So, how good are your manners? You know, the French take manners very seriously! You could lose a friend or maybe even your head if you’re not careful. ;) Check out the article below for some more insight into French manners, and watch the video for some French that’s not worth losing! (This week: verb PERDRE – to lose)

Find out if you have bad manners in Paris

Today, I’m starting a little series of articles regarding French manners and etiquette.

It has been my experience that most people are quite surprised when I mention that there is such a thing as an etiquette code that my friends and I learned when we were in our teens.

When crossing cultures, it is quite normal to see differences in social etiquette, of course, but knowing that most of us would like to be accepted, to blend in when we go to Paris, I’m bringing you the survival kit, to be considered de bon ton.

Let’s get started, shall we?

You must respect time. Punctuality is an essential act of etiquette. If you have a rendez-vous in the street or in a public place at a specific time, you must arrive on time; the maximum tardiness that is tolerated is five minutes. If it is a business or a professional appointment, a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment, it is recommended to arrive five or ten minutes earlier. The French have a reputation of being late often; whether it’s true or false, being late is always considered rude.

In France, we refrain from calling after 22:00 hours on the phone (10 pm), except when calling close friends.

Spitting in the street is strictly prohibited. Belching in public is very rude. Yawning without covering your mouth, nose or sneezing loudly are also considered very bad behavior.

In the street, there are special passages (before the red lights or not) that pedestrians use to cross. To not use crosswalks, also called « les clous » or « passage clouté », is frowned upon, although in France this code of conduct is far from being respected.

When using public transportation (bus, train, subway), it is customary to offer your seat to an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or a person with a child.

In an elevator, in public transportation, or in the street, you do not stare at people. Staring at a person is considered very rude. Speaking loudly to a person who accompanies you or when on the phone is also frowned upon.

At the end of a meal, it is normal in France to share the bill equally among all the guests, unless one of them wants to pay everything. However, it is still customary at a dinner for two, that a man pays for the woman who accompanies him, even if this is less common among young people.

In a line, you have to be orderly like everyone else and wait patiently for your turn. It is extremely rude to overtake someone or come directly to the counter to handle your business. Those who allow themselves to have this behavior will earn a sanctioning gaze, or will be verbally admonished.

We must say “thank you” when we receive something , when someone provides us with a service. If you receive a gift, it is not rude to open it immediately. However, we can do it after a conventional short sentence : “Is it OK to open it right away? “. Even if the gift is not to your liking, or is not what you expected, you do not show your disappointment.

You may be either shocked or relieved – better yet, not at all surprised. In either case, it would be nice to learn some French, in order to easily assess when to use the right etiquette for the situation that you find yourself in. :)

Now it is your turn!

Tell us in the comments below, what is the one French manner that you never see yourself taking on?

Make sure you watch the Learn Parisian French – TO LOSE (perdre) on Youtube! While you’re there, and if you like it, please click the ‘Like’ button!

Don’t ever give up on your dream to become bilingual – the world needs your enthusiasm when you go to Paris and fully enjoy it!

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p.s.
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