Embracing French Culture and Acting Like a Local with Les Métallos

When in France, if you do as the French do you will probably have a much more enjoyable experience. A few tips in French culture will help you understand why things are a certain way in France, and how to stand out less as a tourist. Besides, is it really so bad to enjoy a long lunch? Don't fight the French system, embrace the culture and you will look like a local.

Here are ways to look like a local and :

Enjoy your meals, Don't rush them.

What's the rush? Aren't you on vacation? If you are American, it might be a culture shock to eat a meal at a French restaurant. While it's possible to find a emporter (to go) signs at restaurants, this really goes against the French style. If your waiter doesn't rush over to bring you your check the moment you eat your last bite (he or she probably won't because they don't want you to feel rushed), don't be surprised. Enjoy a little more conversation, sips of wine and, if you're at a cafe, people-watching.

Speak a Little French

You don't need to take an intensive six-week French course, but you will stand out as a tourist much less if you can at least express some niceties, like "hello" and "do you speak English?" in French.

Don't leave huge tips.

While it might seem polite to leave a huge tip for great service, this is not very French. If you're at a restaurant, the tip is already included anyway. There's one sure-fire way to stand out as a tourist in France, which is to then leave another 15 to 20 percent on top of that. It is more customary to leave the change or some other small amount over the included tip.

Dress like the French.

If you wear a Yankees tee-shirt and sloppy tennis shoes, you will quickly stand out as a tourist. While the French are increasingly wearing clothes like jeans and sneakers (particularly the young French), their casual dress is still dressier than American casual dress. You will blend in with the French more if you go with something casual but elegant.

Go with the French Schedule.

If you hit the tourist attractions at lunchtime and the eateries at 3 p.m., you might find both closed. The French tend to eat meals at mealtimes, and many shops and attractions close for lunch. You will have a much better experience if you just know this before you go, and plan your days appropriately. Also don't make ambitious shopping plans for Sunday, when the government mandates that nearly all shops be closed.

If you need more tips to get the most of your stay in Paris, Check the Métallo's Blog.