Paris has changed a lot in the last few decades. Not so long ago, the tourist circuit was limited to a small number of famous locations and you’d find few locals who spoke more than a handful of phrases in English. These days, Paris is a more worldly, cosmopolitan place.
However, the densely packed French capital still has its distinct way of doing things. Parisian culture places huge value on food, beauty and leisure, and many of the faux pas (at least in the eyes of Parisians) made by visitors occur when these sacred principles are infringed. From dining to (not) queuing, here’s your easy guide to navigating the City of Lights the Parisian way.
In French culture, it is absolutely essential to say bonjour when you’re going into any café, restaurant, smaller shop, or even a small enclosed space, such as an elevator. It’s a piece of social punctuation, and leaving it out feels as unnatural to French people as not saying "excuse me" or "sorry" for a British person. You should also say au revoir when you leave.
This rule applies when asking someone for help or directions: excusez-moi might feel like the most polite opening to Brits, but Parisians will still expect you to open the conversation with a bonjour or bonsoi In France, hospitality is a revered pillar of French savoir-faire (know-how), and workers in the industry are treated with utmost respect. Staff in higher-end hotels and restaurants will be rigorously trained in specialised schools. Even in more everyday b.