Don’t call 14th July ‘Bastille Day’. Its Fete Nationale
--Jane Le Chêne Vert
203
To say hello to a woman one kiss on the cheeck is expected, don t really kiss it, touch her cheek with yours and make a smack noise with your lips. To a man grab the hand. If you are a woman and don t want the cheek kiss, extend your hand to make things clear :). With corona, easier too avoid now :)
--Frenchingermany
10
Don't Touch the Produce: In markets, avoid touching fruits and vegetables. Instead, indicate to the vendor what you want.
--James
00
Don't cut salad leaves; fold them with your fork. Avoid using your fingers except for bread, which should be broken into pieces.
--James
00
Killing a spider is considered bad luck. It’s often seen as bringing rain or indicating a house’s prosperity. If possible, gently remove spiders rather than killing them.
--James
00
Putting new shoes on a table is considered bad luck. So avoid it
--James
00
Protecting oneself from the evil eye, often with charms, is a common superstition. So don't question it
--James
00
Address people with "Monsieur" (Mr.) or "Madame" (Mrs.) unless invited to use their first names.
--James
00
Wishing Someone Happy Birthday in Advance: In France, wishing someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday is considered bad luck. Always wait until the day of their birthday or afterward.
--James
00
Don't Forget to Say Goodbye: When leaving a shop or restaurant, it's polite to say "Au revoir" (Goodbye) to the staff.
--James
Greet people first with "Bonjour" etc before anything else. Before you order your coffee, before you ask something in a shop, etc. Bonjour first.
--Serra
80
When you meet someone, especially if they are older, we use formality in France.
--Valerie Marcenac
51
Be polite, as well as saying bonjour to anyone working in a shop even the cashiers, remembering to say thanks/ merci and goodbye au revoir. If all cases if somebody says bonjour to you always respond with bonjour
--George Colvin
20
Black Cats: Black cats are considered lucky in France, unlike in many other cultures. Mention this positively if the topic comes up.
--James
00
The French value appearance. Dress smartly, especially in Paris.
--James
