How to Survive Ordering in a Parisian Cafe

French cafes can be scary if you don't know how to ask for toast. Grab my guide to Paris (PDF) here for your trip to Paris: bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide with more French restaurant and Parisian cafe recommendations and trips. Help me make more videos at / jayswanson and then find me on the internet in all of the usual spots:
/ jayonaboat
/ jayswanson (me) / mindofjayswanson (books)
/ jay.swanson.author
Music by: David Cutter Music - www.davidcuttermusic.co.uk
French Breakfast Vocabulary: www.frenchtoday.com/blog/fren...
Be sure to visit a cafe in Paris sometime soon!
My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlog daily, and love pizza a little too much.
FAQ:
How long have you lived in France? On and off for over two years.
What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS
You're always talking about living on some ship. WHAT SHIP? - I made a "Draw My Life" video that explains a lot here: • Draw My Life
Where are you from originally? - Pullman, Washington - a small university/agricultural town near Idaho (and yes, the potatoes are amazing).
What do you film with? - I currently film almost exclusively with my Samsung Galaxy S7: amzn.to/2sXEL4g
How do you get those shots where you're walking or running? - A Joby Gorillapod for smartphones, like this: amzn.to/2sXNIL3
You drop your phone a lot, how does it survive? - THIS CASE IS AMAZING: amzn.to/2hoxgTA
What do you edit with? - Adobe Premiere - it's pretty much all I've ever used since high school.
Aren't you ever freaked out by leaving your camera behind to film yourself? - Yep. But not too badly - I tend to be careful when I do.
Why are you living in #Paris? - Because I've always wanted to; I feel at home here: • Why I Want to Live in ...
But what are you doing there? - Living it up! • What Am I Doing in Paris?
Do you speak French? Oui.
Do you make money off KZbin? - Ha, no. I wish.
I really enjoy your videos, how can I support you? - The easiest and best way to support me is through Patreon, where you can pitch in as little as $1/mo to help me make better videos: / jayswanson
But I want to send you something tangible! - I do have a wishlist on Amazon, though it's short and I rarely tell anyone about it: amzn.to/2ykS9Ux
Can I come stay with you in Paris? - Have you seen my apartment? It's too small for me as it is! • The Apartment Tour (Lo...
OK, but how do I use the Metro when I'm there? - I made a handy video for you: • How To Use the Paris M...

[@himeshan9835]

I'm french and I'm using your videos to teach english to my students, so thank you :)

[@JaySwanson]

Happy to help! 😃

[@gh0stxgurl02]

I’m going to France in 2 weeks but I haven’t been doing any research because finals at uni are killing me. And honestly your videos are so helpful, fast-paced, straight to the point and very entertaining. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad they're helpful! I hope you have fun in Paris - and good luck with finals!

[@Aravzil]

I'm French and ended up on here from a random video. It's really interesting to see a foreigner point of view for stuff that is kinda like in a blind spot for you. You got a lovely channel :) Just a tiiiny note though: when calling a young-ish female out (waitress or other) I would actually say "mademoiselle" and not madame.

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you Aravzil! And for sure - I'm just scared to use mademoiselle because where I'm from, the wrong usage of "ma'am/miss" can get you in a lot of trouble 😂😂

[@homasas4837]

@@JaySwanson usually women in France don't get offended when you call them mademoiselle instead of Madame since it means that you think they look young.

[@charliev-lakers4life415]

Why the French be so complicated?? This is why I'm kinda hesitant to visit Paris cuz I ain't with that formal stuff. Visited Peru and they so friendly in every city and town. I dont speak no French, but I wanna enjoy the city and obviously their cafes and breads 😎

[@homasas4837]

@Nonamé San I work in a restaurant, I never saw in my whole life someone being in trouble by calling a waitress mademoiselle. Of course if she isn't 60 years old..

[@patrickmcshane7658]

Why not call them pretty lady, imitating Jerry Lewis.

[@FlorianHWave]

The problem is, if I talk to them in French, they will reply in French and then I get into panic because I don't understand them. I never know how to deal with that.

[@Lodai974]

Ne panique pas !! votre accent indiquera à votre interlocuteur votre origine ^^ Et il essaiera, s'il en est capable, de vous répondre en anglais. Surtout dans le café et autres lieux publics.

[@kookymunster75]

I'm going to Paris alone in December and I'm so glad I found your videos. If anything, I should be well fed and caffeinated whilst I'm there.

[@JaySwanson]

The most important aspects of any trip ;D

[@zionisraeltv9212]

Did you enjoy your trip? I will be in Paris, France Spring 2019

[@designsonyouinparis]

Every time I have visited Paris I come back looking 10-15 years younger, loose a couple of sizes, 10-15 lbs- my hair grows like crazy- even my hazel eyes turn green! I feel young and alive. I never limit myself to what I eat. Plenty of bread, pastries and butter! Wish I could live there full time! Beautiful place with beautiful people with manners!

[@virginiarobinson3848]

I spent 4 hours watching your Vlogs yesterday to prepare for a solo trip to Paris in April. Your sense of humor cracks me up. Your videos are I formative AND fun to watch.

[@brittanymassey7214]

I am so glad I watched this. I have studied French for years and feel comfortable in the language but I didn't understand the routine or the culture ..... I want to thank you for making my first trip here somewhat less scary. Merci!!!!!

[@JaySwanson]

Happy to help! =D

[@MetaMM]

Very useful showing the menu so we could know all what to order. Merci.

[@JaySwanson]

Happy to help!

[@Mockbaboy]

How the hell you’re not famous already? Such a lovely character!

[@JaySwanson]

Aw, thanks =)

[@k.delavega4743]

Just found your VLOG channel, and really love it. It is going to help us when we go to Paris next month.

[@alexandriabanjoboy]

This is the only video I would need that I can relate. He’s so helpful. Basic travel and more details with great help from Basi French languages or terminologies which very much helpful. Bless

[@rigoio]

i love how you made it really fun to watch & incorporated explanations with english! SUBSCRIBED!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks for subscribing =D

[@chayanetorres6932]

I'm going to travel alone soon to Paris, I must thank you a lot because your videos makes me feel more confident about this trip.

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad to hear that!

[@louislark9983]

Bonsoir mon frere! Merci pour your phenomenal informative, feasible, instructive French video. Love that you employ English to elucidate how to speak French in a cafe. Have an awesome week.

[@JaySwanson]

De rien - Merci pour le commentaire! =D

[@narellezealey1049]

Awesome Vlogs Jay. So simple and entertaining too. Especially like the Coffee piece.

[@daniaorlando]

This is fantastic!!! Thank you so very much for posting this video... so glad I found your channel! Merci beaucoup, monsieur!!

[@JaySwanson]

Glad you found it too! =D

[@agyvonne]

Thanks for a lot of great tips. I’m in Paris now - my 27th trip here. My first trip was a mere 4 days - it’s elongated into 6 weeks. I thought I had a lot of really good tips but so do you !!! Thanks!

[@dharris6796]

I really like your Vlogs; I am 48 and have never traveled outside the US (I don't think I should count Rosarita or Tijuana, Mexico) and now at 48 I am planing my first international trip (London and Paris); I will most likely be a solo traveler so all your vids are so helpful:) Thank you.

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad to hear they're helpful! Solo travel is totally doable - getting some research and familiarization in beforehand will totally help.

[@tamtam8499]

Same story here. I hope you enjoyed it.

[@jmlepunk]

Just saw that comment, I hope your experience abroad met your expectations :)

[@zionisraeltv9212]

I AM SO excited

[@julianwortel]

Awesome and super helpful videos, keep up the great work

[@leehocking8232]

Jay, this one of the most useful KZbin videos I've ever seen. Thanks for explaining everything, & keep it up!

[@JaySwanson]

Glad it was so helpful! =D

[@spitroastjerry]

I am flying to Paris in the morning and this is incredibly helpful. Thanks!

[@zionisraeltv9212]

I WILL BE GOING TO PARIS,FRANCE SPRING 2019

[@JaySwanson]

😁👍

[@tiaeshanicole6735]

Also tipping. I am American and we tip (well we are supposed to tip) and one thing we were stressed when traveling to Europe is not to tip. It is usually included in the bill, and also servers get paid a decent wage (unlike American servers). Thanks for the video. I am going in April and I am praying that I remember my French!

[@tonyhawk94]

Yes in France we don't tip, EXCEPT if you're in a fancy restaurant !

[@james-p]

@@tonyhawk94 I usually leave the small change in cafés, or maybe a €1 coin if paying par carte de credit. I usually tip 5-10% in fancy restos. Is that about right?

[@chizoioioi]

Fun fact its a partial myth that servers dont get paid in America. Check the state. In most tourist states they must make minimum wage. So servers in California now make 12/hr + tips. Not bad for a college/side job.

[@ReginaTorres15]

I’ve just discovered your KZbin channel today and I’ve been watching all of these videos all day. You’re so talented with editing, the story of your day really fits right and you’re music also works really well. Keep up the good work.

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you! I'm glad you like them and - in the spirit of the day - thankful you'd take the time to stop by and say so!

[@olivia83035]

This is a really great video! I'm going to Paris in a few months and this was really helpful, thank you!!

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@midlifewoman4205]

Thanks, Jay. Love this kind of instructional video.

[@JaySwanson]

I hope it helped!

[@SteveFeatherstone]

love an educational vlog, looking forward to more

[@hus390]

Loved your video, style and editing

[@tkdshine]

Jay, you ROCK!! Great pronunciation and tips! Also merci mille fois for reinforcing that you call your server monsieur or madame. 👍

[@medic4lyf]

Going to Paris this week! Your videos are really helpful, more power to you!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks!😊

[@linettelow]

Hope you're feeling better, bro. Really digging these informative travel vlogs :) #GodBless & best wishes. ♡

[@mikegehre570]

I find that a pleasant look, a few words of halting French worked. I find that Parisians do speak Spanish (saved me more than once), and I loved the Cafes/Bistros near the Sorbonne where I stayed. I can get lost in Paris and enjoy it. The store windows are a series of art works.

[@JaySwanson]

Polite attempts at French totally do most of the heavy lifting for you. I'm glad you manage so well!

[@loris.2849]

This is perfect! We're thinking of going to France and we're very nervous travelers. Don't speak any French. This is exactly what we need...something that tells us exactly what we need to know. Thank you!

[@JaySwanson]

Happy to help!

[@JeanChordeiles]

Learn some words of French and always be polite. That'll make the difference. People will be nicer to you, etc.

[@fireflytonightx]

I'm studying abroad next year and I am so happy I found your channel!!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@gypsyrubbertramps3487]

I love your channel and just started watching since I booked my tickets to Paris. We are taking our daughter there for her 32nd birthday 🎂 can’t wait!!! Keep up the good work....

[@JaySwanson]

I hope it's a great trip!

[@mikeashexperience9602]

Dope Video! Sending blessing your way, Keep inspiring!🎒🙌🏻

[@adorau88]

This video was very helpful. I think I was going to subscribe after watching a few more videos but the "Hi Puppy!" got me. Can't wait to watch more vids.

[@JaySwanson]

Haha, glad you're here :)

[@nickjamesc3016]

ive been studying french and have been looking for an american in paris who helps with french, this is perfect! super stoked i found your channel. keep up the epic work

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad you found me too! Thanks for leaving a comment =D

[@roots207]

Great video, as always. Keep it up!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@micrn777]

Hi Jay. I liked the video. I would add "Merci" - thank you, it also a great word to know and use in the cafe or anywhere.

[@JaySwanson]

Michele Leahy haha, I thought of that as I was editing. I also realized I forgot to talk about tipping!!

[@InternetExploring]

As a barman and tour guide, there's a slap a coming your way. That being said, you do have a whole video on tipping in France.

[@geneparcellano]

I was waiting for the tipping part.

[@herve30able1]

In most restaurants in Paris the tip is included in « l’addition ». 15%.

[@jefferywelch5589]

Jay Swanson - The tipping aspect was a bit confusing. I understand that when having a full lunch or dinner adding 2 euros per person as a tip is fairly standard. But traveling around outside of Paris (Bordeaux specifically) it got more complicated - many of the more informal places I ate at or drank and snacked at (outdoors) had you go inside to the bar or counter to pay, so leaving money on the table outside as a tip with the server nowhere in sight felt a bit odd and maybe would end up in someone else’s pocket. Also, because I was concentrating probably too hard on using my fledgling french, I would sometimes forget about the tip entirely. One afternoon after having a really enjoyable lunch and nice conversation with a server at a restaurant on rue du Cherche Midi, I spaced out and left without leaving him anything. So, the following day, after my french class at Alliance Francaise nearby, I made a trip back to the resto and used the previous day’s faux pas as a lesson in saying “hello and oops, I forgot to leave a tip after your good service yesterday”. He laughed and looked surprised (but pleased) that I had returned. Would love to hear more about smart tipping the French way.

[@michaeldockins7466]

Very helpful, Jay. Thanks!!

[@JaySwanson]

For sure! =)

[@traceysprigings8334]

This was great, thank you so much. Greetings from the UK. 😊

[@SourabhaRao]

I’m going to Paris in a few weeks and this is so helpful, Jay! Thank you very much. Love all your videos! Namastey from Bengaluru, India!

[@clipstone]

You have a great French accent and such useful this information. I will memorise all this for my return to France.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks =)

[@lisagodier2957]

Perfect for our needs. Thanks Jay!

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad it helped!

[@lyndatewell4604]

Very helpful, Jay, merci!!!!!

[@donnyboy1972]

Just come back from Friday to Sunday visit. Loved it. Only know basic French and I managed fine,said "Bonjour" , "merci" and quite a few times I said "je suis anglais" lol. Loads of places I went knew as much English as I knew French do we sort of communicated enough to understand each other. As for some saying the French are ignorant, I found them polite and helpful. Definitely going to return. Went up eiffel tower and scared the heck out of me, I don't particularly like heights haha. Great informative videos.

[@herve30able1]

I am bilingual and went to Paris a few years ago; when you ask something in French, they always reply by their way of saying things. It borders me very much.

[@james-p]

I have also found French people to be very nice. Speaking even a little French opens their hearts :-)

[@mikefisher8531]

We have been there twice now and found it to be the same as you. I truly believe it's because we bothered to make the effort that made the difference. Granted, we aren't the most fluent, but we tried.

[@vanessardz9273]

I was going to add this video to my favorites but after seen your lump I think that you deserve the subscription, a lot of effort should be rewarded 😂😂😂 loved your video

[@JaySwanson]

Haha, thank you =) I hope that it's worth the sub in the long-haul for you =D

[@RobBardgett]

You almost drive me crazy with your opening, but I appreciate your videos and my kids dig em too while I prepare for a trip to France in May. I've decided, I could drink a beer with you haha! Keep the video's coming!

[@ericd.4631]

I m French. Average price for a "combo" including Cafe + bread +butter + marmelade should ba around 3 €. But in some "tourist trap" places (around very touristic locations like Montmartre for ex) it can be 6 or 7 € which is very expensive. Note that in Paris in a "real café", the bread is cut in the middle (to get 2 equal parts). if not (like in the video) you are at a tourist trap... Tip is included in the price but if you enjoyed the service you can let some coins on the table when leaving (around 10% of the bill)

[@jeffwilson8702]

Awesome info for someone like me who is looking forward to a first visit to Paris. In particular, I dream of sitting at a sidewalk cafe. I learned quickly to keep my hand on the volume control to survive the blasts of loud music in-between the parts where you are talking.

[@citrine65]

Right. Why do people do that with the music?

[@TeddyAura]

Sorry but that cafe is too expensive.Prices in the area near la tour Eiffel are almost the double. My tip is to get away from la tour Eiffel and le Etoile.

[@JaySwanson]

For sure - I think it's way too expensive too. No need to apologize, I forgive you =)

[@pauline6106]

Obvisouly haha, Béchu is a very famous café/bakery in Paris. It's like Carette. Very fancy

[@novembertrails]

what area would you suggest one goes to to avoid this?

[@roychefets6961]

@@pauline6106 When Yves St. Laurent 's pastry chef was on vacation in August I read they would order in from Carette.

[@pauline6106]

@@novembertrails avoid touristic places and fancy neighborhood. Those two cafés are 10 min apart and around trocadero (16th arrondissement). You have a carette in place des Vosges also very expensive area but very cute. A must see

[@craighughes153]

Perfect...just the info I need Jay merci beoucoup

[@JaySwanson]

De rien =D

[@sarinachhina4239]

Thank you for your tips! So helpful :)

[@JaySwanson]

Of course! Thanks for letting me know =)

[@frenchworld6238]

J'apprends le français. Et c'est la premiere vidéo que j'ai vu en cette chaîne , je me suis abonnée tout à fait ! Intéressant et réal !!

[@JaySwanson]

J'espère qu'elle vous aide :)

[@rameses1979]

Finally an American who gets it!!! Always say “bonjour” with a smile, “merci”, “s’il vous plaît”. French people will go out of their way to help you if you are polite.

[@storiasung]

I always use s' il vous plait for asking a service. Thank you for your informal video

[@33lviana]

This is very helpful for me.. Thank you

[@JaySwanson]

Happy to help!

[@RonaldLayman]

Good stuff, here on my first visit and your videos are extremely helpful, thanks

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad they're helpful!

[@juliewa1]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@JaySwanson]

My pleasure =)

[@gloriawalker3537]

Dang ! Jay your leg is JACKED UP Man 😱 that lump looks HUGE . I sure hope that that lump goes down . I have been really enjoying your vlogs . Thank You for the time that you spend sharing ☺

[@JaySwanson]

Of course! Thanks for taking the time to enjoy them =) As for the lump... I guess I should go to the doctor again at some point. He's the one that initially told me not to worry about it.

[@linda99]

Does the lump hurt? Oye..I wish you wouldn't wear Vans when it's raining-- especially since your avocation is to explore and show us all of Paris, which make slipping an occupational hazard. We don't want to worry about you. :)

[@Islandgirl4ever2]

Hey there Jay, just found your channel and subbed... I live in the Paris banlieu... Great to see your tips of all pertinent to Paris, I go up there quite a bit... I am in Antony... Funny when you were slipping a lot in the rain.. happens to me all the time, and thought I was the only one! Cheers... Leesa

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks for subscribing!🥂

[@graememurphy5704]

Really enjoyed this video thanks

[@JaySwanson]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! =D

[@bcd773]

OH, thank you for this!

[@alexajulien473]

Awesome! So helpful! Merci!

[@JaySwanson]

De rien! =D

[@carlameaser-costamagna5783]

I remember her! I was dying watching you eat that baguette. Looked so good! Miss my Parisian breakfasts.

[@JaySwanson]

It was tasty =D

[@gadisbatak4828]

beginning I stay focus with you, then that dog get success took my focus from you ... So cute dog..😍

[@Mmefatoom]

ok so this is the second video i watched from you.............SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! So good to know it only took two, haha. Someone recently commented that it took ten - thank God I have hundreds (but who knows how they kept coming back to begin with). Glad to have you here!

[@lucianabezerra2207]

hi Jay... i loved your tips. i'm going to Paris next month and i'm learning some french to survive over there since they don't speak English and i speak only Portuguese and English.

[@JaySwanson]

A little French will go a long way =D

[@AndreaHeckler]

Even after I started to feel pretty comfortable in Paris, these little café "rules" still stressed me out for a while 😂 You just get this sensation that everybody around you knows exactly how the routine should go and what to do (even if they don't!)

[@JaySwanson]

Getting immersed in a new culture is stressful in all kinds of little ways you never thought could stress you out!

[@VVC64]

I like your vlog, is a different perspective about France and specially about Paris. That sequence in the round stairs was great. Also the clouds in time lapse were pretty cool.But- and perhaps the only but here was- the music. Not so cool. Thanks for your recommendations for surviving in a cafe. I just add those phrases to my poor french vocabulary. Cool man, saludos desde México, greetings from Mexico.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks =)

[@cynthiashepherd8676]

I got the post card today, Jay! I LOVE IT! Thank you so much. And I loved the French lesson too. Fabulous. I would like to send you a picture of what I looked up and saw today. It made me laugh out loud at dinner with friends and there was just no way sharing what it meant would have come across like it will sharing it with you. I love all the synchronicities in life! Is there any way to send you an email so you can see? I think you'll find it humorous. Big hugs!

[@kavaldzhia]

Very good !

[@cassandralykkestern4793]

J'adore tes vidéos

[@JaySwanson]

Merci =)

[@joyal77]

I have no idea why I'm watching this video, guess I miss Paris. Also I like how naturally you go about Paris and now I feel like eating croissant with cappuccinos... Yum

[@JaySwanson]

Paris is worth missing! =D

[@Anyone553]

Thank you for the info!!!

[@JaySwanson]

My pleasure! I hope it was helpful =D

[@Sunsetlover8]

Great video Jay. A couple of things, "noisette" is French for hazelnut, shouldn't that coffee have some hint of hazelnut flavor? Also, "viennoiseries" simply means "Viennese", yep, "from Vienna". Since many pastries that we identify with France actually came from Vienna. Kudos to them for recognizing it :)

[@tamoghnobasu1021]

Paris always holds a special niche in my heart for a heap of reasons!! And for a person who is staying there and making these incredible vlogs from a non-parisian perspective is definitely worth subscribing!! I can't help but add (please don't hate me!!) that your vlogging style (I just love this style) is quite similar to another youtuber. But New York doesn't even come to comparison when it's PARIS!!! Keep up the good work Sir!!! Merci Beaucoup!!

[@JaySwanson]

Ha - I stole everything I knew about vlogging from a KZbinr in New York ;D But hopefully I've grown enough to differentiate. Glad to have you here!

[@JaySwanson]

I actually made a video about it a looong time ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXbFm2aQbraXrJo =D

[@tamoghnobasu1021]

Jay Swanson Wow!! That almost summed up my query entirely! Thank you!!

[@AlbandAquino]

The "Café Double" is a double expresso basically.

[@JaimeMachin]

Hi Jay, great video. Just to say I’m always get worry when you leave the camera behind you...is funny 😄 but is me! Hahaha

[@JaySwanson]

😂😎👍

[@MarcoCarmonaT]

C’est beaucoup de nourriture pour le petit déjeuner! Où est le café que vous êtes allé? Merci pour votre vidéo!

[@loloshpomme3060]

c'est bechu dans le 16 eme

[@yuliyasayenko8364]

Very helpful. Thank you 😊

[@JaySwanson]

Happy to help! My guide is out now too if you need more tips! bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide

[@yuliyasayenko8364]

Oh! It is so nice! I'm gonna to Paris next spring and all my knowledge are: "Bonjour. Je ne mange pas 6 hours". (from the old black & white movie) xD

[@mikan12]

Very helpful vid! Thanks :-)

[@brianyoung3]

Good tips on being polite. If you order from the zinc bar where the locals are, the cost will be half what you'll pay at a table. Eating is expensive in Paris and after a few days, we saved our money for meals later in the day. We found a nice tabac and had only cafe creme and petit pain (rolls and jam). It's much cheaper and you get more local colour anyways.

[@franzi4288]

Thank you!!! ❤

[@JaySwanson]

You're welcome!

[@joebust779]

This is so simple but helpful. Thanks for posting. If I may ask, what's the weather in early October please? Thanks again.

[@Flyinggirl893]

Who else likes the music ?? 😇❤️ great content too merci

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks!

[@AdrianSalix]

Surprisingly came across this video.. on a Sunday lul

[@zanettagraham6340]

Thank You!

[@JaySwanson]

You're welcome! =)

[@sms7240]

Just found you today! I feel a binge coming on.......

[@JaySwanson]

I hope it's a good'n!

[@learntospeakamharic8323]

Thank you!!!!

[@JaySwanson]

My pleasure =)

[@noahjohnson3823]

SUPER

[@uhatekara]

"How to survive not having the croissant in the screen grab." I won't.

[@johncrwarner]

I remember buying my first train ticket in France and I was ready with "je voudrais acheter une billet pour ..." and being really proud that I could produce it. Only to realise I sound so formal and "Bonjour, une billet pour ..." is sufficient and what the locals do. Actually the Parisians might omit the "bonjour" part LOL

[@JeffBeltran]

love the new avatar, reminds me of 1990's hiphop cover

[@JaySwanson]

BEE - STEE - BOYYYS

[@shivapazoki1881]

i wish you would have a series on french language tips and tricks

[@JaySwanson]

I've definitely thought about it - I'm going to do more along these lines soon.

[@carlla6895]

This is very helpful and easy to understand. We will be going to Paris next month. Do you have to tip in cafes?

[@JaySwanson]

I would leave a Euro for good service/to be friendly, but you don't need to tip like you do in the US. I would, however, tip your tour guides generously. They don't generally make the same wages as someone working in a restaurant.

[@alexandracarter1408]

I just stumbled across these - I'm having a great time checking out your content. There are a few things i've wondered about but never asked - one is "showering" in france - everything about the shower *looks* like you can stand up, except for the fact that there's no curtain! Are you expected to sit down? Or are you expected to figure out how to not splash water everywhere while standing? 🤷🏻‍♀️😂