In France, love is in the air, and fashion is in the streets. On top of that, high-class cuisine will wrap up your exquisite experience. The beauty of France is incomparable, and anyone eager to travel should at least visit this country once. But before you stroll around Champ-Elysse with a croissant at hand, maybe take a look at these tips first:
1. Learn A Little French
Locals are proud of their languages. Not all people, even receptionists in five-star hotels, speak English. Most of the time, you might need to use a translation tool to speak with the locals. Even if you find someone who understands English, mastering a little French shows your respect for their culture. After all, French is a sexy language.
2. Dress Up Appropriately
In the nation of haute couture, it is socially expected of you to wear something nice. If you are unsure of what to wear, the most recommended style is smart casual with flat shoes as your footwear. This style makes you look neat and chic yet still comfortable for activities. The outfits you need to avoid the most are plain jeans, tees, and a pair of sneakers, which would make you look lazy.
3. Book Everything in Advance
France, especially Paris, is a super popular tourist destination. Tickets are selling out very quickly, even when not the peak season. Booking all the attractions you plan to visit will eliminate your risk of standing in a long queue or having to find an alternative as the tickets are out.
4. Watch Out for Scams and Pickpockets
With so many tourists in the country, it is not surprising that scams and pickpockets will be lurking in every corner. Stay alert of your surroundings and keep using your common sense on everything. The most common scams are:
- A person pretending to find a golden ring on the floor and offering it to you at a low price, but the ring is a fake.
- A person romantically hands you a rose as a gift but then demands money from you to pay for that rose.
- A person ties a “friendship” bracelet on your wrist but then keeps following you and insists that you have to pay for the bracelet.
- Street performers give you a private show to distract your attention while their friends steal your belongings.
5. Trains Are Best to Get Around
Driving a car is not fun because tolls and fuel are expensive in France. Not to mention how hard it is to find a parking spot. On the other hand, public transportation is extensive, cheap, and fun. Trains are the best in France, with many offering scenic views and unique experiences.
6. Enjoy Your Time with French Cuisine
French cuisine is dubbed as one of the best in the world, and French people are always appreciative of the foods they receive. It makes sense that so many Michelin-starred restaurants are in France. Even when you are not in a high-class restaurant, you need to pay attention to the dining mannerisms in French culture, such as:
- No rushing while eating.
- No asking for swap ingredients (unless you have specific dietary requirements/restrictions).
- Consider ordering what the restaurant recommends.
- Be attentive to how you place your utensils on your plate as each placement has a meaning that the server and chef may take seriously.
7. Outdoor Markets Are Worth Experiencing
While there are so many touristy attractions worth visiting in France, many people fail to notice how the traditional outdoor markets in the country also offer a unique experience. These are the places to find authentic foods and goods, such as cheese, pastries, flowers, jewelry, antiques, and many others.
Bonus Tips: Use MySecondLine to Get France’s Local Number
Calling your local friends is the most effective way to practice your French. The more often you converse with them, the sooner you will be fluent. For this reason, you will need to install MySecondLine and get a France local number from the app. Using France’s local number from MySecondLine for phone calls is convenient and economical. Calling back and forth is not a big deal since the rates are cheap.