17 Things Tourists Do That Annoy Parisians

This article will show you the things tourists do that annoy Parisians and how to avoid them so you can have an enjoyable trip to the city of love!

French people often have a reputation for being rude, especially Parisians! While I’m not going to say there aren’t rude Parisians out there, I’d like to think most of them are just a bit misunderstood.

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As a foreigner turned Parisian, I can tell you that what’s often seen as rudeness is actually a reaction to something a tourist might have done wrong—usually without even realizing it.

I’ve seen this happen countless times, and to help you avoid being “that” tourist, I’m sharing 17 things tourists do that annoy Parisians, so you can avoid them.

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

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Château de Lumières in Vincennes: A fascinating show on the history of the château through the centuries 
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Things Tourists Do That Annoy Parisians

At Restaurants

1. Not Saying Bonjour When You Enter a Restaurant/Shop

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times but I will repeat it because it’s very important! I dare say, the main unspoken rule of visiting Paris.

When you enter a shop or restaurant, say “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” to the seller or server (Bonjour if it’s during the day and Bonsoir in the evening/night hours)! 

This starts the entire encounter in a pleasant way and you’re much more likely to receive warm and attentive service than someone who walks in without a word.

And when you’re leaving, don’t forget to say “Au revoir” which means goodbye, or “Bonne Journee” for have a good day.

2. Calling A Waiter “Garçon”

Another thing that can easily annoy locals and come across as quite rude is calling a server “garçon” in a restaurant. 

You might have seen it in old American movies, where waiters in French restaurants were often addressed as “garçon,” and if you look up the term online, it still translates as “waiter.”

While this might have been acceptable decades ago, today, it’s considered disrespectful.

In French, “garçon” literally means “boy,” and addressing someone this way can be seen as demeaning. Your server might not respond or, worse, mirror the rudeness you’ve unintentionally shown.

If you need to get the server’s attention, a much more polite approach is to say, “Excusez-moi, madame” or “Excusez-moi, monsieur.”

3. Requesting Drastic Changes To the Menu

Ok, let’s not point fingers, but some tourists have a habit of requesting major changes to dishes, and that doesn’t sit well with Parisians. 

Sure, it’s perfectly fine to ask for a garnish to be removed or for an ingredient to be left out if you have an allergy.

But asking for drastic modifications like taking out goat cheese from a goat cheese-based dish or adding chicken to a Greek salad is generally frowned upon.

This is especially true at more upscale restaurants, where chefs have carefully crafted dishes to be enjoyed as they are. When you request big changes, it can come across as disrespectful to the chef’s creation.

If you have dietary restrictions, it’s best to politely ask if a dish can be modified and if they say no, simply choose another option on the menu. 

Alternatively, consider calling the restaurant in advance to see if they can accommodate your needs. 

4. Always Complaining that Service at Restaurants is Bad

A common complaint I’ve heard from tourists in Paris is that the service at restaurants is bad, but that’s often because it’s different from what they’re used to back home. 

I don’t think it’s bad but just an entirely different dining culture.

In France,  It’s not typical for waiters to check on you every few minutes to see if everything is okay or bring the check before you ask for it. 

This doesn’t mean they’re ignoring you! They’re simply giving you space to enjoy your dining experience but if you need something, you can always call them.

Don’t expect waiters to call you “darling” or “honey,” or engage in small talk either. The service is usually polite and professional but not overly friendly or chatty, and that’s just the French way. 

In The Metro

5. Standing on the Left Side of Escalators

Another way you might piss off Parisians is by standing on the left side of the escalator.

This might come as a shocker to some, but Parisians are always on the move! We’re rushing to work, running errands, or running to catch a train meaning that’ll be blocking our way if you stand on the left side which is essentially meant for people who want to walk up the escalator.

You might even hear “excusez moi” or annoyed sighs from locals if you block the way.

It’s quite simple, if you’re standing, stay on the right and if you’re walking, use the left side!

6. Blocking Metro Entrances

In the same, don’t block metro entrances! If you’re waiting to board the metro, stand to the sides of the doors and let people exit first. This makes it easier for everyone to get on and off smoothly and keeps the flow of traffic moving.

Believe me, you’ll get some angry stares if you try to push your way in while others are still exiting.

7. Standing at the Entrance of the Metro 

Also, when you board the metro, don’t just stand by the door, especially when it’s crowded as this will block others from boarding. Instead, make your way further into the carriage to allow more room for others.

If the train gets packed, you might even hear locals saying, “Avancez, s’il vous plaît,” which means “Please move forward” to create room for those just boarding.

8. Sitting on the Fold-up Seats of the Metro

As a local, this one gets me too! It’s a little annoying to see people comfortably seated on the fold-up seats near the doors, while others are left squeezing in the standing area. 

If you want to sit throughout the entire journey, don’t sit on seats next to the doors even when the metro is not crowded because it might not be crowded when you board but as it goes through various stations, more people will keep boarding and you may need to vacate them.

So as soon as you enter, go straight to the seats a bit far from the doors.

9. Wearing A huge Backpack in a Crowded Metro

While still on the topic of creating more room for others, don’t wear a huge backpack on your back when the metro is crowded.

Not only does it take up unnecessary space, making it uncomfortable for others around you, but it also increases the risk of being pickpocketed.

If you’re carrying a backpack, it’s best to take it off and hold it by your side or let it rest by your legs, otherwise, you may be politely asked by a Parisian to remove it. It’s not a trick, but rather a polite way of asking you to create more room for others.

That said, keep an eye on your bag when it’s off your back. You don’t want to become a target for metro pickpockets!

10. Not Having Your Metro Ticket or Navigo Card Ready Before Reaching the Fare Gates

Another thing tourists do that annoys Parisians is when they reach the metro fare gates and then start searching for their metro ticket or Navigo card. 

Parisians are often in a rush and blocking the way disrupts the flow of traffic. To avoid this, have your card or ticket ready in hand before you reach the gates. And if it’s not easily accessible, step aside to find it rather than holding up the line. 

11. Putting Your Luggage on Metro Seats

Ok, I get it, you’ve just come back from a shopping spree and have a handful of bags with you, or you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, and understandably, you may be tempted to put them on the seat next to you. 

While this may be ok in an empty metro, it’s a different story when it’s crowded. Putting your bags on a seat during rush hour means someone else has to stand which is likely to get you a few annoyed stares. 

Instead, try to put the luggage on your lap or even in between your legs to create more room for others.

In Public Spaces

12. Blocking the Way To Take Photos or Check Your Map 

Speaking of blocking the way, another thing that annoys Parisians are tourists who stand in the middle of a busy sidewalk or street to take photos or check a map.

I totally get it! You may have seen something randomly that is worth taking a photo of or you’re not sure where to go next!  

But instead of stopping right in the middle of a busy walkway, try to find a spot off to the side, like near a building or a corner where you won’t disrupt the flow of traffic.

13. Hogging The Sidewalks If You’re Traveling as A Group

Another thing I keep seeing is a group of tourists taking over the entire sidewalk while also walking slowly.

While it seems like an innocent thing because you want to keep chatting with everyone in your group, you’ll be blocking other people who may want to bypass you.

Parisians tend to walk quickly, and the sidewalks in Paris are often quite narrow, so if your group is blocking the way, it can be a bit of an inconvenience.

To avoid this, try walking two by two, with others following behind. This way, you can still chat while making it easy for people to pass by.

14. Speaking Loudly in Public

When you’re in a public place like the metro, a museum, a restaurant, or even just walking down the street, try to keep your voice down. 

Parisians are generally more soft-spoken, so they’re sensitive to loud conversations.

If you’re talking to someone, keep the conversation between the two of you rather than addressing the entire room. Or you’ll turn heads, and not in a good way!

15. Starting a Conversation in English Right Away

If there’s one thing the French take seriously, it’s their language— so starting a conversation in English right away can slightly madden a few Parisians, because it may come off as not making an effort to respect the local culture.

That’s not to say they don’t speak English! Many do, especially in tourist areas but it’s always better to start with a simple “Bonjour” and then politely ask, “Parlez-vous anglais “Do you speak English?” before continuing in English.

You can also use a few basic phrases like “Merci” (thank you) and “S’il vous plaît” (please) to show a bit of effort. It makes a big difference and creates a more positive interaction.

16. Not Respecting Private Spaces

Over the years, some streets in Paris have gained popularity thanks to social media, and it’s understandable that you’d want to take photos of these charming spots. 

For example, Rue Cremieux, a colorful street in the 12th arrondissement that has become a must-see for many visitors.

It’s important to remember that this is a residential area so when you go there, be respectful of the residents.

Keep your voice down, don’t linger for too long, don’t leave trash behind, and avoid using their doorsteps or property as photo props. I bet you wouldn’t enjoy it if the tables were turned.

The constant tourist traffic has become overwhelming to the point where residents requested the city to install gates restricting access to the street during certain hours.

They even created an Instagram page highlighting the disrespectful behaviors they’ve encountered over the years.

So when you visit popular residential streets, please be mindful and considerate — just as you would want others to be if they were outside your home.

17. Treating The City Like A Theme Park

Finally, Parisians hate it when tourists treat Paris like a theme park.

Yes, we may have the only Disney Park in Europe, but that doesn’t extend to the city! While Paris is a huge destination for tourists, it’s also home to over 2 million people.

We have jobs to get to, friends and family to meet, errands to run, and daily routines to maintain. So it can be a little frustrating when visitors act as if the city exists solely for their entertainment, disregarding the fact that it’s a real functioning city.

So as you explore Paris, just remember that it’s a place where people live, not just a picturesque backdrop. Like any major city, not everything will be picture-perfect, and that’s okay! 

Final Thoughts on Things Tourists Do That Annoy Parisians

While these might seem like a lot of rules to keep in mind, they’re not difficult once you get the hang of them. 

Take the time to learn a few cultural differences, and you’ll find that Parisians will appreciate the effort and are not as rude as many people claim them to be!

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

• Common Paris Etiquette
• How much does it cost to visit Paris
• How to Use the Paris Metro
• Which Metro Ticket or Pass Should You Buy In ParisBig Mistakes to Avoid in Paris
• What Not to Wear in Paris
• Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Paris
• Big Mistakes to Avoid in Paris

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