Upon entering a shop – When you first walk in, scan the shop to see if you can spot the proprietor. When you do, immediately smile and greet him or her with a pleasant “Bonjour Monsieur/Madame,” and also nod to include in your greeting any other customers that may be in the store within earshot.
It is expected that you will shake hands with everyone present when arriving and leaving. Among friends and relatives, the most common greeting is the 'la bise' (kiss on both cheeks). The la bise consists of placing one's cheek against another's, making a kiss noise, then repeating it on the opposite side.
You should also seek permission before touching any merchandise at a boutique in France, particularly in more upmarket areas. What is this? Unless you are in a self service French grocers or supermarket, do not pick up the produce or serve yourself.
Here's how the French approach the sales: we go to the shops to find things we like before the sales. Once the sales arrive, we know exactly what we want, and how much of a discount we are really getting. The best deals are usually found in the first week (or even the first few days). Good deals go fast.
Tipping is not considered etiquette by French people in French restaurants, but if you enjoyed your meal, it's nice to leave 5 - 10%. If you really enjoyed the meal, or plan on returning to the restaurant and want the wait staff to like you, 15% is a generous tip.
Parisians do wear jeans and over the years they have become more of a classic French wardrobe staple. Jeans can easily be worn year-round and dressed up or down in that chic French way.
In France, saying bonjour in French is a sign of respect and a cultural norm. It's not optional to forgo the greeting if you want people to know that you understand French manners.
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.
Salut is not a way that you would greet strangers either, while it is used in informal settings, it is mainly said to people you know. This can include any acquaintances, though, not just friends and family.
If you're wondering how to politely order food in French, the simplest way is to use the following sentence construction: Je voudrais + un/une + noun + s'il vous plaît.
Nope, they don't call 'em “French fries” in France. If you want to be quite proper, you'd order “pommes de terre frites” (simply, “fried potatoes”).
13% of French women under 25 go braless, according to a poll* in June 2022, a stunningly higher figure than Spain (3%), Italy (2%), the United Kingdom and Germany (1%.).
French women know good jeans – look for straight-leg, in classic denim blue. To be paired with smart blazers or casual knits, flats or heels. Denim should be one colour, not faded, and with no fraying or rips.
The restaurants in France work this way so as to set their pace with the kitchen's. If you want your waiters attention in the middle of the meal, it is rude to wave or gesture to them. A simple 'excusez moi' or excuse me when they are nearby is enough to get their attention.
To signal that you want to pay in a café or restaurant, you can use: L'addition, s'il vous plaît. The bill, please.
A waiter in a café is sometimes called un garçon de café, but French people use the word un serveur much more often, for any type of waiter. A waitress is une serveuse. Yelling “Garçon !” to catch a waiter's attention in a restaurant (or a café) is rude and outdated.
This apparently was the norm. I actually grew to love the fact that shops were shut on Sunday and every day for two hours so that the workers could have a long lunch break. Shops have been closed on Sundays in France for more than a century due to a 1906 law.
Carrefour Market
This brand is pretty common in France and offers a great choice of food and other goods of leading brands.
Shops. The majority of shops are open all day from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Some smaller shops may close over lunchtime between midday and 2pm, or all day on Monday. Sunday and public holidays are the usual closing days, although there are some exceptions ...