France is a renowned tourist destination for its rich culture and history. However, there are several things that visitors to France should be aware of before they travel. Here are 10 things you can’t do in France:
1. You can’t drink in public places.
2. You can’t smoke in public places.
3. You can’t take pictures of people without their permission.
4. You can’t enter someone’s home without their permission.
5. You can’t park your car in a No Parking zone or on the sidewalk.6 7 8 9 10.
Never Underestimate How Far a Few French Words Can Go
If you’re ever feeling lost in conversation in France, don’t underestimate how far a few French words can go. Even if your French isn’t perfect, you can still use it to connect with people and get by in everyday situations.
One of the most important things to remember is that the French value communication and connection. They are generally patient and willing to help those who are trying to communicate in their language. So, even if you make mistakes, don’t be afraid to speak up – chances are, people will appreciate your efforts.
Here are a few key phrases that can help you get by in many everyday situations:
Introductions:
Bonjour (Hello), comment ça va? (How are you?), je m’appelle… (My name is…) Pleased to meet you: Enchanté(e)
Questions:
Excusez-moi, est-ce que vous parlez anglais? (Excuse me, do you speak English?) Comment dit-on… en fran a is? (How do you say…in French?) Qu’est-ce que c’est que ça? (What’s this?) Où est…? (Where is…?)) C’est combien? (How much is it?) Pouvez-vous me recommander un bon restaurant/café/bar ?(Can you recommend a good restaurant/cafe/bar?) Je cherche…(I’m looking for…) J’ai besoin de…(I need…) Avez-vous un emploi pour moi ?(Do you have a job for me?)
Everyday necessities:
J’ai faim/soif. (I’m hungry/thirsty.) Je voudrais manger/boire…(I would like to eat/drink…) Où sont les toilettes ?(Where is the bathroom?) Il y a un problème.(There’s a problem.) S’il vous plaît.(Please.) Merci.(Thank You) De rien.(You’re Welcome) Pardon./Désolé.(Sorry.) Bonne chance !(Good luck!) Bonne journ e ! / Bonsoir ! / Bonne nuit ! Have a good day! / Good evening! / Good night! À bien t t ! See you.
Never Wave Wildly at a Waiter to Get Their Attention
It’s pretty common knowledge that you shouldn’t wave wildly at a waiter to get their attention. In France, this rule is taken to a whole new level. You see, in France, it is considered incredibly rude to do anything that might be interpreted as trying to get someone’s attention.
So, if you’re sitting in a restaurant and you want the waiter’s attention, the best thing to do is simply raise your hand and make eye contact. If they happen to be looking in your direction, they will come over to you. If they’re not looking in your direction, then it’s probably best not to try and get their attention.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you’re in a very busy restaurant and it’s clear that the waitstaff is struggling to keep up with demand, then it may be acceptable to wave your hand or call out their name when they walk by. But even then, it’s best to err on the side of caution and only do so if absolutely necessary.
Try Not to Speak Louder Than Everyone Else, Particularly at Night
It’s easy to get carried away when speaking in a foreign language. You want to be understood, and so you speak louder than you would at home. But this can be a mistake in France, where people tend to speak more softly than in other countries.
If you speak too loudly, you may come across as aggressive or even rude. And if you do it at night, you’re likely to wake up your sleeping French neighbors! So try to keep your voice down, especially after 10 pm.
This doesn’t mean that you should whisper all the time. Just be aware of the volume of your voice and try not to speak any louder than the people around you.
Never Leave Your Cell Phone Out When Having a Coffee Meal With Friends
If you’re like most people, your smartphone is never far from reach. You probably use it to stay connected with friends and family, stay up-to-date on the latest news, or kill time when you’re bored. But there’s one place where you should definitely leave your phone behind: when you’re enjoying a meal or coffee with friends.
There’s just something rude about being more interested in your phone than the person right in front of you. It sends the message that you’d rather be somewhere else, doing something else. And it can be really frustrating for the person trying to carry on a conversation with you while you’re distracted by your screen.
So next time you’re out with friends, make a point to put your phone away and enjoy the moment. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable it is to actually talk to the people around you without digital interruptions.