14 Do’s and Don’ts in Paris: Follow and Feel Like a Real Parisian

Planning a trip to Paris, and is it your time here? Wondering what the do’s and don’ts in Paris are? No worries, this guide is here to clear all the queries you have in your mind. Parisians have their own unwritten codes of conduct, habits and daily manners that tourists do not take into consideration. Being aware of what is allowed and what is not allowed in Paris not only assists in preventing embarrassing situations but also in blending in with the natives, having a true experience, and making sure that you do not make the same mistakes that most tourists have made.

These very little mistakes can bring you grave embarrassing situations. The small things like saying Bonjour and asking someone to point you in the right direction before rushing to catch a taxi, and as convenient as not using a taxi during morning and evening hours. We are going to discuss 14 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do in Paris. This guide will show you the do’s and don’ts in Paris, so that you can have a pleasant time in the city without feeling insecure, or feeling like a fugitive, or feeling less Parisian.

7 Things you Should do In Paris 

Paris is a city that never disappoints. The French capital is full of world-famous attractions, hidden gems, and cultural experiences that have made every visit memorable. Whether you are a first-time visitor or you are returning to the experience once again, you should know the dos and don’ts in Paris. Many tourists frequently ask themselves what to do in Paris and what they should not do in Paris- this is what this guide is all about.

These are the 7 Things you Should do in Paris to make your trip a great experience and less embarrassing.

1. Do Say “Bonjour”

Say Bonjour – when beginning any conversation in Paris, say good day in the best way.

Greetings do make a difference in Paris. In any case, when you walk into a store, walk to a server, or ask someone a question, always begin with a pleasant greeting of either Bonjour (Good day) or Bonsoir (Good evening).

If you fail to say this minor word in Paris, the people may take this as rude, even though you may not intend to mean that. Parisians are the people who go the extra mile; this kind of gesture establishes a cordial atmosphere for the whole meeting.

2. Do Keep Your Voice Down

Keep your tone down – Parisians like quiet, respectful talk in the street.

Parisians like discretion in places of social gathering. If you raise your voice in Paris, it may feel like disruptive behavior, unlike in other cultures, where raising one's voice is a sign of enthusiasm. Cafes, trains, and restaurants are places where people normally talk in low tones and with a low degree of noise.

Lowering your voice makes you fit in and also expresses your respect to the people surrounding you who are either eating or commuting.

3. Do Serve Others Around You First

Do serve others around you first — it reflects respect and good manners in Parisian culture.

When you are sitting at a table eating, drinking, or even taking wine, it is a nice gesture to pour or serve others before serving yourself first. It is a minor detail that is based on the French dining etiquette and is thoughtful.

At restaurants, it is usual that when wine is brought to the table, the host will taste it first, and then others may have it. It is also a nice gesture to serve the people who are in your presence before you fill your glass, even during casual meals.

4. Do Explore Beyond the Left Bank

The Left Bank(Rive Gauche) boasts of popular attractions such as the Latin Quarter, cafes and literary history. But do not stop yourself there. Pass to the Right Bank (Rive Droite) and you will find such fashionable districts as Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, and Montmartre.

The districts are unique in their own way, with boutique shops, secret restaurants, art galleries, and a lovely nightlife. There is nothing like visiting what locals call the real Paris by seeing the parts of Paris that lie outside the Left Bank.

5. Do Order the Cheese Course

Cheese is not a mere food in France; it is a culture. A good number of the traditional restaurants offer cheese as a course that comes after the main meal but before the dessert. When you have the cheese course, you can explore the cheese that they have, and you may not get at home, such as Comoute, Roquefort or Camembert.

6. Do Treat Coffee Like a Premium Morning Ritual

Parisians do not drink their coffee in a hurry with a mega latte-to-go. It is not about taking a large cup of coffee, but rather about reading a book over a slow cup of espresso or café crème.

It is also usual to stand at the counter (au comptoir) to have a quick espresso, but you will not find large soda cups and flavored syrups. Coffee is plain, robust and taken in its quality and not quantity.

Tip: Have a café crème in the morning, but have espresso (un café) after lunch- it is a cultural thing!

7. Do Expect a Firm Handshake Instead of a Hug

In Paris, a handshake is the standard of greeting when one meets another. A firm handshake is done when dealing with a person formally or in new circumstances. One of the things that you may see amongst friends is the notorious la bise (kissez les cotillons), although when you are a visitor, you should shake hands unless you are invited to do otherwise.

This is a basic sign of respect, and it prevents awkward situations during the encounter with both locals and business partners.

These little yet helpful do’s in Paris can help you enjoy your time in Paris so much. Starting with a simple bonjour to enjoying a cheese dish, these habits not only appreciate the local culture of Paris, but also make you feel like you can associate with the Parisians in a real manner.

Paris is a place that gives rewards to those tourists who move at a slower pace, observe and adjust to the rhythm. Remember these Paris travel tips and you will not just see Paris, you will feel like you are one of it.

7 Paris Don’ts Every Traveler Should Avoid

Going to Paris is a dream, but it has its cultural demands. Most of the tourists commit minor errors that may seem insensitive to the locals, and this may make your experience less enjoyable. This only happens to those who don't know Paris and put them in embarrassing situations. Make sure that this doesn't happen to you. This guide will help you understand the dos and don'ts in Paris and make you feel like a true Parisian.

1. Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

Although most of the Parisians know English, it is not nice to begin speaking in English immediately. It is good to always say a Bonjour first and then inquire whether they understand English (Parlez-vous anglais?). It is always a good idea to learn some basic French words before planning a trip to Paris.

Tip: Study some simple vocabulary, merci (thank you), excusez-moi (excuse me), s’il vous plaît (please). 

2. Don’t Eat on the Go

Parisians adore food and do not hurry to eat anything, so just take a moment to relax. It is rare to see people walking with a sandwich or a cup of coffee in their hands; those who do that are regarded as sloppy. So, go to a cafe to sit down, for at least 15 minutes and have your food or drink properly.

Tip: When you are in actual need of time, get something at a bakery and sit on a bench there to eat instead of walking.

3. Don’t Forget to Practice Your French

You do not have to be fluent, but even a little attempt makes a difference. When you try to say even simple words in French, locals notice, and it usually makes the communication friendlier.

Tip: Get a translation app to assist you with the fast phrases- it is worth it.

4. Don’t Forget to Ask for the Check

France has a more relaxed restaurant service. Servers will not hurry you or bring the bill unless you ask them. This is not bad service- they are indicating that meals should be taken at a slow pace.

Tip: When it comes to paying your bill, politely say, “L'addition, s'il vous plaît”.

5. Don’t Overdress (But Don’t Underdress Either)

Parisians are fashionable, yet not exaggerated. Tourists even overdress in French chic, and this may appear artificial. Conversely, dressing in an overly casual way (such as gym wear or flip-flops) can stand out. 

Tip: Smart casual--good shoes, dark jeans, a scarf or blazer.

6. Don’t Expect Shops and Restaurants to Stay Open All Day

Paris shops usually have lunch breaks, and most restaurants in Paris close between lunch and dinner, unlike in most big cities. On Mondays, you can also see boutiques that are closed. 

Tip: Break time is normally 1-3 PM. 

7. Don’t Plan on a Big Sunday Shopping Trip

Paris Sundays are rest days and family days. The vast majority of the shops shut down, with some possible exceptions of tourist-filled streets such as the Champs-Élysées. Bakeries and restaurants can be opened in the morning and are closed frequently in the afternoon.

Tip: Shop on weekdays and keep Sundays free to spend on long walks or museums.

Paris is not only attractive in terms of sights but also in terms of way of life. By remembering these things to avoid in Paris, such as assuming that everyone speaks English or eats on the run or expects service in the U.S. style, you will fit in better and enjoy yourself more easily.

Note, even little displays of respect (such as greeting in French or adapting to the local eating habits) go a long way. Granted, these don'ts in Paris, and you will be enjoying Paris just like the natives.

FAQs: Things You Should and Shouldn’t Do in Paris

1. What is considered rude in Paris?

Failing to meet people with Bonjour or Bonsoir, then proceeding with a conversation, talking loudly in a crowd or assuming everyone speaks English is generally regarded as rude in Paris.

2. Should I always say “Bonjour” in Paris?

Yes, greetings are essential. In the shop, at a restaurant, requesting directions, it is a sign of respect and courtesy to begin with Bonjour (day), or Bonsoir (evenings).

3. Do Parisians speak English?

English is commonly spoken by many Parisians, particularly in tourist hubs, although one would be right to use a few words in French. Even such phrases as Merci and S'il vous plaît do a lot of good.

4. Is it okay to eat while walking in Paris?

No, eating on the go is not common and considered to be thoughtless in Paris. Parisians like sitting in a cafe or on a park bench to have their meal.

5. How should I dress in Paris to fit in?

The dress code of Parisians is smart-casual, clean, elegant and unobtrusive. The gym attire, flip-flops, and posing in designer clothes should be avoided. Good shoes, a scarf or a nice blazer are just right.

6. Why don’t restaurants in Paris bring the bill automatically?

France has a slow pace of eating. The servers will not hurry you away with the bill, but you ought to ask (naturally) in good grace, laddition s il vous plait, when you are in a position to pay.

7. Are shops and restaurants open all day in Paris?

No. Most stores have lunch breaks (1-3 PM), and the restaurants usually shut down between lunch and dinner. Sundays too are silent, and most of the shops are closed.

8. What are the must-try cultural experiences in Paris?

It is highly recommended to enjoy a cheese course following the meals, take coffee slowly at the cafe terrace, explore the local neighborhoods in Paris outside the Left Bank, and go to the local markets.

9. Do Parisians hug when greeting?

Not usually. Strangers or formal situations are best met with a firm handshake. Intimate friends are allowed to kiss cheeks (la bise), but visitors ought to shake hands unless instructed otherwise.

10. How can tourists blend in better in Paris?

Speaking with low tones in public places, greeting them politely, dressing suitably, observing mealtime traditions, and learning some phrases in French can help tourists not to be conspicuous and have a more realistic Parisian experience.

Conclusion

Paris does not simply include all those great monuments; it is also about the air, culture, and appreciation of the rhythm of life. These dos and don'ts in Paris will ensure that you enjoy the city in the same manner in which locals do: savoring the cafes without haste, using the Metro like a boss, and not falling into the small tourist traps that make a trip unpleasant.

It is important to remember that Parisians like hard work--a polite Bonjour and a smile can work miracles even when you speak poor French. You can come to Paris either as a weekend getaway or a longer journey, and by following these Paris travel tips, you will not feel like a tourist but more like a real Parisian.

And the next time you are making a search on what not to do in Paris or Paris etiquette as a tourist, have this list in mind. These rules in Paris, which you get without writing, will make you not only see Paris--you will feel it.