When I'm in Paris

Those visiting Paris for the first time will have many questions.

Welcome2France.com, one of Paris’ most established apartment rental agencies, presents a brief “Do’s and Don’ts” for those who would like a brief overview.

Do:

- Understand the importance of knowing some basic French phrases, and when to use them. (The answer to “when to use them” is “constantly”!) In etiquette-obsessed Paris, a few phrases go a very long way. Always say “bonjour” (“good day”) or “bonsoir” (“good evening”) when entering a café, restaurant, shop or other establishment. Say “merci” (thank you”) or “au revoir” (“goobye”) when leaving. Say “bonjour, excusez-moi” (“hello, excuse me”) before asking a question on the street. These phrases will work wonders. The ultimate phrase before asking a question may be “excusez-moi de vous deranger” (“excuse me for bothering you”), which will almost always illicit an overwhelmingly sympathetic and helpful response.

- Keep your ticket after entering the Métro. You may be asked for it by the Métro police as proof of payment. Don’t take it personally. This is the system. You can discard it after exiting the Métro at your final stop.

- Take the Métro at night, and enjoy walking around Paris at night. This is one of Europe’s safest metropolitan areas. Exercise normal caution, of course, but don’t be too afraid to have fun, either.

- Walk rather than cab. Seeing the little nooks and byways of Paris are half the fun! You may also consider taking the bus rather than the Métro, for the better view.

- Consider renting apartments in the 9th-18th districts. The 18th is the setting of the movie Amelie, and is considered by many to be one of Paris’ most charming area. Those who say “never rent above the 7th or 8th district” probably do not know Paris well. For example, an apartment in the 10th may be literally across the street from an apartment in the 2nd or 3rd, and will usually be much better priced because visitors don’t know the way Paris is laid out. Central Paris is arranged in a spiral, like a snail’s shell, so don’t go by “numbers alone.” Ask to see a Google map link. The question is, how far is it from what you want to see by Métro, or walk? Central Paris is quite small, and Métro can take whisk you practically anywhere in minutes. Saving money on an apartment rental in Paris means more money for delicious meals and other fun.

Don’t:

- Expect café or restaurant service to be on “U.S. time.” Things are likely to go at a much slower pace, so don’t be surprised or annoyed, as this is a cultural difference. In the U.S., everything is rated by its efficiency and speed. This is not the French way. The French way is slow and relaxed. Enjoy it.

- Be hurt if a smile isn’t returned. In many countries, a smile is used to show one means no harm, and to fail to return a smile is an insult. The Parisians have a frank, formal mentality, and believe a smile is used mainly between friends. They practice this with each other, just as they do with tourists. So while you may experience many lovely smiles, remember they often do this as a courtesy for tourists. If you don’t receive a smile back, remember the French way is simply different, and in time you can expect to see them surface. Remember: Much of the world is casual; Paris is formal.

- Don’t expect that, as a customer, you will always be right! This is a tough one for many American tourists. In the U.S., employee turnover is high compared to France, and in the U.S. efficiency is prized above all. As a result, U.S. management has been trained to always side with the customer. In France, where bonds between people are closer and more enduring, and jobs are typically held for years, managers may choose to side with the employee rather than the customer! Again, this is a cultural difference in a society that prizes quality of life above speed or efficiency. If you ever move to France permanently, this is a side of French life you may well come to treasure.

- Expect ice with drinks! As in much of Europe, ice cubes do not come in many drinks. You can ask for it, of course, (“glacons” are ice cubes), but be aware they may not always be available!

The main thing, of course, is to relax and enjoy Parisian life. The pace is slow, the people love formal (not casual) manners, and this is what makes Paris the unique place that it is!

And as one of Europe’s safest and most beautiful cities, it may be that little needs changing. So enjoy your trip and collect the many wonderful memories that are the hallmark of every trip to the City of Lights!