Smiling at strangers The French don't tend to smile at people they don't know, or smile continuously in interactions, and might feel awkward about reciprocating the gesture. You might be thinking you're being extra friendly to make them feel at ease, while they might be thinking “is this person OK/ are they in pain?”
French people aren't unhappy or rude, they simply smile a little bit less than Americans tend to expect. In fact, Americans value smiles a lot more than many cultures.
Smiling at Strangers While not “rude”, this does cause big miscommunication problems. It isn't really done in France, especially not on the street. If a woman smiles at a man on the street, he will think she's making a pass and start following her.
French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day. Guests may also bring a bottle of wine or dessert.
Anti-French sentiment (Francophobia or Gallophobia) is fear or antagonism of France, the French people, French culture, the French government or the Francophonie (set of political entities that use French as an official language or whose French-speaking population is numerically or proportionally large).
For Parisians eye contact is a personal matter, much like your choice of wine, or infidelity in relationships. As a general rule, you have to avoid looking strangers in the eye; it's slightly offensive.
Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Top it off with a scarf and you will look tres French.
4 – Flirting is an Artform in France
It's in our genes and it's socially accepted in France. A Frenchwoman is expected to play her feminine side, and be “admired” for her beauty and wit among other qualities. Frenchmen like to flirt as well, even if they know very well there is no hope of it leading anywhere.
Bonjour (/bɔ̃.
"Bonjour" is the most common word used to greet a person in France. From a common language level, "bonjour" is used in everyday life, from sunrise to the beginning of the end of the day.
Everyone knows that Paris is one of the prettiest cities in the world — but fewer people realize that it's also introvert-friendly! If you're a solo traveler who thrives on getting enough alone time, the City of Lights might make for your perfect getaway.
Avoid asking personal questions relating to one's age, sexual orientation, family or children unless you have a well-established friendship. The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo.
How to be polite in France — what to do: ALWAYS start any interaction off with a greeting: bonjour during the day and bonsoir at night. Bonjour madame (or monsieur for a man) is appreciated as well. Always say hello before asking for directions, ordering food, and any interaction with a French person.
The French have an undeniable reputation when it comes to love and sex. They are passionate, enticing and simply irresistible. French people have a way with words and actions that's all about love. And when it comes to displaying their fairness in bed, they are said to be absolute sex gods!
Try and arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes late
While in many countries this is considered rude, in France it's an unspoken rule. Guests will always arrive a little late – lest they surprise their host in the middle of the preparations.
Most Parisians do wear sort of business casual clothing when going to work, and more casual, relaxed clothes on the weekends. However they don't sacrifice style to comfort. It's not typical to wear yoga pants or running style leggings to walk in Paris.
Of Latin origin, the greeting kissing persists in countries where the culture of contact dominates, and this culture is deeply rooted in France. The French still greet each other by touching each other, kissing or shaking hands.
France is a free country, you can wear shorts in Paris anytime and anywhere, except perhaps in high-end restaurants with dress codes, or possibly religious institutions that prohibit bare legs (or shoulders).
A US American described French arrogant behavior by saying: They are seen as feeling superior, snobbish with respect to history, fine wine, their intellectual tradition, that the US lacks.
French people love to debate, and sometimes it looks scary; friends turn on each other, they loudly disagree, insults are thrown… But it's all in good fun, actually. Debate is just a part of the French way of life. One might say we're better at arguing positions than actually act on them, but that's up to debate.
dislike [disliked|disliked] {transitive verb}
ne pas aimer {v.t.}