There are gestures that seem minimal to those who travel, but that can change the tone of a conversation in the first few seconds. In France, and in particular Paris, the way an interaction begins can carry more weight than many tourists realize.
The word in question is “bonjour”. According to , experts in French etiquette and culture argue that this greeting should come before any interaction, whether entering a store, talking to a waiter, asking for information or checking in to a hotel.
A greeting that functions as a social rule
For many visitors, saying “hello” may seem like just a formality. In France, however, starting a conversation without saying hello first can be seen as abrupt or impolite. Former North American expatriate Elisabeth Guenette, cited by the same source, explains that starting interactions with “bonjour” can significantly change the tourist experience.
The rule is simple: before asking, ordering or buying, you greet each other. Only then comes the order. This difference can be especially noticeable by those who are used to more direct approaches, such as starting with “I’m sorry” or “Can you help me?”.
Entering a store without saying anything can make a bad impression.
The habit is not limited to restaurants or hotels. It also applies to stores, bakeries, cafes and small commercial spaces. Even if the customer just wants to look at windows, look for souvenirs or look at products without buying, they are expected to greet those who work there.
According to the analysis cited by CNN Travel, this is an important cultural difference compared to other countries. In France, entering an establishment and ignoring the presence of staff can be seen as inconsiderate, even if that is not the tourist’s intention.
French etiquette trainer Marie de Tilly, also mentioned in the publication, summarizes the importance of the gesture clearly: if the visitor does not start with “bonjour”, the reception may become colder. It’s not about perfect pronunciation, but about showing respect for the country and local culture.
You don’t need to speak French fluently
The recommendation does not mean that tourists have to master the French language. On the contrary, a few basic expressions are enough to demonstrate effort. In addition to “bonjour”, formulas such as “s’il vous plaît”, to say please, “merci”, to thank, and “au revoir”, when saying goodbye, can be useful.
Another practical expression is “parlez-vous anglais?”, used to ask if the other person speaks English. The difference is in the detail: instead of assuming that everyone will immediately change their language, the visitor starts by recognizing the local language.
Other gestures also count
French etiquette does not end with greetings. The same source points out that, in restaurants and cafes, service may be less insistent than in other countries. The waiter doesn’t usually constantly pass by the table asking if everything is ok. When the customer needs something, they should make eye contact or give a discreet signal.
There is also care with the volume of conversation in public spaces, with the way of eating at the table and even with small habits, such as keeping your subway ticket until you leave the station. These are details that help tourists blend in better with the local environment.
In the end, the most important rule is perhaps also the simplest. Before asking for a table, a recommendation, a coffee or help in a store, starting by greeting can make a difference. In France, that word is “bonjour”.
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