My dad and sister are arriving in France tomorrow to visit Paris and Angers (and me, duh), and since they will be wandering Paris without me for their first two days, I decided they need some guidelines for how to fit in without being obviously American. Yes, pretty much everyone guesses right away that I'm American, even when I'm trying my hardest to hide the accent, but I have at least learned how to live here without being awkward and having to gesture wildly just to find the bathroom or order a crepe. Megan and Dad - pay attention, because once your plane touches down you have to play by the French rules.
Restaurants
The French restaurant experience has some specific differences from the American version that are necessary to know.
1. Common knowledge, but when you have decided what you want close your menu or else the waiter/waitress will never come.
2. On Friday and Saturday nights you will need a reservation at most places.
3. French people eat late - don't expect to sit down for dinner at 6:30. Wait until at least 7, although the average dinner time is 8 p.m.
4. To order, say "Je prends le/la...s'il vous plait."
5. French people rarely drink water at meals - you have to ask for a "carafe de l'eau" if you want some tap water (just ordering water will get you a 5 euro bottle of Perrier most likely).
6. If you don't order coffee or dessert after dinner, the waiter/waitress will give you a funny look. Dessert is part of dinner in France; take full advantage.
7. Similarly, if you are at a creperie, not ordering cider is unheard of. Galettes and crepes are not complete without a bottle of "cidre brut."
8. To-go boxes are not a thing; don't even try. That being said, if you don't eat every morsel of food on your plate, the waiter/waitress will be offended and make a comment about it. Once again, take full advantage and eat up.
9. Unlike in America, most restaurants in France have you pay up front rather than delivering a bill to your table. Knowing this will save you from sitting at your table for an extra hour after the meal trying to flag down the waiter/waitress. They won't come; go up front and they will have your receipt ready.
10. Tipping is not a thing. Spend the saved euros on dessert. Or wine.
Public Transportation
In Paris, riding the metro is necessary for getting anywhere. Right when you arrive, find the nearest Metro station (usually labeled by a cool sign saying "Metropolitan" in a fancy font) and use the "vendre" machines to buy some tickets. For shorter visits (like yours, Megan and Dad), I recommend purchasing a 10 pack of tickets each; should be around 13 euro. It works like the El in Chicago; stick your ticket in and it pops out on the other side. Don't toss it though because sometimes they check after arriving. Unnecessary in my opinion, but c'est la vie. Cabs will be absurdly expensive and unless you are desperate, just walk and metro everywhere. (Megan - bring comfortable shoes please. You will be walking LOTS and I don't want to hear any whining!).
Socializing
Contrary to popular belief, French people love meeting Americans, for the most part. You will get some eye rolls and glares when speaking English on the Metro, for example, but that's the extent of it. If you need directions, don't hesitate to ask someone on the road; they will probably love trying to speak a little bit of English. When going out at night, the same is true - people are happy to speak with Americans and practice their English. Bottom line is don't be shy; people will love you.
Sightseeing
When in Paris, everyone at the famous monuments will be tourists so I recommend letting your American show and owning the fact that you're a tourist. Take pictures, take embarrassing selfies, ask other tourists to take your picture - no shame in my opinion. The Champs-Elysees is not a tourist attraction, however; if you want to seem French, be cool and don't ask someone to take your picture in front of the Louis Vuitton store, no matter how tempting it may be. Also don't go to the souvenir store and carry around an enormous I <3 Paris bag if you're trying to look French. (I may have done this and instantly been labeled a tourist; oops).
As a study abroad student, my goal is to "melange" (mix) with the French people and try to fit in as much as possible; by the end of the trip my goal is to no longer be assumed as American but rather as French. For your trip this week, Megan and Dad, you will probably have no chance at this seeing as you speak minimal French and well, dad, you sort of always look like a tourist. It's probably the height, sorry. But this guide will at least help you be the coolest of tourists who know sort of what they're doing. You're welcome, and see you Wednesday! Au revoir et a bientot!
Restaurants
The French restaurant experience has some specific differences from the American version that are necessary to know.
1. Common knowledge, but when you have decided what you want close your menu or else the waiter/waitress will never come.
2. On Friday and Saturday nights you will need a reservation at most places.
3. French people eat late - don't expect to sit down for dinner at 6:30. Wait until at least 7, although the average dinner time is 8 p.m.
4. To order, say "Je prends le/la...s'il vous plait."
5. French people rarely drink water at meals - you have to ask for a "carafe de l'eau" if you want some tap water (just ordering water will get you a 5 euro bottle of Perrier most likely).
6. If you don't order coffee or dessert after dinner, the waiter/waitress will give you a funny look. Dessert is part of dinner in France; take full advantage.
7. Similarly, if you are at a creperie, not ordering cider is unheard of. Galettes and crepes are not complete without a bottle of "cidre brut."
8. To-go boxes are not a thing; don't even try. That being said, if you don't eat every morsel of food on your plate, the waiter/waitress will be offended and make a comment about it. Once again, take full advantage and eat up.
9. Unlike in America, most restaurants in France have you pay up front rather than delivering a bill to your table. Knowing this will save you from sitting at your table for an extra hour after the meal trying to flag down the waiter/waitress. They won't come; go up front and they will have your receipt ready.
10. Tipping is not a thing. Spend the saved euros on dessert. Or wine.
Public Transportation
In Paris, riding the metro is necessary for getting anywhere. Right when you arrive, find the nearest Metro station (usually labeled by a cool sign saying "Metropolitan" in a fancy font) and use the "vendre" machines to buy some tickets. For shorter visits (like yours, Megan and Dad), I recommend purchasing a 10 pack of tickets each; should be around 13 euro. It works like the El in Chicago; stick your ticket in and it pops out on the other side. Don't toss it though because sometimes they check after arriving. Unnecessary in my opinion, but c'est la vie. Cabs will be absurdly expensive and unless you are desperate, just walk and metro everywhere. (Megan - bring comfortable shoes please. You will be walking LOTS and I don't want to hear any whining!).
Socializing
Contrary to popular belief, French people love meeting Americans, for the most part. You will get some eye rolls and glares when speaking English on the Metro, for example, but that's the extent of it. If you need directions, don't hesitate to ask someone on the road; they will probably love trying to speak a little bit of English. When going out at night, the same is true - people are happy to speak with Americans and practice their English. Bottom line is don't be shy; people will love you.
Sightseeing
When in Paris, everyone at the famous monuments will be tourists so I recommend letting your American show and owning the fact that you're a tourist. Take pictures, take embarrassing selfies, ask other tourists to take your picture - no shame in my opinion. The Champs-Elysees is not a tourist attraction, however; if you want to seem French, be cool and don't ask someone to take your picture in front of the Louis Vuitton store, no matter how tempting it may be. Also don't go to the souvenir store and carry around an enormous I <3 Paris bag if you're trying to look French. (I may have done this and instantly been labeled a tourist; oops).
As a study abroad student, my goal is to "melange" (mix) with the French people and try to fit in as much as possible; by the end of the trip my goal is to no longer be assumed as American but rather as French. For your trip this week, Megan and Dad, you will probably have no chance at this seeing as you speak minimal French and well, dad, you sort of always look like a tourist. It's probably the height, sorry. But this guide will at least help you be the coolest of tourists who know sort of what they're doing. You're welcome, and see you Wednesday! Au revoir et a bientot!