Paris today has changed a lot compared to the past. If in the past, tourists only focused on visiting a few famous places and rarely met English-speaking locals, now Paris has become much more vibrant and international. However, the French capital still retains its cultural characteristics, especially in lifestyle, food and aesthetic taste.
Paris today has changed a lot compared to before.
There is a famous European saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” which means that when you go to a place, you should adapt to the customs and lifestyle of that place, especially in a city like Paris. If you don’t want to accidentally get into awkward situations in front of the locals, you should take note of some important rules. Here are some things to remember to integrate into the Parisian lifestyle and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
1. Always say "Bonjour" when meeting people
In France, greetings are the bare minimum of politeness and are almost mandatory. When entering a cafe, restaurant, small shop or even an elevator, you should start with a "Bonjour" (Good morning) or "Bonsoir" (Good evening). If you skip this greeting, you may receive an unpleasant look from the person you are talking to. When leaving, don't forget to say "Au revoir" (See you again) to show respect. Of course, this rule also applies when you want to ask someone for a favor.
2. Respect the service staff
Unlike other countries, the service industry in France is not a temporary job but an important and highly appreciated profession. Whether in a cheap eatery or a high-end restaurant, the waiters are well-trained and very knowledgeable about the dishes and drinks. They do not simply take orders and calculate the bill, but also advise and take care of the diners throughout the meal. So, treat them politely. Do not call them by empty words like "garçon" (waiter), but instead call them "monsieur" (sir), "madame" (madam), or simply "Excuse-moi" (excuse me). And do not expect them to smile flatteringly like in some other places.
3. Always carry cash
While cashless payments are becoming more common in Paris, many smaller shops still require a minimum card payment, so it’s best to carry some cash with you to avoid inconvenience, especially if you want to buy a pastry at a local bakery or leave a small tip in a restaurant.
4. Don't be afraid to ride your bike
Thanks to its green transport policy, Paris is now a great city for cycling, with hundreds of kilometres of dedicated lanes. If you prefer to explore the city more intimately, use the Vélib' public bike rental system. For just a few euros, you can rent a regular bike or an electric car to cycle around the historic streets.
5. Understand food culture
For the French, food is not simply a part of life, it is an art of living, a definition of identity, even sacred. Most of their time during the day is spent shopping, preparing and enjoying meals. They discuss food with each other, during lunch they may have already planned what they will have for dinner. They have fixed meal times and do not have the habit of snacking constantly. Breakfast is light at home or at a cafe. Lunch usually lasts about an hour and is a time to relax and chat. Dinner usually starts late, around 8 pm. If you eat on the street or in the subway, you may receive curious looks, or even a sarcastic "Bon appétit!" from passersby.
For the French, cuisine is not simply a part of life, it is the art of living.
6. Don't miss the "Apéro"
Parisians don’t have a pre-dinner drinking habit, but they do have an Apéro – a relaxing time at the end of the day, usually between 5pm and 8pm, where they enjoy a glass of wine and some snacks like cheese, sausages or olives before the main meal. You can have an Apéro at a bar with friends or at home with ingredients from a caviste.
7. Beauty always comes first
Paris is not only beautiful in architecture but also in the aesthetic taste of its people, where beauty always takes precedence over convenience. They never dry clothes on the balcony for fear of losing the beauty of the building. They also prefer elegant, minimalist clothing instead of overly comfortable but unsophisticated clothes. If you want to blend in with the Parisian lifestyle, it is best to leave your slippers, wide-brimmed sun hats or oversized, unsightly backpacks at home. However, this is not too important, you can bring anything you want if you do not care about your appearance.
8. Learn to queue Parisian style
If you’re used to queueing in the UK, be prepared for a chaotic queue in Paris. There’s no ‘first off before boarding’ rule on buses or trains – people often jostle to get on first. In shops, the order of service may not be based on who arrived first, but on eye contact with the cashier. Observe and adapt!
9. Speak softly
Paris is a noisy city with all kinds of noise from cafes, traffic, church bells, sirens and even dogs. However, Parisians speak quite softly, often sitting close together to chat. If you accidentally laugh too loudly, you may get a warning look from the people around you.
10. Enjoy life Parisian style
Despite the fast pace of life in Paris, people here always take time to enjoy the beautiful moments of life. They can sit for hours on the sidewalk at a cafe just to watch the flow of people, or stroll along the banks of the Seine in the late afternoon. When in Paris, slow down, enjoy every moment and let this city lead you to the most wonderful experiences.
