The 10 UNSPOKEN RULES Tourists Keep Breaking in Paris
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- Опубликовано: 11 май 2024
- Learn the rules about shopping, driving, and tipping in Paris.
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you have become ridiculous with your paris......
I really love Paris Hilton ❤
@@paulweber1570 what do you mean?
Good tips, your lovely wife could use help pronouncing MONSIEUR correctly ,along with other words that I´m sure you both use a lot!
@@paulweber1570what are you talking about?
It's not a theme park. You made my day right there. I come from a beautiful village in the south of France and tourists are so loud, even in the middle of night, because they forget that all those typical old houses are actually homes for real people, not a movie set.
@zepoubelle - I think you might be doing them a courtesy by providing them with that excuse. In my experience, if people act like that anywhere in public, they are just as loud and obnoxious wherever they go.
As Chevy Chase said to Jason Lively in "Vacation", "It's not Wally World, Rusty, it's a country ..."
No more manners - everywhere
I was visiting a lovely Belgian little town with a friend. As we were going back to the train station, we were stopped by some incoming tourists asking where is the entrance to the amusement park. It took a few minutes to figure out that they considered the whole town as some medieval version of the Disney park. People passing by with prams, with groceries, pets... somehow, they didn't seem to register them as real. It was genuinely shocking.
Unfortunately it is, Paris( 1 to 16) is an unlivable city for Parisians. No normal (grocery) shops, absurd housing costs. For a normal family it's impossible to live there. It's Disney for the rich.
Funny story. I was on the corner by the Louvre at Pont Royal and an American couple approached me and asked in very awkward French where the Musée D’Orsay was. So I said in English that it was the building with the big clock across the river. The said “wow your English is great!” so I said “i hope so I’m from Texas!” We all had a good laugh.
I was in Denmark and got chatting to an American family. The teenage son asked me, "How come your English is so good?" I replied, "I AM English". He looked nonplussed. To Americans English is a language. THEIR language. Apparently I'm British - though I'm not Welsh or Scottish so I must be English. It turned out this family had no connection with the British Isles being first generation Americans of mixed Danish/Egyptian origin, visiting their home countries. We all make assumptions!
Please, please, pleaaaase, if someone comes up to you ans starts speaking French, don't switch to English.
I'm a French teacher in Canada and the number of students I have who are ashamed and don't want to speak French anymore after just one event like this is crazy.
You think you are helping but ask them first because maybe they want to practice they're French and you basically just told them "Your French sucks, let's speak English".
I litteraly just finished a class (like 20 minutes ago) with a student who goes to France often and has absolutely no self confidence because of that. She knows things but even with me she has trouble speaking French because she's had so many encounters where people switched to English when she wanted to practice.
@@Elwene2fr - I've had friends tell me how obnoxious "the French" were, because when they would start off in English with a quick "Pardon me, do you speak English," they would be met by a shrug and a gruff "Non!" BUT...on my own travels, I noticed that if you started off making your attempt in French, without just automatically assuming that they would be expected to speak a language not their own in their own country, they would simply switch to English on their own, because they simply could not stand to hear their beloved native tongue massacred like that. 😆
After I figured that out, I got a lot further with my limited French. It seemed like they both appreciated that I was being respectful enough to acknowledge their native language, and in switching to English as needed, actually had no problem being helpful.
@@Elwene2fr I’ve had this happen to me and I just say “your English is great but I’m trying to learn French. Would you mind speaking in French. “
@@corgiowner436 If you've been through it I don't understand why you spoke English with the tourists who tried to speak English with you.
A lot of these apply to Paris but not across France. We live in the Loire Valley and people invariably acknowledge each other with a ‘Bonjour!’ and a smile when passing in the street.
I was in Provence and Cote d'Azur in September/October and I agree with you. Especially in the smaller towns. I was even surprised that the locals were friendly in Nice, which has a reputation of being snobby.
It's the same in USA the Midwest country folks are friendly and look you in the eye and smile. In the south, the server a d customer call each other, sweety and honey,
In the northeast, they never say high and smile and are quite curt
That’s why I enjoy visiting other parts of France more than Paris. Too much second-hand smoking and racist name-calling (Asian here) during every one of my 10 visits to Paris. Recommend Lyon.
@@DavidWilliams-qr5yj I found the people in Maine to be very friendly usually greeting you with friendly good morning or hello.
It is probably like this in all big cities vs the smaller cities and country.
The last time I was in Paris I thought I could pass for 65. Every time I got on a bus or the Metro people would immediately jump up and give me their seat. Sometimes while holding onto the pole for a short hop I would say I wasn't going far. But then they would watch me carefully to make sure I wasn't about to lose my grip. I love Paris! Also, it is wise to hang onto anything you can on public transport, no matter how old you are!
Also, young people will pick up a baby carriage together and take it up the stairs for the mothers. So kind! They don’t hesitate.
lucky you, they wont even "jump up" for my very pregnant wife. Maybe in the bus, but not the metro. She has to ask very politely, when she does,a woman gets up. Everytime.
3:00 The staring-and-not-acknowledging thing happens in Paris and busy tourist places, but in smaller towns and villages it's quite common to greet the strangers with a polite “bonjour” and a smile.
Absolutely. Paris is one of the more "unfriendly" cities in the world - even the rest of France dislike Parisians.
From the Uk I used to work in Paris…..if not strictly an unbroken rule, I have always found French/Parisiens welcome an attempt to speak the language. If they speak back to you in English don’t take it personally! ….but they will appreciate you’ve tried
True
So true! I found that they loved it when I asked them to speak English with me!
100% I had same experience. I was told by french people at my table that they like it if I try.
I found Berlin to be like that and even been told not to waste my time with German, just speak English, but i think Berlin's a bit more extreme. A lot of the Germans use English them selves.
I think it is in part because it is true that we appreciate the effort (and are a little annoyed at the perceived lack of effort if someone doesn't try even a "bonjour" in French before switching), and in part because most French people are self-conscious about their ability to speak English, the pronunciation in particular, so encountering someone who struggles a little with French makes trying to speak English with them a little less daunting. Instead of feeling ridiculous if I can't speak English as well as they do (if they are native speakers and you are not, it feels insurmountable), the bar is lowered to "I need to speak English as well as they speak French" which is a more attainable goal.
The unspoken rule I always adhere to is when engaging with a Parisian, make an honest attempt to communicate in French first. The French and, in particular, the Parisians are very proud of their culture and history and this includes their language. I have found that if I initiate contact in French and take it as far as I can, that really goes a very long way with Parisians. I've heard countless people complain about Parisians being rude. Often this revolves around an unwillingness on the Parisian to speak English to the tourist (often US tourist). If the roles were reversed and a Parisian was visiting the US we'd expect them to communicate in English, so extend the same courtesy when visiting Paris. I've found that if you do this, Parisians are very warm and helpful.
it's more a "don't behave as a colonizer", the french are not that proud of their culture and language unfortunately. But I think it stings their egalitarian mindset when somebody just assumes that they should adapt immediately and are expected to speak english by default, they are already forced to learn english at school wether they are interested in the language or not, and that's why they mostly suck at it. Most of them learn foreign terms when they travel, it's not a one way street.
@@backintimealwyn5736 I think the French are proud of their culture and resent that their language has been overtaken by English in use. I once went into a shop that had typical souvenirs from Latin America and tried my rustic French and the man realized I was trying and spoke faster and faster to see when I would give up, which I didn't and he had to listen to my French to the end !.... haha !...
@@tilsit8875 I think the french are the people that faces the most projections from anyone else. There is an amount of paranoia and interpretation that is through the roof as soon as it comes to french people, bad intentions are always assumed. French people have no opinion about english, they protect the use of their language on their own land, which every people should do and for some reason it makes americans crazy and resentful. They also created institutions to protect their movie industry from being destroyed by hollywood, they were right. Culture is not so much about pride but about a strong respect for heritage and ancestors and the will to protect it, it's more love than pride. Protecting french movies , music is about making sure that french artists can still work , create and make a living.
I went to Paris for the first time last year, and I found the French to be very kind and friendly. I'm going back again in a few months because I liked it there so much
So have I, and I go there (Paris and other areas in France) for business often (I'm in Europe). I use the pubic transport (which is great) and have no problem. TGV is unbelievably smooth and fast. The French I work with in my business (Nuclear power) are professional and smart. No problems at all. Of course, I leave out the American flag t-shirts and Yankee Doodle attitude ... maybe that helps. 😅
Every time we go to Paris, we say, that is it we never need to visit again. Until next time, and the next time, and the next time.
Right! As a visitor I was polite, "Bonjour, Madam or Monsieur," soft spoken, and wore clothes that were not jeans and tennis shoes (those stop after graduating college), and every person I talked to was lovely! I was 40 years old, and nice young people helped me with my luggage up the stairs once. No, they were not thieves. Just nice young people. :)
@@BeLoud13, I would _not_ stop wearing those for anybody, unless I have to dress formally. I find that expectation people have of others to be very snobbish and stuck-up.
I can see why you'd think that. But I think it's just their custom. Like, I would think it's weird if a 50 year old wore swimming trunks and a tank top in the summer in town, like college kids do. There's no law, of course. I just like to fit in. I agree that it's hard to not wear our beloved, well-fitted favorite jeans! ;)
@@Neville60001
The lack of public toilets ruined my holiday and has put me off visiting Paris ever since unfortunately, and it's becoming worse and worse in London too. It's a human need to go to the loo and having to buy coffee to use the loo is expensive and unhealthy and creates more need to use toilets so completely counterproductive. This is a problem that cities and countries need to address
Where possible, in the UK go into a department store. I do all the time.
Agreed!!!!!! We were in London for first time and even eating at a restaurant surprised when I had to pay for restroom access!!!!! And it was tiny, cramped, and smelly. Not acceptable.
I've been to Paris three times and Parisiens have been nothing but friendly, helpful and kind. My favorite city on the Continent.
my experiences have been lovely!!
You must be fluent in French😊
@@tihanaharrison6728 probably just polite. Does'nt speak too loud in a peaceful places, says "bonjour , parlez vous anglais s'il vous plait" before speaking english way too fast out of the blue, and can adapt to the client - employee relationship culture which is very , very different. "may I take your name (in order to report you to your manager and try to get you fired if I get the chance)" is a no-no for exemple, not saying "hello/bonjour, thanks/merci" to the waiter , very shocking, not understanding that a service does'nt exist in the country and insisting and geting mad at the employee=> you're out and the personn you're interacting with you will treat you like an equal so if you piss them off, they will act accordingly. Relationship are way less hierarchized. This is what I encountered with some americans when I worked in the service industry and why I got "rude" (american interpretation of the word) in a few cases. it would usualy go that way: enters a woman and her husband, woman wants something that we can't provide because it does'nt exist or is illegal , couple thinks we're refusing the thing because they are americans and we "hate them", couple starts yelling disrupting the peace, woman asks for name in order to report to the manager , service personn gets attacked in his french core value system (you don't try to get people fired , it's wrong) , service personn starts talking back and tells you things like "I don't care", "I won"t" , "nope" , "get away please'.
same here
I lived in Paris for four years. I have to say this is a great video. Paris in particular has ritualised behaviour, people from countries with ritualised behaviour like Japan have no problem there. Visitors who complain about Parisians, waiters in particular, just didn’t learn the rules. Always say bonjour in a shop or restaurants and remember that the waiter is the boss, not you.
I'm French but living in Toronto.
I thought about the "French are formal" (or "Canadians are informal" rather) yesterday when I went to a glass repair shop to have my broken glasses fixed.
The guy greeted me and talked to me like we knew each other. I didn't think anything of it at first because I'm used to it now, but when I came home last night I realised that's not something that would've happened in France. We would've greet much more formally and I'd probably never know the person's first name (the guy from the repair shop was called Alex)
I love this about our country and hope it never changes! I wave to passing cars on my street when I'm walking my dog and always chit-chat with neighbours and all the random people I run across during my errands. Be it a Canada Post workers or the cashier at Rona, it never hurts to smile and say something nice!
As a Brit living in USA..i used to be very disconcerted by how familiar the yanks are.Sometimes it s ok..but if i am not feeling social..it s tiring!I still wear a mask..and I try to avoid eye contact if I m not in a social mood ..lol!
Toronto is a hit and miss city when it comes to friendliness. I live in Toronto. I find the Americans are the friendliest people when I travel.
Have you lived or visited elsewhere than Toronto? I agree, Americans are a friendly people too. I should've mentioned I'm from the West Coast of Canada. I didn't grow up in and I don't live in the city. Friendliness in all cities is always hit and miss unfortunately. Although my experiences in Canadian cities are still mostly positive. @@a.jlondon9039
Yes pretty much, or at least it would take multiple times for people to open themselves to each other and make it less formal
Parisian here. First point is not very accurate. Most shops aren't closed on Mondays in Paris (as they are in the rest of the country). "And we don't know why they are closed": of course we know, it's written on the paper: "For inventory". This happens usually once a year, and usually in the early days of the year (for businesses that close their books in December).
Absolutely. Inventory is only once a year. Should not be too disturbing….
I visited Paris for the first time last year. I didn't encounter rude Parisians. What I did find was similar to what I noticed in Italy: when you encounter polite behavior, it tends to be especially gracious.
They can be polity rude, especially in Paris. You sometimes don't even notice it.
If you want to find the really rude Parisiens, you'll only find them scattered all over the country in the small towns and villages.
I don't belive you were in Paris
@@Hae3roI have the same experience as he did. Maybe it's time to introspect yourself :)
@@Hae3ro I don't believe you were either.
Some things you mention are the same in every big city, but if you get out of Paris to another region or small town people to say hello, people smile and reply. (Paris does not represent France it's same as London doesn't represent all the UK)
A French teacher I once had said using an honorific makes all the difference: Not just "Bonjour!" but "Bonjour, Madame!"
It’s true, definitely. What would happen if you smiled to everyone crossing your path in NYC?
Most of the time if you are polite in the first place you will get a nice reply. It's the golden rule of conversations.
I lived in five different regions (Paris, Bretagne, Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté) and there's not a big difference in attitude. That's a big clichés that Parisians are rude. They're a bit more stressed out but that's about it. The only places I noticed a real difference was in villages, but that's the same in every country.
@@FrankBrennosTheGreatest Yes, exactly. It’s a “big city” thing.
I would add a codicil to the bit about formality and engagement with people. This just happens in Paris and major cities that have Parisien aspirations. This does not happen in the rest of the country where it is rude not to acknowledge passers by with a bonjour or bonsoir or where entering a room - any room - you give a polite mme/monsieur to the room. I would also add that the Parisiennes are pretty much despised in the rest of France for their aloof behaviours. Thanks for the vlogs; really interesting and fantastic content, thankyou.
You can legally drink in France if you are 16 if your parents are with you and purchase the alcohol. Most Americans have issues with allowing young people to drink since our drinking age is so high compared to other countries. We also have a serious alcohol problem among people who are late teens and 20 somethings because they never learned responsible drinking with their parents.
that's very true
Not even 16, there are no drinking age in France (in consumption sense), only buying age.
And actually it is not illegal for a minor to consume or buy alcohol, it is only illegal for a shop to sell alcohol to a minor.
Nope, this is a legend. Sellers aren’t responsable if parents give alcohol to their childs, and they don’t have the right to refuse since the parents are major. But parents who give alcohol to their children theorically risk the suppression of their parental rights.
Hahaha! What you say about Parisians not liking tourists mindlessly blocking the way is equally true here in New York City. I once saw an advertisement here (for an online dental booking service) that said "I'd rather get stuck walking behind tourists than make a dental appointment." I want to be gracious to tourists, but sometimes tourists need to pay attention on busy sidewalks and stairs to the subway. New Yorkers and Parisians are quite different, but in this way we are the same.
I'm a pure Parisian and I lived in New York for 2 years......I'll surprise you......but we're the same!!!! we have so much in common and in particular being extremely proud of our city and having to put up with loads of tourists who are totally unaware and not very respectful of the inhabitants.....tourists in New York we see them 200 km away .....they all have their noses in the air looking at the sky!!!!😂😂😂 in Paris, it's very simple too.....they make noise!!!! and sits absolutely any way, anywhere!!!!😂😂😂....but New Yorkers and Parisians are basically nice, they just live in big cities and they're not on vacation !!!! so sometimes they seem in a bad mood.....but it's also part of the local thing, it's a bit of a game. we like to be bad mood guys😂😂😂😂
I really like your Vlogs. I am born and raised in Paris and living in the United States for 40 some odd years with frequent trips back to Paris. I just wanted to add that I’ve always loved the formality because I feel like it takes a while to get to know someone or to get to know me! I like that distance at first, and then I like the other layers of intimacy! I’ve never liked the’ I am your best friend even though I’ve just met you ‘ American deal! How many years in Paris I have found that for example my favorite Arab restaurants I could know them formally for 20 years and they would always have my back. Something for Americans to consider is that formality doesn’t mean unfriendliness. Thanks for your Frenchiness! Can’t wait to see more of my home town!
and your American "friends" may act like don't know you in that moment of need.
As always, another great video with useful information. One unspoken rule that you just mentioned obliquely I thought would get more emphasis: not speaking or laughing loudly in public. Many Americans (myself included) use our “outdoor voices” routinely when on the Metro or in a cafe.
@Apre4Apes - I'm American, and I find that Americans don't really have "indoor" and "outdoor" voices anymore - it's just one loud bellow. Maybe it's to do with the fact that we're all walking around in a technological haze, with earphones on and eyes on our phones, and when we do disconnect, everything around us is operating at a major roar.
if you walk into a store, there can be two or three different varieties of programmed music blaring at the same time..if you stop for a coffee or cocktail and a chat with a friend, there are four televisions plus the house music going...and of course, the "work from home" brigade conducting business at a roar on their phone/computer/laptop, from NOT at home.
Oh yes. Americans can be so loud...
I am American and other Americans embarrass me with their boorishness.
I drove in Paris on my first trip........ it was a mess........but a badge of honor never to be repeated.....I survived the Arc de Triumph traffic circle. The second trip we took a car to Paris and later back to CDG, rented a car and drove out to the countryside from there. Much better.
I also survived the Arc de Triumph traffic circle - on 2 trips. It’s a badge of honor. 😊
besides, it is not useful to drive in Paris. There are plenty of buses, subways, RER... unless there is a strike, of course. I recommend taking the bus. then you can also enjoy the view. there are little tricks to learn, but buses are convenient (for example, buses 90 something usually are from/to Gare Montparnasse; 20 something Gare Saint Lazare. etc.)
Place de la Concorde was the worst for me. The huge open intersections with seemingly unmarked lanes going every direction. I recommend renting a car near the outskirts of Paris or outside Paris if you are going to drive around France.
Happened to me as well...rush hour on a November evening. There was an accident right in front of me which I barely managed to evade. I was still trembling when we reached our hotel 5 minutes later.
Yup also I also survived the Arc de Triumph traffic circle!! 1974 in a Renault 5, No drivers license and Gears on the column!! Hilariously scary!! Now when I go back to Europe, my wife just won't drive!! 🙂 But she has a thing about distances, which Europeans have a problem when they come over here also (In Canada for us!!)
The best advice I got was to learn some basic phrases and always ALWAYS begin any conversation or inquiry or interaction with "bonjour" and then speak French, no matter how badly or poorly it's gonna come out. Nearly EVERYONE spoke English and would quickly stop me from murdering their beautiful language so we could communicate effectively. But the attempt mattered, and I was always treated well. I saw people who did not make the attempt and they were not treated well. Paris was wonderful IME; I would gladly visit again.
Yes. Not even trying is the best way to get dressed up proper. It shouldn't make any sense to approach people in their country using a foreign language. It is unatural. This is common sense. Here is my train of thought in these cases: "Why does he use this language with me, when i am from this country?". "Oh, yeah, because he doesn't even know a word in my language". "But now, what the heck? Does he simply assume that while he doesn't know a word of MY language, I should know HIS language well enough to have a full-blown conversation?". "Despite it being My country, and not his?". "How does that make any sense?". "And does that mean that he simply assumes naturally that I should be the one to make 100% of the effort just so that everything is more convenient for him?". "When he is the one who needs me and came for help?". "Without even a please, or f*ck or what ?". "I am not paid enough to be your devoted servant". "Who does he think he is by the way? We ended aristocrats who ordered us around with the guillotine. Is the "new wave" looking for something?". "Get lost". If it makes sense...
J'aime trop vos vidéos, vous êtes sympathiques, ça se voit!
Et épicuriens! 🙂
En + vous présentez Paris d'une belle manière
Merci
Please - nice you know a few words in French - but please don't butcher the French language. Since you are not a "Frenchie"
As a person from NYC all those rules made PERFECT sense for anyone traveling to a large metropolitan area. Thank you for sharing and loved visiting Paris as well.
😊❤️👍
I’m STILL receiving speeding tickets from three trips to France last year. 🤦🏻♀️ I’ve learned to ask a co-pilot to keep an eye.
I just came back from Paris (about 36 hour ago). The magic words are Bon Jour/Bon Soir/Merci/Au Revoir. We went to places that tourists usually don't go, and with us being polite and appreciating the culture (especially at restaurants) everyone was so nice and helpful! And even funny at times: at one restaurant I tripped and nearly took out a beverage cart with about $1K worth of wine on it - luckily, I found my footing and didn't fall - and the owner came over and said to me in a joking way, "I'm sorry, we don't serve drunk people!"
As a former Parisian now living in Colorado, I appreciate your video as being right on. I knew saying "bonjour" when going into a store would be in it but you mentioned "eye contact" also and I agree with that also. Parisians are looking for respect. Your videos for Americans in Paris are great. Keep up the good work!
Bonjour, from Colorado! 😊
I moved to France 20 years ago and these tips are all very good!
On a side note, I speak French and actually am French by birth. I do speak with a small accent and I can tell you that EVERY single day I have someone who asks me where I am from. Since I don't have children and have never worked in a French firm; I have not been able to make friends with anyone French.
The French are formal? Try cliquish.
Knowing what I know now, I should have moved to Italy lol
That is tough! 20 years in a place and still treated like an outsider! I hope you find community. I can relate. I lived 11 years in African country where I was treated as an outsider being of mixed race.
Paris sounds pretty much like any large cultural city. People in Boston, never say hi walking bye or a smile. Lot’s of helpful information here. Thank you 😊
Some cities are friendlier than others. I wouldn't say Boston is cultural. Not sure what that means. It's liberal, that is for sure.
Even in the colder American cities I find Americans in general are still friendlier with strangers.
@@SandraLovesRoses Hi 👋. Boston had a great deal of cultural life. It’s the most European city in the USA I believe. Wonderful museums, parks, historical sites, great all around.
Thank you for another very helpful video. I think it’s important to remember that no matter where we travel, we are GUESTS, & should be mindful of the cultural differences. It’s helpful for me to learn about French formality because I am not formal in the least. Information from Les Frenchies & good manners are invaluable tools.
Merci! ☺️
Not only are you GUESTS, but you are also AMBASSADORS for your own country.
@@Harry-kk6qf Excellent point! Thank you very kindly!
I am always a bit put off when we are called formal. I mean, japanese are formal. But, reading stuff, watching videos, listening to testimonies, i realise that we may be. And i may be vastly more formal than the average. I mean, i still use 18th century french locutions at times. And i am not THAT old. Reading you and others, i realise that while i may no have limits regarding many things (especially when it comes to speaking my mind), i may be seen as formal anyway. That's super weird to consider. I never thought about it in my entire life. Perspectives and points of view are everything when it comes to appreciating things and people it seems...
I went to Paris in October 2022 and found your videos after my trip. You guys are so great all your recommendations and advice are so true. I will return to Paris one day and all your videos will make my next trip all the better. Cheers!
9:38 That is particularly annoying for people who live here, large groups of tourists blocking the metro entrances, exits and sidewalks or a bunch of them huddled in front of the metro ticket machine trying to figure out how it works when you're in a bit of a hurry. I get that it's not so easy but step out of the way or ask for help.
This is true in NYC as well. Get out of the way. What is really annoying is when people get to the top of an escalator and just stand there. Get out of the way!
@@paulkoza8652 Right?! I hope Parisians remember all these rules when they come to NYC! Stopping right at the bottom of the stairs on the subway platform is a personal pet peeve of mine.
@@paulkoza8652 Yes yes yes!! That's another one that's bothersome. The standing at the top or bottom of the escalator. Makes me wonder if people do those kinds things when they are at home. LOL
@@Kimar7779 Doesn't surprise me at all that Parisians do dumb stuff like that when they visit NYC. I love living in France and I absolutely adore French people. That said, they're actually pretty bumbling when they walk, always in your way and full of sudden stops when you are walking behind them.
Stopping at the top or bottom of an escalator is dangerous for the person who stopped and for everyone on the escalator!
Thank you very much! These tips are very good and necessary for Americans and British. Being of Italian descent and brought up in an old-fashioned way (of which I am proud) all these things are natural to me. Your videos are wonderful and extremely valuable. Congratulations and keep up the good work!
I think they used to be natural to most people, to be honest. Good manners and a smile go a long way.
My wife and I are fortunate to have visited Paris 13 times. Far and away the single most important thing to do when you’re there, which was addressed in this video, is to greet people when you enter a shop or restaurant, and also to say “Au Revoir” when leaving. Stores in France used to be in people’s homes, and just like you expect someone to say hello and goodbye to you when visiting your house, it was also expected by French people, and that tradition continues even now that most businesses are in commercial buildings, not homes. If you fail to do this, your interactions with French people are going to be cold, as you’ve skipped what they consider to be a fundamental part of social interactions.
On the metro, wait for people to get off before getting on. And if a metro car is crowded, do not sit in the fold down seats located near the doors. Sitting there makes it difficult for others to get on and off, so stand until the crowd thins.
Also, when you’re looking for a table at a restaurant, the ones with silverware on them are reserved for people who are ordering a meal. If you just want a coffee or a glass of wine, sit at a table without silverware. And when you want the check, you have to ask for it. The French phrase for that is “l'addition s'il vous plaît”, although if the waiter is far away, making a writing motion in the air will also let them know you want the bill.
Stores have not been in people’s homes for some 2 centuries… It is funny (funny sad) to read that some foreigners consider as exotic French manners what is only basic common sense (let people get off before getting on ; not sitting on the foldable seats when the carriage is crowded, etc).
In the Midwest USA, Walmart has to hire "greeters"!
@@pphedupWhat is even that?
@@nox8730 "Greeters" are people hired to say "Hello/Goodby" to people, (and to be sure they aren't making off with anything.)
@@pphedupOh, thanks. One mystery solved today :)
If you're going to Paris I can not recommend going to Giverny highly enough. It's Monet's home, and you are basically walking through his waterlily paintings. Go early to avoid the tourists! We took a shuttle out there, then walked part of the way back. It was one of my favourite days in France.
I loved Giverny.
So many of these apply exactly to NYC as well, especially the last one. This may explain why I never had any problems in Paris - the same general rules apply in both places.
So true....I'm a Parisian, and i live in N-Y 2 years.....and we are so the same😂😂😂......its a joke!!!! Paris, New-York.....twin city and brother people👋😍😍
Thanks for your videos they are great! Hello from Puerto Rico🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
The lack of toilet facility in the city of Paris was a bit OTT for me during my trip there. Its like its a special privileges facility over there, and it's definitely not a location for those with a weak bladder. Lol😂
That's kind of a given world-wide, I think! Drink accordingly, lol.
We found Paris to be OK, but the Netherlands was crap. How about $3 for a pee! I recommend an apple juice bottle and a modesty towel.
Just go to a café for a coffee.
@@philgray1023 Amsterdam does not represent the rest of The Netherlands.
At Utrecht Central Station, public toilet costs 0.70 Euros.
Every café has a toilet and there are cafés everywhere.
I love your videos,so thoughtful and packed with applicable advice easily accessible. Thanks for the effort these take to produce.
Awesome tips guys! Thank you for sharing them with us. Paris does have its own culture with its own sets of rules that sets it aside from other parts of France and you have nailed them.
I just arrived yesterday from a “tour de France” visiting Paris and several cities in the country for 15 days. Your tips helped me a lot! Sometimes I thought if I would have luck meeting you guys casually in a restaurant or pastry shop in Paris. Thanks!
The formality and staring are typical in Germany as well
And recycling and inability to queue.
Always great information! I got your guidebook online & it has so many good tips & suggestions. Thank you.
As a french person, it's funny to see those rules seen from the outside. Some are accurate, some are a little false, some are not that important, and some needs waaaaay more nuances because from one french to another, you will have a large specter of behaviour. French does not all act the same, sometime for the best, sometime for the worst.
Don't hesitate if you need any answers, I'm a former parisian, now living far from Paris, and I have visited almost every major cities here from North to South. If I can be of any help, you're welcome to ask 🙂
Anyway, it's a really good video, it's really cool that you try to warn tourists and help them have a nice stay in your beloved/hated capital city 🙂
It is a pity that tourists have to be told to behave, that should be natural. It is the rule anywhere, among civilized people, not to disturb the others. Now, as mentioned in the above comment, there is not ONE French person, but many different types and socio-cultural levels - not to mention the many immigrants.
Exactly, parisian to here!
We love your vlog, thank you for your work. We have a suggestion to visit the Eglise Saint-Sulpice for the sound of its organ. The church has one of the largest organ in the world, and they employ some of the best organ players. Every Sunday after service around 10 am there is a 20-30 minutes free concert. One doesn't have to be classical music lover to appreciate the sound of the instrument. We highly recommend to check this out.
And if you attend Sunday mass, they serve kir on the sort of balcony in front. Or they used to, pre Covid.
It's right there on the sign! "Closed for inventory." And Exceptionellement means that it's not usually closed.
Even though I know these things, it's nice to have a refresher on these points. Always good to remember the Parisian rules
You guys are doing a great job and very helpful. People cutting lines would really test my patience as does standing in the way of others trying to get to their destination. I am a very outgoing individual so the formalness of Paris would be a challenge also. I wave and talk to complete strangers whenever I go out in public. Great video guys and thank you for sharing your knowledge.
When I was in Paris a few years ago, the first thing I noticed is that there are no washrooms/toilets - ANYWHERE! The public ones you do find CLOSE early. We were constantly looking for a McDonalds (I know) to use the bathroom.
We still joke today to friends that there are no washrooms in Paris.
I watched the channel out of curiosity (as a French guy from the Moselle) and I've been binge watching your videos.
I found them very interesting and pretty accurate.
Thanks for mentioning that Paris is not France an Parisien are not like other french residents.
I really find it offensive when people say this and that about France and they've only ever been to Paris.
Thanks for all the good and very interesting work your doing, I'll definitely be recommending your channel to my British in-laws and also to anyone going to Paris.
And I'll be sure to download your guide on my next visit to the "ville lumière".
I find that most people are friendly and welcoming if you are kind and friendly to them.
Si seulement tu savais.....moi je suis parisien et je nous trouve plutôt patient qu'autre chose.....les touristes sont globalement assez impoli et pas très très sympa et je parle mêmes pas du fait qu'ils fassent zéro effort.....jamais.....c'est ca que je trouve fou moi.....et après en plus ils disent qu'ont est pas sympa.....je ne me suis jamais permis de faire a l'étranger le millième de ce que je vois tout les jours a Paris......mais bon bref....c'est peine perdu......forcement les parisiens sont méchants....
I am so happy I found your videos. I just returned from Paris and found them so helpful. I must return because we were there for just a few days and I neglected to enjoy any escargot!
This is some of the best legit content I've seen in a long time. Not AI generated. Not voiced by a computer. Just legit and topical. I pass through CDG about twice per year and will remember these tips to see if they apply.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for the advice. I wrote to you last year about our wonderful visit to Paris. We loved it so much, we are visiting again this coming April!! So, I'm reviewing your helpful videos!
Wonderful! Thank you Johnny
Paris being a weird dichotomy of hyper vigilant public decorum vs organized chaos is funny. Trying a little French goes a long way. And the drive me and my friends had from Paris to Lyon to Provence to Marseille to Barcelona was truly lovely. Driving in paris is an absolute catastrophe.
As is the case for most european cities, Paris is not meant for driving anymore. And will be less and less. I expect to see cars forbidden one day, except for special services. That would be a good thing, too.
Europeans recognize cars have bad consequences on everyone yeah... In the countryside cars are inevitable tho...
I fell in love with Honfluer 15 years ago. Wonderful memory of my very first trip to France, sitting at a café in the Vieux-Bassin and just soaking in the history. Now I want to go back!
I'd agree with all of your points. I've lived in France for a little over two years now, and have pretty much always found the French wonderfully polite and kind. And when you do have the opportunity to talk more, they're very engaging. I do speak French pretty well (probably at B2 level, or maybe even C1, not sure, but I can watch TV and movies without subtitles except if there's a lot of slang).
Great video! Some of this definitely applies to other tourist destinations. For example don’t block the way - I’ve worked in New York for many years and so many tourists are oblivious to the fact that people work, commute and live there 😒
Cue Fran Lebowitz: "Pretend it's a city!"
Boy are you right! I live in Manhattan, and the tourists galavant about as if real people don't live there. While understanding the important source of revenue that tourism brings to the city, tourists are a necessary headache pain in the derriere.
Thank you for this insightful video.
Menu Fixe and when lunch is served: I brought my father to Normandy a few years ago to visit WWII historical sites. He had a difficulty understanding that if you’re eating the set menu that’s how it is, no substitutions. If you want substitutions then order a la carte. And trying to find sit down service mid afternoon.
Very informative. I have visited Paris many times since 1964 but reminders are always welcome
Thank you both foe sharing life there in Paris.😊
1:58 I'm French and I find it completely unacceptable for anyone to cut a line in front of people or staring at people.
2:25 In America, is it OK to go to someone's place and not greet your host? So what do you do? Walk in and help yourself in their fridge without talking to them?
For your second question, it's mainly stores and restaurants. Yes it is common in America to place your order without any greeting in restaurants. And in stores it's common to walk in and shop without ever greeting the owner or any employee. Those two things would never happen in Paris.
@@crazy808ish Thank you! I've only been to New York so I'm not familiar with the do's and dont's in smaller American places. I think just like Paris, New York isn't at all representative of the whole of the USA
@@crazy808ishIt is NOT common or polite to walk into a McDonald's even and just say "Gimme a Big Mac."
@@pphedup That's funny that this popped up now. I was at Burger King last Thursday and watched somebody order like that and thought of this. Maybe you're in the south where people are more polite, but it's common in NY
@@crazy808ish Born in Chicago.
Thank you very much. Very interesting as always.
Arriving to Paris for vacation soon, so glad to watch this video.
Ok. Thx U Colleen. Sharing that testimony about your mother-in-law helps. Excellent video!
Thank you for posting this. My wife and I were on a high school trip to Europe together (that's where we met) and visited Paris for the first time in 1966. We've been back several times since. Our oldest grandson lived in Paris for nearly two years while at university through the Studies Abroad program.
We love Paris and if you obey the unspoken rules you'll find Parisians helpful and actually warm. We had a small triumph on a recent visit. We went to Pere Lachaise cemetery. We stopped at a nearby café for lunch. By the time our server came to the table, we had put away our touristy stuff and greeted her with the cheerful "Bonjour!". She responded by rattling off the lunch specials in French. We sort of kept up, but she noticed our quizzical expression, smiled and said: "OK, once more in English!". We had a wonderful lunch and she was warm and charming, asking us all about where we lived. When we told her we were in Paris when we were 14 and 15 over 50 years before, she replied: "c'est trop mignon!"
These types of videos are great because really, it also helps to not offend the locals and just helps things run smoother. Knowing local customs or mannerisms is so helpful. I was told by many to greet anyone with “bonjour” if you want to ask a question or entering a shop or restaurant.
You both seem like lovely people, thank you for making such a friendly and helpful video
As a traveller I have spent many years in total visiting France. One thing I found that you did not mention is learning at last some basics words and phrases and how to 'hear' a predicted response. I found so many locals happy to switch to English if you try out their language, apart from much older people who in general don't bother with English.
It's easy to learn French too, there's over a half a million French people living in London.
Thank you for your tips and tricks. We can't wait to visit in April ❤️
The last 30 minutes of the day, the Louvre is free and virtually empty. Imagine seeing the Venus de Milo, all alone! It is sureal.
I’ll never forget the reaction, many years ago, of a Paris Metro employee when I tried to ask for a ticket in French. I expect he’s still having counselling to this day…
😅
Coming to Paris on Monday and your videos have been invaluable. Looking forward to following some of your advice. 😊
I NEVER miss an opportunity to use the bathroom. Even if I had NO desire to go, it I was in one of Le Grand Magasins or a museum. I never left without going .
French parisian here:
"Except people to cut in line in front of you" -> This is rude, even in France. Parisians just don't form a line for the bus, but they do for museum, or for the restroom in restaurants for example.
"French are formal" -> Depends.. maybe in posh restaurants/hotels. Less in the country side. East parisians are more open-minded.
"People stare at me" -> Remember that you are in Paris. Most of people are just tourists from different countries. Parisians don't have time to sit at café-terrasses and stare are people.
"Doggy bag" -> You can ask. I personaly do.
"Toilets in grocery store" -> Not in Paris at least. But there are toilets in big supermarkets outside Paris.
Bravo! I love the driving rule in Paris. As a native Miamian I always avoid I-95 south of Palm Beach county unless absolutely, positively necessary! 👍
Love your videos! Thanks for the update. ❤
Thank you for this video. Going to France in April. Cant wait!
The closed shop sign showed the reason "Inventory". So that was quite a wrong example :)
#11 Do not talk loudly. Whether it is fair or not, the French complain about tourists speaking too loudly in public.
Americans please stop airing all your personal stuff, failed relationships, medical conditions etc etc on the Eurostar from London to Paris.
Year after year we encounter a group of them talking incessantly and so loudly for the entire journey non stop while consuming vast amounts of food and drinks. All the way without taking a breath.
We dread going back home to visit family for this reason.
Please please be considerate.
Some peace and quiet on the journey is much appreciated.
@@DC-vg7qi Asking Americans to be considerate, is like asking Isrealis to stop killing Palastinians..... never gonna happen
Yesss this one 👆
@@DC-vg7qi Public transport effects a lot of Americans like some kind of drug... it's not really their fault. It's the euphoria of experiencing real freedom combined with all that architecture.
@@DC-vg7qi Once on a train trip from London heading toward Cumbria, we encountered a group of young women on their way to Blackpool for a bachelorette party or some such event. They were English, and they were absolutely obnoxiously rowdy, certain ones among them more so than others. They had a good head start on the boozing. There was another group in the same train car, a little older and quieter, but wearing shirts imprinted with a picture and phrase that were shocking to me. My point is that inappropriate comportment isn't limited to Americans, though I know that many of us could use a little more finesse when it comes to public behavior.
Thanks for sharing this information, I will definitely keep those things in mind. Love your videos! God bless you both!🙏💕🙏
Keep in mind not to be loud and not to click glasses. Among other things.
This was a super helpful video, even after going to Paris a few times already!
I last drove in Paris back in the 80s, traffic laws, including speed were most definitely optional at that time. I had a lot of fun, but it certainly got interesting at times.
A very American thing - a very large drink three quarters of which is ice. So you are essentially paying for a small drink and a whole lot of water.
Thanks very much for sharing this information. 💯😎
Nice video, great info. I can just imagine how many mistakes I will make lol. I better watch this again and write them down. Thanks and take care.
If there is no line people can't cut lines. People simply don't know the rule. There is no line to get on the bus and the metro. The only line for the bus is the one to enter from the first door. Those who want to queue to enter first may queue, the others simply wait on the side. There is no line for the backdoors. If it's crowded people will simply stay on the side waiting for people to exit the bus, but that's not a line therefore people aren't cutting a line. Some buses have only 2 doors. One to enter at the front and one to exit in the middle. With those buses we might see a line.
In places where there is actually a line people in general do respect it.
I just hope it's changed since I was there many years ago, dog mess everywhere, no one picked it up. So many people had dogs, sadly, it's one of my main memories of Paris.
Well, perhaps it is less messy than in the past, but I'll tell you, one has to keep an eye out at least 20 feet ahead to avoid land mines.
I don't think I'll be visiting France
So many little tips and tricks here that go along way!
Very informative Frenchies! Great video as always!
Haven't been to Paris in literally decades. What really broke me was this. I ordered a tap-beer at a brasserie. My French is half-decent. That tap-beer is a "pression". So, I ordered a pression in my best French. The answer - a bewildered "quoi...?" I repeated - une pression, s'il vous plait. The same bewildered face. I once again repeated my order. Then - "Ah, une PRESSION!" - and off he went. Really. Then came all the terrorist attacks; I'm done with Paris. I may never go there again.
I'm going to be running in the Paris marathon in April. Do alot of people spectate? Hoping its a fun event!
Oh yes, you have many people all along, especially when the race go through parks. The pros are very serious but it's a fun event forr everyone else.
Outstanding as usual. Truly appreciated.❤
Great advice, great content as always ....
The “cutting in line” thing happens in Philadelphia too.🤣
If they’re “unspoken,” how are people supposed to know not to break them?
They are meant to help you to avoid getting into trouble, to blend !. . .
@@tilsit8875 That is a good thing, but not my point. When we went to Paris,
I knew NONE of these “unspoken rules,” for the excellent reason that no one ever spoke them to me. Therefore, how was I supposed to know about them? They’re hardly in the air, water, or food….
can't wait to land in Paris in a few days!!! Thanks for the tips! :)
Wow...thanks for your time&effort folks..Great stuff!
There’s no shame in being a tourist, in fact the French would actually treat you better if you’re a tourist (except on the metro) when I moved here French people were very helpful in specially restaurants or cafes and shops and they would help you if you say or do something wrong, or even help you order food, besides even if you are a French person, the moment you visit any attractions, you become a tourist by definition.
Totally agree.Do you think French people make an effort in other peoples countries?A tourist is a tourist
I'm french and parisian and when I have friends from abroad who are coming to visit I love to do tourist places with them because I kind of would never do it on my own time like going to the arc de triomphe or climbing the Eiffel tower.
@@rob7819of course, the French, like most Europeans are more likely to be frequent travellers than Americans.
5 more months, can't hardly wait 🙂
I fit right in every time I visit Paris... feels just like home (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)