How the French People Know You're a Tourist

The number one complaint I hear from people who have traveled to France always deals with the service they received and the perceived rudeness of the French people. It's almost like they could tell you were a tourist and decided to treat you as such. Do you ever wonder how they could tell you were an American tourist, how they seemed to spot you from a mile away? Well, after ten years of studying the French language, literature, and culture, I picked up on a few of the ways the French people can tell that you're a tourist. If you want to blend in, do not do any of these things!

1. You're wearing tennis shoes.

Europeans have great shoes and they are proud of it; many of the greatest shoes in the world are French or Italian. They do not wear tennis shoes unless they are going to the gym. If your walking shoes are comfortable and you want to wear them, go ahead, but they will spot you from a mile away.

2. You're talking on the metro.
There's a sense of subway decorum that rebukes actions like speaking on the subway as rude and gauche. The French seldom talk on the metro.

3. You don't use a new ticket from your carnet at the metro.
Every time you enter (and very often exit), you must use a new ticket. You will get stuck in the turnstiles if you use your old ticket and the French police are not known for being nice to people who jump the turnstiles.

4. You look up while walking down the streets and you smile at the people who walk by.
The French are a bit guarded by nature and don't smile as much as Americans do. Paris is especially beautiful and you can't help but stare and gawk, but always watch where you're walking and be aware of your surroundings even as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame take your breath away.

5. You ask for (or expect) ice.
Don't bother, you won't get it. Europeans in general don't understand the concept of ice.

6. You drink milk in the mornings.
Milk is reserved for young children. Have a café au lait instead.

7. You're eating at McDonalds.
You're in Europe, come on! Step outside your comfort zone! You can go a couple of days without a hamburger. Try a croque monsieur instead!

8. You expect service at dinner to be fast.
Dining is an experience; savor it, enjoy it. You don't drink your coffee "to go" and you don't eat your meals on the run in France. The French are gourmands, they understand not only how to prepare an exquisite meal, but how to have every meal be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

If you take note of these simple rules, you might find that your travels are a bit easier. Traveling is all about learning about other cultures and adapting, so act like a local and soak up as much culture as you can.