The Unwritten Rules of Traveling to France and Staying in Paris

By Dirk Ebener - January 6, 2026

There’s a rhythm to Paris that can’t be captured in guidebooks. It’s not just about monuments, wine, or croissants—it’s about understanding the unspoken choreography of everyday life. My first trip to France taught me that to truly belong—even for a week—you must listen, observe, and adapt. It’s not a list of dos and don’ts, but a quiet invitation to move through the city with grace, curiosity, and respect. Enjoy reading "The Unwritten Rules of Traveling to France and Staying in Paris."

The First Lesson: Learn to Say “Bonjour”

Before I ever stepped into a café or boutique, I learned that the first word out of your mouth in France—especially in Paris—should always be bonjour. Not “hello,” not “hi,” but that gentle, melodic “bonjour” that seems to float through the air like perfume.

I discovered this lesson the hard way. On my first morning, jet-lagged and craving coffee, I stepped into a small bakery near Rue de Rivoli and asked, “Un café, s’il vous plaît.” The woman behind the counter froze, then replied curtly, “Bonjour, monsieur.”

It wasn’t hostility—it was correction. A reminder that in France, greetings aren’t optional. They’re respect is made audible. From that moment on, every “bonjour,” “merci,” and “au revoir” opened doors, smiles, and conversations that would have otherwise stayed closed.

Cash Still Reigns Supreme

Modern Paris may sparkle with technology, but it remains surprisingly old-school when it comes to payments. I learned this while standing in line at a tiny crêpe stand in Montparnasse, holding up a queue of Parisians as I fumbled with my contactless card, which refused to work.

The vendor simply shrugged, smiled, and said, “C’est Paris.” I handed over a few euros in coins, and he gave me a wink and a hot Nutella crêpe that melted every ounce of embarrassment.

Now, I always carry a few bills and coins. It’s not just practical—it feels oddly freeing. You never know when you’ll stumble upon a charming cash-only café, an open-air market, or an accordion player whose music deserves a euro or two.

Respect Is the Real Currency

In Paris, how you treat people matters more than anything else. Whether it’s the barista, the waiter, or the hotel receptionist, courtesy is non-negotiable. I’ve found that service staff here don’t serve you—they host you. The difference? You’re a guest, not a customer.

Once, I made the mistake of flagging down a waiter impatiently. He raised an eyebrow and continued polishing glasses for what felt like an eternity. When he finally returned, he said, “Monsieur, we are not in a hurry.”

I wasn’t offended; I was enlightened. Dining in Paris is an art form, and respect is an integral part of the experience. You acknowledge the waiter’s expertise, take your time, and let the meal unfold like a story, not a transaction.

The Art of Time: Store Hours and Mealtimes

If you’re coming from a country where convenience stores never close, Paris will surprise you. Many shops open late, close for long lunches, and shut early on Sundays. I once found myself walking across three arrondissements just to find an open pharmacy—lesson learned.

Checking store hours isn’t paranoia—it’s survival!

The same goes for meals. Parisians dine late. Lunch can stretch to 3 p.m., and dinner rarely begins before 8 or 9. I learned to adjust by joining locals for a late apéro—a glass of wine, olives, and maybe a little charcuterie—before heading out for dinner. It’s a tradition that blends patience and pleasure, reminding you that good things aren’t rushed.

Navigating the City: Metro, Bus, and Bike

The Paris Metro is efficient, vast, and slightly overwhelming at first glance. My golden rule: always take a photo of your exit (sortie) sign. Many stations have multiple exits that can lead to entirely different streets, and without that photo, you might find yourself lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood before you know it.

When I wanted to slow down, I discovered the joy of taking the bus. They glide past Parisian streets, giving you a moving postcard of daily life—bouquinistes along the Seine, flower shops in Saint-Germain, children chasing pigeons in parks.

And then there’s biking. Paris now boasts hundreds of miles of dedicated bicycle lanes, and the Vélib’ system makes it easy to rent one on the spot.

Riding along the Seine at sunset, I understood why so many Parisians choose two wheels over four—it’s freedom with a view.

Coffee and Connection

Cafés in Paris are more than caffeine stops—they’re stages of life. I learned quickly that ordering “un café” doesn’t mean a latte or cappuccino. It means a small, intense espresso.

At first, I tried to order my usual caramel latte. The waiter raised an eyebrow, smirked, and said, “Peut-être Starbucks?” I laughed, switched to “un café crème,” and sat outside, watching life unfold around me.

Parisian cafés are ideal for leisurely mornings or late afternoons spent people-watching. Order a specialty coffee, grab a table facing the street, and let the city show you its rhythm. The trick is to sip slowly and stay awhile. No one rushes you.

The Sacred Hour: Apéro

Around 6 or 7 p.m., Paris changes tempo. The workday fades, the city exhales, and glasses begin to clink. This is Apéro—the French equivalent of happy hour, but with far more soul.

Friends gather at cafés or on riverbanks with wine, spritzes, or kir royales. It’s not about drinking; it’s about unwinding, connecting, and setting the tone for the evening.I remember one night at a small bar near Canal Saint-Martin. A woman beside me raised her glass and said, “L’apéro, c’est la vie.”

The conversation that followed lasted hours, the sun long gone before anyone even mentioned dinner.In Paris, apéro isn’t optional—it’s an art of living.

The Wine, the Fashion, the Volume

Wine in France isn’t a luxury; it’s a language. At lunch, a glass of white with your salad feels natural. At dinner, red wine anchors the conversation. I used to think of wine as a special-occasion indulgence—until Paris taught me that it’s part of everyday balance.

Fashion, too, speaks without words. You don’t need designer labels, but you do need care. I once wore running shoes to dinner in Saint-Germain and immediately felt like I’d shown up to an art gallery in pajamas. Parisian style is less about trends and more about intentionality—well-tailored clothes, muted tones, and a confident demeanor.

And then there’s the matter of volume. In Paris, voices are low, laughter is soft, and conversation never dominates the room. The first time I caught my own voice echoing in a café, I blushed. Paris teaches humility through quiet. You learn to listen more than you speak.

The Queue and the Code

One of the great lessons I learned in Paris came from standing in line at a boulangerie. Parisians queue with impeccable order—no pushing, no cutting, no chaos. Everyone waits their turn, and if you accidentally skip ahead, you’ll be politely but firmly corrected.

It’s not just about bread—it’s about civility. Watching how locals queue tells you everything about how they coexist. Order, patience, and fairness: that’s the Parisian way.

Lessons Beyond the Map

Over time, I began to understand that Paris isn’t a checklist—it’s a conversation. You don’t conquer the city; you let it reveal itself, one nuance at a time. You learn to greet, to observe, to slow down. You start to feel less like a visitor and more like a participant in something timeless.

Once, while sitting on a bench along the Seine, a French man shared a bottle of red wine and said, “Paris rewards those who look twice.” He was right.

My Personal Rules for Traveling Well in Paris

Over time, I developed my own set of habits that made life in Paris not only easier but far more enjoyable. I always start with the basics—learning a few essential French words, such as bonjour, merci, and excusez-moi. Even when my accent stumbles, Parisians appreciate the effort I make.

I’ve learned to always carry a bit of cash since not every café or small shop accepts cards, especially for modest purchases. I pay close attention to mealtimes, too; there’s no point in searching for dinner before 7:30 p.m., as Paris runs on its own delicious schedule.

I’ve discovered that simply observing locals teaches you more than any guidebook ever could—how they queue patiently, speak softly, dress with intention, and move through their city with quiet confidence.

Whenever I can, I opt for a bus ride or a leisurely bike trip instead of the Metro; it slows the pace and gives me a front-row seat to Parisian life. I’ve come to treasure the apéro hour, that magical moment before dinner when the city seems to glow and everyone pauses to savor the evening.

I’ve trained myself to speak softly, to dress neatly even on casual days, and to always take a quick photo of my Metro exit—because getting lost underground is practically a rite of passage.

But above all, I’ve learned that the best moments happen when I sit at a café, sip my coffee or wine, and simply watch the world pass by—quietly, respectfully, and completely present.

A Final Reflection

Paris will never tell you its rules outright. They are whispered through gestures, shared glances, and the rhythm of daily life. The city isn’t about fitting in—it’s about tuning in.

When I left Paris, I carried no souvenirs except a few Metro tickets, a wine cork, and a notebook filled with small moments—a smile from a baker, the sound of rain on café awnings, the quiet clink of glasses during apéro.

Those moments taught me that Paris isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a mood, a melody, and an education in the art of living well.

And it all begins with a simple word: bonjour.

Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.

© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.

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