http://www.transitionsabroad.

com/publications/magazine/0505/working_and_living_d
o_and_donts_in_france.shtml

Dos and Don'ts in France

Living Abroad Requires Tact and Cultural Insight

Don't begin a conversation with a Frenchman in English, no matter how rusty your French is.
It's the best way to assure that he'll make no attempt to reply in English, even if he knows some.
The French take pride in their language, and the best way to show your respect is to do your
best to speak Frencheven if it's just a few, badly pronounced words. What matters is that
you've shown yourself as polite. Many a Frenchman will then come to your rescue in English. If
you work in a French company, do make an effort to gradually improve your French. English is
still seen as a rival language that threatens the position of French as a world language (some
still have the illusion) and undermines the purity of French by sneaking in words like ferry-boat,
hamburger, and meeting.
Don't start your day in a French office by walking in, maybe saying "Hi" to everybody, and then
heading straight for your desk. Do walk along to the colleagues you work closest with, including
the manager if you pass his office, shake their hands and say, "bonjour Jean-Pierre," or
whatever the name is (there is a high statistical probability that you will find at least one Jeansomething at work). While this may seem strange to you, it's normal for the French, and it's rude
not to do it. Throughout the day, when you meet someone you know reasonably well in a
corridor the first time, repeat the bonjour-handshake ritual, but never say bonjour to the same
person more than once on the same day. It's sometimes difficult to remember exactly with whom
you've already shaken hands and you can sometimes find people exchanging opinions on
whether or not they've already said bonjour. I've watched this become an agitated discussion
that lasted five minutes!
Don't shake hands if you should have exchanged la bise, the kiss on the cheek, instead. If at
least one of the persons greeted is a woman, a handshake may be a faux pas. While it is rude
to reject la bise, it can be intimidating to suggest it if you don't know the woman well enough. In
offices, the main rule is that it's practiced between people who know each other reasonably well.
In private, it's used between friends and family, but there can be exceptions. If you're unsure
and the Frenchman is a woman, let her decide; watch whether she prepares to shake hands
or faire la bise. If you're the woman, use the above guidelines and supplement them with
experience from local practice
La bise starts by bringing one cheek close to the other's cheek and simulating a kiss on the
cheek. Some start with the right cheek, some with the left. Like a goalkeeper predicting the
direction of the ball, try to determine which of your cheeks the other is aiming for so an

embarrassing collision is avoided. Some make a kiss-simulating noise with their mouth, such
as phwouiik, mmmm, or phhlschlp. Remaining silent is perfectly all right. After the first kiss on
the cheek, the maneuver is repeated at least once on the opposite cheeks. The total number of
kisses depends on the region, the person, and many other things. Even the French are
confused. Left? Right? Two, Three, Four? Kiss? Handshake? Don't take it seriously, and laugh
at it if it goes wrong. Oh, and be careful using the word baiser! In classic literature, it means
"kiss." But today, it also means the same as a certain English 4-letter word.
Don't address anyone using tu if you should have used vous. This is as much of a minefield
as la bise. If in doubt, use vous, but beware that if you keep saying vous when the other has
suggested tu, it can be seen as a bit arrogant. It is now common in emails between even very
recent business partners to use first names. Don't fall into the trap of using tu in that case! The
classic rules for using tu still apply, and you should continue using vous, even together with first
names.
To illustrate how confusing this is, my wife and I socialized with a French neighboring couple
when we lived in Lille. After some months, they started usingtu to my wife, but they kept
saying vous to me. After some more months, he started saying tu to me, but his wife continued
saying vous. "Out of respect" was the answer when my wife asked her. However, once I had
him on the phone, he fell back to vous. Confused? We were.
Don't communicate across hierarchy lines at work unless you're certain that it's accepted. In the
Anglo-Saxon world, hopping across hierarchy lines is no big deal. In France, respecting the
significance of hierarchy and managers is important. In many work situations you will naturally
need to talk to people in other groups as a part of your job. That is perfectly acceptable, and you
will quickly find out what constitutes business as usual and when you should go through line
management. Even if you're an external contractor, you should act as if you were an employee.
For example, before starting an IT contract as an external consultant for a French company I
was asked to get in touch with their purchasing department to sort out the contract formalities.
Towards the end of the contract I again contacted the purchase department to ask how they
interpreted a particular contract clause. They answered me, and they copied the local director
on the site where I worked. Later, the group manager told me that I should have asked the
question through site management. In France, how you work may be as important as reaching
your goals.
Don't think you can do all your shopping, banking, and administration during your lunch break.
Except in major urban zones, everything is closed during the lunch hours, which can last
anywhere between one and three hours. Most supermarkets remain open everywhere,
though, sans interruption, while banks close even in Paris. As a general rule, you won't be able
to get anything done between noon and 2 p.m. but don't call anyone at 11:55 either, as he or
she would already be closing down for lunch. In France, closing time means the time by which
you must have finished all your matters and left; not the latest time you can begin something. In
shops the personnel will round up remaining customers 10 to15 minutes before closing time and

chase them to the checkout. The French will not accept your trying to push work into their lunch
break, which is sacred.
Do take your regular lunch and coffee breaks, even if you're busy and working on something
important. Working your butt off is not seen as an ideal in France, and you might be considered
a bit weird if you do.
Do take the holidays and vacations you're entitled to. Everybody else does. The lunch break
can be an occasion to build up your network that you should not waste. Needless to say, "brown
bag" lunches are unknown in France.
Don't try to impress others with how much wealth you have. It would be seen as bad taste, and
it's not an accepted measure for social status. How highly you're considered is based on your
position, which university you went to, your diplomas, and who you socialize with. Typical
discussion subjects are culture, food, vacation, politics, family, office gossip, etc. Not money!
Don't be disappointed it you're not invited to a barbecue straightaway. The French take their
time before they decide whom they want to socialize with. They could find it embarrassing if you
invite them to your home too soon in what you would find a friendly gesture. Social relations are
much more at a one-to-one level than the American "let's have a barbecue everybody." Building
up a network therefore takes time and is generally more difficult than in the U.S.
Don't be frightened by all the rules. The French will help you along to adapt, so long as you
show a minimum of tact and respect, but they may be too polite to tell you directly if you goofed.
Look out for subtle hints and unspoken words. Absence of approval or polite phrases may be
meant as disapproval. The French are less direct than Americans. But in the end, be yourself,
let yourself flow along with the French way of life, and you will have a marvelous

http://www.traveltaboo.com/tag/france-travel-dos-and-donts/

FRANCE DONTs

FRANCE DOs

http://www.thecollegetourist.com/10-dos-and-donts-for-travelling-in-france/
10 Dos and Donts for Travelling in France

Avoid a dangerous French faux pas with these helpful

hints

When you start a Google search with the phrase The French are, you get two top results. The
first is a famous lyric, The French are glad to die for love from Marilyn Monroes Diamonds Are a
Girls Best Friend. The second is the common stereotype, The French are rude. Both have a hint
of truth to them.
The French are a rather passionate people, highly opinionated and quite proud of their nations rich
art, cuisine, culture, and history. And rightly so from the Impressionists to the Enlightenment
thinkers to that buttery croissant, France is a delightful adventure within itself. With its variety of
regions, large cities, alpine mountains, gorgeous coastlines, marvelous chateaux, fruitful vineyards,
and charming medieval villages, France is a must on any European itinerary.
But the French passion often results in somewhat abrasive behavior, especially when a tourist
commits a common faux pas. So make sure to review these 10 dos and donts before you travel
and enjoy the heart of western Europe.

Dont
1) Discuss French politics and current events unless you are up to date. The French take these
matters quite seriously and everyone has their opinion which means if you have an ill-informed
one, that seemingly nice Frenchman next to you at the bar will educate you. Even if you major in
French Studies, make sure you emphasize that your view is that of an outsider, and stray from bold
criticism of anything French.
2) Complain about how long it takes to get your cafe order. French cafe culture is drastically
different from the American coffee culture. Whereas in the US you grab your coffee and go, in
France you must linger over your coffee, sit outside the cafe, watch people pass by, and enjoy the
moment. Also realize that coffee in France has hundreds of variation, none of which are the kind of
coffee you get at Dunkin.

The French appreciate good food

3) Assume everyone speaks English. Surprisingly, a lot of French people do not speak English.
Unlike nations like Germany and Denmark, English is not as highly stressed in France, and the
French covet their language. Unless you are at the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower or anywhere where
only tourists go, chances are youll have to speak some French.
4) Wear shorts. Although teens in France do wear shorts in the summer, sophisticated French
women will either wear skirts, dresses, or lightweight long/capri pants. Short shorts are considered a
bit crass, and some restaurants wont let you enter their dinner service in such casual clothing.

A French summer on the Cote dAzur

5) Refer to superiors by their first name. The French system is rather hierarchical, and students
should refer to anyone older than them as madame or monsieur, or by their appropriate title. Never
use the tu form of speech (the French equivalent of a casual you) instead use the vous form in
phrases such as sil vous plait, avez-vous, and Je vouz remercie.

Dos
1) Learn key French phrases. Piggy-backing off of #5 of the donts, it is crucial to learn key French
phrases, especially ones for politeness. When entering a store, always greet people with a bonjour,
make sure to thank them with a merci, and always say some variation of au revoir on the way out.
Politeness is incredibly important in France.

Strut down these gorgeous streets

2) Dress well. Ripped jeans dont work. That old camp T-shirt doesnt work. Your university
sweatshirt should be left for lounging around your hostel. You dont have to dress fancily, but do
dress well. That means a clean pair of jeans, a cardigan, comfortable but well-maintained walking
shoes, a classic dress. Classic style trumps the latest trends so leave the sequins at home and
bring your best basics.
3) Order multiple courses. If you are out at a restaurant, make it a full meal. French culinary culture
is a world of its own, and meals are meant to last several hours to allow you to savor the flavors and
appreciate the culinary excellence of the chef. Drink the wine and be adventurous escargots are
actually quite delicious.
4) Bring a gift for your host or hostess. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a French
home or have a host family, bring a gift. A good, thoughtful gift. A mug with your university logo wont
cut it make sure its classy and practical. For dinner, a good bottle of wine or a vase with flowers
are classics.

Find a cozy corner of France for you and you only.

5) Stray off the tourist path. Sure, there are some iconic things you must see: the Eiffel Tower,
Monaco, the D-Day beaches. But France is at its most charming in its villages and towns, where
locals actually do know their local baker and life moves at a slower pace. A true immersion in France
is not complete without discovering your own tourist-free nook.
Keep these general guidelines in mind when traveling in France, and you will get along with those
pesky Frenchmen in no time. But beware you might fall in love with the country and never leave.

http://www.discoverfrance.com/blog/dos-and-donts-in-france/

Dos and Donts in France

Helpful Tips To Follow in France
Every country has its own history, culture and proper etiquette.Traveling to a
neighboring country or one halfway around the world requires a little knowledge and
insight into that countries way of life. France is no different! The language, laws and
manners are different than you are used to. For example, there are two words meaning
you: tu and vous. Using the wrong one may inadvertently insult someone. Here are a
few dos and donts to keep in mind while biking in France. But dont worry, French are
usually kind with tourists and strangers, even if you speak very little French !

Dos

Do learn some key French phrases before travelling, it can be useful, especially if
you are planning to visit the countryside and small villages

Do dress well as the French are very fashionable people

Do bring a present to your friends and relatives when you visit them or if you are
invited to lunch or dinner

Do get ready to pay for everything in Paris, even using the toilettes in the bar
will cost you

Do place your napkin in your lap immediately after being seated and do keep
your hands on the table

Do respect the French lunch break, it is sacred to them !

Do break your bread into tiny pieces instead of biting into the whole piece of
bread

Do take the metro or walk when exploring the city, thats the best way to
discover Paris and other French cities !

Donts

Do not shake hands if you should exchange a kiss on the cheek, this can be
seem strange to tourists but in France you are supposed to exchange a kiss on
the cheek when you meet someone ! The number of kisses you exchange is
different in every region : in Paris is 2, but in the south of France sometimes its
3 There is no rule about that, so just do as other people around you do !

Do not address anyone using tu if you should have used vous : remember you
use tu for friends and relatives, you have to use vous when you speak to
someone you have just met or if you want to be polite

Do not try to impress others with your wealth; instead discuss subjects like
culture, food, vacation, politics, family, office gossip, etc French people dont
speak about money very often !

Do not present red carnations to your friends as this flower is believed to

symbolize bad will in France

Do not complain about how long it takes for your order in Cafs, waiting is a part
of the experience !

Do not start your eating in France until the hostess says bon apptit and never
ask for a doggy bag

Do not expect ice when order a drink, if you want some ice you should ask the
waiter when you order

http://www.understandfrance.org/French/Dos&Donts.html

Useful tips on life in

France

Expats : DO adjust to France

and the French!

Table manners, a few tips if you

are invited for dinner : don't come too early,
don't eat too much of the first course, try
everything and avoid leaving food on your
plate, speak lightly (and
avoid money andreligion...), don't say "Bon
apptit" (it has become a little ridiculous),
don't bore people with your "allergies" (it is
very rude not to eat what you are served),
etc... (more tips on wine etiquette, bread
andcheese etiquette). For more details, read
"Don't Eat Your Soup With a Fork", an
anthology of faux-pas ! Read specific DOs
and DONTs about cheese, wine and
bread, and read my colum about"the ugly
American eater

If you are the host : don't ask your guests

to bring food (even good friends!). This is a
NO-NO. They expect you to do the work and
perform the show.

Restaurant manners :

have the opportunity to live in a foreign country

and if you only meet your compatriots, you may
as well be in Duba or Tokyo. Do not transmit
stereotypes about the French if you meet them
only at work or in shops. There are nice people in
France too and French life has good sides (not
only food and wine...)!

o Don't order only one dish : if you

are not hungry, don't go to a
restaurant!,

o Don't drink soft drinks or coffee

with a good meal,

no-no : you may get but it is

considered cheap and rude),

o Don't try to order things you find

DON'T deal only with people who deal ONLY

with expats (doctors, lawyers, dentists, plumbers,
cleaning ladies,...) : they probably charge "expat
prices".... A doctor who speaks English is not
necessarily a better doctor!

o Do know the difference between a

"restaurant" and a "brasserie" : the
former serves "real" meals (two
courses minimum) at meal time only
(12am-2pm, 7:30pm-10pm) : if you
want to eat one course only or at

DO speak French : forget CNN or

BBC,watch TV and try to read a French
newspaper : you'll improve your French and
understand better the French if you don't look at
them through other people's eyes. Learn
French and read my column about it.

o Don't order something absurd like

"an onion soup without cheese" or
"a croque-monsieur without ham": at
home, would you order a hamburger
without meat ? Order what's on the
list!

DON'T judge before making an effort to

understand! There is always a reason to explain
people's behavior : first understand, then
criticize... For instance, don't be shocked if
somebody does not give you his name when any
American would have done it : it may be a matter
of privacy.

o Never ask for a doggy bag (it's a

only at home : ask for what people

here eat or drink.

DON'T live (only) among expats : you

DON'T be afraid of French schools for

Miss Manners
A few years ago Harriet Welty Rochefort, author of French Toast and French Fried, wrote a "Miss Manners" column
for a club she belongs to (the AAWE or Association of American Wives of Europeans which, despite its rather 1950s
name is a remarkable association of women who do very useful work in the fields of citizenship and bilingualism for
Americans abroad). She received letters such as the following which may give an idea of the fun kinds of cultural
differences you can run across when you're an American living in France. Here goes:

On "tu" and "vous"

Dear Frustrated,
Dear Miss Manners,
I know you've written about "tu" and "vous" in your
column but I have a specific problem. Do you use "tu" to
your babysitter when she's not that much younger than
you are? She calls me "vous" and it makes me feel
funny. On the other hand, I wonder if I lose whatever
authority I have if I tell her to use "tu" to me. And I think
it's positively feudal if I call her "tu" and she calls me
"vous". So far I've skirted the issue by avoiding the
personal pronoun but this can't go on much longer.

My, how complicated! Some people don't have this kind

of problem because they are spontaneous "tu" or "vous"
users. The rest of us wander about in a grey area much
as you are in right now. In your particular case, you
really have to play it by ear. Do what seems to come
naturally and, incidentally, it is not all that feudal if she
calls you "vous" and you call her "tu" - after all, even if
you're not that far apart in age, you're still older - and
you're the boss. Bon courage!
Miss Manners

Frustrated

On the "baise-main"

Dear Decadent,

Dear Miss Manners,

It's true that there are certain rules governing the baisemain. First of all, it is never to be done in a public place
(a sidewalk, for example). Second of all, it is reserved to
Boy, was my gorgeous 24-year-old daughter floored
married women. The man is to gently touch his lips to a
when she was given a baise-main by a dashing
slightly raised hand (not slobber all over them) and he
Frenchman about twice her age. I was told, however,
that the baise-main is not to be given to a single woman can execute a slight bow as well. As for being creepy, I
- which she is. What are the rules? And why do some of leave that to the judgement of our readers. In Miss
my compatriots feel that hand-kissing is creepy? I like it. Manners' opinion, when done discreetly and in the right
circumstances, it is quite charming indeed.
It is so deliciously decadent.
Decadent.

Miss Manners

Harriet has had the privilege of speaking to Elder Hostel and other American groups in Paris and has been able to
appreciate their very pertinent questions about the French. They ask everything from "why is food such an icon in
France?" (see our pages on recipes or our tips on food !) to "how is the social security and retirement system set up?"
She was delighted to see their interest in comparing the two cultures and tried to answer their questions as best she
could. We'd like to open up this page to YOUR questions about the French. The best ones will be published in our
selection of questions
Feel free to share your personal anecdotes and stories about the French with us. Many of the people in the Elder
Hostel groups have told her that they were "afraid" to come to France because of the arrogant reputation the French
have....and were pleasantly surprised to find that people were exceedingly, even amazingly helpful. We'd love to hear

your personal stories and hope they're as positive! Click here for examples of what Americans living in France like the
most.

http://frenchdistrict.com/new-york-english/french-etiquette-day-to-day-dos-dontssocial-behavior-manners-politeness/

French etiquette Day to day dos and donts

The guidelines to avoid a faux pas in the French society.

The summer holiday season is here and France will be crammed with tourists. Being
well versed in the social behavior practices is important if you are planning a vacation
out of your country. Every country has its own customs and traditions that dictate the
rules of communication and etiquette. French people, like everyone else have their
specific manner requirements as well. After all, Handsome is as handsome does, said
Tolkein in the Fellowship of the Ring.

La poiltesse reigns social behavior amongst French as does formality. The way you
act, talk, dress, eat everything is more formal as compared to American standards.
The following tips are handy to avoid being stamped tourist if you are vacationing in
France.
Hellos and goodbyes
No matter who you meet or speak to, you have to begin with a greeting. Bonjour and
Bonsoir (after 6 pm) are the expected hellos. These are used with the words

Monsieur and Madame for men and women respectively. You say your goodbyes
with Au revoir. Greetings are offered with a light handshake. Kissing on both cheeks or
faire la bise is a form of greeting amongst family, friends and colleagues.
Bob, is it?
The French take names very seriously. The social norm dictates that you dont use the
first name of a person unless you are invited to do so. You address the person the last
name. Knowing academic titles and using them properly is required.
You or you?
The use of the pronoun you as tu or vous dictates many relations in France. As a
general rule of thumb use vous. It indicates politeness and respect. The word tu is
used as relationships grow. And you wouldnt want to go offending someone, would

you?
Lets play dress
The French are known for their fashion consciousness. When in France, dont dress
American Casual. Although there are no strict dress codes on a day to day basis,
American casual is a little too casual for us. We rarely wear shorts unless its the beach.
So, dress more formal, more like business casual.
Bon Apptit
Be it a dinner, a party or a cocktail party at someones place, it is customary to arrive 10
or 15 minutes late, so that the host has enough time to be ready. Guests are seated by
the host. Never start eating until your host and hostess have begun and always wait
until a toast has been proposed before you drink wine.
Table manners dictate that you keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal
not in your lap. However, take care to keep your elbows off the table. Bread is served
with every meal and it is broken with hands, never cut. Unlike Americans, we, the
French keep this broken bread on the tablecloth or the bread plate and not the bread
basket. We also dont cut salad; lettuce is folded on to the fork.
It is considered impolite to leave anything on the plate. Taste everything that is offered.
When finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position.
Leave your wine glass almost full if you dont care for more. However, never refill your
own glass of wine for more. Wait to be served!
To gift or not to gift

Flowers (natural as far as possible) and chocolates are perfect gifts when in doubt.
However, when it comes to flowers, stay away from 6 or 12 (for lovers), odd numbers,
especially 13 since it is considered unlucky, chrysanthemums or red roses since they
are used in weddings. We also love our wine, so if you decide to gift wine, make sure it
is really good.
General, not so general
Dont forget your Ps and Ts. Always say please and thank you. Keep your voice low in
public. Yelling is considered a sign of anger and impoliteness.
We, the French love conversation in general. However, dont ask personal questions or
expect us to show you around in our house. We also dislike speaking of politics. A smile
is considered polite in most cultures, however we dont indulge in smiles just for
politeness. We smile only when we feel like it. Our humor is satirical and sexual at
times. So keep an open mind to humor.

http://thecultureur.com/5-dos-and-donts-in-paris/

5 DOS AND DONTS IN PARIS

DO
1) People watch from pavement cafes. Cafe culture is taken very seriously in Paris and its one
of my favorite things to do in the city. You dont need a book, a magazine, your phone, or
another person for entertainment; the busy streets of Paris offer plenty of fodder for
distraction. Find a cozy caf with outdoor seating at a good location (which is virtually
everywhere in the city, but the Marais is a good place to start) and soak up all the beautiful
details that make the city so alluring. But dont rush yourself; allow yourself to indulge in this
sweetly simple and satisfying pleasure.
2) Eat to your hearts content. Considering Paris is one of the worlds leading gastronomic
capitals, of course youre going to indulge in its vast haven of culinary excellence. Food has
never tasted so good, so enjoy every crepe, every baguette, every macaron, every pain au
chocolat, every kind of fromage, and every croque-monsieur without any guilt. Bon apptit!

3) Learn a few basic French phrases beforehand. Trying to speak the language with locals (and
smiling) goes a longgggg way. Trust me. My French is not perfect; in fact, its far from it. But I
do recall nods of approval and appreciation that my French met with when I started out the
conversation in French. We ultimately switched to English, but I know for a fact that I would
have received much more resistance or experienced the infamous rudeness theyre known
for had I started with English from the get go. Even if its just the basic phrases like merci, sil
vous plait, bonjour, merde (very important!), au revoir, je ne parle pas Franais, etc., the fact
that youre attempting to speak the local language shows reverence for their culture and
appreciation for the language. As Clifton Fadiman said, When you travel, remember that a
foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own
people comfortable.

4) Go shopping. Thats a no brainer. It IS blasphemy to go to one of the worlds most

fashionable cities and not engage in retail heaven. Im not talking about just shopping on the
Champs-Elysees; in fact, dont do that at all! Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Marais
or rue du Commerce and scope out aspiring designers and trendy boutiques that are one of a
kind and can only be found in Paris. I see little point in buying my Chanel, Longchamp, and
Louboutin in Paris when I can buy them anywhere else in the world. Theyre not any cheaper
in Paris (at least for USD), contrary to what some may believe.
5) Acquaint yourself with Paris lesser-known museums. Im all about exploring the beautiful
corridors of the Louvre and Muse dOrsay. Hell, Ive been to the Louvre 26 times myself. But
there is much more to Paris museum circuit than those two. Especially when youre on a
tight schedule, dont spend hours there and neglect other lesser-known, but equally amazing
museums. A few others that are worth a visit: Muse Rodin, Muse de lOrangerie, and Muse
du Vin (a whole museum on wine!).

DONT
1) Dont take cabs everywhere; walk (or metro it if you must). Youll be idling away in endless
traffic, paying exorbitant fees, and missing out on the pulse of the city. And besides, Im sure
you can find many other ways to blow that precious cash in the city. Compactly sprawled
across 6 miles, the city of Paris is designed for pedestrians. In the French language, theres a
beautiful word, flneur, to describe a stroller who wanders through city streets in search of
adventure and fulfillment, and one who flirts with the complexities of modern life as an astute
observer. The word originated in Paris, and for good reason.

2) Dont eat your meals on the go. One thing (among many) that the French take pride in is
taking time out to savor every bite of their meal and indulge in the art of conversation,
sometimes spending a few hours for one meal. As an American, its one aspect of the French
lifestyle that doesnt come naturally to me. But after indulging in it for months while I lived
there, Ive come to fully appreciate this simple pleasure. I try to adhere to this new approach
as much as I can, but I must admit that from time to time, Im still guilty of the coffee in one
hand/a sandwich in the other/phone on shoulder look bad habits die hard. But in Paris
never.

3) Dont just see famous Paris; create your own Paris. That means seeking out off-the-beaten
path ideas that may not be in guide books. Do a little research beforehand, or better yet, shed
your inhibitions and allow yourself to get lost and discover gems that have evaded the
mainstream radar of tourists. Wander through one of the many gorgeous parks, idle through
the labyrinthine alleyways, venture off the beaten path for some authentic eats, discover
different vantage points for stunning Eiffel Tower photos (try Tour Montparnasse, Trocadero,
or Palais de Chaillot), take a literary tour that pays tribute to the intellectual geniuses of the
past, and observe the culture firsthand through your interactions with locals.
4) Dont commit fashion faux paus. Im neither advocating a whole new wardrobe, nor am I
saying you have to be a fashionista to visit Paris, but unless you want to receive the tourist
treatment, understand and appreciate basic French/Parisian style. Its not about dressing to
the nines every day; its about looking effortlessly chic. Coordinated, but casual. Ditch those
flip-flops, shorts, and white running shoes. As the French would say, a ne se fait pas (it
simply isnt done). And certainly do not feed into stereotypes; its not cute to bicycle through
the streets clad in a beret and striped shirt with a bundle of baguettes under your arm.
5) Dont forget to witness the beauty of the City of Light at night. As with any city, Paris has two
very different personalities, one during the day, one at night. The day personality pales in
comparison with its night counterpart. Dont get me wrong, Paris is as beautiful as can be
when pressed against the glistening sun (or gloomy sky), but at night, illuminated under the
moonlight, its sheer magic. MAGIC.

5 DOs and DONTs in Paris