Marne La Vall E France Travel Tips

July 10, 2024

Marne-la-Vallée, France: Travel & Cultural Etiquette Tips

Greetings: The standard greeting is a handshake, but it’s important to wait for the French person to extend their hand first. Once introduced, use the formal “vous” until invited to use the informal “tu.”
Dining Etiquette: Meals are taken seriously in France. Dinner usually starts at 7:30 pm or later. Wait to be shown to your seat and don’t sit down until everyone has arrived. It’s considered rude to begin eating before the hostess does.
Table Manners: Use your utensils properly, and remember to keep your hands visible on the table. It’s also customary to decline an offer of dessert several times before accepting it.
Tipping: Service charge (service compris) is usually included in your bill at restaurants, but it’s still common to leave small change (rounding up or leaving 1-2 euros for a coffee). For taxis, round up to the nearest euro or leave a 10% tip.
Dress Code: French people take pride in their appearance and expect others to do the same. Smart casual is often acceptable, but it’s always a good idea to dress smartly for fine dining and theater visits.
Public Behavior: Always show respect for public places. This includes speaking quietly on phones, not littering, and dressing appropriately (no swimwear in non-beach areas).
Queuing: French people are known for their patience when it comes to queuing. Cutting in line or pushing forward is considered rude.
Punctuality: French culture values punctuality, so try to arrive on time for appointments and meetings. If you’re running late, apologize in advance if possible.
Smoking: Smoking is restricted in many public places due to a smoking ban, but designated smoking areas are often provided. Always ask before lighting up.
Respecting Monuments & Museums: When visiting museums or historic sites, follow all rules and guidelines. This includes not touching exhibits, whispering rather than talking, and respecting the silence in galleries.