Local Customs & Etiquette in Paris, Île-de-France, France

All Topics about Paris All Cities in France

1. Greeting Customs

A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common for greetings. Avoid overt physical affection in public.

Formality: Friends and acquaintances often exchange one or two cheek kisses, but this is less common among strangers.
Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact during conversations shows respect and attentiveness.
Personal Space: Parisians tend to keep a moderate personal space, so avoid standing too close in conversations.

Service charge is usually included in the bill. It's polite to compliment the chef if the food is exceptional.

Tipping: Around 5-10% tip is appreciated, but not expected as service charge is usually included.
Table Manners: Use a fork and knife together when eating, and don't begin eating until everyone at the table has been served.
Wine Etiquette: Ordering wine by the carafe is common in restaurants, and it's polite to ask about the recommended pairings with dishes.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in most indoor public places and on public transportation.

Outdoor Smoking Areas: Look for designated smoking areas outside buildings if you need to smoke.
Fines and Penalties: Heavy fines are imposed on violators of the no-smoking laws in public places.
Café Smoking Policies: Many cafes and bars have designated smoking areas, but some are entirely smoke-free.

Parisians form orderly lines, so joining a queue without waiting your turn can cause offense.

Order and Discipline: Few Parisians will break the line or push ahead. Patience is rewarded in this respect.
Lack of Verbal Communication: People usually don't speak while queuing unless they know each other well.
Signage and Markers: Look for signs, ropes, or markers designating the beginning of a queue when waiting in line.

Seats should be vacated for pregnant women, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities.

Standing and Walking: Be prepared to stand during peak hours as the trains can get quite crowded.
Pole Etiquette: Grip poles tightly when standing, as passengers can lose balance easily in a moving train.
Noise Levels: Keep conversations quiet and respectful to maintain a peaceful atmosphere on public transport.

Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect for the religious setting.

Modesty: Modest attire is expected when visiting churches in Paris.
Dress Codes for Women: Women may wish to bring a scarf or shawl to cover their shoulders if necessary.
Shoe Removal: Some churches require visitors to remove their shoes before entering, so it's good to wear socks or appropriate footwear.

Small, thoughtful gifts are appreciated. Never wrap gifts in white, as it's associated with funerals.

Wrapping Paper: Wrapping gifts in black or red paper is a good alternative to white.
Timing of Gifts: Gifts are typically exchanged on birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions.
Gift Receiving: Reactions to gifts should be modest, even if they are of great value or sentiment.

Limit phone conversations in public places to keep noise levels low.

Courtesy: Be mindful of others and try to keep your voice down when using your mobile device.
Public Spaces: Italian-style animated conversations are less common in public spaces in Paris.
Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency, it's appropriate to make phone calls or engage in conversation.

Bargaining is not a common practice, but it might be acceptable at larger open-air markets.

Fixed Prices: Many stalls display fixed prices, so there may be no room for negotiation.
Politeness: Even if you can't bargain, maintain a polite and respectful demeanor with vendors.
Larger Markets: At larger markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, bargaining may be more acceptable.

Respect personal space by not standing too close to others or invading their personal bubble.

Crowded Conditions: During peak hours, it may be difficult to maintain a consistent distance from others.
Politeness: Avoid leaning on or touching other passengers without permission.
Special Consideration: Offer your seat to elderly individuals, pregnant women, or people with disabilities when available.

Most dogs are well-behaved and leashed in public places.

Leash Laws: Dogs must be on a leash at all times, unless they are in a designated dog park.
Cleanup and Disposal: Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs, so carry bags to pick up waste.
Tolerance for Dogs in Cafés: Many cafes in Paris allow well-behaved dogs, but some have strict no-pet policies.

Parisians value politeness and may express disagreements in a subtle or indirect manner.

Respectful Disagreement: Avoid direct confrontation and instead try to find common ground when discussing differing opinions.
Indirect Communication: Parisians may use indirect language or sarcasm when expressing disagreement.
Tone and Body Language: Pay attention to the tone of voice and body language, as Parisians may convey dissent nonverbally.

Many restaurants in Paris do not accommodate children, but those that do often have children's menus.

Children's Menus: Look for restaurants that offer a children's menu to ensure they have appropriate options.
High Chairs and Boosters: Some restaurants may provide high chairs or boosters, but it's good to inquire in advance.
Noise Levels: Be aware that noise levels may be higher when dining with children in Parisian restaurants.

Parisians value punctuality and expect others to do the same. Arriving late can be seen as disrespectful.

Professional Appointments: Arriving on time for professional appointments, such as business meetings or interviews, is essential.
Social Occasions: Arriving fashionably late to social gatherings may still be expected, but aim to be only slightly late.
Public Transport Delays: In the event of public transport delays, it's acceptable to inform your host or party in advance.

Cyclists should follow traffic rules and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.

Road Rules: Cyclists should ride in the direction of traffic, use bike lanes when available, and obey traffic signals.
Yielding to Pedestrians: Cyclists should slow down and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
Helmet Use: While not mandatory, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for cyclist safety.