers and those who help with their hotel luggage, like they would anywhere else.
3 Always Have Cash Available
Cash is still king in Europe, especially France. Bigger cities in France will have more English speakers and shops that allow credit or bank cards, but smaller, romantic cities throughout the country don't always have machines that take credit cards. This means that travelers should always have a couple of Euros on them in case they're in need of a snack, want to purchase souvenirs, or need to use some mode of transportation.
It's worth noting that the shops that do allow credit or bank cards may ask for a €10 minimum on purchases, which can be annoying if you just want a loaf of bread and a coffee.
2 Beware Of Tolls
Renting a car in France can be a real pain in the butt for tourists. Sure, it may be nice to come and go whenever you please or be able to set out on the road to see the rest of France. But, one thing tourists tend to overlook is the fact that it's not easy getting around. For starters, traffic in France can be miserable depending on where you are, not to mention you may not understand French road signs!
Furthering on that point, many roads in France have tolls to pay. If you're not ready for a toll or don't understand what to do, you may be thrown into a bit of a pickle. If you do rent a car, just remember that there will likely be tolls along your route, and GPS is a must. It also never hurts to Google everything you need to know about French driving before you get behind the wheel.
1 There's More To See Than Just Paris
Let's be honest, we all want to visit France to see Paris. Seeing the city light up at night, enjoying the renowned delicacies, and checking out The Louvre are just a few things world travelers dream of doing in The City of Love. However, there's way more to France than just Paris! Paris can also get super congested, considering so many people visit, live, and work there every single day.
So it is highly recommended that you block off some time when you're there to see more than just Paris. At the very least, visitors can head to the South of France to see Cannes, Nice, and Bordeaux — or head over to Nantes to see what the Western part of the country looks like!