Paris Prepares for Polite Olympic Tourists

The importance of a simple “bonjour” can make a world of difference for tourists visiting France, especially with the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Why it matters: Starting every interaction with “bonjour” is crucial for a positive experience in France, as failing to do so may result in less welcoming responses and poorer service.

The details:

• Saying “bonjour” is essential whether checking into a hotel, buying a baguette, or making a restaurant reservation.
• Using “excuse me” without first saying “bonjour” can come across as abrupt and rude in France.
• Neglecting to say “bonjour” can make it difficult to book a table at a restaurant, according to French etiquette coach Marie de Tilly.

Knowing a few key phrases, such as “au revoir” (goodbye), “bonne journée” (have a nice day), and “parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?), can also show respect for the local culture.

What they’re saying:

• “If you’re going to France and you don’t start off all your interactions with ‘bonjour,’ you may be in for a little bit of a rude awakening,” says Elisabeth Guenette, a former US expat who lived in France.
• “If you don’t say ‘bonjour,’ restaurant staff won’t work too hard to book a table for you. It’s the key,” explains Countess Marie de Tilly, a French etiquette coach.

“Knowing a tiny bit of French to begin your conversations shows that you are respecting their culture,” Guenette adds.

The bottom line: Mastering the simple word “bonjour” and using it to start every interaction can greatly enhance tourists’ experiences in France during the Olympics and beyond.

Full story

Paris is gearing up to host millions of visitors for the 2024 Olympics. As tourists prepare for their trip, experts are offering essential etiquette tips to enhance their experience. The most crucial piece of advice?

Start every interaction with a simple “bonjour.”

Leila Guenette, a former US expat who lived in France, stresses the importance of this greeting. “If you’re going to France and you don’t start off all your interactions with ‘bonjour,’ you may be in for a little bit of a rude awakening,” she says. Guenette regularly shares language tips and cultural insights with her 150,000-plus social media followers.

Whether you’re checking into a hotel, buying a baguette, or making a restaurant reservation, not using “bonjour” could result in a less welcoming response. French etiquette coach Marie de Tilly backs this up, explaining that neglecting to say “bonjour” can lead to less enthusiastic service, even making it difficult to book a table at a restaurant. “If you don’t say ‘bonjour,’ restaurant staff won’t work too hard to book a table for you.

It’s the key,” she says. Aside from greetings, knowing a few key phrases can help.

Etiquette tips for Olympic tourists

Phrases like “au revoir” (goodbye), “bonne journée” (have a nice day), and “parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?) show respect for the local culture. In France, meals are deemed sacred and typically last longer than in the US. Guenette advises that you should be prepared to take your time, especially if you’re dining at one of Paris’ iconic sidewalk cafés, where people-watching is a celebrated pastime.

Given the anticipated influx of tourists, securing a reservation for a desired restaurant or rooftop bar may require advance planning. Dinner service in Paris usually doesn’t start until 7 p.m., a later time compared to the US. De Tilly is surprised by how many young tourists seem unfamiliar with using a fork and knife properly.

It’s customary in France to use utensils even for foods like hamburgers and pizza. Speaking in a lower volume in public spaces is also advised to avoid attracting unwanted attention. When visiting places of worship like the Sacré-Cœur, dress and behave respectfully.

Demonstrating curiosity and asking locals about traditions can also be a good way to show your appreciation for French culture. However, be mindful of personal questions, which can be seen as intrusive. By following these guidelines, tourists can better navigate French social norms and enhance their experience in Paris during the 2024 Olympics.