Top Tips for your French ‘Etiquette’ !
| from the La Cuisine Paris Newsletter. Check out the blog for wonderful tips about travelling in Paris! |
| Enjoying a new culture is all about knowing how to navigate not only the city, but the people in it! Thanks to one of you out there who suggested a section on ‘how to’ in France, every month we will share quick tips to help you avoid cultural gaffs, and make sure your Paris visit is a success! 1) Shopping: When you walk in to a small boutique you always say ‘Bonjour’! Remember we are in the land where the Artisan is ‘king/queen’ and you have the pleasure of shopping in their establishment (it wasn’t so long ago that you actually had to ask permission to enter a boutique – and once in, you certainly wouldn’t dare touch the merchandise)! Also, think carefully before you make a purchase, returning something to a small boutique is not always easy. 2) Going to the Market: Open air markets are never open on Monday. Always have small change for your purchases. Bring your own shopping caddy. Don’t fondle the fruit! (most times the vendor will choose for you and this is a great occasion for them to choose what is best based on what you will do with them and when – the exception to this is IF you see bags that are ready available for you to self serve). If you want the best selection go early. If you want the best prices go late! 3) Getting a Taxi: On the top of the Taxi car you have a signage that will be Green if available, and Red if occupied. If you find yourself in a situation where you are trying to flag a taxi and they keep passing you (without passengers inside) you are probably close to a ‘Taxi Rank’ – meaning that they are obliged to pick up passengers from that particular area – so look around the street to make sure you are in the best place. 4) Dining Out: We don’t ‘eat out’, we dine – and the timing and pace usually reflects that, so if you want ‘fast food’ you should go to an establishment that can deliver that. The menu is carefully chosen by the chef, not you – substitutes, changes, etc. are not usually welcome. Bread is not typically served with butter (unless they are used to a visiting clientele). Empty plates are not removed until everyone is finished dining. The bill will not come unless you request it (if it does, they are being rude!). If there is a Fromage plate this is not the time to go hog-wild; as hard as it may be, taking more than 3-4 is a no-no! 5. Dining In (in a French household)*: First and foremost, arrival is all about ‘Le quart d’heure de politesse‘ – the 15 minutes of politesse! In France, it is proper to arrive 15 minutes after the time you are told (getting there on the hour, or heaven forbit early – mon dieu). NEVER ask for a tour, it can be considered very invasive. If you have been invited for a ‘dinner’, be prepared for a long experience where you may not actually sit to the table until well after 9pm. Pace yourself as you will likely have a pre-meal aperitif and a digestif after. You will be ‘invited’ to the table, so please don’t charge off like an animal at feeding time – you should NEVER sit until you are directed as the host usually has a seating plan in mind. Please NEVER start eating until your host does. Same Fromage rule above – sorry ! *Understanding culture is all about understanding the unspoken, particularly in France! Getting an invite to a private residence is a very important invitation – it suggests an intimacy in your friendship – so knowing these ‘unwritten’ rules is important in showing respect to your host/hostess : of course if you want another invite! |