As a tourist, what should I avoid in France?

As a tourist, what should I avoid in France? There are some things that you should know before visiting France. People live differently there.

It is important to avoid bringing up topics that negatively stereotype French people. Talking about the French military and other anti-French sentiments is a bad idea. Instead, talk about fashion, sports, and other exciting topics without causing awkwardness.

Don’t complain about slow service and long waits.

People from France love to savor food and drink, so expect efficient service in cafes or restaurants. France is different from America, where you can grab your coffee and lunch at the counter. French people, just like Americans, love their coffee. However, you will rarely see anyone buying it to go. They love to socialize in restaurants and cafes.

France is slow, and people aren’t in a hurry. This may cause you to be less patient if you use a faster service. You are a tourist, so don’t complain about cafes’ long lines and long waits.

Don’t take cabs everywhere.

What more should I avoid in France? Walking is the best way to explore the city. Avoid cabs. Avoid cabs if you can. If you have to ride, use the metro or bus. Taxis are expensive in France and take away the pleasure of strolling. Paris is one example of a beautiful city that spans approximately 6 miles. It is easy to walk from one landmark or another. You can also take the metro to one Metro station and then walk back.

You’ll be amazed at how stunning Paris looks at night if you’ve seen Midnight in Paris. You can only enjoy Paris’s breathtaking beauty and captivating views if your feet are on the streets. Paris was designed and built for pedestrians.

Are you looking for ways to move around Paris? You can find 12 fun ways to get around Paris in the article 12 Ways to Get Around.

Avoid talking loudly in public and crowded places.

This “don’t” is universal. Loudly speaking in public, whether in a restaurant, subway or elsewhere in France, is frowned upon. It is not only offensive and rude but also distracting to others. You may be on vacation, but others might not. While it is understandable to be excited, this does not mean you should shout and babble in public places.

Keep your voice down when riding the metro. Most people who ride it are locals and may have just come from work. It would help if you reduced the volume of restaurants. French restaurants tend to be subdued and relaxed. Loud talking won’t be tolerated in French restaurants.

When speaking with a Frenchman, do not speak in English immediately

You should be aware that while many French people speak English, they are not fluent. If you try to speak English with a Frenchman, you shouldn’t be surprised if they don’t respond. They are not being rude but prefer not to appear foolish.

Try to use some phrases and words with you when you first meet a Frenchman. Start by saying, “Bonjour!” To break the ice, you can say, “Bonjour!” It doesn’t matter if your pronunciation is wrong. They will appreciate your effort, and if you have trouble finding the right word for you in French, they will help you by speaking English, even if it is not perfect.

Restaurants may not allow you to order more than one dish.

French cuisine is a culinary masterpiece. You should not order just one dish at restaurants. It would help if you indulged in a full-course meal, which is common in France because it places gastronomic pleasure at the core of its culture.

You should make sure you take the time to enjoy each course. A classic dining experience typically takes two to three hours. It usually includes a starter, main course (le plat principal), dessert, and cheese. Evening dining can take longer, as there may be five to six courses.

It is more than just eating out to satisfy your hunger in France. Many restaurants in France consider it an event.

Ice is not a good idea in drinks.

The service in America is quicker because people are always on the run and people expect ice when ordering their drinks. It’s pretty different in France. You shouldn’t expect soda or other beverages to come with ice, no matter what you order. French people and Parisians aren’t fond of adding ice, so cafes or restaurants don’t offer ice.

Don’t complain or demand ice. It won’t come. Enjoy how refreshingly cool and chilled your drink is, even without ice.

Before visiting France, you should also take into consideration new travel regulations that are going to be implemented in 2025. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an online portal where visa-exempt visitors to the Schengen area will submit a form for pre-screening ahead of their trips. The Schengen area includes 26 European countries that have collectively agreed to have “open borders” among themselves. If you’re visiting this website, you’re most likely interested in traveling to France.

Expect not always to be right.

What else should I avoid in France? Have you ever heard the expression, “The customer is always right?” This is true in America but not always in France, especially in Paris. French people are more likely to remain in the same job throughout their professional life, making them experts at what it is.

If restaurant staff find your view incorrect, they will correct it. If you request that your food be prepared in a way other than what the chef suggests, you can expect to be told why.

It’s not that you shouldn’t be able to voice your opinion and order what you want. This is the French way of doing business. Since you are in France, not your home country, it’s a good idea to listen to them and trust their knowledge.

Don’t limit yourself to tourist destinations.

Tourists visiting France will naturally see the most popular tourist destinations. These jaw-dropping and breathtaking sights are the reason France is so famous. Chartres Cathedral and the Dune of Pyla are just a few of the most iconic places to see.

After seeing all the main sights, it is time to move on from the tourist routes. You can discover France on your way by exploring the undiscovered tourist routes. This would involve visiting towns and villages rich in traditional French charm. To truly experience the country’s culture, get to know the people, and mix with them.

Don’t be intimidated by the many rules.

Is there anything else I should avoid in France? It can be overwhelming to remember so many things. Each one doesn’t need to be memorized. Do not be intimidated by the rules. To fully experience France, you don’t need to conform to the authorities.

Respecting the culture, traditions, and ways of each country is critical. The French will not be offended if you make faux pas due to a lack of information, but they will still respect your mistakes.