Art lovers mob Paris Pompidou Centre ahead of five-year closure

In French culture, it is essential to say "bonjour" when entering cafés, restaurants, small shops, or enclosed spaces like elevators, as it is an important social norm. Similarly, "au revoir" is expected when leaving. When asking for help or directions, it's customary to begin with "bonjour" or "bonsoir" rather than "excusez-moi," which may feel more polite in other cultures.

While contactless payments are common in cities like London and New York, Paris remains a bit more traditional. Although card payments are accepted in most places, many smaller businesses have a minimum spend for card transactions. It's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small tips in restaurants.

Paris's metro stations are close together, but the different exits can lead to vastly different locations, and signage isn't always clear. To avoid confusion, check Google Maps for the correct exit (usually marked with a number) when planning your route to ensure you reach your destination efficiently.

Paris, under the leadership of car-averse mayor Anne Hidalgo, has expanded its bike lanes significantly, making the city more bike-friendly and one of the greenest in Europe. For confident cyclists, biking is a great way to explore the compact city. Locals use the Vélib bike-rental scheme, which is now more accessible to visitors through the user-friendly Vélib website or the Île-de-France Mobilités app. For just a few euros, you can rent classic or e-bikes, though helmets are not provided.

The Paris Metro is fast and reliable, but the city's extensive bus network offers a scenic alternative, passing landmarks like the Louvre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Eiffel Tower. As of 2024, the entire bus network is accessible for people with reduced mobility, including provisions for those with visual and hearing impairments. In contrast, only Metro line 14 is fully accessible.

In France, food is more than just nourishment; it's a central part of life and culture. Meals are enjoyed at specific times, with a small breakfast at home or a café, a leisurely lunch with others, an afternoon snack for children (goûter), and a pre-dinner drink (apéro) for adults. Dinner is typically around 8 p.m. Eating on the go, such as in the street or on the Metro, is frowned upon. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the Parisian way of enjoying long, relaxed meals, particularly during a sunny bistro lunch.

Paris is a bustling city filled with noise from cafés, sirens, and traffic, but conversations are typically quieter. Parisians, accustomed to crowded bistro tables, speak at a lower volume. Tourists often stand out with louder voices, and it’s not uncommon to be asked to speak more quietly. While it's not necessary to completely adjust, following local etiquette can make your experience more enjoyable and help you blend in.

Parisian design prioritizes beauty over practicality, with examples like the prohibition of hanging laundry on balconies to preserve the city’s aesthetic. This focus on aesthetics extends to fashion, where Parisians prefer a simple, tasteful style. Practical clothing choices like bulky backpacks or wide-rimmed sun hats may be frowned upon, but if you’re unconcerned with fitting in, that’s perfectly acceptable. For more guidance, refer to our full fashion guide for Paris.

Queuing in Paris is vastly different from the orderly lines often seen in Britain. On Parisian buses and metros, there's no strict waiting for passengers to exit before boarding—it's a free-for-all. In shops, queues form unpredictably, and navigating them requires assertiveness, as being overly polite won't get you far. To adapt, observe the locals and follow their lead in each situation.