15 Everyday French Habits That Blow Americans Away
Why do the French sit for two hours over one glass of wine, and why does your soda arrive with no ice? In this video we share 15 everyday French habits that surprise Americans, from how people greet you to why they never wear sweatpants to the store. Some are charming, and some will test your patience.
At the cafe and the table
- Nobody rushes you. In a regular cafe you can nurse one glass for hours (except near big attractions, or when lunch service ends).
- Smoking is banned indoors but common on terraces. Ashtrays on the table are your clue.
- Tipping is modest: service is included, and the French usually just round up.
- Little or no ice, and no free refills. Ask for ice if you really want it.
- Lunch and dinner start late and last long, often with an hour of apéritif first.
Social life
The French have rules for everything, and are also famous for breaking them, like cutting in line. Friends and family greet each other with la bise, two to five kisses depending on the region, and you greet everyone in the room. A visit to a French home is never a quick hello: leaving after two hours may make people think something is wrong. Conversations jump from politics to religion to jokes and can sound like an argument when they are not. Above all, always start with bonjour, in shops, at the doctor and before ordering.
Out and about
- Parisians dress up even to buy bread. Visitors in shorts are fine; you will just look like a visitor.
- Public bathrooms are scarce, and some men still relieve themselves in public.
- People rarely eat on the go; food and coffee are for sitting down and enjoying.
- Strangers stare and do not smile. As someone put it, Americans are like Labradors and the French are like cats.
- Many shops, post offices and pharmacies close from about noon to 2, especially outside the touristy areas.
None of this is meant to be rude. Once you know the codes, it all makes sense, and saying bonjour goes a long way.
To plan your trip, our Paris Guide Bundle covers hotels, restaurants and itineraries by arrondissement, and our Paris hotel guide lists 125 picks by neighborhood. For a stress-free arrival, see our recommended Paris airport transfers.