Paris is a city that rewards those who pay attention. Moving beyond the tourist bubble and adopting a few key habits and pieces of etiquette won’t just make your experience smoother—it will open doors to warmer interactions and a deeper appreciation for La Vie Parisienne.
Here is your essential playbook for navigating Paris like a seasoned local.
The Golden Rule: Always Start with “Bonjour”
This is the single most important piece of Parisian etiquette. Skipping the greeting is considered rude and abrupt.
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Entering a space: Whether you are walking into a small boulangerie, a boutique, a museum, or stepping into a cafe, always greet the staff first: “Bonjour, Madame” or “Bonjour, Monsieur.”
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Asking for help: Start your interaction with “Bonjour” before asking your question, even if you follow up in English.
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Leaving: Always end the interaction with “Merci, au revoir” (Thank you, goodbye).
Local Talk: Don’t engage in prolonged small talk with service staff (e.g., asking about their day). Parisians prefer polite, direct, and efficient interactions unless a connection is naturally established.
Metro Mastery: Moving with Parisian Efficiency
The Paris Metro is a fantastic system, but it follows unspoken rules of motion and efficiency.
1. Transport Payments: Go Digital with Navigo Easy
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Forget Paper Tickets: Paper tickets (carnets) are largely phased out. As a tourist, buy the Navigo Easy pass (€2 purchase cost) at any Metro counter or machine.
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Load as You Go: Load your Navigo Easy with single Metro-Train-RER tickets (€2.15 per ride) or a discounted pack of 10 tickets (currently around €17.35).
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Don’t Share: Each person must have and validate their own Navigo Easy card for the journey.
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Keep Your Ticket: If using a paper ticket (for RER or special fares), keep it until you’ve fully exited the system, as inspectors (contrôleurs) issue fines on the spot.
2. Flow Etiquette
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Stand Right, Walk Left: On escalators and moving walkways, the right side is for standing; the left side is the express lane for people in a hurry.
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The Exit Dance: Always wait for passengers to exit the train car completely before you attempt to board. Stand to the sides of the open doors.
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Backpack Ballet: On crowded trains, take off your backpack and hold it in front of you or between your legs. This prevents you from hitting others and protects you against pickpockets.
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Volume Control: Keep conversations and phone calls low and discreet. The Metro is a relatively quiet, private space.
Café Culture: The Art of Sitting and Sipping
Cafés and bistros are the heart of Parisian life. Respect the rhythm to be welcomed as a guest.
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The Price Difference: If you only want a quick coffee (un café or un express), stand at the bar (au comptoir). It costs significantly less than sitting at a table.
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Don’t Rush: Servers will not bring the bill (l’addition) until you ask for it. This is not poor service; it is a courtesy so you don’t feel rushed. Catch their eye and politely request: “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”
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Free Water: Tap water is safe and free. Ask for “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.” If you only ask for de l’eau, you will be served expensive bottled water.
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Tipping: Service is included in the price (service compris). Tipping is a modest gesture for exceptional service (rounding up a few euros or leaving 5% in cash is generous).
Market Manners: Shopping at the Source
Visiting a local market is a must, but remember these are professionals, not grocery stores.
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Don’t Touch the Produce: At most fruit, vegetable, or cheese stalls, you are generally not meant to touch or pick up the produce. Tell the vendor what you want (“Je voudrais des fraises,” I would like some strawberries), and they will select the best items for you.
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Ask Before You Sample: While many vendors offer free samples (especially cheese or olives), always ask politely before helping yourself.
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Carry Cash (Coins): Use small bills or coins for purchases under €10 at bakeries and small market stalls. Paying for a single croissant with a €50 note is considered poor etiquette.
The Flâneur’s Pace: Walking and Observing
Adopt the style of the flâneur—the intentional, leisurely stroller—to truly connect with the city.
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No Eating on the Go: Parisians treat eating as a moment to be savored. Avoid walking down the street while eating a baguette, sandwich, or pastry. If you need a quick snack, find a bench, a park, or a cafe table.
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Dress Code: You don’t need designer clothes, but favor neat, smart-casual attire over loud athletic wear or overly casual tourist clothes (unless you’re genuinely jogging). Comfort is key, but so is looking put-together.
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Walk More: Plan routes that are 30 minutes or less on foot. Walking allows you to stumble upon the most charming squares, hidden shops, and beautiful architecture that you miss entirely underground.
By internalizing these small habits, you will move through Paris with confidence and ease, transforming your visit into a seamless, authentic, and unforgettable experience.