What NOT to do in France (French etiquette & things you shouldn't do in France) | French Culture

[@paulapatterson4301]

We Americans would do well to have these same manners and ways. We used to but over the generations we have stepped down off the curb and do not even realize it. Great video, inspirational too.

[@christophermichael5764]

Easily agree

[@wavetranquility4243]

Bonjour! My daughter and I are in France right now but I watched your videos before we left for here. They were so helpful! The bonjour, especially has been so helpful. And merci often. And saying a few words (trying) in French. And making sure we are a bit quieter than normal, to adjust to French expectations- because we are, after all, guests in their home.

[@juliejames3338]

hi , just come across your video: and yep i can relate to this so well: we have lived in france for16 years; English and yes have made these error: down to asking for help in a shop without saying bonjour to not greeting everyone; hopefully after all this time we are getting better: i wasn't aware about the no hugging part; but recently i did hug a french friend who just froze:now i know why: thanks very much

[@TreenaBeena]

Oh my goodness. YESSS. I can’t stand people who say that French people are rude when they didn’t even say “bonjour”, didn’t make any effort to speak French, and/or were very loud and obnoxious upon entering, and possibly slowed up the line with their silliness. I have found brightly colored hair and punk style in France though among young and old. The first time I ever noticed someone over the age of 30 with purple hair was actually in France. This lady had to have been well into her 60s. This wasn’t in Paris though which is where you said you lived. Paris very much seems to have its own culture and feel. Honestly, I can tell a Parisian when I see one. They just feel and look so “Paris”.

[@ybreton6593]

Paris c'est Paris ! Paris n'est pas toute la France et la France ne se résume pas à Paris !

[@jenniferwightwick5158]

(Complete Francophile here) in the UK, when you go up to someone - in a supermarket for example - to ask for something, it is *perfectly polite* to say "Excuse me, could you tell me where the __ is", *no need* to start with "hello".

[@TreenaBeena]

@@jenniferwightwick5158 same in the US.

[@ybreton6593]

@@jenniferwightwick5158 Oups ! faire une une comparaison entre la FRANCE et le royaume-uni ou désunis !!!! Je plaisante amicalement , bonne journée

[@PrincesseKes]

@@jenniferwightwick5158 That's so fucking rude

[@raypilot510]

While in France years ago, I did not have any problems with the people there, contrary to the warnings that they may be rude, etc. I found that being polite was the answer, and it worked well. It helped that I also speak French, although from a different part of the world. Actually, I enjoyed my stay there.

[@jennywhiskey9327]

I’ve been to France twice. Once to Paris on my honeymoon where there were very few punks or subculture fashions anywhere I was. I had blue hair and I definitely got some looks. But the other time I came to France was on tour with my band to 2 other towns and obviously there were definitely alternative looking folks and plenty of them. I guess it really depends where you go.

[@TMD3453]

I called a French friend from the gardens of Versailles to tell him how spectacular the night program of music, lights and water fountains was and he said he couldn’t talk to me, he was on the train! Thanks for the comment below about quiet on trains!! :). Thanks Rosie!

[@christopheripoll2580]

Actually, you can have phone calls from a train without being rude with other passengers : you just need to move to the end of the wagon, beside the toilets. I did it many times, and I am French btw.

[@themissakura599]

One sentence you can say to strangers without sounding weird is " bon appetit " to someone who's eating. You 'll see a smile on while they respond "merci"

[@romulusthemainecoon3047]

In Germany, in the Before Times when you went to a restaurant and the people at the table next to you got their meal before you and there was eye contact, it was common to wish them "Guten Appetit!" I love it if I'm sitting on a bench eating my döner, etc, and an older person smiles at me and tells me to enjoy. So sweet!

[@jrr3558]

Not really : if you are well educated, you do not say "bon appetit" . This is trivial. You say nothing.

[@themissakura599]

@@jrr3558 if you pass by them on the street it can be awkward when you are close because they would assume you're suspicious and be wary. Saying "bon appetit" can alleviate the tension, and it's polite. It's okay except in Paris, Parisians don't like being talked to. And the rest of France usually doesn't like talking to them.

[@jrr3558]

@@themissakura599 Nothing to do with Parisians. Only good manners.

[@themissakura599]

@@jrr3558 are you parisian ?

[@benjamintocchi7909]

Super embarring moment: Was shopping at BHV in Paris and after greeting the sales associate in French and exchanging pleasantries, he assumed I was a local and just started a complete conversation with me in French. This was well beyond my comprehension and I got super flustered, so much so my eyes got huge and I actually blurted out "sprechen sie englische?" quickly followed by "Damn it, wrong country." Needless to say, I was super embarrassed though all of the sales people thought I was hilarious. On the plus side they all told me that I did not "look American" at all, which I took as a compliment.

[@christophermichael5764]

I read "sprechen sie englische" (in context to your story) and burst into laughter. lol

[@mistyplm6048]

Bonjour :) As a french i dont agree with several points... We eat whatever is more confortable to eat with our hands, your are not going to be seen as rude if you eat your pizza with your fingers, if you cut it in small pieces first... We can talk about money, i often ask people how much their home cost or other things relate to money... and i dont think im seen as impolite ! You can talk to stangers and start a random discussion and even ask more private questions, but i agree we dont like when strangers come across you and act like you are friends (it seels fake to us), you gotta find the right middle, but de are not gonna bite you :)!!

[@mistyplm6048]

And a big faux pas would be, when you are invited to someone's place to have dinner, to start eating before your host start himself to eat... we wait until the person who cooked the meal actually starts eating.. and then we can pick our fork and start the dinner... same thing with the drinks, we wait until everyone is served, and hop we can start :)

[@Susan-ds1th]

@@mistyplm6048 Bonjour Misty. I just made that mistake 2 weeks ago! A couple of friends (french men) stopped I offered lunch. They sat. I served them their food, and told them to feel free start without me, while I prepared the dessert in the kitchen. They were kinda horrified. Needless to say, they didnt touch their food until I returned to the table. Their stew was cold. We were all disappointed. I wish I wasn't so ignorant. I wish they'd just gone with the flow of hostess. Looking back now, I see that we were all very rude. The lesson: When sharing a meal with friends, it's the sharing that's most most important than the actual food, or the style in which it is served.

[@mistyplm6048]

@@Susan-ds1th haha yes this is seen as rude to start eating before the host, but you know there are some situations where its not as formal, i mean like during a barbecue where meat would turn cold if you dont eat right away, or young people between them... But yeah food is most of all for us a moment of sharing :)

[@mgparis]

But in some countries (like the US), they usually eat pizza with their hands alone, without cutting it into small pieces, you just hold the slice and put it in your mouth.

[@silvia_music]

Same! I found some of these to be more stereotypical than actual practice. I was at dinner with a friend in Paris and we met some of her Parisian friends. We started chatting about life and family and one of the Parisians was asking me about my family. When I talked only about my mother, she asked 'and what about your father?' In America, if I don't talk about my dad, no one asks me about it. But this Parisian intrusively asked me at dinner in front of people. I didn't mind it but the idea that they don't want to know about people or don't ask intrusive questions like any other curious human being is not true. And they definitely eat with their hands! And talk about money. I feel like this could be titled 'Things white, rich French people don't do.' Because my friends who are first or second generation immigrants in Paris (and ARE French) definitely love to hug.

[@soy2538]

Hello ! I'm French and it's super interesting to hear from people living or who have lived in France their point of view and lived ^^ The "bonjour", the magic word which will cheer up all French. So if you are talking to a person for the first time better to say "vous" than "tu" and the person you are talking to will tell you if they prefer you to use "tu" ("tu peux me tutoyer"the person will say). Otherwise be yourself stress free and if you have any doubts about something just ask nicely and you will be informed how to do it by french people (and if the person in front is rude or mocking, well, there are assholes in all countries and she does not your interest)

[@agnespi2985]

As a French born and raised in France and still living in Paris, I often wonder when I listen to your experiences, what kind of people you got to deal with while living in France. It's so funny to hear your stories ! For example I consider myself a really normal person and not rude at all and I eat my fries and pizza and croque-monsieur with my hands, make mmmh sounds when I eat something yummy, speak passionately and emotionnaly about my life and hobbies, I hug my people, I sometimes multi color paint my nails (though I do think that fake tan and cheap dying hair are not pretty at the end ) and I often cross with punks (especially in Toulouse). Maybe you got to know a few more posh people than me but it's really funny to hear those concepts ! (But you're 100% right on the bonjour and merci rules ! That applies for every one !) Hope you can travel soon !

[@TreenaBeena]

That is what I was wondering too. When I lived in France, my roommate (100% French of course) definitely ate pizza with his hands and was very open to discussing all kinds of topics, even when we had first met. I guess everyone is different and all French people aren’t the same. I could also immediately think of a couple of people who had brightly dyed (blue and green) punk-ish hair and style. Everyone doesn’t dress like a Zara model.

[@aidenfujimoto8062]

@@TreenaBeena i think she went to France but only some rich areas or something like that

[@aidenfujimoto8062]

@@alphabetsoup342 maybe but really even 80's old man here eat sandwich with their hands

[@Sadi_K]

I too am really surprised by her own experience in France because it often doesn't match what I've experienced so far as a French women who's lived in many different parts of France.

[@aidenfujimoto8062]

@@alphabetsoup342 ?????????????????????? eating a croque monsieur with fork and knife ???

[@lucevrd7848]

I generally don't always fully agree with the foreign point of view of french people but this time i do 100%. Very very true.

[@christinaduncan8285]

This video was wonderful, and frankly I heard many things that would apply in the U.S. -- that is, if making a good impression is important to you. For example, yesterday I saw family members for the first time in two years because of the pandemic. When I arrived I was heartily greeted, which made me feel wonderful, but when I left I was too shy to say goodbye to every single person, so kind of slithered out (shamefully)! It would have been gracious to do as you say you should in France and address each person when departing.That would have made others feel as valued as I had felt on arriving. I will remember this! Thank you for a video to listen to again and again!

[@sbhimji4568]

I remember in the 80s in Paris, everywhere you went, there was neon, and a ton of punk culture everywhere. It took years before I saw it in Canada, London, or the US. When I finally did see it in the West, it wasn't as big as it had been in France. It most probably started in France.

[@merlintitouan6949]

Weird, the UK is the birthplace of both waves of punk culture, but I believe that the french punk scene developped shortly after the UK one.

[@emilietrodet8703]

Thanks for your videos, as a French person they're really funny and interesting. I agree with most of your points, except for the nacho part... who eats nachos with a fork and a knife ?! xD Also a good thing to know : French etiquette allows chicken only to be eaten with fingers, even at a restaurant. So don't put too much pressure on yourself to eat your chicken wings with cutlery ;)

[@gae0tic]

Me, about to move to France, watching this video with horror as I eat dinner holding chicken in my hands... :( Me, reading this comment after I wipe my hands off and fail to eat chicken with a fork and knife... :D

[@anso8064]

Yeah I am french too and on that part I was probably doing some « french faces » trying to figure out how to eat Nachos with knife and fork 😅

[@swann4293]

Never saw anyone eating Nachos with a fork and knive even tho I'll probs do it since I eat everything with cutlery 😂

[@chloefradet6760]

Hi, I'm French and I love your videos but in this one, I disagree with many things you talked about. I guess that concern categories of French people but not everyone. For example, you said in France we don't eat pizza or hamburgers with hands but wrong. Where I live, it's contrary, if we see people eating pizza or hamburgers with forks, it's strange 😅. But I totally agree with Bonjour 😅

[@christopheripoll2580]

She should have added : the French use forks and knives AT THE RESTAURANT. And yes we definitely do that, even for pizza or burgers, except in fast-food restaurants 'cause they are simply not real restaurants. At home, we are obviously more relaxed.

[@anso8064]

Well even at the restaurant I can eat pizzas or burgers with my hands, as long as it is not a 3 Michelin stars lol !

[@shelaughs185]

@@anso8064 but bread. We can eat bread and butter (or olive oil) with our hands. Bread is meant to be torn by hand and eaten, not mushed with a knife.

[@christianibarbia9380]

Hi... I really enjoyed your video... I m french... born in Paris !! regarding the way you eat, this is depending of the education taugh by your parents... eating everywhere with a fork and a knife is something completely normal... particularly in a restaurant, even eating pizza, french frites and so on... eating that pizza at home is different.. for sure you can do it with your hands (if acepted by the fathers too !!) personally i eat my frites with my hand .. but i obliged my son to use his fork and knife too.. behavior at the table is truly important

[@ThesaurusToblerone]

The main difference in greetings for me is definitely having to say hello to everyone individually. Even in Australia, some people (like my mother) prefer long goodbyes. And it's pretty normal to say goodbye to people individually (just not hello for some reason). My mum always used to scold me for not following guests all the way to the door to say goodbye to them.

[@okay5045]

I traveled to Paris in the 1990s and I found the people very helpful if you at least try to use the language and are polite. Good home training makes you more acceptable no matter where you travel. I taught myself all the polite words and greetings as well as how to count, left right and where is the toilet. Please and Thank you are magic words. If you do not act like a tourist you can hava great deal of fun for little money. I would have my breakfast of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a baguette or croissant in the inn I stay at the walked or to the metro everywhere. There were so many beautiful parks to sit in as I ate the fresh baguette I carried with me and drank the local soda which was much cheaper than the big brands. I felt very safe walking the streets and the Metros at night things may have changed but I have beautiful memories of Paris every morning I would walk out of my little Inn and turn my head to the Right and there was Notre Dame and to the left was everywhere I planned on going that day.

[@marineamazouz457]

i do think we're not really rude .it still is true that basics in french and knowing the basics of our politeness like hello ,thank you etc... is mostly enough. and you know what's funny ? asking "what's the magic word?" is what's commonly said to children to teach/ remind them when they forget to use them.😊

[@doctordarcy8385]

Did you eat the baguettes and croissants with a knife and fork?

[@ChrishaunaTheVillain]

The french are a bit more relaxed than this video portrays…the only thing in this video is an ABSOLUTE is greetings, maybe the baguette…just be yourself, no matter where you are and you will find your groove without losing yourself.

[@k.monteil...asalon9357]

And to say 'bonjour'

[@PC-mw6qx]

@@k.monteil...asalon9357 yeah what they said "greetings"

[@hadiparis5075]

❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹👍

[@iparipaitegianiparipaitegi4643]

I don’t agree with ChrishaunaTheVillain. I’m a french man and being polite, not showing off your wealth, and being discrete is super important in France in social life. Of course inside your family or with close friends, things are more relax.

[@ingathomas6653]

I cannot stop asking myself how would anybody enter anywhere in a shop not saying hello, bonjour, buongiorno, guten Tag...? Was the first thing my mum told me. The second was "thanks" or "please".

[@HermitKing731]

Because you people are stupid and get offended every un important things.

[@Foxintox]

About the style point : imo France strikes a good balance . I remember an interview with a japanese expat (I believe on Louis-san’s channel) who pointed out that there was a lot less pressure to « fit in » and « do like everyone else » in France than in Japan and that it taught her to be herself . And imo that’s the good middle ground . When you don’t feel a need to fit in and tow the line , but where you also don’t feel a need to stand out . You just need to be yourself , and for most people that’s not very flashy . Obviously you can always find exceptions , especially in high school when you’re a teenager . But overall that’s why you see less extravagance in public except in specific communities

[@tinaperez7850]

Yees I remember this video, he was interviewing his friend Haru that came back in Japan and it's true that we are free to look the way we want and be different. Even if there is judgment, I feel like in France (and some other European countries) we feel less pressure than other countries like Asian countries or USA . You just have to be decent and polite

[@asgardian1743]

Salut, je suis totalement d'accord sur l'importance de dire bonjour et au revoir à tout le monde. Les personnes qui ne disent pas bonjour à tout le monde sont très très mal vu par ceux qui ont été ignoré. J'ai passé 3 mois en Angleterre et j'étais vexée de l'impolitesse des personnes...puis j'ai compris que c'était simplement deux cultures différentes...mais j'étais quand même énervée 😅 Pour les frites, quand elles sont présentées dans un petit panier ou en corner c'est normal de les manger avec les doigts. Par contre dans un restaurant quand elles sont dans l'assiette je préfère les manger avec la fourchette. Merci pour cette vidéo 👍

[@turtlescanfly7]

Saying hello and goodbye to everyone is also a thing in Latin America. I’m Mexican American and yes you have to go around and say hi to everyone & give everyone a hug or handshake when you arrive and before you leave.

[@mariasoto1837]

So rude if you don't.

[@mariasoto1837]

I'm Australian and it's OK to only say hi to people you like 😅

[@aurelien1241]

I am French and when I arrive at work, I say hello to all my colleagues, shaking their hands. Okay with the covid, it was just "hello" without shaking hands

[@miyounova]

In France, we don't necessarily say hello to everyone individually. When you're in a smallish group of people you know very well, yes, you say hello to each person, but if it's a party with friends and acquaintances, a general hello will suffice. And often, you'll say hello individuaally to people when you start to talk to them or if you end up physically close to them. At work, I've never seen anyone shaking people's hands, let alone individually, but apparently it happens. It's usuaally a general hello, with individual hellos as you happen to meet people.

[@dominickb7046]

I found your video both enlightening and entertaining as were all the comments. I was brought up to be polight always and while traveling throughout the world, I found manners to be generally universal and appreciated. It is always a sign of assumed respect to take the time to learn something about who the "people " you are visiting are...just polight.

[@peterc6156]

A great way I like to think of the French is that they are understated. In addition to your examples, one I'd like to add is around eating in a restaurant. If you require assistance from the waiter, simply raise your hand and index finger, next to your face. There's no need to wave your arm and hand in the air. I always understood the service profession to be respected and they do their jobs well. It's difficult for Americans to speak quietly or not be passionate about everything. But, as they say... When in Rome...

[@Hide_and_silk]

We live in France and our French neighbour asked us, outright, how much we earned and what our UK house was worth! I've never been asked that in the UK. Her (French) hubby has tattoos.

[@ybreton6593]

peut-être , que son mari français avec des tatouages , c'est laissé gagner par l'influence anglo-américaine ??? Je plaisante

[@khaelamensha3624]

They probably wish to move there 😂

[@Sadi_K]

Hugs are ok with your family members and very close friends, I always hug my mom, dad and sisters ;-)

[@humbeline.]

It really depends of the family: the only physical contact I have with my family (except my little sisters - kids) is la bise

[@darionyc]

I agree, I am male and I hug and exchange 2 kisses on the cheeks with my French male friends, totally normal

[@miyounova]

@@humbeline. sure, but that makes it "not a rule" to not hug a French person, because that's quite common in various regions, situations, families...

[@jessicawarnimont8804]

Salut! I am not French, but I do have a lot in common with them in regard to their customs. I love your videos and I have learned a lot from you. Merci!

[@AnnaBlueStar]

Hey😄Would love to see a video on how your husband has managed living in New Zealand

[@alexandracarter1408]

Bonjour! Great video! I had a bad experience as a teenager (parents didn't educate me on French culture, just told me to go explore on my own, lol!). I thought I was being nice, but apparently I was NOT. What I learned is to obsessively research french culture before going. 🤣 Thanks, hopefully you've helped me to not make those cultural mistakes I fumbled through so many years ago! Merci!

[@dome9911]

Tu connais bien nos us et coutumes ; une petite anecdote à propos de la baguette retournée , ma grand-mère nous disait :"on ne gagne pas son pain en travaillant sur le dos " si , par erreur on plaçait le pain à l'envers . WELCOME à nos amis étrangers qui viendront chez nous en France cet été .

[@Sadi_K]

J'ai aussi entendu cette expression pendant toute mon enfance ;-)

[@ybreton6593]

Exacte . c'était l'éternelle ritournelle à la maison "on ne gagne pas son pain en travaillant sur le dos"

[@Susan-ds1th]

@@ybreton6593 Bonjour Y Breton! My Ex was a Breton. I accompanied him on a visit from the USA to his childhood playground around 'fort bloque.' Well...I really liked the area!' The people in Britany seemed a little more 'friendly'' with strangers than their countrymen a little further south. What do you think? Is that a fair generalization or just my unique experience?

[@aurelien1241]

ma grand mère disait que ça portait malheur

[@sabrinag4512]

It’s so true what you said about cheering when drinking and in my family we’re always joking exaggerating opening our eyes to make sure we have eye contact!! Love your video and your nails are pretty perfect for the summer;) just subscribed to your channel !

[@dianadi369]

Thank you for telling about not eating with hands. I never thought it could be a problem....

[@sarah.marco888]

Oh wow I'm quite loud as well. I actually have a French man coming over to my country. We met online and we are seeing each other. Please have me in your good intentions. We get along really well. Your videos are helping me at least anticipate their culture better 😊🥰 thank you so much!

[@jimjungle1397]

I remember in France, my mother picked up some produce to inspect it and the vendor yelled at her for handling the produce. Then another time at a produce shop, my father started stating what he wanted and they told him to pick it out himself. Later a British woman told me to look for (rolls of?) bags next to produce. If no bags, ask for the produce and if there are bags, it is self service.

[@El.C4m1n0]

When we cheers, it's more like a joke to look heavely into the eyes, because we used to say that it can cause bad luck if you don't, but no one really believes it. Actually, the only reason to look in the eyes while saying "santé" is that you are wishing others a good health, so it's more polite to look to the one you are speaking at. You should understand it like you adress that wish with your eyes. Kind of. But the whole thing of looking heavely is really more of a joke, to make fun of this old belief.

[@kimgisedai9780]

One thing I learned when I lived in Belgium and France was that you MUST greet their dogs as well as the people! And I'm just as bad. I adore my dog ;)

[@oonabellam670]

Yes so true Chloé my Cavalier King Charles spaniel was always the centre of every conversation wherever I was in France. 🐶🇫🇷

[@doctornico1759]

It depends on people, but yes, they do exist. My horrible grand mother once slated a poor kid on the street because he didn't say "bonjour" to her yorkshire -_-

[@jenv6846]

I’m American and I HATE being asked where and/or how much I’ve purchased an item for, especially my clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories. It just feels weird and like you want to check up on my spending habits. I hardly ever answer these questions anymore and just say thank you, I found it online.

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

I’m an American and have always found it strange to be given a compliment on something personal like fragrance, clothing, jewelry, etc. then immediately followed up with where I bought it or how much it cost. Does the person asking for details want to dash out and purchase the same thing? I think it is more likely that the questioner wants to compete.

[@olivialee854]

The bonjour thing is very very accurate as I found in Paris and Bordeaux on a visit

[@tulipwindmill]

Surprised you haven't seen any alternative people tbh. I know there is a big Goth community in Paris. My friends all dress mainly in black, although the older ones have toned it down a bit now, but, I know one of the girls wears Victorian attire a lot and the younger ones colour their hair too. The guys wear eyeliner and nail varnish., quite a few other sub cultures in Paris too.

[@adrienfourniercom]

je suis dans la "communauté" Punk et Métal, j'ai grandi et vit en banlieue, où le rap est très présent et je trouves que Daisy n'a pas tout à fait tord. Non pas qu'il n'y ait pas de culture alternative en France, mais les Français sont très conformistes. Quand on va dans un concert, ou qu'on se réunit, les éléments corporels agissent comme des identifiants de groupe, il n'y a pas de place pour l'originalité dans la culture, comme à l'extérieur. Quand on va dans d'autres pays, que ce soit dans les concerts, ou dans les rues, la prise de risque en terme d'originalité est indéniablement là. Presque pas du tout en France.

[@lucevrd7848]

they exist but let's be honest : it's a community and you will not see easily people dressing this way at work or even in the street except in certain areas... Even little things like pink hair, crazy nailpolish, outstanding outfits are not common compared to London, spain, berlin etc... In france, if you look too different you might not get a job because of this, you might be asked to cover your tatoos if you are a sales rep' or to dress in a more proper way at work for ex.

[@tulipwindmill]

@@lucevrd7848 I agree there. My friend doesnt Goth up for work,he has to wear a uniform,he has no tattoos to cover,but even in UK,some places ask that you cover tattoos for work.

[@ybreton6593]

bien sûr il y a des gothiques mais ils sont 0, 1% de la populations

[@CastorClasser1716]

@@lucevrd7848 That's exactly what I've been worried about. I have long silver-ish hair and have been wondering if I should cut it before I start work at a French high school.

[@pamelamason6372]

I stayed in a tiny village in France several times and at the boulangerie people would walk in and say right away “do you speak English” . You can imagine the reply.

[@gillesdupouy8357]

omg do NOT please

[@xouxoful]

« Non » I guess 😁

[@quintym7090]

When I was 10 years old or so I made the mistake to don't say bonjour when I entered the boulangerie. I was too nervous about ordering 😅

[@Insaneronald]

*clears throat* BON---JOUUUR

[@miyounova]

The worst thing is, if these people had botthered to say bonjour, and je ne parle pas francais, or parlez-vous anglais, even in the thickest of accents, people would've been helpful and nice (I mean, if they're geenrally helpful and nice that is). I can't imagine goign tto any English country and not say a word in English to people. Or even going to a country with a third language, and not bothering to learn a few words... Hell, in Australia, I was even "corrected" for havinng an American accent (I'm not American).

[@timmy3423ify]

The constant hello goodbyes gets boring, not too bad day to day. Although I've had it with relatives who have visited in the morning and then the afternoon. Sometimes I'd love to just say goodbye and walk out but I get the respect of if

[@NeiyahVR]

As a french I've never heard about the baguette being upside down, afterall why would you even set it on table on the round crust when there is a flat base to hold it in place ^^'

[@PrincesseKes]

It's actually pain that shouldn't be upside, down. It rarely happens with baguette, cuz it's eaten so fast.

[@chuckjay6254]

I love almost everything of what I hear about French life.

[@guiluxfantastic]

Eating with knife and fork is especially when you are in a real restaurant. Do not put your elbows on the table, this is mainly to avoid disturbing neighbouring guests. I am not aware of a connection with the Middle Ages but perhaps... Kiss (3 bises) from France ;) :))

[@lindafirth1562]

Many thanks - this explains a lot. My first visit was to St Malo, where an elderly woman attacked my boyfriend with her walking stick. We were in shock for days, but clearly, he did something unacceptable - still haven't worked out what. However, in Marseille people are more relaxed and friendly - a smile and a smattering of french goes a long way. And in the Charente area, where french can be the only language, it's so much more fun and friendly to be ridiculed. In Paris, there are more unwritten rules, definitely.

[@tonymckeage1028]

Good Monday Morning from New Zealand, Great Not even French Video, Thanks for sharing, have a great week

[@nathanangelus]

The knife and fork thing is kinda wrong... In "fancy" restaurants or in a simple restaurants with collegues, you do would avoied to use your hands in order to be correct or polite or well educated, but in general, with friends or family, you do use you hands...

[@Lambert7785]

so, a more reserved culture then, but perhaps not yet very tolerant or open-minded about cultural differences? ...being restrained is a good thing in my book, but being open-minded and open-hearted is also really important - yes? :)

[@eovius]

About why French people are coconuts (in a nutshell, haha), it is mainly because non-verbal communication is considered obvious. Not saying "bonjour", "merci", etc... means you actively refuse to be polite to them which they will consider offensive. Asking about someone's life means you want to know them, but if they consider the moment isn't right or they don't know you well enough/why you want to know them, they will find that suspicious. French people will often consider there is intent in what you do and will thus be very attentive to everyone else's behavior And for the flashy colors, France often find beauty in nuance. French meals, songs, clothes, all of that isn't flashy. No big colors, no mouth-filling taste, etc..., just as you wouldn't turn on a spotlight right in your face when you're accustomed to looking at LED.

[@DepecheMode5]

Why are you guys kinda rude to foreigners? Especially from Eastern Europe?

[@kerouac2]

This was really quite accurate although I think you overdo how Parisians (who have seen it all) react to foreign faux-pas. In the outer regions of France, caution is strongly advised.

[@lefr33man]

J'allais dire l'inverse... la moitié des points qu'elle cite, ce sont bien des trucs de parisiens.

[@pierrrecitron]

good god, don't hold your emotions please )) it's refreshing ! french people really need to learn to let go XD (just so u know, i'm french)

[@HazelWorldwide]

As someone who’s been in and out of French culture literally my entire life, I’ve come to the conclusion that they don’t even like themselves so I don’t care about whether or not they like me. It’s been liberating 😂

[@caciliawhy5195]

Hahahaha

[@ogamiitto8627]

Haha... I'm french and yes, you totally nailed it!

[@michelq29]

Totally agree 😂 I'm french, and yes we love to criticise and complain about each others all day long 👌

[@PrincesseKes]

Ah finally someone who gets us!

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Hello, I have watched many videos on French etiquette, regards table manners, greeting manners, appropriate dress code and more highly thought of, acceptable style. This does seem rather a restricted regime and very watchful regime as if one might fall short at any moment. However, when I watch French films, dinner parties and so forth although lots of principles are adhered too the regulations seem much more relaxed and less critical. . I understand the French are horrified at the UK drunken hoards and yobs, as anyone here, with an iota of decorum and respect is also! Street style in Paris is from what I have seen, is much more fashion diverse than the traditional capsule wardrobe philosophy for which France is renowned. The streets are full of individual and quirky style in dress, hair styles, etc. which I think adds to your culture. I love Paris! Xx😘👌

[@carlosluizvieiradeandrade4462]

I love New Zealand and Kiwi people! I've lived in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Bleiheim ! The best Country in the whole world

[@club1fan552]

Brilliant as always. I speak O.K. French and when there ordered a meal in French and then the waiter said in English "So do you want drinks with that?" Another time I spoke French and bought a shirt. The guy went out back and packed it and when I opened it (in Belgium) he had given me a long sleeved (not short like I bought) and an XL, not an M. Guess I won't be going back.

[@vukibog]

I forgot to start with "vouvoyer" and went right on with "tutoyer" and everyone around me was shocked 😛 I live in Norway, and the concept of using vous instead of tu is completely strange here 😛

[@NinjaBooKitty]

Video starts 2:50

[@hannofranz7973]

The Bonjour-thing is very much identical with the compulsory please and thank you in English speaking countries, especially GB.

[@natasharoesch4470]

The It’ s not nice for the baker story. There is a whole book written about “Bonjour.” I watch MHZ TV which has mysteries, and crime stories set in foreign countries, My favorite is France. A great way to practice your listening and understanding skills. I enjoy your channel very much and am happy for you-as you discover and experience both worlds.

[@alfinou_13targaryen]

Very funny video Rosie, I loved it! I agree with most things but I don't agree with the "punk/ Goth/ tattooed style" though. I know you've visited your in-laws many times in Vaucluse (where I live) and I'm surprised you haven't seen people with those types of outfits/ looks here. Maybe in Paris people dress mostly the same but everywhere else in France you can find punks, Goths, people with a lot of tattoos, Kpop styles etc.

[@agnespi2985]

And you do find them in Paris too. That is so strange to hear about Rosie saying she found it so uncommun.

[@alfinou_13targaryen]

@@agnespi2985 maybe she sees more of them in New Zealand, who knows?

[@Zuhdi_Zuhdi]

When it comes to manners, I always say "bonjour" and "mercy" in my workplace. Moreover, I work at Galeries Lafayette. 😁😁

[@Susan-ds1th]

OMG! I wish I'd found your channel BEFORE I met my Ex and his very French family! I think I broke EVERY rule on your SPOT ON list! 😬🤪 Thank you for all of your videos! As a veeerry American woman, unaware of the 'strict' french culture, I LOVE your videos! But, I learned the hard, embarrassing way! "Uh huh luh"

[@philippeessonne3817]

As a french I eat burger with a knife and fourchette 😀... all the rules at table are learned when we are very young by our mothers, also saying "bonjour" "merci" "au revoir"...

[@parisabanks1333]

Almost exactly like the Persian/Iranian culture. Great video thank you 🙏💕

[@PrincesseKes]

Yeees!!!!

[@khaelamensha3624]

So in a nutshell educated and civilized cultures 😉 Regards from France

[@brujamalamala]

omgosh YES! as an italian i find french people a bit 'difficult' to handle but i really think they are right about all this stuff, in the end

[@miyounova]

as a French person, I find Italians a bit hard to handle too. I guess not all cultures can always work seamlessly together! And as long as no one is horribly rude, it's all good :)

[@gabrielcrut9342]

Hi !! I'm French (and American), and I wanted to let you know that pizza can be eaten with yours hands even if you're not in a fast food/pizzeria. Only persons we use to call "bobos" and rich people eat it with a fork and knife ^^ !

[@PrincesseKes]

not "rich" people. People who could be poor, or rich, but love TO ACT RICH.

[@gabrielcrut9342]

@@PrincesseKes There is also that. I'd call them "fake bobos" or "cagoles" i think ...

[@CosyComfyDan]

hi your video is really nice! I'm french born in France. It's true that hugs between woman and man make us uncomfortable, except maybe with BFF, but woman with woman and man with man is totally okay and not weird when they are good friend of course. Talking to stranger is okey only in some place like club, or event; because in a restaurant we are often their as couple on a date and we like to be totaly immersed; and there are often some people with bad manner that try to talk to woman, so there is many bad experiences about it. I totally agree with "Bonjour", like you said if you don't prononce it some peoples will surely be like "Bonjour déjà !!" (start by "bonjour"!) and will be pissed. I think it's okey to talk about money, it's often a subject that we talk about with friend, but if someone flex with his money without sharing we will get really pissed ! Maybe the flex bar is low in France I don't know(if you spend more than 200 dollars a week and talk about it with people that can't afford it, then it's flexing for me). For the blazer story it could be okey and even nice if it's just about where but if it's about price it's tricky... it could be good or not ...(I think there is an inferiority complex about money). I love quirky people, my BFF is the most quirky I have ever seen, and there is really many peoples with tattoos, punks, with many hair color, maybe less in a big city because when working in a big entreprise we can fail to be employed because of that. I have a friend with many tattoos that hide them when working. If you are with your friends you could totally eat with your hands, I personnaly don't care unless you stain my clothes; and, depend on the people with you, your cuteness could go down or up (yeah we have some strange people here too). Your phone on the table has never been rude for me, I think now everyone that I know have their phone on the table; but the exception is during a date ! It's still super rude and with your family too. The "Santé" I totally agree some peoples are exagerrating the eye contact (we don't want to be cursed with bad sex). It's so true for the "last thing" it's rude to not ask if someone else want it. If it just fizzy drink I think it's okey between meals, but yeah snack you will maybe have some comment about it or someone asking to share lol. It's true that after 18-20 years old we don't talk as much about dream and futur. I prefer people talking like you all over the place, when people tone it down I have difficulties to stay concentrate and to listen to them, it make me think they don't seems to want to talk about it so why do I need to care about it ? You know what I mean. But yeah unfortunetly many many french are like this. I love your energy so next time in France try to make some french people talk like you and never tone it down. Sound with the soupe is rude, but the "hummmhh" could be a bit strange if do it many time in less than 30 secondes, but if you do it just one time and say to the cook that this is really good, then it's really nice. But yeah hold your tongue about animal cruelty during dinner, the host will prepare food for all type of people (vegan, meat lover, vegetarian...) so take the food that you like and don't create conflict. And saying negative words about food is really rude. We will rather give it to the dog stealthily without saying a word. You can cut the end or the tip of the cheese when it's hard cheeses that are not circular; but yeah when it's a creamy one it's always in the center. For the goodbye you could totally shoot "bye everyone" while waving your hand it won't be rude. For the greeting it depend on the number of people, it's better to greet everyone and present yourself individualy but if there is more than 10 people it's totally okey to just shoot "Hi everyone" while waving your hand, you will present yourself later when people come at you or otherwise. I don't remember many faux-pas from friend, because with my friends we don't really think it's rude for someone that is not French to make some Faux-pas, they just need to know and we take time to explain to them without pressuring them.

[@lmusima3275]

I haven’t been to France 🇫🇷 since childhood. I’d have relearn a lot of things. As I’m doing keto, I don’t snack like before. I eat two meals a day, if not one meal and a minimal snack like some dried baked nuts 🌰 and dry white wine 🍷

[@swann4293]

Also something that is not talked about there but can seem rude depending on the situation (I've seen in another video about French "culture" but maybe it is not like this in all english speaking countries): When you're invited to someone's they normally as you what you want to drink/eat, they will get you this themselves. If you're close to the person they can tell you to go get them yourself as in "make yourself home" but if you dont really know the person they will serve you 😊 For the greetings part, I have to admit I'm a bit surprised about saying bonjour (s'il vous plait) merci et au revoir when you go to a shop or bakery or to the driver when hopping on a bus, taxi.. For me it seems totally normal to do this well I mean I feel really bad if I dont say it so.. Not meaning it in a rude way but I thought it was done too in all English speaking countries 😊

[@christinefrazier]

I definitely threw a big hug when I saw my Parisian roommate after 6 years last time I visited in 2017 lol

[@lasvegasjules6595]

Being an American from the Midwest originally, we like to talk to everyone!! When I go to a restaurant, I make 5 new friends!! LOL 🤣 I'll keep this in mind if I get to visit France, but we are friendly with EVERYONE and we hug - very difficult to turn this off 😁 Loved your video girl 🫂

[@christopheripoll2580]

The hug simply does not exist in France. NEVER do this to a stranger here or you get a chance of being pushed back. It is exactly the same as "la bise" in the US. It would be considered as way too intimate.

[@lasvegasjules6595]

@@christopheripoll2580 I thought the French like affections, often? Lol 😁

[@KSNeo]

I can’t believe I had to wait 33 years and that you make this video so I can finally know why my mom always needed to put the bread back on the “right” side x). The money thing is getting better and harder at the same time, new generations are getting more at ease with talking about their salaries etc because they are sick of getting f*** by their bosses and their contracts but the situation (as everywhere) is getting really difficult between people coming from different financial situation (especially since les gilets jaunes huge strike) so I would say it depend on who you’re talking to but I feel like 15 years ago it was “no way I’m not gonna discuss my income” but now at least you may ask if it’s okay to do so. But... you know how we love to bring everything back to political topics so... it can escalate quickly x).

[@FabulousFab84]

I think that we actually have quite a lot of food that we eat with our fingers, but because it' s not something you are use to, you don' t notice it.. Ex : a baguette sandwich ! You will have your sandwich in a paper wrap and you just eat it.. You leave 5 cm of it out of the paper, you eat, then you pull out another 5 cm so your hands are always touching the paper.. Another example : the chocolate eclair (or a coffee one).. I would eat my eclair with my fingers.. I know that some people might put it in a plate and eat with cutlery but.. I wouldn' t eat a banana with a fork and a knife lol

[@archeewaters]

so funny! when i moved to new jersey in the usa from montreal canada, people were shocked that i ate pizza with a knife and fork. so now i pick up a slice and fold it lengthwise like an american.

[@alexandregehin8665]

Of course some of these would change depending on how close you are with your friends. Hugs aren't an absolute no-no

[@araluciavideo]

This was so informative. Thank you!

[@AFrenchWomanLivingInDenmark]

Good job, so accurate! Spot on :) The only point i might say is 50 50 is the phone on the table, depends on what the situation is but most young french people use their phone all the time even when eating with someone . So ie it's a lunch break with a friend, no problem having your phone on the table, if you're with colleagues so slightly more formal , you could keep it but on silent.. that's how i see it with my circle anyway :)

[@mentalstamina92]

I feel like some in the list makes us pass as some stiff conservative people with a broom stuck you know where, lot of relaxed people here even with food 😊 I don't think the knife and fork for everything is as strong in France as you say. At least not in my experience in personal setup / dinners with family & friends. If there's a slice of pizza or fries it's totally acceptable to eat them with hands. At least in a "clean" kind of way 😁 off course in a lot of restaurant or formal dinners ( weddings etc) people will use cutlery but then it's not the type where usual hand eating items are served ( fries, nachos, ribs etc)

[@christianibarbia9380]

juste un petit commentaire Cher Guiillaume... tout dépend de l'éducation prestée par les parents..... si on a apprit a manger avec les doigts, bien entendu cela va a l'encontre de ce qui a été constaté dans le cadre de cette vidéo... j'ai toujours mangé avec fourchette et couteau, que ce soit des pizzas, frites, etc, a la maison, chez des amis, au restaurant.... donc svp ne dites pas que ces habitudes et faits ne sont pas "as strong in france"

[@melmoona]

I agree with mostly everything! The French do have impressive cutlery skills and eat *most* things with a fork and knife, however there are exceptions as people noted, such as for bread and cheese! I've never seen a French person eat their cheese or things like croissants, with a fork & knife. I can understand eating pizza with a fork and knife, especially at a nicer restaurant, eating a burger with a fork and knife still amazes me haha. I've learned, but I sometimes really miss the tactile way of eating a burger in the US. I actually noticed the opposite about money.. I feel like people in the US are much less willing to talk about salaries, even among close friends, than are the French. Americans might talk about something they bought (clothing item, new gadget etc.) and talk about the price, but not at all how much money you make (reserved for really close friends, and sometimes not even!). One other faux-pas I would mention is that if you're invited to a friend's place for lunch/dinner, even among family, you never serve yourself. The hosts will serve you. It's custom in the States to allow guests to serve themselves first (that way they have "control" over their portion size, what pieces they want etc.), in fact it's considered polite in the US, and that would be considered rude/bad taste to do so in France. Sometimes we do this in more formal settings in the States (being served). I've noticed, however, that you can serve yourself in France if it's your second serving (and there's still plenty available -- Frenchies correct me if I'm wrong). To me, that difference is a small manifestation of the more individualist culture of the US compared to the more communitarian French culture.

[@mac_lak]

Cheese MAY be eaten with fork and knife, it depends on the kind of cheese. You may take a bite of the chunk with bare hands, or you'll cut a part and put it on the piece of bread. I'm don't like cheese at all, so I can't tell you which one is allowed to be eaten with hands or not, but globally, if the cheese is extremely soft, you'll use fork and knife (and most probably only knife, in fact, since your left hand is usually busy with a piece of bread). That's why a real cheese knife have these two teeths on the upper part: you turn it and have a mini-fork to pick the piece of cheese from the "plateau à fromages" to the plate and from the plate to the bread after - you don't put a knife directly to mouth, never. You're right about bread: it's NEVER eaten with fork and knife, always with hands. You tear up a little piece from your slice with hands, then you put it in mouth. You don't bite directly your slice - unless you're at home, of course. Same way: either you tear a slice with bare hands if the whole bread is directly on the table, OR the bread is already sliced (with a knife) in kitchen and is served in a little basket. The only way (and not so polite...) to eat bread with a fork is to tear up a little piece, put in in your plate, pick it with the fork in order to "saucer" your plate (i.e. getting the remaining sauce from the plate), THEN you can eat it still picked on the fork. The polite way is to get the sauce with the food itself rather than finish the sauce with bread... For service, that's true. It's extremely rude to serve yourself, it's took as "I want the best part"... But when you have guest, you serve them following the etiquette (elders first, then women first, age having precedence over gender). The host will ask what you want, saying something like "Maybe XXXXX ?" (XXXXX being the best part, of course). Usually, when you want to give it to youngest - for example, chicken breast to kids - the older ones will say "No, thanks, give it to the kid please, he LOVES it" or "I won't take the thigh, I leave it to XXXX". Guests are usually a family, so they know each other and (grand)parents "sacrifice" themselves for the kids. It's common, to not say expected, that the first guest "distribute" the food to other guests with subtle remarks about which part should go to each person. However, you don't serve yourself even for the 2nd service, unless you're with very close relatives. Your host will notice that your plate is empty, and will ask if you want more. If you put fork and knife on the table, at their original position, leaving the plate obviously empty, it's that you want more. If you put them in the plate, crossed, it's that you're stuffed - the plate is ready to be took back in kitchen, because normally, we change plates, forks and knifes for EACH dish. On a formal dinner, all (major) plates for the dinner are stacked, all forks are on the left side (teeths on the table), all knives are on the right side, the cutting side facing the plate, big spoons are on the left side, glasses are in front of the plate and little spoons are between plate and glasses. You eat by using the cutlery from the most external ones to the ones next to plates, plates are using from top to bottom, glasses are filled up according to the wine for the dish (you should finish it with the dish, it's not very polite to ask for more), water is always refilled. Glasses will be changed if the wine change between dishes (i.e. first one with a Bordeaux red wine, second with a Bourgogne red wine => glass is changed, BUT if 2nd is with a white wine, the red wine glass MAY not be changed because the 3rd dish may use the same wine as the first meal). Some dishes with hot plates (or within bowls) comes directly from kitchen and will be put on the top plate, meaning that in a restaurant, you'll only have one plate ("l'assiette de maître", a very big and very flat plate) which is here only to not let an empty space - you won't eat in it, all dishes will come on their own plate put directly on this very big plate. General and easy remembering: finish your plate, your glasses, everything unneeded will be removed, always use the top plate and the most distant cutlery. Forks ALWAYS have a corresponding knife, spoons NEVER have an associated knife.

[@miyounova]

I agree with the serving yourself bit. If you're with good friends or family though, someone might offer to serve the whole table, so the host doesn't have to, in which case they might serve the host first , as a show of gratitude, or just otherr guests, but serve themselves last, unless the host insists.

[@miyounova]

@@mac_lak cutting a piece of cheese with a knife doesn't mean eating the cheese with a knnife and forlk. I've met pretty posh people, and no one everr ate ttheir cheese with a knife and fork. And also, no one, posh or not, ever bit out a chunk of cheese directly from the block, or used their hands, how gross!

[@mac_lak]

@@miyounova As I said, you mostly eat it with knife only. For my part, posh people don't eat cheese at all during (semi-)formal lunches: too smelly, bad breathing problems, and so on - so having cheese at the end is, for me, already a non-posh thing. You can bite from the block if it's a slice of cheese (usually, a cooked cheese) posed on a slice of bread, but indeed not from a single block - or in informal / family situations.

[@bernadettedevereaux8694]

@@mac_lak No wonder the evening meal can last for hours! As an American, it seems that we are always in a hurry. We want fast food to eat in our cars or we like carryout that is ready when we arrive because we hate waiting for anything. Professional women in my circle love entertaining but hate cooking so if they are posh the meal will be catered. If it is a more casual gathering, a trip to Costco or Sam’s Club will provide the victuals. Just be sure to re-plate the food because it is tacky to serve from the plastic pans.

[@efrataasfaw7264]

Omg, I love your Paris tour video. I always come back to it when I'm bored and take notes of where I want to go when I visit Paris. Can you do another one soon, please?

[@subboxjunkie8298]

She lives in New Zealand.

[@efrataasfaw7264]

@@subboxjunkie8298 I know, but she made a video of a sort of a tour of Paris. Here's the link if you want to check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHe7hHqfgLKXZrM

[@subboxjunkie8298]

@@efrataasfaw7264 oh I see, thanks !

[@1984Melike]

I'm watching this as a French person who is back from living in the UK for 13 years & who no longer knows how to behave in France!

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Just a note: I'm thinking you haven't spent much time in the north of France? Because there's quite a bit more punk/edgy style there.

[@dfinite1111]

I haven’t been to France in maybe 20 years! But I did go with friends to a gay dance club. I remember plenty of black clothing and tattoos. But not generally, no.

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

@@NotEvenFrench Then you should visit Lille if you ever have the chance! 😊

[@Uclhadi]

We definitely eat with our hands, and yes, no phone during meal time.

[@chrstopherblighton-sande2981]

Having binge-watched so many of your videos over the past week (fantastically enjoyable content by the way)I've learned lots about France and New Zealand. I'm finding it interesting that despite the culture here in the UK being very different from that of France and in many ways unsurprisingly similar to that in New Zealand, in most of the areas where New Zealand and Britain are different, the UK culture is firmly on the French side of the divide. As someone from a Spanish family it's also been interesting to learn the ways in which our neighbours over the Pyrenees differ significantly from us. May I ask, in addition to films and tv shows etc are there places in Wellington or New Zealand in general which have a sort of 'French feel' to them which help you feel a little more connected to France when you go to them? Venues, landscapes, towns etc? Thanks for all the work you put into this channel.

[@miyounova]

I've gotta say, nowhere in NZ has helped me feel a connection to France. Some love this, others don't. As for Akaroa, I don't know one French person who doesn't roll their eyes at it.

[@lakiiamccall3051]

I was excited about my upcoming trip to Paris this summer, until I watched this video. Now I'm full of anxiety and am considering canceling the trip. I understand that there are rules and social norms in every country, but this list is very overwhelming to me.

[@jzgame1]

Don't worry, the only really important rule is to say "bonjour" everytime you either interact with someone or enter a shop. For the rest you guys get a pass hahah you don't need to learn all those stuff, these are all for the majority true (even tho some of those points are not) but it is not stuff we expect from foreigners to know at all, nobody would get offended if you don't know all these social rules :)

[@muriellecozic6807]

Don’t worry ! We are not so bad 😄 just remember magic words : bonjour, s'il vous plaît, merci, au revoir. They are really important, And everything Will be OK.

[@luxomars4049]

She lives here. You visit, that’s different

[@retinabluz]

Oh I hope you went!! Paris is wonderful. Have found like going anywhere just be polite, make an effort to speak the “magic words” in the language- please, thank you, hello, goodbye before launching into your requests. Look and listen & enjoy. The people are lovely. Like anywhere always good to read the room. When they laugh at your language mistakes laugh with them. Don’t b loud and obnoxious- nobody wants to b around that anywhere in the world.

[@dfinite1111]

Mind opening, eye opening, and lots to keep in mind!

[@Pat69fr]

Hi there ! About money: We don't talk about money in my country as we avoid talking about politics or religion. If you want to thank someone for a favor, giving a coin would be considered an insult. Instead, give a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, or some fruit from your garden. In fact, there is one exception: If you receive a knife as a gift, you must give a coin in exchange, so that the knife cannot cut the friendship. If you buy something for a friend, don't demand to be repaid with money. He could pay you with a bottle of wine, an aperitif, or even invite you to a restaurant! Off topic: Girls, please forget the exhibitionist "side-boobs" and "underboobs", inappropriate almost everywhere (even at home, we usually say "It's overflowing!"). The makeup is also light. Wearing a "paint mask" or a "sculture" keeps people away. Please do not look fake ! All French women wear a French manicure... on their wedding day .... (Be careful, don't look superficial) Many French people can understand common English, and would be happy to help you, if only you use the "magic words" (Bonjour / S'il vous plaît / Merci / Au revoir).

[@joseeallyn9950]

These hints on behaviour will serve you well in England as well.

[@hannofranz7973]

A number of observations are definetely true, others may depend more on your social circles, your surroundings ( whether it's a small town or a large city ) and the country's geography. People on the mediterranean coast for example tend to be noisier and more out-going. Posh behaviour isn't that common in the more rural areas of the country. You may get very different sensations in different places.

[@MrPhiltri]

My faux pas when meeting the fam of my French gf: immediately ordered a coffee. Before the dinner. The waiter was confused hahaha

[@PrincesseKes]

Why though? Literally curious

[@MrPhiltri]

@@PrincesseKes coffee is to be drunk after the main course with the dessert. I guess the reason is that it activates your digestion.

[@PrincesseKes]

@@MrPhiltri no, why would you start with coffee? xD

[@MrPhiltri]

@@PrincesseKes cause I just arrived after a 7h journey and didn't want to be sleepy

[@fabiancastanedab]

A big disclaimer to this is that I think it applies mainly to older people (above 35 ish). Most of these doesn't applies to young people in general, at least from my perspective. Also, definitively not applicable to people from the south.

[@Nimona-FTW]

I'm French, and agree with everything except the thing about that there is an actual name for the "last bit" in the meal. It is true that you have to ask everyone if they want the last bit, you should also make it in a way that doesn't make anyone think you want it yourself. It is usually, made usually in this way "Who wants the last bit? (Underlying meaning: so I can take off the empty dishes from the table". Usually, if you want to have a chance to have the last bit, you shouldn't be the one asking if it is a tasty meal. Because someone else will take you on your offer. :-) I live outside of France and I miss some of these codes and respectful manners. French people like the meal experience as a way to truly connect with people. In some other countries, it is more about the after-work drinks. What could be interesting to talk about, is also how the codes are more or less, or even specific to your social class. If you live in the projects, if you are from a bourgeois family, or an aristocratic one, codes and values are different on top of the way you should speak. These are very strong education differentiators and represent one of the key social barriers in French society. If you are poor, but come from a certain family/lineage and have a proper education (knowing the codes), your social status will be greater, you will have access to services and privileges that even very well-off people can't access to. I was trying to explain this to a wealthy American friend, saying that it doesn't matter if he can pay the admission fee. He would never be accepted. Where it becomes interesting is those "private" social events where certain families send their offsprings to meet/mingle/get close, to help their kids marry/date people from the same social circles. But even within these circles, there are always higher and more exclusive circles, everyone tries to marry up. :-) Well, I spoke enough. It was fun to think about all these french things.

[@mac_lak]

You'll find such food rules in China or Japan - they're obviously extremely differents, but as complex as ours.

[@RiddimKingdom]

I love that you've shared these, but at the same time there's being kind and respectful, and then theres changing who you are completely to appease others. I'm not going to change my personal quirky style and bubbly personality just to appease the French when i'm there.

[@Goudlock]

9:40 Even in restaurant, their are some food you can eat with your hand, like nacho and pizza, it's not that wierd.. Even fries, (unless you are in a very chic restaurant), you can eat with your hands, it's not that wierd.

[@mateomartinbegue]

10:17 FUN FACT we in France think that it is a British etiquette. Actually, people in France don't care very much about this one (except at important dinners and stuff) but we're used to say "ne mets pas tes coudes sur la table ou la Reine d'Angleterre ne sera pas contente !" to children...

[@debratuffs3607]

Thank you for mentioning the atrocities of Foie gras production. It is nice to know that French people abhor this.

[@misssilencedogood5968]

Watching this realizing the Spanish culture and French culture is soooo similar in more than just language. If people took the time and consideration to invite you to dinner hold your tongue. Also YES hellos and goodbyes are almost the most important thing you can do to make people feel welcome. Everyone must be said hello to and double kiss same as goodbye... it takes a long time sometimes but I find it is so worth continuing this custom. As far as discussing money, it just isn't done in certain circles. As a child I was reprimanded by family for simply casting my gaze over someone's wallet as they took out large sums of money. As far as eating with the hands it depends what the culture of the food is for the most part. As for formal affairs always use silverware. However if it is lunch at home of a simple soup bread is usually companied with it not to dip but to eat along side it. There is literally no way to eat American Nachos with a knife and fork so that one is eaten with the hands on non formal occasions. Note: Nachos is actually American and not from Mexico. Hard shell tacos are also not Mexican they are American. Soft corn tacos are Mexican street food like hot dogs are American street food. Almost every well known "Mexican dish" is either American or known as Mexican street food. REAL Mexican food requires SILVERWARE :D! They follow the European traditions of food with a splash of spice and new world seasoning. Even rice and beans is a strictly regional item eaten many different ways depending what part of Mexico you are from. It is generally seen as stick to your ribs, peasant food yummy but not common in a formal setting. The Affluent in Mexico follow Europe in their food and cultural traditions for the most part as they were part of Spain. In December 1861, Emperor Napoleon III of France invaded Mexico. After successfully taking over the country, Emperor Napoleon III, along with the Mexican aristocracy, offered the crown of Mexico to his Austrian cousin, Maximilian of Habsburg. In April 1864, upon arrival to Mexico in May 1864, Maximilian was declared Emperor of Mexico. So there are a great amount of influences of language, food and culture over the centuries. It is fascinating to see which ones were held onto as they thought of them as just as important as we do today. Spain and it's proximity also shares similarities as well very interesting video.

[@ThibauddeLaMarnierre]

D'accord sur tous les points.

[@christophermichael5764]

I came for the French culture advice. I stayed for the beautiful monstera in the background.