I’m French, and these are the things you should NOT do in France! Here is the advice I give all my friends who come to France for the first time. You should absolutely watch this before you go as I’ll be giving you a lot of local tips on how to approach your trip to France, have a good time and approach our culture!
This video will include many examples from my favorites places in France, but obviously there are many more so you should drop yours in the comments!
Thanks to Tessan for sponsoring this video, click here to check them out: https://bit.ly/4fXmf3t
Check out their documentary with Rachael Yagamata: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd9_74t4aQE
If you’re going to Paris, you should watch this video next:
– 12 Things NOT to do in Paris (by a Local): https://youtu.be/bkwg4Wg9xJk?si=XYrTiTR84o3bZsMQ
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– Get $5 off my PARIS FOOD MAP with over 200 delicious spots I’ve personally been to and recommend: https://www.paris.lucilehr.com/products/paris-food-map?promo=YT
– Let me plan your trip to Paris: https://www.lucilehr.com/travel-planning
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Watch my other videos:
– How NOT to Look Like a Tourist in Paris (by a Local)!: https://youtu.be/6R4ruYIs5R4?si=Pz8s03ud6ujltIqf
– Why is it so Easy to be Thin in France? https://youtu.be/sHKXlAnVgo8?si=KOZxQ3ClzcytMq1E
– Why Are French People So Rude? My Thoughts as Local! https://youtu.be/GkxzKuL5gP4?si=p5fXjIv9oCrx8wrz
– Why Parisians are Forced to Live in Tiny Apartments: https://youtu.be/oWwyZUe6MjY?si=udcnnZf59I569gi2
– Why France Has Better Food Than The USA: https://youtu.be/C7fIHeVypdI?si=18f2MiAC8TEeLNrk
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People in this video:
@LivingBobby @brettconti
#france #paris #francetravel
25 Comments
Hi Lucile! Love your videos. I agree with most of what you stated, except for the pickpocket advice–and mostly it stems from my experience on the metro in Paris. Sadly, the metro stations are often populated with thieves–a good percentage of them are Roma–just being truthful–and to this day, I will not travel on the metro with my luggage on arrival or departure day because they do target people with luggage, or people looking at the map, or people reading tourist books. I was at a non-tourist station and about to board a train; people were queuing up to get on the train after someone in front of the queue pushed the button to open the door. As I boarded the train, a guy in front me froze and stopped moving forward, blocking me from entering the train. In the interim, a guy in back of me–an older man with a scarf around his arm attempted to pick pocket me. I keep my wallet in my front pocket, so he was a bit disappointed when he went for my backside. I said, "Pardon" to the man blocking me in front, and the guy moved forward entering the train. Then the old guy in the rear attempted to go for my front pocket, which I noticed and started yelling after entering the train. The old guy then dropped some keys as a distraction to try to get me to help "pick up the keys" so he could make a third attempt to pick pocket. Thankfully, I didn't comply and both guys ran off the train before it departed and the doors closed. This was clearly an orchestrated attempt to rip off a tourist, and I think it's still a problem at least in the metro areas–a little more than people want to admit. Like you, I don't believe it happens all the time and to everyone, but I think it is a little more prevalent in Paris and maybe not policed enough.
I guess that's why they don't tip in France if the servers are rude!
Concerning zones for metro tickets in Paris: do they still exist? According to the RATP (Paris public transportation) site, since 1 Jan, there's a single price for the entire Paris region (except exceptions, of course — can't make it too simple).
This is why American tourists are often despised by locals. They often think (or are taught), that the USA is the world and people are supposed to speak English everywhere, they're very entitled and believing the customer is always right because you pay for a service or that things must be exactly as in the US. Not understanding that you're visiting a country with different people, culture, idiosyncrasy and history on its own. In other countries workers are respected, not treated as servants, workers are not slaves to their jobs, and people respect the work-life balance much more. It's a country you're visiting, not an amusement park.
Gives me hope fewer ‘mericans will be there when I go. Half the reason I travel is to escape even if only for a bit 😂.
Introvert over here 🙋🏻♀️ Going to a restaurant/any public place and not being disturbed by anyone sounds like a DREAM come true 😍 Heading to France ASAP!
Why aren't the high speed trains, le Train a Grand Vitesse (TGV) called what they are? Also the low cost TGV called the OUIGO?
My last visit to France was to Arles, it was so beautiful and full of character. I loved every moment of it. 💕
Great tips! In general be polite and don't mess with the French bureaucracy, it is their super power. Rules are rules, they will not be changed for you…
I would say for renting a car, you really just have to do some research because you also can’t assume there is a train station there. We are going to Provence, Loire, and Normandy and while many places like Bayeaux, Amboise, or Avignon have stations, others like Cote du Rhône, Villandry, or D-Day beaches do not. Perhaps you could manage with minibus but we will have a baby and need to rent a car. Would much prefer just trains! So relaxing compared to highways
Your tips are always so specific, and well explained and as a result, so helpful. I’ve avoided more than a couple missteps due to your guidance. And this time, your comment about why when I’m speaking in French, the native speaker switches to English. I don’t feel quite so bad now. Thanks!
Thanks for the Honest information. I am from California and will NO longer be purchasing products from France or French foods.
I have enjoyed travelling in France and shocker, I have never visited Paris. Driving was no problem. I already knew how to drive manual. And had already driven in other European countries. I think one of the reasons I have had little trouble in France is because I speak French as well. Not totally bilingual, but when immersed in French I can carry a polite conversation.
Funny story. When a group of us military guys were in Caen we were lined up outside a restaurant waiting for a table. All of us were English Canadians so we were speaking English. Some young lads behind started talking trash about us thinking we were Americans. So I focussed my attention on them and switch my brain over to French. Then I turned smiled and asked them in French if they could recommend a good bar for drinks after dinner. They looked like a group of deer caught in headlights. I quickly let them off the hook and told them we were Canadians.
We had a home near Limoux for 10 years. We always took the train to Paris, but we traveled the road less traveled and discovered so many wonderful things. We ate the foods of the region and enjoyed conversations with locals. My French is spoken with a Virginia,USA accent😊. Nobody cares. I went to Utah Beach and was given a Certificate of appreciation for my fathers service there in WWII. I am always respected to everyone. It works for me.
I'm learning french to study there next year. I feel like a year's not going to be enough to learn the language 😅 btw Lille looks beautiful in the picture.
I miss France. I enjoyed a week in Paris, but I’ll be taking the train everywhere next time I go!
I thought they got rid of the Metro zones with the new ticket prices?
At the 6:04 mark is what I like about France. They dont put up with that Karen/Ken nonsense. Also in France and Europe. You will not see people wearing pajama everywhere in public.
What could be mentioned about places outside of Paris is how much cheaper it is. Hotels and restaurants are at least half or less the price compared to Paris. And there is always a place available in restaurants. Often the wine is included in with the lunch 😍👍
Another brilliant video, Lucile !
When I lived in the US, I lost count of how many people told me "I've always wanted to visit Paris, but I've heard that the French hate Americans and are rude to them, so I probably will never go"
I always thought: oh well, more croissants left for us 😀
Basic tip to US citizens "be polite" people are human x)
Will be in Paris this Spring break with the kids and they have no idea it’s a secret only for a week.
Thank you! I love your channel.
Good manners don’t go out of style. They make life better for everyone. Cheers thanks
Another thing that visitors don't know but residents do about French customs is that there are some daily practices which are technically against the law but are "tolerated"(toleré).