With amazing sights like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, plus the promise of some of the finest foods and wines in the world, it’s no wonder that a trip to France is at the top of most people’s bucket lists. Visiting this magical place, there’ll certainly be a lot of things that you’ll want to do, and that’s fine. However, it’s just as important to know the things NOT to do when heading to this destination.
Every country and culture has their dos and don’ts, and France is no exception. Making sure you know what these are can do a lot to improve the quality of your experience. That said, let’s get right into it!
The Top 5 Things Not to Do in France (and Why!)
Whether you’re visiting the beautiful city of Paris or Bordeaux, the home of fine wine, a couple of things not to do include:
#1 – Taking a Taxi Everywhere
Comfort is king. This is more so the case when you’re vacationing, so you might feel like taking a taxi when moving from place to place. However, taxis are pretty pricey in France, and they can take a real bite out of your budget if you aren’t careful. The same thing applies if you rent a car. Plus, due to how bad traffic can get in major cities like Paris, your car rental mightn’t be worth it.
Rather, consider exploring the wonders of this destination by taking trains, buses, or even walking. Of course, you need to make sure you have the right shoes for the occasion.
#2 – Minding Your Manners
The French are a very courteous people, and they expect that much from visitors too. So, whether you’re entering a shop or talking to a waiter, always be sure to say bonjour. This invites them in and encourages them to offer an even better service.
#3 – Sticking to the Well-Trodden Path
Let’s say you’re visiting Paris, for example. Most likely, your top priority will be things like seeing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre Museum, and cruising the Seine River. That’s all well and good. However, you may be doing yourself a disservice if you only stick to popular tourist spots like that. This is because Paris has less popular but equally enjoyable sights to see, including the Parc de la Villette (a cultural park that spans 55 hectares), Buttes Chaumont, and even the Paris Statue of Liberty.
Long story short, no matter where you’re visiting, make a point of finding these hidden gems as they can add a special thrill to your trip.
#4 – Dining at Restaurants Close to Major Attractions
Grabbing dinner at any restaurant close to a location like the La Cite du Vin in Bordeaux will most likely cost you more than eating on a street without an iconic attraction. Typically, the farther away the restaurant is from a tourist hotspot, the more affordable its meals will be. You can also expect larger portions in these places!
#5 – Tipping Too Much (Or Even At All)
Unlike in America, the service charge for waiters and servers at a restaurant is already baked into your bill in France. So, no one really expects you to tip. But if you feel obligated to do so, a modest 5% to 10% tip (max) should be more than enough. Keep in mind that tipping too much can also add up later on, affecting your budget.
A couple of other things that can put a damper on your trip include:
- Not booking restaurants and hotels far enough in advance;
- Not being safety conscious enough;
- Drinking too much;
- Not packing the right clothes for your trip;
- Shouting or cursing in public;
- Going shopping on a Sunday (Most stores are closed on Sundays in France).
Visiting one of the most romantic countries in the world requires quite a lot of prep work. But in the end, you’ll definitely be happy you put in all that effort!
