Paris, France - The Land of C'est la Vie & the Most Beautiful City Ever!

Paris is the most stunningly beautiful City on the planet but with some of the snobbiest people! In 1981, my college  friends and I spent 5 days in Paris and Tra La La, were we busy! There is so much to do and see! The many museums, bridges, the Eiffel Tower, Churches, gardens, Versailles, the famous Notre Dame, Sacre-Coeur, the Palais Royale, the Left Bank and street cart crepes with warm strawberry jam, cafes, and the Haute Couture street fashion! Bring good walking shoes as you will need them! 

We stayed on the artistic Left Bank in an inexpensive B&B which had circular stairs. The light went on as we went up the stairs then off after we had passed the sensors. Electricity is expensive. We paid 5 Francs ($1.25 back in 1981) for a "3 minute hot shower." Well, it was lukewarm and 3 minutes is NOT a long time if you haven't showered for 3 days and are a girl washing your hair! So, just be aware. Our room had 10' ceilings, handmade quilts on the twin beds, a sink (bathroom down at the end of the hall), an iron & ironing board, and 3 floor to ceiling French windows which opened out onto French Balconies. Everyone in Paris drinks their morning coffee standing by their French balconies! Great "people watching!" 

Be aware, the French are VERY particular about their French accent being spoken perfectly, so unless you have perfect pitch, do not try to speak French or they will pretend to not understand you. Also, taxi's are very expensive and arrive 10 minutes early, then charge you for the 10 minutes, so beware. The Metro is very clean and manageable, but WATCH OUT for the gypsy children who are taught to pick pocket. They place a folded sweater to sell on your lap, then while distracting you, take your rings, bracelet & watch off.  If you can afford to hire a driver for the day to drive you to many sites, do it! Worth the expense, as the traffic is now extremely congested. The key to Paris is blending in as much as you can with your city chic wardrobe, perfect French accent and French attitude of belonging! 

Here are a few French tips:  

• Use your best "Old European Manners" (See August 12, 2020 post). 
• France is a Republic of 65 million people. It is about 2 times the size of Colorado.
• The French GDP per capita is $41,400 USD. 
• Currency is now the Euro. 
• The French are famous for their fabulous cuisine & wine and culture, culture, culture. Also known for their Haute Couture fashion, champagne, Limoges region fine china and the Moulin Rouge, Paris is the heart of romance! 
• Temperatures are 32 degrees - 75 degrees F., so layer! Bring a light travel rain coat & foldable umbrella too as you may need them! 
• Dress code in France is "City Chic." Black, black and black goes with everything. 
• Dress up a bit in Paris as you may end up in a fancy location! Also, you will be able to walk into any fancy hotel or venue and use their downstairs public restroom, or "Les Toilettes" and carry some change or small Euro bills for the restroom machine or attendant (whatever is posted). 
• In France "froide" means 'cold' and "chaude" is "hot." The washroom faucets are reversed and are marked "C" and "F", so be careful! "C" means hot water!
• Do NOT wear white tennis shoes. No "fanny packs." (travel websites have clothing with hidden inner pockets with zippers). No dirty or sloppy jeans. No bra straps showing or tube tops. No shorts at night. Layer. 
• DO NOT put salt & pepper on your food before your first bite. The French take great pride in their famous cuisine and in their efforts to prepare food perfectly for you and they think their food should not need any salt, pepper or any other spice added. This action will insult the chef and the waiters will scoff at what they consider to be your bad manners. 
• Always eat in the Continental Style, and clean your plate!
• An empty wine glass means you want a refill.
• Dining is always Continental style always. Eat everything (except bread) with your knife and fork. If there is no bread/butter plate, place your bread next to your fork on the table. 
• Cut your fruit. Cut your cheese at an angle (superstition). 
• As per the Christian tradition, break your bread with your hands before buttering or eating.
• De l'eau gazeuse is sparkling water. 
• Know your dessert spoon and fork.
• Cross your knife and fork, and it means you want another helping. 
• Placing your knife and fork in the 10:4 position means you are finished.
• Gentlemen, leave your jacket on!
• If you are invited to dinner, you must bring a hostess gift. Wrap your gift very nicely with high quality wrapping. Include a hand written personal note inside your gift. Appropriate gifts include nice wine, fine chocolates, coffee table books, or flowers. No red flowers (love only) or white flowers (funeral). 
• Do NOT give Logo gifts. 
• Do NOT chew gum in public or eat food or drink while walking down a public street. Considered rude. 
• Vegetable market vendors serve you. DO NOT touch the vegetables. 
• Greet clerks when entering or exiting their shop. "Bonjour, ca va?" means: Hello, how are you? "Merci, bounjourne" upon leaving means "Thank you, have a good day." 
• Speak softly in public and do not argue. Don't joke. DO NOT be the loud, ugly American. 
• Close the door and turn off the light when exiting any room. Electricity in France is very expensive.
• DO NOT discuss money, politics or mention salary when chatting with the French. Rude.
• If attending a special occasion party, arrive 15 minutes "socially late." 
• If attending a dinner party in a French home, be on time. Bring a hostess gift and small gifts for th children (hard candies or small trinkets). DO NOT ask for a "house tour."
• Give business/personal calling cards to everyone. Status symbol!
• Bastille Day is July 14th. Huge National holiday. Stores/Restaurants may be closed. 
• In France, you must ask for your check or the waiters trust you simply want to hang out. "L'addition s'il vous plait" with a hand motion of a signing your palm means you want your check. "Service Compris" (usually 15-18%) is included on the bill and should be listed at the bottom of the check. If the service is extra good, leave a bit of cash on the table. 
• Family and close friends "air kiss" both cheeks. NO hand kissing. 
• Titles are important. Use Titles and last names until invited to use a first name.
• Shake hands with everyone. Ladies extend their hands first. NO kissing of hands.  
• Champagne is sometimes served before the meal.
• Whisky, rum and sometimes a martini is served after the meal.
• Always try the local delicacies such as quiche, crepes, frog legs and escargot. 
• Families are small but family life is important.
• Ladies, sit with your knees together or ankles crossed. DO NOT cross your legs at the knees.
• Gentleman, keep your hands OUT of your pockets. 
• Stay away from all hand gestures. Especially the "thumbs up" gesture. Most are considered to be obscene.
• Toasts: "A votre santé!" 
• Do not cut your salad. Fold your salad. Cutting (thus bruising) your lettuce will insult the chef.
• If unsure, use "Madam" for both single and married grown adult women.
• Bring small change and bills for the restroom or "W.C." charge and tip the attendant 1-2 Euros.
• Tip an Usher/Bellboy 2-3 Euros per bag.
• Tip the Maid 5 Euros per day. Leave daily as you may not have the same maid service daily.
• "Service Compris" (15-18%) is always listed on the bottom of the check and leave a little bit extra cash on the table (or hand directly to the server) for great service (5-10 Euros, depending on the amount of the bill).        

Vivre la France!