Twelve Facts About France That Shock Tourists
Greetings from Paris, France! Today we’re sharing ten things that will shock you when you come to France. We have been in love with France since our first visit many moons ago. Hopefully this will help you be ready to enjoy more of your next visit to the fantastic country of France.
French Culture Shock #1: The French Smoke… a Lot… a Lot a Lot
Whether it’s a cigarette with coffee in the afternoon, or after a meal, even during a meal, the French love to smoke, heck maybe even at breakfast! You have to deal with it. While smoking isn’t allowed indoors, it’s very common anywhere outside, so if you’re used to smoke-free air, you’ll be shocked at the smoking. And no one will twice about lighting up right next to you at an outdoor café.
French Culture Shock #2: French People are Very Friendly
You will be shocked at how friendly and helpful French people really are, as opposed to the rude stereotype they are known for. The rude French stereotype is totally unfounded (except for waiters in Paris) and French people are fantastic. Even in Paris, the locals are much nicer than you would expect. If you speak a little bit of French, you’ll be even more shocked at how friendly everyone is.
Watch: Basic French Phrases for Tourists
French Culture Shock #3: Business Hours are Lax
French businesses often closed for an hour or two at lunchtime. Most museums have one day they close; for many, it’s Thursday, for the Louvre, it’s Tuesday. You might be shocked when you are used to 24/7 businesses and you try to go shopping in France on a Sunday. Make sure you check business hours online in advance so you don’t miss out.
Read: What to Know Before You Visit Paris
French Culture Shock #4: Look But Don’t Touch Policy
You might be shocked when you are in France at their “look but don’t touch” mantra. You’ll see this in a couple of places. At the markets, when you see the fresh produce, you’re not supposed to touch it. The shopkeeper will get the items for you. This also applies to some of the parks and gardens in France. You will see a beautiful park that is empty, only to find out you’re not allowed to sit there. Check for signs or see what the locals are doing.
French Culture Shock #5: Dog Poop is Everywhere
People in France love their dogs, and you can see evidence of the dogs everywhere. A lot of people in France don’t pick up after their dogs, so pay attention when you’re walking around. When it rains, it gets a little slippery, so be careful! You have been warned.
10 Things That SHOCK Tourists about Visiting Paris
French Culture Shock #6: Topless Beaches are the Norm
Going topless at the beach is pretty normal in France. They don’t have “topless beaches” it’s just a regular beach. Not everyone goes topless, but it’s so common enough that the locals don’t even notice. If you see someone gawking or trying to sneak photos, they’re probably not a French tourist.
French Culture Shock #7: Restaurant Hours
Restaurants in France often close between the lunch and dinner shifts, and dinner is typically served later in France than in the U.S. If you want to eat dinner at 5:00 or 6:00, you might have trouble finding a place to eat, other than in the tourist areas.
French Culture Shock #8: The Food In France is Fantastic
You will be shocked at how good the food is in France. French food is some of the best in the world. Even the simple food, like a baguette and cheese makes an excellent meal. It’s possible to eat very well in France on a simple meal, or you can have a fantastic feast at a restaurant. Another shock might be how long it takes to eat in France. If you choose a multi-course menu, it can take a couple of hours. The French love to linger over a meal. Even when it’s obvious you’ve finished your meal, you have to ask for the check; they don’t automatically bring it to you.
Read: What to Know Before You Visit France for the First Time
French Culture Shock #9: Speaking A Little French is Helpful
You might be shocked at the need to speak a bit of French when visiting France. It can make a huge difference in your experience if you speak even just a little French. Older people in France typically don’t speak English. Younger people are learning in school, so they can usually speak some English if needed, but a Merci or Bonjour will definitely improve your chances of meeting those friendly French people.
Watch: 4 Phrases Every Tourist Should Know in French
French Culture Shock #10: Free Range Children
If you are from the U.S. especially, you’ll be shocked at the free-range children running around in France. The French let their kids be kids. They ride their bikes and scooters around with no helmets, and you won’t see helicopter parents in France. Visiting France with kids is a great chance to let them learn some independence.
French Culture Shock #11: France is More Than Paris
There is so much more to see in France outside of Paris. Of course, Paris is iconic and amazing, but there are so many great places in France. Avignon, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Mont Saint-Michel are all fantastic destinations in France. A lot of people only ever come to Paris and never see the rest of France, so you’d be shocked at all the amazing destinations around the country.
French Culture Shock #12: The Number of Beggars
You will be shocked at the number of beggars, including children, in France. The French people will tell you they’re not French, but regardless, be prepared to see them everywhere. You’ll see children asking for money, street musicians or beggars in the Metro. Giving them money only encourages the practice, so just keep walking. And the government asks tourists not to give them money. You will also likely encounter pickpockets at major tourist sites, so keep an eye out for that as well.
The biggest shock for us is that we keep returning to France and falling in love with it every time. I’ve been to France probably three dozen times, and I already can’t wait to return. It’s a great country, and I hope these fun facts help you prepare for your first trip to France.
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