How Not To Be a Rude Tourist in Paris

1. Always Say Bonjour/Au Revoir When You Enter/Leave a Shop/Restaurant

This might sound like common knowledge, but believe me, I’ve seen it happen many times!

This is probably the biggest ick for French people, and you’ll be instantly considered rude if you don’t say hello. This simple word can instantly change how you’ll be treated by the person attending to you.

Say hi to a cashier at a supermarket or mall, your server at a restaurant, basically anyone attending to you! And if they say Bonjour to you first, simply reply with a Bonjour. Ignoring a hello is also rude!

When it’s time to leave, simply say “Au Revoir” for goodbye or “Bonne Journée” for have a good day.

I know in some places this might not be considered rude, but in France, it is!

2. Always Say “Merci”( Thank You)

Following up on my previous point, another word that you should say a lot is Merci or Thank you!

You ask for directions, say Merci. Your food is served, “Merci”. Someone lets you pass by them on an escalator, “Merici”.

You get change from a cashier, “Merci”. I know it’s common knowledge and it should be done everywhere, but in Paris or France in general, it’s even more important or you’ll be considered a rude tourist!

3. Don’t Call Your Server At Restaurants “Garçon”

a restaurant in Paris in Saint Germain des Pres

If you’ve watched some American movies set in France, they sometimes use the word “garçon” when calling a server.

Actually, even when you google the meaning of the word garçon, what will come up is “a waiter in a French restaurant or hotel.” While this might have been okay some 50 years ago, today, it’s considered very rude!

In French, garçon translates to “boy”. Basically, you’ll be calling your server “boy” so don’t be surprided if you’re considered extremely rude.

Your server might even refuse to come because that is so disrespectful, or if they do, you might not get the same service as others.

Instead, if you want to get the server’s attention, just raise your hand, maintain eye contact, and say please (s’il vous plaît). You can also say, “Excuse me, sir/madam”.

4. Don’t push your way inside a metro before others exit

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a Paris metro is pushing your way in the metro before others fully exit.

It might seem like a small thing, but it’s considered very rude and it might earn you some annoyed stares.

Always wait beside the doors and let everyone who needs to get off do so first. It not only shows respect but also makes the boarding process smoother and quicker for everyone. Once everyone has exited, then you can enter.

5. Don’t Use The Fold-Up seats If The Metro Is Crowded

When riding the Paris metro, you’ll notice fold-up seats near the doors. While they’re convenient when the train is empty, it’s inconsiderate and impolite to use them during peak times.

If the metro is crowded, leave them folded and lean against them instead to make room for others.

Final Thoughts on How Not To Be A Rude Tourist in Paris

I know most people think the French are rude but I hope this article has given you pointers on why it might seem that way and how you can avoid being a rude tourist because if you’re rude, that rudeness might be reciprocated.

And the worst thing is that you may not even know you were rude so you might just judge that you were treated rudely, yet in reality, they were just “matching your energy”.

So have fun in Paris and avoid these faux pas.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

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