France is a great country to visit, but many people don’t know what to expect. French culture is different from many other European countries. Check out this guide for some helpful tips on what not to do in France.
Don’t be shy when speaking French
Don’t be afraid to use your school’s French, no matter how basic or rusty it may be. We all know that the French are very proud of their language; they even have the Académie Française to fiercely protect it. The French Academy is made up of 40 members known as Immortels (immortals), appointed by life that gives you some clue about the importance they attach to it. Established by Cardinal Richelieu, Prime Minister of King Louis XIII in 1635, it protects the French from ‘Anglo-Saxon’ attacks and writes an official dictionary. And they have an interactive site on what to say and what not to say.
So it follows that the French will be delighted when you try to speak to them in their language. Of course, you may not get very far, but it is the best way to get a French person to speak to you in English when you realize that the next few minutes will be extremely painful for you as you murder your exquisite language.
Don’t run through France on your way to your destination
France is full of charming surprises, of small, pretty, sometimes fortified towns that never seem to reach the main tourist itineraries, of rivers that flow slowly for a picnic next door, and rural roads that take adventurers through beautiful villages, rolling fields or spectacular mountains and valleys. The feeling of discovery, of making the country yours by finding a charming country inn to spend the night and experiencing local life in cafes on hot summer afternoons is one of France’s best gifts for its visitors.
- Check out the top underrated destinations in France
Do not use systems in your car to identify speed cameras
If you drive in France, you must know the rules of the road. There are several important things to observe, such as having your car documents with you and making sure you have all the equipment that French law specifies, such as warning triangles and headlight converters.
But the main change in French law concerns the systems that identify speed cameras. The French have really cracked down on speeding, to the extent that most people obey the limit even on motorways. There are still crazy foreigners bombing on the fast track (Belgians and Germans in general, and the British who think they are about to lose their ferry are particularly guilty), but in general everything has changed. Satnav law is enforced quite strongly.
- See tips for driving in France
- Also read more about French roads and driving tips
Don’t ignore the provincial museums
France has some great museums outside of the capital. Since the time of Napoleon, the policy has been to spread culture throughout the country. Napoleon pinched so much of the rest of Europe that he had to send him out of Paris to find buildings to house the art he had taken. For example, the Lille Museum of Fine Arts has Flemish masterpieces from the 17th century and a fabulous painting by Rubens. Two of the great new museums in Europe are the result of politics. Don’t miss the Center Pompidou in Metz, and the latest blockbuster to open, the new Louvre-Lens in northern France.
There is also the charming Flanders Museum in the small hilltop town of Cassel in northern France and a host of museums in and around Nice.
Don’t bother (too much) with the Parisians
The French outside the capital have as heartfelt dislike of Parisians as you can find yourself hosting. Some years ago, the French government realized that the reputation of Parisians was not good for tourism. So they launched a charm campaign.
Are the French, and particularly the Parisians, really that rude? Some of them are arrogant or appear to be, but it’s often the way people talk. You have to decide whether the French are rude or not.
- How to avoid ‘rude’ rude French
Don’t rush your meals
A meal is an integral part of French culture. Times have changed from the days when every office worker had enough time to go home for lunch and there are many more fast food restaurants in every major city. But sitting down to eat is still important to the French. Therefore, waiters in restaurants can seem quite informal, allowing you to see the menu correctly before taking your order. But relax, slow down, and enjoy a good French meal. Follow the same French table etiquette if you are invited to someone’s house for dinner.
Don’t just stick with the fries
Do not stay with the tested dishes; be adventurous when eating in restaurants in France; it is the only way to get the true flavors and cuisine of much of the country. The frog legs actually taste like chicken, although the snails are just an excuse for the garlic sauce. When you get the menu, ask the waiter for an explanation of any dishes that are confusing, and particularly ask about local delicacies. In good restaurants or friendly local eateries, if you show real interest, you can get a small sample to taste. The French always appreciate an interest in their food.
- Restaurant etiquette, restaurants (and tips) in France
- History of food and restaurants in France
Don’t go with a packed suitcase
Buying in France is a great pleasure. You’ll find intricate, wrought-iron covered open-air markets across the country packed with stalls filled with local produce. In Provence, who can resist lavender soaps, brightly colored Provencal fabrics and extra virgin olive oil? If you are in Paris, then shopping is probably already on the agenda. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind tailor-made extravaganza, or a day out in one of the magnificent department stores, you’ll get the same pleasure. And you will fill that suitcase.
- Bespoke shopping in Paris
- Buying bargains in France
Don’t be afraid to kiss
The French kiss a lot on the cheeks when they meet. You don’t do it when they introduce you, but if you meet someone and get along, you may find yourself kissing them on both cheeks when you say goodbye, rather than the more formal handshake. But it is a complicated business. And how many times should you do this? In Paris it’s a couple (and possibly air kissing anyway unless you mess with the makeup); a little further south and in the Mediterranean, it may well be three times. But in remote France, in Auvergne, for example, you can find up to five kisses!
No ‘Tutoyer’ at first
Don’t be too familiar with French if you are unsure whether to use the more formal ‘vous’ or the more intimate ‘tu’. Always err on the side of caution.
