How to not be a jerk in Paris

Ah, Paris, the city of love. The architecture, sidewalk cafes, fresh flower stands, croque monsieur….what’s not to love? We love Paris! But how can we make Paris love us back?

Here are a few tips: 

• When you enter and exit an establishment, greet the waitstaff, store clerk, or bartender. As Americans, we tend to lead with what we want (“Table for 2, please.”). In French culture, it is expected to first say “hello!”; or, better yet, “bonjour” (or “bonsoir” come evening time). And when you leave, a polite “Ciao!” or thank you will work. 
• Don’t act like a tourist. Yes, you’re in a new city and have no idea how to get around. However, you’re amongst the local Parisians. They’re heading to work, picking up kids from school, or carrying fresh cheese & baguettes home from the market. So if you need to stop and look at a map for directions, step to the side first, and then get your bearings. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk. 
• Using the “toilettes”: when duty calls, head into a small cafe and purchase a simple “cafe” (coffee). It’s inexpensive (@1 €) and gives you permission to ask to use their “toilettes”. Please don’t enter a cafe and simply use the bathroom. It’s jerky. 
• Learn a few basic words in French: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, I’m sorry. We recommend the mobile app Memrise – it’s an easy (and fun!) way to learn a new language. 

Ready to plan your Paris getaway?