Q & A

Subject: Tourist Behavior.

Question: What are the do’s and don’ts and what are the most common mistakes made by tourists in France?

Answer: Here are what I see as the biggest do’s and don’ts;
Do’s- Get out of Paris and see the French countryside, there is so much more to see and experience in France than just Paris. Take the train for a day trip out of Paris. Eat in a French restaurant, French culture is built around eating at the table and the conversation that takes place. Walk away from the direction that all the other tourist are going. Do some exploring in non tourist areas, as you will find less people and just as beautiful surroundings. Lastly, try to speak French, no matter how little you know. For example say Bonjour(It means Good Day, but is used as we use Hello.) when you meet someone.
Don’ts- Worry about looking like a tourist, one constant I have found in my travels is tourists stick out. Worry about what you should wear, I have had a few people ask me if it is unfashionable to wear tennis shoes in France, it is not. My suggestion is wear what you always wear, as you will do a lot of walking in France and want to be comfortable. Assume that everyone speaks English, yes many French speak some English but not all.
This list is in no way definitive, as this is the first time I have tried to come up with it.
As for the most common mistakes, I’ll go back to not getting off the tourist path. I know that here in Strasbourg where I live, just a few blocks from the cathedral, where all the tourists are, there are quaint streets with very few people that have everything to offer that the streets in the tourists areas do. Do not be afraid to do some exploring! Lastly, go to the nearest Office de Tourisme(Tourist Office) and ask for a booklet of local cultural events, most cities, towns and villages in France will have some kind of fair/party/concert at least once a year.