11 secrets that only locals know about France (and now you're in the loop)

Should you give one kiss or two? Anna Richards, co-author of the latest Dinogo Planet France guidebook, offers her advice to sidestep common French blunders.

Even if you've never set foot in France, you might feel like you're familiar with it — after all, Parisian rom-coms abound. However, reality and cinema can differ greatly. There's a stereotype that the French can be standoffish, but often it's just a matter of cultural missteps. Having lived here for three years, I’m sharing what you should know before your trip to France to avoid misunderstandings, especially on the Metro.

1. Be mindful of tourist regulations in France

EU citizens can travel freely, but non-EU nationals (including British and American passport holders) can stay in France for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa (your passport will be stamped upon entry and exit). Ensure your passport has at least three months of validity remaining from your planned departure date. For the complete list of visa requirements by country, click here.

Familiarize yourself with import and export regulations. That pungent, unpasteurized cheese might seem like a clever way to mask the odor of your week-old socks, but it’s prohibited if you’re exiting the EU.

2. Always carry an ID

While you don’t need to have your passport on you at all times, carrying a photo ID is essential, as police can request it (though this is uncommon). Your passport will be necessary when entering from abroad, and hotels or hostels typically require it at check-in. If you don’t have it with you, having a scanned copy can be helpful.

3. France isn't fully digital yet

France hasn’t adopted contactless card payments with the same enthusiasm as the UK, and you may find it surprising that contactless isn’t accepted everywhere, including the Paris Metro. Other cities like Lyon do allow contactless payments, but Paris still predominantly uses paper tickets or a rechargeable Navigo card. In rural areas, it’s wise to carry some cash, as card payments may have a minimum spend, sometimes reaching €40.

4. Driving can be costly

Driving can become quite expensive, especially on the motorways, where péages (tolls) can rival or exceed your fuel costs. Use ViaMichelin to estimate your journey’s expenses and consider avoiding toll roads or sharing a ride through BlablaCar (a bus and carpooling platform) to help reduce your travel costs.

5. Be prepared for different opening hours

Familiarize yourself with opening hours, especially in rural areas. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions close from Sunday to Tuesday. Smaller stores and post offices often shut for lunch, regardless of the day. Be mindful of seasonal changes, as many French people travel during holidays. Roads, particularly those leading south, can become congested at the beginning and end of school breaks. Outside of peak travel times, you may find numerous accommodations, restaurants, and attractions closed, no matter the day.

6. Master the art of greetings and farewells

La bise (the kiss) has made a strong comeback after Covid-19. The number of kisses you give varies by region; two is common in most of France, while some areas in the south and southwest may expect three, and certain departments like Yonne and Aube might go for four. Those preferring to maintain social distance may offer a fist bump or an air kiss instead.

Greet everyone with bonjour or bonsoir (hello or good evening) and bid farewell with bonne journée or bonne soirée (have a good day/evening) as you leave. At parties, it’s customary to acknowledge and say goodbye to everyone, so don’t think you can sneak out unnoticed. Yes, this can take some time.

7. Leave the athleisure at home

Avoid strolling around in your gym attire. The French favor a chic style, and it’s uncommon to spend the day in sportswear. Many locals won’t even wear athletic clothes for a bike commute unless they’re serious cyclists clad in Lycra and clip shoes from head to toe.

8. Master French dining etiquette

Breakfast doesn’t include plates, but it does involve bowls. Most people enjoy their viennoiseries and tartines (bread and jam) right on the table, cleaning up the crumbs afterward. It seems wasteful to me since those delightful little croissant flakes can be hard to gather, but that's the norm. While food isn't served on crockery, drinks, coffee, or tea are usually enjoyed from a bowl rather than a mug.

France has an extensive set of dining rules, and while you won’t be scorned for bending them, it may signal you as a tourist. It's uncommon to see the French munching or sipping coffee on the go; they prefer to pause and savor their meals. Lunch is a proper sit-down occasion and never eaten at a desk (French labor laws even state that employees must leave their desks for lunch). Although France is officially secular, mealtimes are treated like a sacred ritual. If you attempt to dine outside the standard hours (12-2 PM for lunch and 7:30-9:30 PM for dinner), your chances of being served are as slim as a ficelle (skinny French baguette).

Drinks also come with their own set of customs. When you toast, clink glasses and maintain eye contact as you say santé (health). Avoid crossing arms with others at the table while toasting; failing to make eye contact or accidentally crossing arms is said to bring seven years of bad luck in romance.

9. Learn a few French phrases...

Try to learn a bit of French – your efforts will be appreciated more than you think.

10. ...and be mindful of your pronouns

Be conscious of when to use tu and vous. Both translate to 'you,' but tu is the informal form meant for friends, kids, and casual settings. In professional contexts or when addressing someone older than you (like your friends’ parents or grandparents), always opt for vous unless invited to use tu. This shows respect, which is especially valued by the older generation who might be traditional about this distinction.

11. Stay relaxed – it’s polite

Keep your voice down. One major giveaway that you’re a tourist is talking loudly, especially in restaurants. You’ll earn more gratitude for a low volume than for a generous tip, which isn’t the norm in France but is always appreciated. Practice patience in shops and eateries; service might feel leisurely and unhurried, but it’s nothing personal.

Continue planning your journey to France:

Explore all the must-see destinations with 13 of the top places to visit in France Hit the open road with 7 fantastic road trips to experience the best of France Save money with 20 tips for exploring France on a budget Take in stunning scenery from a train with The 8 most breathtaking train rides in France