French Etiquette for the Luxury Traveler

The unwritten rules of French social conduct that will make your luxury trip smoother and more enjoyable.

The French appreciate effort and respect for their culture. A few simple rules of etiquette can dramatically improve your experience — and the warmth with which you're received.

Always greet with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after 6pm) when entering any establishment — shop, restaurant, hotel, or taxi. Not greeting is considered rude. Add 'Madame' or 'Monsieur' for extra politeness.

The importance of this initial greeting cannot be overstated. In France, entering a shop without saying 'Bonjour' is the social equivalent of walking into someone's home without acknowledging them. The greeting establishes a human connection before any transaction begins, and it changes the entire tone of the interaction that follows.

At restaurants: Wait to be seated. Place your bread directly on the table (not on your plate). Keep both hands visible (wrists on the table edge). Never ask for a doggy bag at a fine dining establishment.

The French meal follows a specific rhythm that is worth understanding. Courses arrive in sequence — entrée (starter), plat (main), fromage (cheese), dessert — and each is given its own time. Rushing through a meal or asking for the check before you are ready signals to the staff that something went wrong. When you are finished, simply catch the server's eye and say 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.'

Tipping in France is included in the bill (service compris). At fine dining restaurants, a small additional tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not expected. Never tip as generously as you would in America — it can actually make French staff uncomfortable.

Dress matters. The French dress well for everyday life. Showing up to a Michelin-starred restaurant in shorts and sneakers is genuinely offensive to the staff who have dedicated their careers to excellence.

Time: Arrive on time for restaurant reservations — late arrivals are deeply frowned upon. For social events, arriving 15 minutes late is acceptable (the famous 'quart d'heure de politesse').

Language effort matters. Even a few words of French — 'Excusez-moi,' 'S'il vous plaît,' 'Merci beaucoup,' 'Parlez-vous anglais?' — signal respect. Begin every interaction in French before switching to English. Most Parisians speak some English, but they appreciate the gesture enormously.

In shops, particularly luxury boutiques on Avenue Montaigne or Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, avoid touching merchandise without asking. A simple 'Je peux regarder?' (May I look?) or waiting for the sales associate to present items to you is the expected protocol. This is not unfriendliness — it is a mark of respect for the craftsmanship on display.

Finally, the bisou — the cheek-kiss greeting. In professional and social situations with French acquaintances, two kisses (one on each cheek, starting with the left) are standard in Paris. In the south, it may be three or even four. When in doubt, follow the lead of the French person. Handshakes are always safe for first meetings.