DO’S AND DON’TS - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: France - page 244

DO'S AND DON'TS
DO'S
Do say Bonjour, Madame etc. at the start, Merci, Madame
etc. when appropriate and Au revoir, Madame etc. at the
end to any person with whom you make contact working
in a shop or on the street. This includes everyone from
the greengrocer in the marché to the check-out girl at the
supermarché to the postman.
Do respond to the comments of the shopkeepers and
expect a conversation with them, even a lengthy one,
before you ask for what you came to buy.
Do use Madame, Monsieur and Mademoiselle when
saying hello and goodbye to colleagues and professional
acquaintances, along with a handshake to each.
Do respect the privacy of your neighbours. After a genuine
Bonjour, Madame, etc., continue on your way.
Do dress your best and hold yourself as if you are proud
of who and what you are.
Do speak just loudly enough to be heard and never enough
to disturb other people.
Do hold the door open for the person behind you at
all times.
Do try to respond to someone's request for directions, or
stay with them until someone else can be stopped and
asked for help.
Do ask for information and assistance from any public
person as you would ask for a favour from a kind stranger.
Never assume it is their job, even if it is!
Do speak softly in any public place. You will at some point
find yourself in a restaurant full of noisy tourists. Then you
will see why the French don't like it. And why it is worth
it to consider other people's presence.
Do feel free to discuss politics and study up on your
understanding of French politics so you can be part of
the conversation.
Do return a compliment or positive comment with an
expression of appreciation and respect for that person's