CUSTOMS AND NORMS OF POLITENESS IN FRANCE - 7 THINGS TO DO
- May 22, 2017
- 2 min read
I have travelled a lot and I have made some mistakes because I wasn’t aware at this time of the customs and norms of politeness of the country. For instance, in France when a car driver stops to let you cross the road, we thank him by waving. That's why, I also did it in Greece… but there, waving is a sign of malediction. No wonder why the person angrily honked. Sorry Sir…!
With some knowledge, some mistakes can be avoided. That’s why, I think sharing with you customs and norms of politeness of France can be interested. I list the most important norms but I am sure some are missing because they are so natural for me that I do not see them specific to France. Also, do not hesitate to share your experience and stories with me in the comment, so I can update and complete my list.
Don’t be stressed, you are not supposed to know everything and it’s a well-known fact that we learn from our mistakes.
7 THINGS TO DO
1 Say ‘Bonjour’ (=Hello) and ‘Au revoir’ (=Goodbye) when you enter a shop. If you can’t speak French, don't worry a simple smile will be enough. But do not ignore the sellers, it is considered as impolite.
2 Hold the door open for people and say ‘merci’ (=thank you) if someone do it for you.
3 Always serve others before yourself. For instance, if you want to drink water, pour water for others first “Quelqu’un veut-il de l’eau?” (=Does anyone want some water?). Age doesn’t matter.
4 Stand on the right side of the escalator. The right side is for standing, the left side is for those who want to walk.
5 Offer your seat in public transport (subway, bus, tramway) to pregnant women, old people and disabled people. Most of the time, there is no dedicated seat for them that’s why people must be considerate of others.
6 Pay for what you consume if you eat with friends and there is no special event.
Gentlemen be careful there is an exception!! When a woman and a man go to a restaurant, in a romantic aspect, it is part of French custom that man pays for woman, at least for the 1st date. For the next ones, it will depend on the couple and how they want to establish their relationship.
7La bise! In France we do ‘la bise’ to say hello to people we know (friends, families, colleagues…). Usually 'la wise is between two women or women and men. For men, the situation will depend on the region and on the person. In Paris usually men shake hands and don’t do ‘la bise’ whereas in the south of France they do it.
Another interesting fact about 'la bise', the number of kisses. It will also depend on the region! In Paris and its surroundings, it's 2, in the South of France it's 3 and some other departments it’s 4. Don’t worry, even French people do mistakes on the number and French people will not be offended if you don’t do 'la bise’.
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