DO’S AND DON’TS - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 357

DO'S AND DON'TS

So here you are in Paris. Your belongings have arrived, your
children are in school, you've most likely started to work at
a job with new colleagues—even your dog has made friends
in the park! What comes next? That's clear: building your
life in Paris so you can enjoy what the city has to offer, with
a minimum of 'culture shocks' that will make you feel like
an alien from an unknown planet. Some cultural pitfalls
can be sidestepped, so here are some tips to give you some
confidence in starting your new life in Paris.

DO'S

Do be polite to people. The most important thing to
understand about the French is their reliance on manners
and formality (although harried people anywhere can
sometimes be rude). French codes of behaviour and
mannerly rituals are strictly adhered to, and they are
actually quite pleasant, once you get used to them.

Do greet people whenever you can. When you board a
bus, say “ bonjour, monsieur/madame ” to the driver, and
to a chauffeur in a taxi before you say where you want
to go. Say “ au revoir et merci ” when you get out of the
cab. (You can't do this on the bus, because you must exit
from the rear doors.) Greet, too, your local merchants and
restaurateurs . Upon entering a small shop, say “ bonjour,
madame ” to the salesperson, even if you just want to look
around and aren't ready to buy. If in a larger office or
store you need to get someone's attention—a person who,
for whatever reason, has not looked up from behind the
desk or counter as you approached—manners will do the
trick. Say “ Excusez-moi de vous déranger, monsieur, mais ...”
(“Excuse me for bothering you, sir, but...”), and when the
person looks up, ask for what you need.
Do observe good manners with both strangers and friends.
If you are on a crowded bus or métro and an older person
boards, offer to give up your seat. (This also holds true for
pregnant women or those carrying small children.)