When entering a shop, café, or restaurant, or prior to starting an interaction with someone, always say “bonjour” (hello) upon entering, and “merci” (thank you) and “au revoir” (goodbye) when leaving.

• Here is a short video that gives great information and practical information for casual interactions in France.

When asking for an item, say “s’il vous plâit” (please).

The French may offer corrections when you use the wrong word or mispronounce a word, but that is how they welcome you and ensure you’ll be better understood.

Conversations over meals tend to be in a lower voice at the table so that other dining guests are not disturbed during their meal.

The French eat later in the evening, so at the earliest, dinner is 7:00 PM, and a typical meal lasts two hours.

You’ll be asked if you’d like an aperitif at the start of dinner. This could be certain sweet wines (muscat, Maury, port, etc.), a liquor drink, sparkling water, or fruit juice. The wine you have with your meal is ordered separately and comes with the main course.

Shops, banks, and other businesses close for two hours in the middle of the day for lunch. Some are closed from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, and others from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. The specific hours are noted on the door to the shop.