Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DAILY BREAD
Few things in France are as tantalising as the smell of just-baked buttery croissants
wafting out of an open bakery door. With roughly 1200 boulangeries(bakeries) in
Paris - or 11.5 per sq km - you'll likely find yourself inside one at some point during
your stay. And, as you'll notice in the extravagant display windows, bakeries bake
much more than baguettes: they also sell croissants, chocolate éclairs, quiches, piz-
zas and an astounding array of pastries and cakes that you've likely never even heard
of before. If you're eating lunch on the cheap or you're after a baguette sandwich to
go, a trip to the closest bakery will do you right.
If it's the bread you're after, try to familiarise yourself with the varieties on sale
while you're standing in the queue - not all baguettes are created equal. Most Parisi-
ans today will ask for a baguette tradition(traditional-style baguette), which is con-
siderably better than the standard baguette. Other breads you'll see include boules
(round loaves), pavés(flattened rectangular loaves), and ficelles(skinny loaves that
are half the weight of a baguette).
DINING TIPS
Bread
Order a meal and within seconds a basket of fresh bread will be brought to the table.
Butter is rarely an accompaniment. Except in the most upmarket of places, don't expect a
side plate - simply put it on the table.
Water
Asking for
une carafe d'eau
(jug of tap water) is perfectly acceptable, although some
waiters will presume you don't know this and only offer mineral water, which you have to
pay for. Should bubbles be more your cup of tea, ask for
de l'eau gazeuze
(fizzy mineral wa-
ter). Ice (
glaçons
) can be hard to come by.
Service
To state the obvious, France is not a service-oriented country. No one is working for
tips here, so to get around this, think like a Parisian - acknowledge your
serveur
's expertise
by asking for advice (even if you don't really want it) and don't be afraid to flirt. In France
flirtation is not the same as picking someone up, it is both a game that makes the mundane
more enjoyable and a vital life skill to help you get what you want (such as the bill). Being
witty and speaking French with an accent will often help your cause.
Dress
Smart casual is best. How you look is very important, and Parisians favour personal
style above all else. But if you're going some place dressy, don't assume this means suit and
tie - that's more business-meal attire. At the other end of the spectrum, running shoes may
