what not to do when visiting francewhat not to do when visiting france

Yes, I agree, the Eiffel Tower gives spectacular views of the city but (in my opinion), its not the best spot. Even if it's your first time in the country, you have nothing to worry about if you bring with you an adventurous spirit. Work through this guide to plan your trip and learn some basics about the culture, major regions and attractions, local cuisine, currency, and more. Always close the bathroom door after you in France. With so many do's and donts to remember, it might get overwhelming at some point. When visiting small villages, expect to see complete strangers greet each other "Bonjour!" Writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar talks about how she travels, her favorite places and the trip shell never forget. You'll see most of Paris's 37 bridges up close along with the city's most famous landmarks on a relaxing 1- to the 3 . Book rental cars well ahead for busy times as prices spike and availability plummets. How much you should budget for really depends on the area you want to stay in, your travel style, and the time of the year you plan to visit. Don't stick to taking taxis (which are expensive in France), or guided tours (which can be expensive, and unreliable). Casual acquaintances and friends exchange at least two bisous (kisses). Coffee and tea are often ordered for breakfast but seldom for other meals of the day. Remember we are talking about France here, one of the most traveled and loved destinations in the world. Once seated, immediately place your napkin in your lap and keep your hands on the table while elbows are off the table during the meal. Montmartre and the Latin Quarter areas tend to be more affordable compared to some other neighborhoods, so thats a great place to satrt. A couple of years ago, tourists visiting Paris found it hard to communicate with the locals due to the language barrier, since very few of them spoke English. This particular "don't" is pretty universal. With a week or less, maximize your time by sticking to just a few cities or regions. Literally, everyone's always greeting each other and doing the "bisous." I initially thought that you only had to greet a person you knew. Tucked between Marseille and Toulon, away from the crowds of Cassis and La Ciotat, the charming port town of Bandol is nestled among the Cte d'Azur 's rocky inlets, or calanques. Seeing Paris from a boat on the Seine is a vantage point not to miss. Your email address will not be published. My goal with this blog is to inspire you to visit the city of love by sharing the best Paris Travel Tips, Paris itineraries, and recommendations that will make your trip fun, easier and memorable. Make sure to put aside enough time to enjoy and savor every course. Because the food and dining experience are inseparable, doggy bags or boxes arent a concept. Among the the first iconic spots to visit are Chartres Cathedral, Dune of Pyla, Palais des Papes, Chateau de Chambord, Gorge du Verdon, Mont Saint-Michel, Palace of Versailles and of course, the world famous Eiffel Tower. Merci bien. Protests can turn violent, though, so keep your distance. Explore it by going up to the top by taking the lifts or stairs. Once you've had your fill of the popular sights, you should veer away from common tourist itineraries. Create your own French masterpiece. 2. Tap water in Paris is absolutely safe to drink so it will be a mistake for you to spend your money buying bottled water. You can contact him on, How to Start Learning French: The Ultimate Guide to Beginner French, French Pronunciation: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners (+ free MP3), How to Write a Letter in French: A Simple Guide, Basic French Greetings (Complete Lesson with MP3!). Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings. It's not only rude and offensive but it's distracting for other people. One of the other things to avoid in Paris is tipping away your money. Pro tip* If you dont know where to find the Wallace fountains in Paris, you can download the Maps. But if you must ride, take the metro or the bus instead. Or why not go for a bed and breakfast? Luckily for you, most popular attractions offer skip-the-line entry tickets so you can get fast-track entry without wasting time in queues. Not good! However, since you're the tourist, do not complain about long lines or long waits when buying your coffee in cafes. They will never go to a shop and not say hello ( bonjour) to the attendant or even say sorry (pardon) if something goes wrong! If you must drink one for lunch or dinner though, you should order it after dessert and not with your dessert. This will help you set realistic expectations on what is possible and what is not. Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks. What advice would you be able to give us? The hilltop forest is spread across 57 hectares (141 acres) of Aleppo pines, olive trees and holm oaks. CNN . Similarly, the COVID certificate is no longer required as of 1 August 2022. You can walk from one landmark to another without trouble, or you can take the metro to one Metro stop then walk again. Then theres the old town of Aix-en-Provence; sophisticated Lille in northern France which is great for a short break from Paris or the UK; Lyon in central France, the gastronomic capitalwith restaurants to suit every taste and pocket (and some pretty good sightseeing as well.). Just as important is farewelling people with au revoir (and, of course, thanking them with merci). Dont scream tourist or you might become a target to pickpockets. Nothing compares to the sensation of reaching the pinnacle of this tower. Youre always better off avoiding restaurants touting a menu touristique; the best places are the ones catering to locals. This is actually one of the common misconceptions most tourists have when they plan to travel to Paris which is entirely wrong as most French people can barely speak any English. Check out the top French cities for international visitors. You've asked the questions and Lonely Planet's team of experts has the answers: what you need to know for summer 2022. Create a realistic Paris itinerary before your visit taking into account the number of days you have and your budget! Then please consider sharing it with others. 19 things to know before going to France - Lonely Planet You won't get some anyway. Instead talk about sports, fashion or anything that's interesting yet without the dangers of leading the conversation to a level of awkwardness. A stunning train ride along the coast from Marseille takes you to a region of hidden gems, accessible from a cliffside . Macaron addict. At public pools, men are required to wear tight-fitting Speedo-style trunks. You all sit at a communal table (often with other English-speaking guests), so can get great tips about the local area and what to see. Si cest vrai. And if you dont have it by the time of checking, youll be fined instantly which is almost 20 times more than the actual ticket fee! Recent protests and strikes have led . Safer subjects include art, philosophy, sport and Frances national obsession, food. Ongoing protests and strikes are occurring across France, including Paris. The Bracelet Scam: Someone will wrap a bracelet around your wrist and tell you how good it looks on you and insinuate that youll get it for free. In case you're up for some serious exploring, take the stairs. Discretion is highly valued in France, and discussing financial affairs (such as salaries or spending outlays) is generally off-limits in public. Also visiting during weekdays instead of weekends can help you skip the long lines as most popular places get more visitors during the weekends. But waiters wont try to move you on if there's a little coffee left in that cup. Requesting swap-out ingredients or items in the kitchens meticulously crafted dishes, however, is not. Do not sign it because as soon as you do, they will demand money in an aggressive way that you might end up feeling compelled to give them something just so they leave you alone. It's understandable that your excitement is at an all time high but that's not an excuse to babble and talk loud especially in public and crowded places. Before you visit an attraction, its paramount that you check its individual opening hours as most places have different operating hours or you might just end up bouncing. 1 Thinking summer is the best time to go July and August are the French "off months" Summer in France sure is a great time to experience the Mediterranean and the French Riviera. Read our Privacy Policy. A baguette should be eaten during the same day so better to eat it asap . Every year, France continues to be among the most visited countries in the world. Avalanches are a risk in the Alps and Pyrenees: check daily reports and keep to groomed pistes. . Old Lille Source: ilolab / Shutterstock Old Lille Lille's historic district is a delight, with restored bourgeois houses on cobblestone streets. Before planning your trip and packing your bags, however, you should know that France has a very rich and unique culture. If you've ever seen the movie Midnight in Paris, you'll see how beautiful Paris is at night. When exploring the city, walk as much as you can and stay away from cabs. The only exception is the bathroom; this is a closed door you can open, and should never leave even slightly open when you leave. I would love to hear from Belgian the differences. When entering stores or restaurants, you should say "Bonjour Monsieur" or "Bonjour Madame". Leave time in your France itinerary to simply sit and people watch Drazen_ / Getty Images, 19 things only the locals know in France (and now you do too). If you can, do not take cabs at all. It's the French's way of greeting shopkeepers and staff. I wrote a detailed guide about choosing the neighborhood to stay in which I think will be helpful. Hello it will be probably rainy and cold so try to wear comfy clothes and shoes (ideally waterproof one). Have you ever experienced a faux-pas in France? First of all, that ticket will help you exit the subway when you reach your final destination and without it, you might find a hard time! Follow these rules and you'll have a great time, wherever you are. Hence, the popular belief that the French don't speak any English. Your Covid-19 questions answered. Youll find that even if the French do speak English, they might not, either because theyre feeling taciturn, or it just might be that like you, they feel shy of trying their English out. Grves (strikes) are relatively common in France, and disrupted or canceled transport services can really put a crimp in your plans. The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not valid for visa-free entry into France. Another must-do in France is to take a ride on the metro ideally at night when the views are majestic and the city is sparkling with its lights. You can either go for this Seine day cruise to admire all the incredible architecture from a distance but if you want to get a glimpse of Paris at night, then take this evening seine cruise. France, the biggest country in Europe, has it all: amazing beaches, spa towns, fortified hilltop villages, vineyard-dotted landscapes, you name it. So, go ahead and just do it. So packing so many activities in one trip will just burn you out and not get to enjoy the beauty of Paris to the maximum since youll be rushing through places instead of experiencing them. 02 of 07 Not Learning About the French Before Visiting France skeeze / Pixabay The French are very particular about their customs and social behavior. For instance, every conversation and any meeting whether its for business or just buying a baguette in a bakery begins with Bonjour. Though rare, there are some stores which close during lunch hour (noon to 2:00 PM) and also on weekends. Joel Saget/Agence France-Presse Getty Images. If you plan to visit Paris and want to sleep at hotels with Eiffel Tower views or dine at fancy restaurants, make sure that you book as early as you can even 3 months earlier if possible. Do not complain or demand ice. A single entry to just one museum costs 5 (US$5.30) or 10 (US$10.60) depending on the museum, so you only need to visit a couple to justify the cost of the pass. When slicing cheese, do not do it off the point. This post will show you some rookie mistakes to avoid for a fun trip. And most cities now have trams that follow the main roads. I would recommend avoiding them if at all possible. This FAQ supplements the information on the Conseils aux voyageurs (Travel advice, in French only) section. French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures. store, restaurant, etc) before you begin browsing or asking questions. Ordering une carafe d'eau (a free jug of tap water) is no problem, though glaons (ice) uncommon. First of all, congratulations, Read More Paris first time visitors: Tips for Visiting Paris for the first timeContinue, Are you planning a trip to the French capital? There's a risk of terrorist attacks in France. It is an event in itself which many restaurants in France adhere to. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. This way, you'll experience the tower in every angle and view. Quick Facts PASSPORT VALIDITY: At least three months beyond date of departure from the Schengen area. Exploring the beauty of France by taking trains or buses is a much better idea. Copyright 2023 Lingo Habit LLC, all rights reserved. Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid in Paris to fully enjoy your trip. One thing you should know about French people is that many speak English but they are not very good at it. Unlike some places where a train ticket is as good as useless after boarding, its not the same in Paris! Years ago, when I was a jeune fille au pair, studying French i Paris, I saw a poubelle on the sidewalk. Shop to your heart's content, explore both the tourist and non-tourist spots and of course, eat a lot. Visitors from non-EU countries may need a visa, depending on the length of stay and their country of origin. For more tips on what to pack for France, check this article. Twenty minutes by car or bus from the city is a lake formed by a dam built in 1988. on the streets but never in Paris or in big cities. I guess what I am trying to say here is that plan well for your Paris trip but leave some room for being spontaneous. This post will give you tips plus photos of the views from the Eiffel Tower! And they will consider your behavior rude, and behave accordingly. Just remember that the metro does not run 24/7. So you want to shop, sightsee and taste fab food while you're on vacation in France? For example, to get a table at the restaurant at the Eiffel Tower, youll need to book like 2-3 months in advance or you can forget about having dinner with a view. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. French children tend to be quieter than some of their international counterparts. It turns out that it was a poubelle prive (sorry, no I do not have the capability to add accents here). It is also recommended to store all relevant documents on the TousAntiCovid application or print them out. Furthermore, for foreign travel, a vaccination certificate, a negative test certificate or proof of recovery in EU format may be required by the destination country. Instead, they must use Vous, which is more formal. So you like cities. From visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone to working holidays, here's everything you need to know about the visa requirements for France. However, dont expect stores to be open 24/7. If you have longer, France is your oyster. You should also shy away from bringing up topics that stereotype the French people in a bad way. It's usually a double kiss on both cheeks. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, 10 Tips on What To Do and Not Do as a Tourist in France, Frederic Bibard is the founder of Talk in French, a company that helps french learners to practice and improve their french. You can read it here https://dreamsinparis.com/where-to-stay-in-paris/. Yes, including bargain finds for budget shoppers and high-end haute couture for the rich. Do learn some French phrases. You don't have to memorize each one. What essentials should you pack for Paris? This is your time to explore and have fun. If you visited Paris for the sole purpose to shop till you drop, even better. Keep reading and youll know how to beat the long queues in Paris! These are not rigid rules that you should live by whilst in the country but you should see it as a collection of tips to help you enjoy and explore France to fullest. France Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller Are you looking for your next adventure or travel destination in France? 10 tips To Do And Not Do in France As a Tourist - Talk in French Around 10 days or so is great for visiting a wide array of Frances highlights, from urban centers to chteaux and enchanting countryside. Leaving behind the essentials will make you buy them in Paris which might be a bit costly as opposed to carrying what you had before hence spending more money. Unless someone is familiar, people must not use Tu, or You, to address another person because it will sound rude and disrespectful. In the same way, since most restaurants and hotels require advance booking as I mentioned earlier, there is nothing like, Ive seen the place, Ive liked it, now let me pop in this will not work in some places in Paris. Try Nice, theQueen of the Riviera, a gorgeous, historic city with museums, cafes, restaurants, and bars as well as one of the most colorful outdoor fruit and vegetable markets in the south of France. Even if you mess up the pronunciation, that's perfectly fine. If youre considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads. It first made stops in Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown, Ireland, before heading across the Atlantic. Paris has great urban vibes Much as you'd like to tick the main sights of Paris off your list - world-class art at the Louvre and Muse d'Orsay , Eiffel Tower , Sacr-Coeur - make time for some of its lesser-known attractions. You just need to carry this re-usable collapsible travel water bottle to keep refilling every time you run out of water. Im not saying that you can't voice your opinion or order what you want. In other words, you'll pretty much find everything in Paris. Since 14 March 2022, the vaccine pass has been lifted in France in all areas where it was previously required (cultural and leisure venues, commercial catering, professional trade shows, etc.). To know if you're being a good tourist like you should be, look out for hints like absence of approval. 6. You should also note that the opening and closing hours vary according to the season with late closing happening in summer as opposed to the winter season. Savoring small, daily rituals like people-watching over an apro (apritif; predinner drink) on a cafe terrace enhances any trip and will probably become some of your favorite memories. Also worth remembering is the fact that the French are less direct than Americans. Jacques Audiard fan. This system was removed on 1 August 2022. Don't travel in a taxi everywhere Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mic used under CC BY 2.0 Forget taxis or guided tours for a while as they are so much expensive. If you need to attend a hospital or run into other problems, having an easily accessed backup copy of your identity documents and travel insurance policy will make things easier. Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You should know that dining out in France is not just about eating to satisfy your hunger. Actually, if you dont feel like tipping at all, its totally ok since most menu prices include a tip fee of about 10%- 15%. . Some stay open till 9: 00 pm on specific days while others close before 6:00 pm. If you have a small fortune allotted for shopping, good for you! You can contact him on Instagram, [] Planning to visit France soon? When you get home, just show your family and friends the photo. 30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, Wyoming, 82801, United of States. During the summertime, the crowds are high, everything is expensive which may not be the most pleasant time of the year to visit the French capital. And make some friends too while youre at it! You should also note that wine glasses are filled only ever half way and never to the brim. Learn how your comment data is processed. Hopefully, your trip will be a breeze, but if you need the emergency services, use these free 24/7 phone numbers: police 17; fire 18; ambulance (SAMU) 15. All rights reserved. Lets explore the best things to do in Lille: 1. Rarely will you see people in France in their gym clothes or jeans, shirts and flip flops. Its okay We love all of the products we recommend anyways, and you will too! And on top of getting yourself a spot, booking early can sometimes help you get good offers hence paying a bit less compared to what you would have paid if you booked last minute. For example, most museums in Paris stay closed on Mondays and on some French public holidays. If you read our guide, that is. Or fancy going a bit off the beaten track? Theyre crowded, everyone is running up and down in the subway and you can feel the pressure in the atmosphere, and as a tourist, you may not want to be caught in this situation. First of all, there is a lot to do, a lot to see, and a lot to experience, and not having a proper plan or itinerary will leave you running from place to place with no actual agenda or even leaving out places you wouldnt have if you had made a proper plan. Travelers favorites include #1 Place Massna, #2 Old Town (Vieille Ville) and more. One of the big mistakes to avoid in Paris is eating at restaurants near famous places as theyre usually way more expensive than any other restaurants in the city. And in the spirit of today's selfie generation, you should take advantage of the opportunity TO take a photo. They're also very cheap. But I also know that in some places, saying hello to someone offering you a service is not a given! France International Travel Information But take note of other small things. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The best spot to get the best views of Paris is at the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe. And you can only truly enjoy the city's sparkling beauty and mesmerizing views if you stroll and wander through the city streets. to break the ice then add some more French words. That would mean heading to villages and towns where traditional French charm abound. What's even better is you don't have to sacrifice the quality of your vacation to save a few euros. I have noticed the French drop into a boulangerie each day they bite into their baguette a couple of times strolling home. Therefore, the rules previously in place for travellers to France no longer apply: However, in the event of a dangerous variant, a system requiring a negative virological test upon entering France may be reinstated for travellers arriving from countries believed to be at risk. As an Amazon Associate, Dreams in Paris earns from Qualifying Purchases! It's only natural for tourists visiting France to hit up the popular tourist spots and destinations. French people are generally well-mannered people! To fully enjoy the beauty that is France, loosen up and live a little. Thats not them being rude but them preferring not to look like a fool. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. What to Know Before Visiting Paris Weather, COVID-19 - Insider Explore France on a budget with these helpful tips, A first-timer's guide to Fontainebleau and its surroundings, 13 of the best places to visit in France: be inspired by these incredible highlights, Here's what you need to know about visas when visiting France, Heres where the Lonely Planet team is planning to go in 2023, Dig deeper with these 8 alternative destinations in Egypt, How I travel with writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar, Summer 2022: Lonely Planet travel experts offer incredible tips, insight and inspiration for your summer travel plans, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. . In remote areas, it can be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you're ordering soda or any other drinks, don't expect it with ice. Bread is broken and never cut. A short, sharp espresso (not milky coffee or tea) is the way to finish a meal. These tips will help you navigate the country, customs and potential challenges for a smooth, stress-free trip to France. The government will thus maintain the option to use emergency brake measures for a maximum period of two months, following a recommendation from the Haute autorit de sant (French National Authority for Health) in the event of the emergence and circulation of a new COVID-19 variant which can be a serious health risk, or in overseas territories, if the health system is at risk of saturation. No matter how friendly you come off, the French are not the type to get comfortable with strangers. Coming to France means having the chance to discover a variety of destinations and themed offers. Poussez- Push (Useful when opening/ closing doors not to pull when it says push), Tirer Pull (same for opening/ closing doors). Dont worry if the conversation doesnt go any further; youll have made the effort and the French will appreciate it. When speaking with a Frenchman for the first time, try using some of the French phrases and words you've packed with you. Paris trains become something else during the rush hours (8:00 am 9:30 am and 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm) when most people are going to work or returning home. Not Learning About the French Before Visiting France, Not Booking at Smaller Hotels and Bed and Breakfast, colorful outdoor fruit and vegetable markets, top French cities for international visitors, Visit the undiscovered region of the Auvergne, Go for the mountains of France, winter or summer. Normally, that's how the French people convey disapproval. The login page will open in a new tab. Paris is generally a safe city but it would be a huge mistake to let your guard down and ignore the safety of your items. Traveling to the French capital for the first time or even the second time and wondering what not to do in Paris? The French do speak English. France remains a fairly formal place. You don't speak to foreigners in your country in their language do you? 10 Important Things NOT to Do in France As a Tourist: What You Need to Leave important documents like passports in your hotel safe. At market stalls, dont touch the produce (ask the vendor instead) and dont haggle (bargaining is only OK at flea markets). Because you're going to France where Paris is the fashion capital of the world, you need to turnup your fashion sense a notch higher. Stay alert. After youve greeted someone once, its unnecessary to repeat it throughout the day, although you might say rebonjour (hello again). Instead, try some of the smaller hotels, particularly the Logis Hotels which are everywhere in France. There's a rhythm to the French schedule, and you should definitely know it before you visit. Travel advice and advisories for France If you want to experience what all the fuss about French cuisine is, you should follow their lead. Unless you want to buy it, dont be forced into buying it if you dont want it but rather take it off and boldly tell them that you dont need a bracelet. In general we buy several baguettes if we do that or just use a few pieces for our meal. Of course, you can find a number of luxurious brands but if your plan is to travel on a budget, youll completely ruin your budget if you shop there. There are so many places to visit in Paris and so many things to do that its utterly impossible to do all that especially if you just have a few days even if you have a month in Paris actually. Paris has a number of restaurants in that you can never fail to find one at any turn you make. When restaurant staff, for instance, deem your viewpoint incorrect, said staff consider it their duty to correct you. This is most common at high-end restaurants, luxurious vacation rentals, hotels, and a few unique activities! So whether youre a seasoned or a first-time visitor, here is what not to do in Paris for an amazing trip. Bonjour Fredric, I am visiting Bruges in September. France is a window to the Islamic world. Measles. Buses are also a great value. Read update Any traveler visiting a foreign country is bound to do a few things that bother the locals.