TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026
Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc. Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of
YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple. For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative.
2. French Formality: You may have heard that French people are rude or not friendly. This is incorrect. They are, however, generally much
more formal than Americans. Etiquette reflects cultural values, traditions, and social norms which emphasize formal politeness and subtle gestures and movements.
Paris, including the metropolitan areas, is a city of 11 million people. They are working, shopping, taking care of their children, and balancing work and life balance. They tend to be direct in their communication and unforgiving of perceived rudeness like
failing to always begin an interaction with Bonjour. They do not smile, speak to, or wave at people they do not know and see this behavior as childish or naive. Tourists who block the sidewalk or stairs to the Metro, or the escalators, delay them from their daily routines. They use their “inside voices” everywhere as being loud is disruptive and intrusive.
They address others more
formally. Your waiter expects to be addressed as Monsieur or Madam even if their name tag shows a first name.
Despite all this, the French are perfectly willing to help when asked politely if they have the time.
Think of New Yorkers’ behavior rather than the South and you will be fine.
You are a visitor to their country, and they are proud of its history and customs.
