11 Things That Might Seem Rude to You But Aren’t in France

Social behavior doesn’t always translate across borders. What feels normal at home can seem off elsewhere, and vice versa.

If you’re heading to France, these are some things that might rub you the wrong way at first but are completely normal once you get how things work.

1. Not Smiling or Chatting With Strangers

Walk into a bakery, ride the metro, pass someone on the street, no one’s smiling. No nods, no “hey,” no random chit-chat.

In France, warmth isn’t distributed by default. You earn it. Until then, people mind their business. It’s quiet, orderly, and direct. Some visitors take it as unfriendly. Locals would call it normal.

2. Jumping Into Conversations

French conversations aren’t turn-based. If you wait for a clean opening, you’ll be waiting all night. Everyone talks over each other, cuts in, disagrees out loud, circles back, and challenges points mid-sentence. It’s how ideas get tested.

If you’ve got something to say, say it. No one’s going to hand you the floor.

3. Saying Things Directly

If something’s bad, people say so, no sugarcoating. If your French is off, someone may correct you on the spot. If you ask for feedback, don’t expect padding.

French culture values sharp thinking and clear expression. Indirect talk can come across as evasive. The point isn’t to make you feel better, it’s to be understood.

4. Unsolicited Advice and Corrections

Locals won’t always let you fumble in peace. Choose the wrong item on a menu? They might suggest something else. Going the wrong way? Someone will tell you, even if you didn’t ask. Order a wine they think doesn’t match the dish? They’ll let you know.

Same with grammar slips, etiquette misses, or cultural stumbles. The goal isn’t to put you down, it’s a habit of stepping in. Even when others are listening.

5. Getting Shushed

Talk too loud in a quiet place and someone might turn around and shush you without hesitation or apology. Museums, trains, cinemas – people expect peace.

You won’t always get a warning glare first. You’ll just hear “chut,” sometimes sharply. It’s fast, firm, and completely normal.

6. No Door-Holding Habit

Don’t expect the door to be held for you, especially in a busy city. People walk through, it swings shut, that’s it. You might get used to catching it yourself. The whole automatic door etiquette thing just isn’t baked into the culture.

7. No Apologies for Bumps

Crowded metro car, busy market, narrow sidewalk – you’ll get bumped. No eye contact, no sorry, no excuse me. People move fast and don’t explain every collision. It’s just how things function in packed spaces.

8. Greeting Shopkeepers With Formality

Walk into a store and say nothing? You’re already off on the wrong foot. The standard is: “Bonjour, madame” or “Bonjour, monsieur” as soon as you enter. Doesn’t matter if you’re buying something or just browsing.

Skipping breaks the basic social code. Same goes for saying goodbye when you leave.

9. Saying “Non” Without Softening It

You ask for something and the answer is no. That’s it. No lengthy reasoning or emotional buffering. Just “non.” It’s fast, efficient, and final. If you press the issue, you might get a raised eyebrow, or nothing at all.

10. Long Stares Without Smiling

People will look at you. On the metro, at a café, walking down the street. They won’t smile, they won’t look away quickly. Staring is a habit, it’s not subtle but it’s cultural.

11. Not Adapting to Tourists

You ask something in English and get a blank stare or a fast reply in French. You struggle with the menu and get no help. People might not slow down, switch languages, or change how they operate just because you’re visiting.

They’re living their day, you’re passing through.