French etiquette

-


Having lived in the UK for many years, I have been able to observe so many differences in social etiquette between France and Britain. 

French people always say hello when they enter a shop or a bar and goodbye when they leave. They do not just address the shopkeeper but generally anyone present by using the phrase “bonjour/bonsoir Messieurs Dames” or the appropriate gender if only one person is present. As a foreigner, greeting everyone as you enter the premises is the perfect icebreaker, especially if you are in a small village.

You do not exchange names with people when you first meet them and do not volunteer yours. People address each other as Monsieur and Madame. For instance, a tradesman arriving at your house will just say “bonjour Madame” and “bonjour   Monsieur” will be your reply. This is how you will continue to address each other in the   friendliest of ways of course! In their small  village, my aunts have been going to the same bakery for years and know the owner pretty well. They will chat at length about their families but still address each other’s as Madame…

Snacking, especially whilst walking in the street is not part of the French culture. French people usually have a bigger lunch meaning they do not need to snack as often. They also believe that meals are best enjoyed sitting around a table. Even at McDonalds, my compatriots will order a starter and a dessert!!! Of course, a beer is required to wash your meal down! Be aware that a lot of businesses shut on lunchtime to allow employees to have their lunch!


Usually people think nothing of bringing a dog to a restaurant for dinner. Almost all cafés, bistros and brasseries are perfectly happy for your dog to sit at your feet whilst you eat your dinner. It is fair to say that, especially in Paris, you will mainly see smaller sized dogs.

As they joined us for a long weekend to celebrate my daughter's wedding in France, two British friends enjoyed lunch at “ Trois Gros” – Roanne's 3 Michelin stars restaurant.  They took their dog with them!!!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

La fete du muguet

-
Image
  The first of May has been an annual public holiday in France, known as La fête du travail (labour day)  since 1948. It  also marks a beautiful tradition  “la fête du muguet”   (lily of the valley festival). Back on 1 st  May 1560, King Charles IX of France was presented with a bouquet of  muguet  ( lily of the valley )   as a lucky charm. The king appreciated the gift so much that he decided to gift a bunch of lily of the valley to the women of his court every year on the 1 st  May. The gesture became more commonplace at the beginning of the 20 th  century with men presenting the flowers to women to show their affection. Today, it has become traditional to give a sprig of the blooms (or send a card) as a token of love or friendship and good luck to close friends and family members. For just one day each year, the French government allows the tax-free sale of lily of the valley on the street to promote this tradition. I remember going on a yearly outing with my parents and picking  mu
Read more

Departements et territoires d'Outre-mer

-
Image
Départements et Territoires D’outre-mer. A thousand miles from mainland France, in the heart of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, lay amazing and unusual locations: the French overseas territories. Lush vegetation, spectacular panoramic views, beautiful white sandy beaches, mountains and waterfalls await you in this very different aspect of France.   The Départements et Territoires D’outre-mer  ( the overseas Departments and territories ) refer collectively to all territories under French sovereignty outside mainland France. They are considered an integral part of France and overall cover 12 time zones. All citizens living in overseas French territories can vote in the elections and have representation in the French parliament.   They include: The islands of Guadeloupe , Martinique , Saint Martin , Saint Barthelemy , Saint Pierre and Miquelon (Atlantic Ocean) Reunion Island , Mayotte , The French Southern and Antarctic Lands (indian Ocean) French Polynesia , New Cale
Read more

Election presidentielle

-
Image
  In France, in order to be a candidate in a French election, you have to be a French citizen aged 18 years or over and need to collect at least 500 signatures (or  parrainages ) from elected officials to back your campaign. The French word “ parrainage”   means sponsorship or guardianship. The word derives from “ parrain”  – godfather. The signatures can be collected from anyone elected to public office from village mayors to MPs, MEPs and Senators. However, the officials must come from: ·          At least 30 different French “ départements” (equivalent of counties in the UK) or overseas French territories ·          With no more than 50 signatures coming from one “ département” or overseas territory. This year, candidates have until March 4th to gain the signatures they need. French social media users have recently spotted many obscure politicians tweeting pictures of either a signed form or a letter being popped into the post-box – they are making a public declarat
Read more