If you know my husband and me, you’ll know that we are total francophiles (aka we love France and French culture). In fact, my husband has French heritage. His Mom is French and grew up there and in Belgium. And I recently found out that I’m 11% French (or German) from 23 & Me.
We love to travel together, and I have to say that France is one of our favorite countries to explore. We’ve been there together twice, and I’ve been a total of four times. From the food to the beautiful gardens and landscapes to the wine, it’s magical!
But there are a few things I think you should know before visiting France that will help you better understand the culture and enjoy all of your time in this incredible country!
1. Learn basic phrases
First off, let’s dispel some rumors. French people are not all rude. French people do not hate all Americans. French people are not snooty.
The French are a confident, opinionated and passionate people, but I have always found them to be helpful and welcoming to visitors.
One great way to prepare if you don’t speak French is to just learn the basics:
- Bonjour: hello
- Merci: thank you
- Pardon: excuse me (like when you’re getting through a crowd)
- Au revoir: goodbye
- Parlez-vous anglais?: do you speak English?
- La toilette?: (where is) the restroom?
Most people speak English in France (especially in the larger cities), but you can get some brownie points and extra respect for saying as much as you can in French. Then, they will help you the rest of the way.
Especially when you go into a shop, make sure to greet the shopkeeper(s) with “Bonjour” when you enter and “Merci” when you leave.
2. Dress in layers (and pack a scarf or two)
I always secretly knew that I had some French blood because I love a good patterned or pop of color scarf. The French people love scarves, and for that, I’ll forever be a fan!
Not only can scarves be a fashion-forward accessory, but they also help keep you warm as the weather and wind can vary across France depending on the season. Make sure to also pack rain gear, jackets and sweaters so you can go from a cool night to a warmer day.
Also, be sure to pick up some fashion tips while you’re in France. The French have wonderful taste in fashion (from the old to the young), so I always love looking out for the cool trends while I’m visiting.
3. Restaurant service is different
Don’t expect restaurant service to be the same as in America. It’s different, but if you set your expectations and learn to relax a bit, then you’ll totally love it.
In France, they are much more lax around eating and timetables than we are, though they are much more serious about well-trained staff and professional serving, overall. Many folks working in restaurants train to do so and make a good living serving as their career. It’s a more respected position in France for sure!
Here are some things that might be different when you dine in France:
- A waiter will often not come over to your table for 10-15 minutes
- They will never rush you eating or rush you out
- You will likely have to find them and wave them over to tell them you want your check or if you need something else
- There is no need to tip, unless you’ve had outstanding service (and I would do more like 5-10% vs. 20%)
As they say in Beauty and the Beast’s Be Our Guest song, “we only live to serve,” and you’ll understand that after dining in France. They take service very seriously, but they also want you to have a long, relaxed and enjoyable dining experience (without them bothering you too much).
4. Things are smaller
This is true in most cases when you venture out of the US, but generally things are smaller in France, from the water glasses to the seats to the hotel rooms.
I love tiny things and am a smaller person, so I absolutely fit right in, but it’s worth you knowing that if you’re larger or taller, you may have to duck at certain times or squeeze yourself into small spaces in a restaurant, etc.
It’s all apart of the fun of their communal way of life.
Oh and the French have mastered the art of the amuse bouche or hors d’oeuvres, so make sure you enjoy those little wonders, too!
5. Be ready to walk
One of the best parts of visiting Europe, on the whole, is that many of their cities are so walkable. Paris is no different, and we usually set out to walk everywhere we go, especially if the weather is nice. There’s nothing like walking along the Seine, passing the little book and art shops and enjoying the breeze whirring through the trees.
Make sure to bring some good walking shoes to tackle cobblestone streets and many miles a day to get the full French experience. One of the reasons French people are so fit is they walk so much, and you’ll learn to love this as it helps you to keep enjoying all of the delicious treats when you have to walk miles in between!
BONUS: If you can visit Paris and also get outside of the city for a few days, that’s the best way to do it. While I love Paris, I’m learning to love the French countryside just as much with its quaint smaller towns, vineyards and historical spots. (I recommend the Loire Valley most!) Check out Trainline for train tickets, too.
6. Embrace a little indulgence
Speaking of eating, you’ve got to be ready to indulge a little bit when you visit France.
Try some foie gras, get a port or digestif (or my favorite herbal tea- called tisane!) with your dessert. Eat a chocolate croissant and hot chocolate (pan du chocolat et chocolat chaud) for breakfast every morning. Try several wines at a wine tasting. Absolutely try the cheese board and eat baguette until you can’t eat anymore!
You’re likely only going to be in France for a short time, so you have to live it up! The French are so good at working little treats and indulgences into their daily life and enjoying them with others and honoring those who create them.
Desserts often look like pieces of artwork and wines taste like a symphony of flavors, so make sure you don’t miss out!
If you’re going to France soon, check out my Paris and Chenonceaux guides.