Bonjour dear readers,
In last week’s newsletter, I dived deep into the polite customs of French etiquette so your next trip to the country of love becomes par excellence rather than catastrophique.
The French are very particular about their customs, so breaking them might be more frowned upon than in other countries. For today’s newsletter, I received a list of the biggest etiquette mistakes committed by the tourists - observed and noted down by no one else but the French themselves. Shall we?
Mistake no. 1: THE LANGUAGE
Despite the world becoming more and more global, not everyone is fluent in English in France. Entering a café or a shop and immediately requesting help in English can be seen as disrespectful towards the local culture. The solution: Learn a few simple phrases in French. You can also ask: ''Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais s'il vous plaît?'' (Hello, do you speak English?) to show your respect.
Mistake no. 2: TALKING TOO LOUDLY
Loud conversations in public places such as restaurants can be disruptive and are often viewed as a lack of consideration for others. Public places are to be enjoyed by everyone, so maintaining a moderate volume in public places respects the tranquility of others around you.
Mistake no. 3: USING FIRST NAMES PREMATURELY
In many countries, even formal conversations have adopted the casual ''first name'' custom. However, this is not the case in France. The French love to use the titles (Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle) and surnames until a closer relationship is established. So remember to wait until the person invites you to use their first name, which shows respect for formality and personal boundaries.
Final thoughts:
Understanding and respecting these nuances in French etiquette will greatly enhance your social interactions and experiences in France. Remember, the key to good etiquette is showing consideration and kindness, no matter where you are.
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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