By Briana Seftel
France continues to be one of the most visited countries in Europe, and for good reasons. From the French Riviera to the Eiffel Tower, this country has no shortage of iconic things to see and do.
If you're wondering how to avoid looking like a tourist in France and embrace the French culture, check out these tips. Bon voyage!
Dress Appropriately
Leave the baseball caps at home.
Let's face it: tourist outfits just won't cut it anymore, particularly if you're in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe like Paris. You'll want to match the local standards of dress, especially when you're in a country known for its regal fashion sense. To avoid looking like a tourist, you'll want to know what to wear in France.
Our advice? Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Use tote bags or earth-toned simplistic bags if you really want to dress in France to fit in with the locals. Basically: Avoid casual wear, use earth tones, and please don't wear open-toed shoes.
Have Good Table Manners
No doggy bags please.
Good table manners are very important in Europe, especially in France. If you're dining out, don't ask for a doggy bag if you didn't finish your meal (it is seen as cheap and/or rude). When eating, don't switch your fork to your left hand or set aside your knife - Europeans always eat with a fork and knife, unless it's something like soup. Lastly, avoid asking for adjustments or changes to your dish because it is considered rude to the chef. Of course, you should advise any staff of allergies.
Avoid Outdated Stereotypes
Say "non" to a beret.
Contrary to popular belief, the French do not typically wear berets, unless you are an elderly man playing petanque in the park. And while the striped Breton shirt is common, there a certainly many other types of clothing found in France. Aside from apparel, saying "garcon" to a waiter is considered very rude. Use your best judgement and forget the stereotypes if you're really interested in how to avoid looking like a tourist in France.
Use Your Indoor Voice
Be seen, not heard.
A dead giveaway for a tourist is speaking with a loud voice. French people tend to be quieter than most Europeans, so keep that in mind when you are out and about. Use your "indoor voice" that you would have in a museum, and you're good to go!
Learn a Few Key Phrases
A little French goes a long way!
You'll earn respect from the French if you know a few key phrases. When entering and exiting a business, it is polite to say "bonjour," "merci" and "au revoir" rather than speaking in English. Saying "ca va?" (an informal "how are you?" and "I'm okay") will really earn you brownie points among your French friends! Click here if you want to know more helpful phrases in French.
Skip the Hug
Two bisous will do.
Europeans in general are not big huggers. Instead, a common greeting in France is "faire la bise" (literally meaning "to make the kiss"). The two-kiss-on the-cheek greeting is the most common way to greet a friend in France. Let the French person make the first move - it will be less awkward. Keep in mind that two males generally don't do the two-kiss greeting; a simple handshake is suitable.
Don't Leave Huge Tips
In France, tip is included by default.
When paying your bill in France, tip is included by default and is called "service compris." The tip is usually 18%, which means you don't need to leave a tip on top. It is not unusual, however, to leave metal change when paying cash in a cafe or restaurant.
It will attract unwanted attention!
When taking the metro in France (especially Paris), it is best to keep to yourself and avoid eye contact. Almost everyone of the train always has some sort of book or newspaper to look through, even if they are only going two stops. Act like you're busy with something if you want to avoid looking like a tourist in France.
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As a seasoned traveler and cultural enthusiast with a deep appreciation for France, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of blending in with the locals and avoiding the stereotypical tourist pitfalls. My extensive firsthand experience in exploring various regions of France, from the charming streets of Paris to the picturesque French Riviera, has provided me with valuable insights into the nuances of French culture and etiquette.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article and provide additional context:
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Dress Appropriately: Embracing the local fashion sense is crucial to avoiding the tourist look. In France, it's advised to steer clear of casual wear, open-toed shoes, baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, and large colorful backpacks. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, leather shoes, and earth-toned simplistic bags. This aligns with the regal fashion standards often associated with the country.
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Have Good Table Manners: Demonstrating proper table manners is essential in France. Refraining from asking for a doggy bag, using a fork and knife while eating, and avoiding requests for dish adjustments are all integral parts of dining etiquette. This aligns with the European dining traditions, particularly in France, where politeness at the table is highly valued.
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Avoid Outdated Stereotypes: Dispel common misconceptions about French attire and behavior. Contrary to popular belief, berets are not commonly worn, and stereotypes like addressing waiters with "garcon" can be considered rude. This emphasizes the importance of understanding contemporary French culture and avoiding outdated stereotypes.
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Use Your Indoor Voice: Being mindful of your volume is crucial to blending in. French people tend to speak more quietly, so adopting an "indoor voice" is recommended. This aligns with the cultural norm of maintaining a lower speaking volume in public spaces.
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Learn a Few Key Phrases: A basic grasp of French phrases is a sign of respect. Greetings like "bonjour," "merci," and "au revoir," along with casual phrases like "ca va?" can go a long way in earning appreciation from locals. This aligns with the idea that making an effort to speak the local language enhances your cultural experience.
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Skip the Hug: Understanding the appropriate greetings is crucial. In France, the common greeting involves "faire la bise," a two-kiss-on-the-cheek gesture. Recognizing cultural norms and letting the French person initiate the greeting helps avoid awkward situations.
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Don't Leave Huge Tips: Familiarity with tipping practices is essential. In France, the tip is typically included by default (known as "service compris"), and leaving additional tips may attract attention. This aligns with the local custom of not overtipping in restaurants.
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Keep to Yourself on Public Transport: Adapting to the behavior on public transport is key. In France, especially in Paris, maintaining a low profile on the metro by avoiding eye contact and engaging in personal activities like reading is recommended. This aligns with the common practice of individuals keeping to themselves during commutes.
By following these tips, you can authentically immerse yourself in the French culture and avoid standing out as a tourist. Bon voyage!
