Paris Etiquette: The Unspoken Rules You Need To Know

Have you ever seen someone do something in Paris and wonder if they really got the memo that that’s just not acceptable?

Perhaps you got a weird look from a local and you’ve been asking yourself what you did wrong but can’t put a finger on it.

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There are a lot of unspoken rules in Paris that tourists seemingly break without even realizing it, so to help you not commit any faux pas and even avoid the “rudeness” most people accuse Parisians of, I’ve put together these Paris etiquettes you should know before you come to the French capital.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

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Paris Etiquette: The Unspoken Rules Of Paris You Need To Know

1. Always Say Bonjour when you enter a shop/store

Parisians and French people are big on manners and take saying hello to another level!

While it might seem like common knowledge to say hello and acknowledge wait staff or even sellers, it might not be a thing back in your country, but in Paris, everyone will think you’re very rude if you don’t say hello, and that unpoliteness will no doubt be reciprocated! 

2. Keep Your Voice Down

I hate calling people out but this is mostly common among Americans and some Spanish-speaking people.

You can literally spot Americans (some not all) from miles away because they always speak loud, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but when you come to Paris, you’ll get those stares because everyone else will be wondering why you’re trying to address the entire community yet you’re just talking to one person.

3. Dress appropriately

Of course, you can still be yourself in Paris and dress the way you’re comfortable with but if that means wearing shorts with butt cheeks out, you may reconsider leaving those home.

Parisians are known for their chic style, which doesn’t necessarily mean high fashion, but they try to avoid extremely revealing clothes, and to be honest, you’ll get stares if you dress over the top or if 90 % of your body is out.

In the same way, Parisians put a bit of thought into what they wear and try to avoid looking sloppy.

For example, it’s almost impossible to find locals wearing sweatpants or pajamas to run to their nearest boulangerie (bakery) or store however close it might be. The same thing goes for leggings or sports clothes unless they’re actively working out. 

Related article: What not to wear in Paris

4. Stay on the Right side of the escalator when you’re not walking

No one is going to tell you this because it really seems like common knowledge, but I am still going to say it because I see a lot of people standing on the left side of the escalator in metro/train stations without moving which means they’re blocking all the people who are trying to move past them!

Just don’t be that person! If you’re not moving, simply stay on the right side and leave the left for people who need to pass by.

5. Don’t use the fold-up seats in the metro/train when it’s crowded

Still on the topic of transportation, metros and trains have fold-up seats near the doors which you can use without any problem.

But if the train/metro is crowded, don’t use them! It’s just not fair to stay seated when other people barely have any room to stand.

And yes, you’ll get angry looks (and rightly so) from other people wondering why you’re so inconsiderate.

6. Don’t rent a car in Paris

Public transportation in Paris is very effective with a well-connected metro system and several bus lines which makes it easy to get around! 

Renting a car will mean being stuck in traffic most of the time and you’ll have to deal with the crazy Parisian drivers, plus, it’s expensive, and finding parking space can be a real nightmare.

So, save yourself from that pain by sticking to public transportation or calling a taxi if you don’t feel like using the metro or bus. 

7. Use headphones when listening to music or watching movies in the metro or other public places

I can’t believe I am even writing this but unfortunately, I see people playing music on their phones in the metro without headphones, so I thought I should address it here. 

Like the previous point, it’s simply not fair to listen to loud music. For some people, the metro/train is that relaxing place from a hectic day, others are trying to read, and others just don’t want to listen to your music, because again, why would you do that? 

Of course, no one will call you on this (except if there is one person whose nerves you’ve really gotten on), but you’ll get angry stares, and sometimes people may start talking about you amongst themselves and calling you all sorts of names.

8. Ask For The Cheque at Restaurants

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve heard complain about the service in Paris restaurants, particularly because the server wasn’t attentive enough to bring the bill when they were done eating!

In France, this is not a thing and it doesn’t mean they’re not paying attention! They’re simply giving you the time you need to enjoy your meal because to them, bringing a cheque is the equivalent of politely asking you to leave.

So, you’ll need to ask for one when you’re ready to leave or you might wait for an hour and it’ll still not come. 

9. Be Polite

I can’t emphasize this enough but in Paris, politeness will take you far! See how I say “polite” and not “friendly”?

Although they could be interpreted as the same to some people, they’re actually different and the difference can be felt in Paris.

French people don’t generally do small talk and neither do they expect it from others, especially people whom they’re not friends with! Of course, some may be more welcoming about it than others but it’s not a common thing.

Instead, just be polite and that will be enough! Say bonjour (hello), Au revoir (goodbye), and Merci (thank you), don’t bring your entitled attitude just because you spent lots of money to come to Paris, treat people with respect, and you’ll have an amazing stay in Paris.

10. Try Not to Look Like A Tourist

Just like any big city, Paris has its own share of petty crimes like pickpockets and scams and the targets are mostly tourists because one, you just don’t have the time or even the know-how to follow up on a crime, and two, chances are high that you might have something valuable on you like a camera, money, etc.

The best way not to look like a tourist is not to dress like one and not look completely lost — believe me, these thieves will see it and instantly make you a target.

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Final Thoughts on Paris Etiquette

While these unspoken rules might apply in other cities and countries, Parisians take them seriously even though no one will walk up to you to tell you that that’s not allowed. 

But with these pointers, I hope you’ll be a more informed tourist who might even wonder why people call Parisians rude because you never had any issues with them. 

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

• Big Mistakes to Avoid in Paris
• What Not to Wear in Paris
• Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Paris

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