Day 2553 (Tuesday) 4th June 2024

This is Saint Tropez.

It was another beautiful day and Olivia came over to cut our hair and I spent a few hours sunbathing in the afternoon. Our clothes arrived in the post and Huw now has a Bollywood-type shirt, casual black trousers and a pair of shoes to wear on Saturday and I have some sandals to go with my sari. Huw wouldn’t let me take a photo of him in his new kit but I will take some on Saturday.

This is his shirt.

This is Badger’s new hiding place…you’d never know he was there…

…but if you move my clothes you can spot him…

and this is him in the bag our shopping arrived in.

I found some tips about unspoken French customs we know a lot of them but there are a few new ones. It is quite long so I’ll post it over two days.

BlogTravel tips

20 French traditions and unspoken French customs to know before you go

One of the best parts of exploring a new destination is getting in step with the local culture. And, while we may not do everything the way the locals do (like—gasp!—forgoing an afternoon cappuccino in Italy), having some cultural tips on hand will make immersing yourself in daily life a breeze.

That’s especially true if you’re headed to France, where knowing some simple French customs can be the difference between committing an accidental faux pas, or casually blending in with the locals. 

1. Say hello when you enter a shop or restaurant

Whether you’re popping into a small Parisian boutique for a quick look around, or picking up a French baguette from the boulangerie, greeting the shopkeeper is a must—this is a non-negotiable French tradition. It’s considered very rude not to say hello, goodbye, and merci to the staff. If you skip a polite “hello,” the shopkeeper will likely treat you accordingly.

“Over my few trips to France, I have distributed the basic (but weighty) ‘bonjour’ whenever I’ve entered little shops or greeted a waitress or anyone else I’m about to interact with, and it goes a long way,” said staffer Claire. Another nice greeting to try is, “Bonjour, messieurs et mesdames!” which means, “Hello, ladies and gentlemen.”

2. Try a few French phrases

Using some simple French phrases when you interact with locals is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in French culture. It shows that you’ve made an effort, and will likely elicit a warmer response from the person you’re talking to.

“Don’t assume everyone in France—including Paris—speaks English,” said staffer Kelly, who lived in France for a year and listed this as a top France culture tip. “Greeting shopkeepers in French and making a bare minimum effort to speak French can go a long way to having a better experience with the locals. Using common phrases like “Je voudrais ça” (I would like that) while pointing to what you want, and “merci” when you receive something, can go a long way.

3. Always dress your best

Paris is noted as a fashion capital and according to French traditions, Parisians dress in a simple, sophisticated way. To blend in with the locals, put your best foot forward when you’re out and about. That means skipping the sweats, and opting for clothing that makes you feel put together.

And, while comfy workout gear might be your go-to when you travel, a Parisian wouldn’t dream of strolling down the Champs-Élysées in leggings. “Dress business casual whenever possible,” said staffer Kelly, who spent a few lucky years living in Paris. 

4. When in doubt, throw on a scarf

One easy, understated way to dress up a simple outfit? Throw on a light scarf to pull your look together. “Scarves are a huge part of French fashion,” said staffer Abby, who spent a year studying in France, and learned all the France culture tricks. “The second it drops below 60 degrees, you will see everyone sporting their favourite scarf.”

5. Only smile when you really mean it

In Paris and the rest of France, it’s expected that one conducts themselves in a formal, polite way. While those of us in America might think a friendly smile works in all situations, that’s not the case in France. In many cases, the habit of smiling too much can seem insincere or even flirty.

So, if you’re interacting with someone directly in a shop or restaurant, a smile is more than fine. But, if you’re passing strangers on the street while walking through Paris, for example, steer clear of flashing a big grin in their direction. It’s likely that it won’t be received in the friendly way you intend it.

6. Keep your voice down while having conversations

One sure way to peg yourself as a visitor while exploring France is by talking too loudly, which is just not done in French culture—it can come off as rude. French locals air on the polite side and keep their conversations to themselves so they don’t disturb those around them. If you want to get in step with French customs, it’s best to keep your voice at a respectable level so that only the people you’re chatting with can hear you.

7. Never haggle in stores

“Don’t haggle prices at a shop like you might in places like Morocco,” said staffer Kelly, who called Paris home for a few years. “If you want a deal, go to France during its “les soldes” season, which is when shops will mark down prices to make room for new inventory. Usually, these sales take place twice a year around January–February and June–July.”

8. Don’t eat while walking down the street (unless you have a baguette, of course)

While you may be eager to dig in to everything from pastries to quiche to crêpes on tour in France, be sure you’re sitting down at a table when you do. Nothing will get you more side-eye than chowing down while you stroll along the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

The only time a street-side nibble is culturally acceptable? When you have a warm baguette in hand. Even locals often can’t help having a quick bite as they leave the boulangerie, and you’ll often see the top part of the baguette chewed off—we love this part of French culture. Speaking of baguettes… “You should ALWAYS buy a fresh baguette for bread,” said staffer Arlena, who studied abroad in France. “Buying any other type of bread from a grocery store is a crime.”

9. Order menu items as-is

The French take good food very seriously—you would too if you were known for some of the best cuisine in the world. So, if a restaurant lists a menu item a certain way, you can be sure that every element of the dish has been carefully vetted by the chef, and has earned its place in the flavour profile. So, even if you see an ingredient you’re not crazy about, go for it.

“Don’t ask a restaurant to customise a dish to your liking,” said staffer Kelly, who lived in Paris for a few years. “For example, if you don’t like fish, don’t order a salade niçoise and ask your waiter for no sardines and no tuna.”

10. Don’t expect ice

“Ice is never guaranteed in your water or drink,” said staffer Arlena, who studied in France. “You will always have to ask for it.” This is true for many places throughout Europe, where freezers are few and far between. If you do end up asking your server for ice, here’s one French custom to keep in mind: Don’t put any in your fine French wine. Oh là là…

The rest will come tomorrow…