30 No-Nonsense Tips for Paris and France

If you want to make your trip to France smoother, start here. These tips come straight from locals and experienced travelers, and they’ll save you from awkward moments, tourist traps, and common mistakes.

1. Say “Bonjour” First – Always

This isn’t optional. In France, every human interaction starts with a greeting. Whether it’s a cashier, waiter, or stranger on the street, skipping “bonjour” sets the tone wrong from the start. Add “monsieur” or “madame” for bonus points. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

2. Don’t Assume English – Ask First

Before launching into English, ask “Vous parlez anglais ?” It’s polite, and even if their English is limited, most people will try to help you if you show a little effort first. It sets a tone of mutual respect instead of expectation.

3. Don’t Move the Café Chairs

In a Parisian café, don’t rearrange tables or chairs yourself. Even if you’re a group and there are empty spots, ask the staff first. They’ll usually help, but moving things around is frowned upon, especially at busy times.

4. Know Where to Sit

At casual cafés or brasseries, you can usually seat yourself. But look closely. Some tables are set for food (with cutlery and glasses), while others aren’t. If you just want a drink, sit at an undressed table. If all tables are dressed, they may only accept diners.

For restaurants, always wait to be seated or ask the first staff you see.

5. Avoid “Garçon!” at All Costs

Don’t shout across the room. Just make brief eye contact or a discreet hand gesture. “Garçon” isn’t used anymore and will come off as rude. The easiest way to get good service is to treat your waiter like a fellow adult doing a hard job – which they are.

6. Sandwiches Are a Budget Lifesaver

Forget overpriced tourist lunches. Head to a bakery and grab a baguette sandwich. Ham and cheese, chicken with vegetables, or tuna are the standards.

Menus with a drink and dessert often cost under €9. A long line at the bakery is a good sign. Locals eat in nearby parks, and you can too.

7. Markets Work Differently

At street markets or grocery stores, don’t touch the produce. Tell the vendor what you want, and they’ll choose it for you. If you try to handle fruit yourself, expect a reaction.

8. Tipping Isn’t Mandatory (But Still Matters)

Service is included in bills, so tipping isn’t expected. But a few euros for good service is always appreciated. Think €0.50 to €2 for drinks or snacks, and maybe €5 – 10 for a proper dinner. It’s not a rule, but it leaves a good impression.

9. Use Citymapper Instead of RATP

France’s official transport apps are hit or miss. For navigating Paris, Citymapper is consistently more accurate and user-friendly. It includes real-time delays, walking times, and even lets you avoid stairs if needed.

10. Ride the Montmartrobus, Not the Tourist Train

If you’re exploring Montmartre, skip the mini tourist train and hop on the Montmartrobus (Bus 40). It’s a tiny bus that winds through the neighborhood’s steep streets. Same price as a metro ride, and it’s actually used by locals.

11. Paper Tickets Are on the Way Out

Old-school metro tickets still exist but they’re being phased out. They also demagnetize easily. The RATP app or a Navigo card is a better long-term solution.

If you’re staying a week, look into the Navigo Découverte pass. For a short stay, consider digital tickets.

12. Metro Is Safe, But Stay Sharp

Most metro lines are fine during the day. At night, the ends of lines 2, 4, and 13 can feel sketchy, though not necessarily dangerous. The real threat is pickpockets, especially on crowded lines and near tourist sites. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you.

13. Don’t Drive in Paris

If you’re thinking of renting a car in Paris, don’t. The traffic is miserable, parking is scarce, and public transport is better. If you want to drive in France, pick up your rental at a train station outside the city and hit the road from there.

14. Public Toilets Exist

Finding a clean bathroom in Paris is easier if you use the “Toilet Finder” app. Public toilets do exist, and many are self-cleaning pods. Some cafés let you use the restroom if you buy a small coffee or pastry.

15. AC Is Rare but Mosquitos Aren’t

Apartments without AC are the norm in Paris. If you’re visiting in summer, bring light pajamas, mosquito plug-ins (available at pharmacies), and sleep with windows open (if it’s safe). Ground-floor flats should have shutters. Use them to keep out heat and unwanted visitors.

16. Learn to Navigate the Holidays

On national holidays, most shops close, but restaurants don’t. In fact, they expect more business. Sunday evenings, on the other hand, are the more common closing time. Don’t count on a last-minute dinner plan then.

17. Don’t Touch the Bread

In restaurants, the bread basket is communal if you’re sharing a table. You never touch a piece of bread directly on the table, use your napkin or take it by hand only after placing it on your plate. And don’t expect butter to come with it.

18. Water Is Free if Asked the Right Way

Ask for une carafe d’eau, a pitcher of tap water. Bottled water costs extra, and they won’t offer the free option unless you request it clearly.

19. Avoid Yelling “Excuse Me” in Shops

If you need assistance in a store or bakery, don’t call out “excuse me.” Make eye contact, say “bonjour,” and wait for your turn. French shops often serve one customer at a time, start to finish.

20. Use a Small Crossbody Bag

Pickpockets in crowded places like metro stations, markets, and near the Eiffel Tower target easy bags. A zipped, small crossbody that stays in front of you is the standard Paris survival tool.

21. Don’t Leave Bags Unattended at Cafés

Even for a second. Even at your feet. Someone could swipe it without you noticing. Keep bags on your lap, in your hand, or looped around your chair leg at all times.

22. Don’t Count on Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is common but unreliable, especially in cafés. Many networks require a French phone number to log in. If you need consistent access, get a local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi before you arrive.

23. Grocery Stores Have Their Own Rules

At places like Monoprix or Franprix, bring a bag or be ready to buy one. You’ll need to bag your own items fast, there’s no waiting zone at the end of the register. Produce must be weighed and stickered before checkout.

24. Always Validate Your Train Ticket

For regional or intercity trains, you must validate paper tickets at the small yellow machines before boarding. Failure to do this can lead to a fine, even if you have a valid ticket.

25. Public Transport Timetables Aren’t Reliable

Buses and trams often get delayed. Apps like Citymapper or the SNCF Connect app give real-time updates that are far more reliable than printed schedules at the stop.

26. Crosswalks Are Not a Guarantee

Cars may not stop just because the light turned green for pedestrians. Always double-check before stepping into the street, especially in smaller cities or busy intersections.

27. Pharmacies Handle More Than You’d Expect

Pharmacies in France are extremely helpful and can recommend over-the-counter meds for basic issues like colds, stomach problems, or allergies. They’re usually the first stop for minor health needs.

28. Avoid Eating Right Next to Major Sights

Food quality near big attractions tends to be worse and prices higher. Walk 5-10 minutes away and the difference is dramatic. Rue Cler near the Eiffel Tower is an exception, with several solid options.

29. Know the Smoking Norms

Smoking is still common in outdoor café seating, including at restaurants. If you’re sensitive to smoke, ask to sit indoors – though that won’t always guarantee a smoke-free meal either.

30. Know the Toll System

Highways in France are generally excellent, but many have tolls. You can pay with cards or cash. Look for the icons above each lane to choose the right one. There are no license plate scanners like in Italy.

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Cover photo: Booklover206 (CC BY-SA 3.0)