The Surprising Etiquette I Learned in Paris

The Surprising Etiquette I Learned in Paris: A Complete Guide

Paris has a reputation for elegance, but nothing prepared me for how many unwritten rules the city quietly expects you to know. On my first afternoon there, I walked into a bakery and cheerfully said, “Hi, can I get a croissant?” The woman behind the counter gave me a look so sharp it could’ve sliced the pastry. 

That’s when I learned Rule One: always start with a greeting — a simple bonjour carries more weight in Paris than perfect French ever could.

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Another surprise was how softly people speak. Parisians don’t shout across cafés or laugh loudly on the metro. They create their own little pockets of calm, even in busy places. And queues? Completely sacred. Whether it’s the boulangerie or a bus stop, people wait their turn with an almost poetic patience.

Meals were another revelation. Lunch isn’t something you grab and run with — it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly. Even a simple sandwich feels like an occasion. And if you sit outside at a café, don’t expect fast service; it’s considered rude to rush you. Time moves differently there — deliberately, gently.

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Before flying out, I sorted the practical bits. A quick look at short stay parking Gatwick made my departure smoother, and comparing a few airport parking deals meant I saved enough for an extra pastry or two. It’s funny how the small choices at home shape the start of a trip abroad.

Paris taught me that etiquette isn’t about rules — it’s about respect. A greeting, a quiet voice, a slower meal. Little gestures that show you’re paying attention. And once you learn them, the city softens. 

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People smile more, conversations feel warmer, and suddenly Paris feels less like a postcard and more like a place that welcomes you in.