When travelling to France, it is important to try not to look like a tourist. There are a few things you can do to help with this. Firstly, avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing or show too much skin. This includes shorts, skirts, and tank tops. Instead, opt for clothes that are more conservative and cover up your body more. Secondly, make an effort to speak some French when you are in public places such as restaurants or shops. Even if you only know a few phrases, this will show that you are making an effort to integrate into the local culture. Finally, be aware of your body language and try not to stand out too much by being overly animated or loud. By following these tips, you should be able to blend in more with the locals and avoid looking like a tourist in France.
Dress Appropriately. Leave the baseball caps at home
tips on how not to look like a tourist in France, one of the easiest ways is to dress appropriately. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy all new clothes, but be mindful of what you wear when traveling to France. Avoid wearing anything that is too casual or sporty, as this will definitely make you stand out as a tourist. Instead, try to dress more sophisticated and put-together. Opt for classic pieces that can be easily dressed up or down, such as a black blazer, dark wash jeans, or a white button-down shirt. And make sure to leave the baseball caps at home!
Have Good Table Manners. No doggy bags please
If you want to avoid looking like a tourist in France, it’s important to have good table manners. Here are some tips:
1. Don’t ask for a doggy bag. In France, it’s considered rude to take food home with you from a restaurant. If you can’t finish your meal, simply leave the leftovers on your plate.
2. Don’t start eating until everyone at the table has been served. It’s impolite to begin eating before everyone has their food.
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3. Chew with your mouth closed and don’t make noise while you eat. slurping or smacking your lips is considered very rude in France. Try to eat quietly and without making too much of a mess.
4. Don’t put your elbows on the table while you eat. This is considered bad manners in France (and many other countries). Keep your hands and arms at your sides or in your lap while eating. Also, try not to reach across the table for things – ask the person next to you to pass them instead. cross-table grabbing is yet another no-no. Just be conscious of how much space you’re taking up and be respectful of others around you. Elbows off the table!
Avoid Outdated Stereotypes. Say “non” to a beret
When about fashion, there are certain things that are synonymous with France – chic designer clothes, luxurious accessories and, of course, the beret. But while the beret may have been popular in France at one point (mostly among peasants and farmers), it is now considered outdated and is definitely not something you want to wear if you want to blend in with the locals.
The same goes for other stereotypes about French fashion – like always wearing black or always being well-dressed. While it is true that many French people take their style very seriously, you don’t need to dress like a Parisian model every time you leave the house. Just make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free, and you should be fine.
And speaking of Parisian models… One stereotype about France that definitely needs to die is the idea that all French women are thin and beautiful. This simply isn’t true! In reality, there are all sorts of body types in France, just like anywhere else in the world. So don’t feel pressure to diet or wear clothes that are too tight just because you think that’s what everyone here does. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable – nobody will judge you for it.
Another outdated stereotype about France is that everyone here speaks perfect English (or at least better than anyone else in Europe). This couldn’t be further from the truth! While it is true that many people in France do speak some English (especially younger people), don’t assume that everyone does – or that they will be able to understand everything you say. It’s always polite (and appreciated) to try speaking a few words of French before defaulting to English – even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. Bon courage!
Use Your Indoor Voice. Be seen, not heard
This is a phrase that we Americans use quite frequently. It is a polite way of telling someone to keep their voice down. In other words, when in France, use your indoor voice. There is nothing worse than being the loudest person in the room. It makes you stand out and can be quite off-putting to the locals.
So how do you make sure you are using your indoor voice? First, take note of your surroundings. If you are in a crowded space, such as a restaurant or bar, it is important to keep your voice at a reasonable level so as not to disturb those around you. Second, be aware of the volume of your voice and try to speak softly. This can be difficult for some people, but it is important to remember that not everyone wants to hear every word you say. Finally, if you are unsure whether or not your voice is carrying, ask someone nearby if they can hear you clearly. If they can, chances are good that others can as well.
Using your indoor voice may seem like common sense, but it is something that many tourists overlook when they travel to France (or anywhere else for that matter). So next time you find yourself in a foreign country, remember to keep your voices down and enjoy the experience without disturbing those around you!
Learn a Few Key Phrases
Why bother learning French if everyone speaks English in France? For one thing, it’s always polite to try and speak the local language when you’re traveling. But more importantly, speaking at least a little bit of French will help you blend in with the locals and avoid looking like a tourist. Here are a few key phrases to get you started:
Bonjour (hello) Merci (thank you) Pardon/Excusez-moi (excuse me) Oui/Non (yes/no)
Je voudrais…(I would like…)
Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?) Je ne parle pas français. (I don’t speak French.).
Skip the Hug
Whether you’re new to France or just visiting, it’s important to be aware of the cultural norms around hugging. In France, people generally do not hug as a greeting, and it’s considered rude to try to hug someone who you don’t know well. So, if you want to avoid looking like a tourist, skip the hug and opt for a more traditional greeting such as shaking hands or kissing cheeks.
Don’t Leave Huge Tips
If you’re planning a trip to France, one of the things you might be wondering about is how to avoid looking like a tourist. There are a few key things you can keep in mind that will help you blend in with the locals and not stand out as a tourist.
First, try to dress like the locals do. This doesn’t mean that you need to go out and buy all new clothes, but if you have items in your wardrobe that would fit in with what French people wear on a daily basis, pack those. Think about clothing that is classic and chic – items that wouldn’t look out of place on the streets of Paris.
Second, make an effort to speak at least some French. Even if your French isn’t perfect, the locals will appreciate your efforts and it will help you blend in more. If you’re not confident speaking French, brush up on some key phrases before your trip so that you can at least carry on a basic conversation.
Finally, don’t leave huge tips everywhere you go. In France, it’s not customary to tip as much as we do in North America – 10% is usually sufficient. Leaving a 20% or even 30% tip will just make you look like a tourist who doesn’t know any better!