When it comes to cutlery, the rules for a French table are relatively simple. They are placed on either side of each plate, with the fork on the left (tines towards the table), the knife on the right (edge of the blade towards the plate) and the soup spoon to the right of the knife (curved part towards the sky).
French etiquette indicates that you should finish your plate, or the host will be offended (thinking that the meal was bad).
Here again British and French have a different code. In France, you absolutely have to put your hands and forearms (never the elbows though!) on the table (you never know what could happen under the table!). Britons usually sit with one hand on the table and the other on their knees (more comfortable).
1:00:00 In France most people hold their fork with the left hand, cut with the right hand and eat with the left hand. In America most people in formal situations cut with their dominant hand, then put down the knife, then switch the side of utensils and eat with their fork in their dominant hand.
Keep your hands on the table. In English, we often hear “keep your elbows off the table,” however in France it's considered polite to keep your hands on the table. This tradition dates back to historical times, where swords, poison and meals with enemies were a regular occurrence.
Tipping is not required in France (although there are a few exceptions). You don't need to tip French waitstaff because they get a living wage and benefits. It is NOT considered rude to tip in France. There is no standard percentage for tips in France.
The French eat at least three meals a day and usually in courses. They eat a lot of bread, but not cakes or pastries. They eat lots of cheese, around 25 kilos each year! The French eat more fish than meat.
A French breakfast is sweet. It is composed of slices of buttered bread and jam spread on it, sometimes croissants or other pastries and cereals. Usually, the drinks are coffee, orange juice or milk. Let's take a closer look at the principal ingredients of a Made in France breakfast.
Always address people as Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle unless you are invited to be on first-name basis. Use tu and vous properly. The kiss (or kisses) on the cheeks between two people is called faire la bise and it is a common cultural practice in France.
It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.
The only times your napkin will be on the table are when you are not: at the beginning of the meal, when place settings are awaiting diners and at the end, when you place your napkin beside your plate to show you've finished or that you've excused yourself momentarily.
The fork remains in the left hand and the knife in the right hand and almost everything in France is eaten with a knife and fork. Keep both hands above the table and elbows general off.
According to end-of-meal etiquette, the spoon or fork should be placed with its handle on the plate as if it were the hands of a clock, marking 6:30, according to the English style.
In France, you'll want to cut your food with your fork in the left hand and knife in the right hand, but you'll keep your fork in the left and take your bites left-handed.
An usual French lunch will include: an appetizer (une entrée), such as a mixed salad, soup, terrine or pâté; main course, (le plat principal), choice of beef, pork, chicken, or fish, with potatoes, rice, pasta and/or vegetables; cheese course (from a local selection) and/or a sweet.
The Average Daily Life in France
Adults and school-aged children are generally up by 7:00 a.m., allowing for the business and school day to begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. A typical workday begins at 9:00 a.m. However, lunchbreak in France can last up to two hours.
Auguste Escoffier, the legendary French chef, said that the three great secrets of French cuisine: butter, butter and butter.
Distribution of bedtime during the week among French 2019
It displays that 33 percent of respondents declared going to bed between 11 pm and 12 pm on weekdays.
The traditional evening meal in France is considered a family affair – around a table, lots of chatter, more good food, and an all-round convivial experience that rolls along merrily for an hour or so. They usually run from roughly 7.30pm until 8.45pm.
L'addition, s'il vous plaît. The bill, please.
Tipping is therefore voluntary in Australia and is most commonly used to show appreciation for good service. Tipping is most common in the hospitality industry, especially at high end restaurants and bars. If you choose to tip, the general rule is to add 10% to the bill or to round up to the nearest $10.
The tap water in France is considered safe to drink, and it is widely available in public places, such as restaurants and cafes. However, some people may prefer to use water filters to improve the taste of the tap water.