First priorities: Not even the French, meaning non-Parisians, always get it right while visiting the capital of their nation. The reason is... Pain au chocolat is called chocolatine in Southwest France, and in Alsace they begin their bisous (double-kiss greeting) on the left cheek rather than the right. You probably won't be alone in making a false pass while on visit. You are a visitor after all. You want to phrazle avoid being identified as one, we know, and
Though both are in fashion these days and Paris is famed for her trendsetting, I would advise leaving the fanny pack and shoes at home. Moving here from New York in 2014 taught me this the hard way. I wore jeans to the yoga class, only to arrive and discover I forgot my leggings behind at chez moi. Parisians do not prace about in their gym gear like Americans. Though a few other unwavering norms still apply, the epidemic has somewhat relaxed this always-be-dressed-to-impress guideline.
One of the first lessons we learn in elementary school is mind your Ps and Qs. Saying "hello" (bonjour if it's daylight, bonsoir if it's evening) when entering a business or restaurant is also very vital in Paris. Another recommended is eye contact. Honor the other people on Earth. It took me some time to get accustomed to this one; I will never forget the moment I went up to someone in a shop launched straight into a question before bidding bonjour. Madame was naturally not pleased. Just start with bonjour when in doubt.
At Restaurants, Waiting for Water and the Bill
Let's start with dining out as eating and drinking in Paris is a popular past time and one to be treated seriously - so seriously, in fact, you won't be hurried out the door upon concluding your meal. Eating is an opportunity to appreciate your company as much as the tastes of the cuisine. This explains why the bill won't show up until after your final sip of water and cleaned dishes. (Speaking of, if you merely want tap — unless you're in a super-fancy restaurant — you probably have to ask for water — une carafe d'eau). Only when you ask for it will the bill be put on the table (l'addition, s'il vous plait).
Ignoring Book Ahead Policies at Restaurants
Most respectable restaurants call for reservations. That means the night before for some; for others, it means a week or a month ahead. Still, it's crucial to add your name to the list. Unlike American cities like Los Angeles or New York, Paris's dining rooms are far smaller and more engaged in creating something great within their designated cooking hours than in shifting tables and boosting head count. Though there are all-day restaurants and cafés (look for signs indicating service continu), often this time span falls between noon and 2:15 p.m. for lunch and 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for dinner.
Though hardly everyone travels to eat, if you do, schedule ahead and reserve. Many eateries have online systems that let you avoid wondering whether to speak tu or vous while answering a phone call. (For security, always accompany vous.)
