13 Things to Avoid in France

France is beautiful, proud, and full of unwritten social rules. For Americans, especially, it’s easy to get swept up in the charm of cafés, croissants, and cobblestone streets and accidentally offend someone in the process.

You don’t have to speak flawless French or become a culture expert overnight. But certain habits just don’t fly over there. Here’s a quick guide to help you avoid awkward stares, cold shoulders, and full-on faux pas while you’re enjoying your trip.

Don’t Skip “Bonjour”

Say it. Always. A simple “bonjour” (or “bonsoir” in the evening), whether you walk into a shop, greet a waiter, or bump into someone in a hallway, sets the tone. Skipping it makes you come off as rude, no matter how polite you think you’re being otherwise.

Don’t Expect Everything to Be Open

Sundays are quiet. Many stores, bakeries, and even restaurants shut down completely. Small towns especially feel like ghost towns. Plan. Don’t assume you’ll grab a last-minute dinner or run errands that day. France takes its rest seriously.

Don’t Touch Produce at the Market

Those peaches look perfect, but don’t grab one. In most open-air markets, the vendor picks the produce for you. Touching fruit or vegetables yourself is frowned upon. Want ripe bananas or a soft avocado? Just ask, and they’ll choose one for you with a smile.

Don’t Rush Through Meals

Meals in France are events, not pit stops. You’re expected to take your time at restaurants. Eat slowly, chat between courses, and don’t ask for the check the moment you finish. The server won’t rush you. They might ignore you on purpose if you seem too hasty.

Don’t Expect Ice

Order a Coke and you’ll likely get it room temperature or slightly chilled at best. Ice isn’t common, and asking for a full glass of it can seem odd or even annoying. Go with the flow. If you’re desperate, try ordering “des glaçons” and hope for two cubes.

Don’t Be Loud

Americans have a reputation in France for being loud talkers. Lower your voice, whether you’re in a museum, on the train, or sitting in a quiet café. It shows respect and helps you blend in. You’ll notice how hushed everything feels; match that energy.

Don’t Dress Like You’re Going to Walmart

You don’t need designer labels, but showing up in athletic wear, flip-flops, or anything too casual screams “tourist.” The French favor a simple, polished style. Think neutral colors, clean shoes, and tailored jackets. Even errands deserve a little effort.

Don’t Ask for Ketchup

French chefs don’t love it when you drown their carefully cooked meals in condiments. Especially ketchup. Some restaurants don’t even have it. If you must ask, do it politely and be ready for a little side-eye. That dinner of steak-frites combo is already seasoned just right.

Don’t Smile at Strangers

This one trips people up. In the U.S., smiling at people you pass on the street is normal. In France, smiling at a stranger is weird as it is considered an intimate action. A smile can seem like flirting or just plain creepy. Save the grins for your friends, waiters, and anyone talking to you.

Don’t Split the Check

Dining out is a shared experience, not a math lesson. The French usually appoint one person to pay, and others settle up afterward in private. If you must split the bill, do it discreetly or check if the server is okay with it first. Asking them to split five ways is asking for trouble.

Don’t Complain Loudly

Things move more slowly. Service can feel distant. Your steak might be rarer than you’d like. But don’t air your frustration out loud. Complaining publicly feels disrespectful in French culture. If something’s wrong, mention it gently or, better yet, adjust your expectations.

Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

Some do. Many don’t. And those who do still appreciate the effort of a simple “Parlez-vous anglais?” before launching into English. Even a badly pronounced “merci” or “s’il vous plaît” gets you more goodwill than just skipping French entirely.

Don’t Tip Like You’re in the U.S.

Tipping in France isn’t expected the same way. Service charges are built into your bill. Leaving a few coins or rounding up is nice, but not required. Tossing down 20% like back home can look like you’re trying too hard or worse, showing off.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Read More:

• Ultimate Guide To Picking The Best Travel Credit Card
• The 5 Best Budget Airlines in the United States
• 15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca