France is one of those evergreen travel destinations that most people have on their bucket lists when they first start daydreaming about travelling the world. We get it – after all, this is the country that inspired a thousand artists, painters and musicians. Not forgetting the French with their effortless style and captivating culture. Also,  strolling down the Champs-Elysées at dusk or bitting into the crust of a fresh baguette baked by a local Boulanger are things you simply can’t do anywhere else! However, the French are notoriously set in their ways and many may be wary of tourists (which kind of adds to the charm of an excursion to France). To smooth the way for a French adventure without any unfortunate touristy faux pas, we thought we’d share a few tips to know before travelling to France.

Manners are paramount

First things first, it is important to realise that the French are not rude or aloof, they are simply quite formal and reserved in their interactions with people they don’t know. This is the French way. The country is so serious about good manners that they award La Médaille de La Famille Française to families who raise their children with dignity. No kidding!

As we all know, it is customary to follow the lead of the locals when you visit a foreign country, so here are a few courtesies you can extend to ensure a happy travel experience:

• Always greet someone before speaking to them, even if just to ask directions. For example, ‘Bonjour, excusez-moi’,  This goes for everyone from shop clerks to passersby.
• Always wait to be invited to use first names when you are introduced to someone socially. Until then, use the official terms of Monsieur/Madame/Mademoiselle and their last name.
• Try to not yell across a room, especially at a waiter. Wait until they are within earshot. Shouting in France is reserved to express anger. While we’re on the topic – never call a waiter ‘garçon’ (which means boy), as it’s demeaning. Stick to ‘monsieur’ and ‘mademoiselle.’
• Use your magic words. It kind of goes without saying because the same is true for every country in the world, but say please and thank you when the interaction requires it.

Which brings us to the next order of business, it’s a good idea to learn a bit of French.

You might need to know a bit of French

We know it’s a bit of a pain to wrap your head around a foreign language when you’re knee-deep in travel arrangements, but see it as an opportunity to build out your linguistic skill set. Most nationalities will warm to you immediately if you speak to them in their own language, but the French, in particular, are quite averse to conversing in English if you don’t at least try to speak basic French. This stems from the fact that French used to be the world’s common language, which is where the term ‘lingua franca’ (‘a common language between speakers whose native languages are different’) comes from.

At the very least you’ll want to know the basic greetings (hello, goodbye) and courtesies (please, thank you, excuse me), but investing in a good phrasebook is also a good idea.

Top tip: If you’re stuck on what order because you can’t make head or tail of the menu, go for ‘Prix Fixe‘ (fixed price) meal, which normally changes daily and is displayed on a blackboard.

It’s one of those destinations in Europe where the way you dress matters

So, we all know that the French are super elegant – this is the country of Marie Antoinette and Coco Chanel, after all. While we’re not saying you need to traipse about draped in Dior, but the French are seldom seen on the street dressed in anything less than ‘business casual’, so if you wish to blend in it is best to follow suit. A neat pair of slacks, loafers and a button-down shirt with a cardigan draped over the shoulders works for both men and women and is pretty easy to pull off. This mode of dress also serves to safeguard you against the notorious French pickpockets and conmen, who are always on the lookout for people who look like tourists.

Next, let’s talk beachwear. The French are quite liberal in the way they dress at the beach – many of the men wear tight-fitting speedos and most women wear bikinis, with quite a few going topless on occasion. Young children often run around completely nude, and this is not seen as strange. You are free to dress and cover up in any way you like at the beach, but be careful not to stare at anyone who does differently. Also, as soon as you leave the beachfront (even it if is just to buy an ice cream or have a drink on a terrace across the road) it is accepted that you’ll cover up in at least shorts and a T-shirt. Ladies who tan topless will also frequently cover up when they head down to the water or walk along the beach.

Top tip: When you’re out shopping, remember to ask before you touch or take items to try on in a store. It is considered common courtesy.

Kissing is the norm, but sometimes not

As we well know from all the French movies we love to watch, the French greet with a double-sided cheek-kissing manoeuvre. The official term is ‘la bise’ and the proper way to execute ‘la bise’ is to touch the other person lightly on the upper arm (don’t clutch) and touch your cheek to theirs while making a kissing noise – i.e. no lip contact. You might encounter someone who forgoes skin contact altogether or some who may throw in a third and fourth kiss to either side, but the two-kiss encounter is most common. It is also important to note that the French don’t really do hugs. In fact, they don’t even have a word for it, so rather steer clear of hugging if you’re unsure about a person’s greeting preference.

Did you know? Kissing is not allowed on train platforms! A 1910 law prohibits couples from kissing to avoid late departures. So time your kissing accordingly.

The French can be dismissive of culinary minorities

The French revel in their love of food. In fact, dining and culinary excursions are somewhat of a national pastime. As such, you may find that you’re up to a bit of a challenge if you follow a restrictive diet of any sort. Gluten-intolerant travellers and proponents of the Paleo/Keto diet often run into quite a few blank stares when they ask for carb-free options and vegetarians will find that they’re offered fish when they request meat-free meals. Try not to see this as an insult – exclusive diets are simply not that widespread in France, so you’ll just have to order something off-menu. There are trendy, forward-thinking eateries in the bigger cities that offer gluten-free and vegetarian meals, but you may struggle to find these in smaller villages.

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It’s quite a lot to take in, we know! But one of the most exciting things about travelling to a foreign country is that you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that differs from your own. Travel with us to France on board the 12-day Highlights of France tour and see all the best of France.