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for a short term, then moving on and ceding their place to
yet more newcomers. Parisians now hear Arabic in the streets
and in the
métro
, and English everywhere as well—mostly
what the French call 'American', a linguistic distinction
Americans don't make.
ANSWERS STILL EXIST
Yet, if Paris is no longer that of Louis XIV and the Marquis
de La Fayette, it is clear to foreigners—if not to the French
themselves—that cultural legacies do linger on. Paris
remains a city of Parisians, a city that is charming as well
as efficient, beautiful and welcoming, and this is due to the
Parisians. So, one still needs to ask the question: “What are
Parisians like?” or more precisely “What can I expect from
my new neighbours?” The French continue to embody their
history and deeply ingrained traditions. As such, despite the
variations in individual experiences that can occur, there are
codes for manners and behaviour, clues a newcomer can
discern, which will help in you to fit in, whether here for a
week or a year. Use the 'The Paris Rules' and you will feel
welcome and increasingly see why life here can be so good.
In the end, it's up to you to pay attention to each situation
and to react accordingly, using the knowledge and 'people
skills' that you have learnt.
GETTING STARTED
First it should be said that Paris is an extremely agreeable
city to live in—graceful, well maintained, efficient, with
something interesting going on all the time—and this is the
way the French like it.
So just who are they? Basically the French are people who
are formal and respectful with others, cordial and polite,
direct in their speech, and quite witty and affectionate
when they get to know you. Life revolves around their
families and friends. They are busy with their work, but they
treasure their leisure time, enjoying
la belle vie
or the good
life—concerts, cinema, their favourite bistros and cafés. Since
they have created these outlets for themselves, they are at
your disposition too! Of course, as anywhere else, you'll find
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