How can I be a respectful tourist in Paris?

It's polite to learn a few key phrases in French; this will earn you the respect of locals, and help you in the end. As mentioned above, the friendly bonjour is essential. Other key expressions include au revoir (goodbye), merci (thank you), s'il vous plaît (please) and l'addition (the bill).



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14 Rules You Should Follow in France so the Locals Don't Hate You
  1. Don't take “non!” for an answer. ...
  2. Don't freak out if someone cuts you in line. ...
  3. Don't expect speedy service. ...
  4. A formal, polite greeting goes a long way. ...
  5. Just don't quote “Lady Marmalade” ...
  6. If you're speaking English, take it slow.


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A dead giveaway for a tourist is speaking with a loud voice. French people tend to be quieter than most Europeans, so keep that in mind when you are out and about. Use your indoor voice that you would have in a museum, and you're good to go!

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Is Paris friendly to American tourists? Yes, Paris is generally friendly to American tourists. But French culture is very different from American culture so it's best to be aware and respectful of the local customs.

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The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. The elegant arrondissements are practically made for pedestrians. Still, Paris is very big, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances.

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Charles de Gaulle Airport (also know as Roissy, after the nearby town), is where all flights from North America arrive in Paris. It's at this airport that you will go through customs, pick up your luggage, and meet your private driver catch vehicle or catch a train to the center of the city.

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Don't ask people you've just met personal questions – the French are very private. This means no talking about age, income, marital status, or even what the person did last weekend – these topics are considered quite rude and should be avoided.

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10 Do's and Don'ts in Paris
  • DO: Take your sweet time…
  • DON'T: Make it easy for pickpockets…
  • DO: Learn some French phrases…
  • DON'T: Believe the rumours…
  • DO: Go to the Catacombs…
  • DON'T: Rely on credit cards…
  • DO: Ride the Metro…
  • DON'T: Stop Eating…


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In France, it's considered rude not to say hello every time you enter a shop or when you first begin a conversation with a local. Brush up on these ten French words or phrases that'll get you beyond bonjour.

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