7 good manners to know for an American in Paris

Voilà une Vidéo du Succès exceptionnelle. Elle est en anglais, destinée à nos amis Américains ; elle a pour objectif de partager les 7 bonnes manières pour leur éviter des fautes de goût à Paris... Ronne est notre invitée de cette Vidéo du Samedi, et elle répond aux questions des Vidéos du Succès de PPC et HK.

Today, the « Vidéos du Succès » asked Ronne, who lives on the Upper West Side in Manhattan and often comes to Paris, how to be an American in Paris, how to adopt the «unspoken rules of good french manners», in 7 points : 

1st point : Eat slowly in restaurant or when you are invited. To eat is considered a pleasure in France, so enjoy it and don’t rush. Don’t ask for the bill before you finish your meal. It’s considered a BIG «taste mistake». Ronne learned this lesson at lunch one day, the waiter did not bring the bill before she finished her meal ! Yet Ronne continued to go to this restaurant because the food was good and she appreciated the waiter's advice !

2^nd point : When you are invited to a friend's house, bring flowers or food. Never enter a house empty handed, especially if it is your first invitation. Small and sweet gifts are perfect and appreciated.

3rd point : When you are toasting, make sure you look your host directly in the eyes and smile. Eye contact is compulsory. Same when you are shaking hands or saying good bye.

4th point : In France, your host (NEVER the hostess !) will refill your glass (or ask you if you want some more) only when your glass empty, it’s the opposite of what is common in the US. And don’t fill it completely (and of course, no ice in wine !).

5th point : The doggy bag. In a restaurant, never, never ask for a doggy bag if you did not finish your meal. It’s completely forbidden. If you have a dog in Paris, the dog will probably be with you in the restaurant, so you don’t need a doggy bag ! If food is left in your plate, it generally means you ordered too much. Same thing for the wine still in the bottle : don’t take the bottle home !

6th point : what about the sodas, Coke and Pepsi ? They are never ordered by a Frenchman with his meal (except at Mac Donalds…). The acceptable order is wine or water (and sometimes beer)

7th point : Always compliment your hostess when you are invited. Compliment on anything : her home, the table, the decor and of course the food. Be a gracious guest. Manners are very important. And give back the invitation, later. Practice reciprocation. 

If you follow those 7 points, you will be, as an American, very confortable in Paris. The subject of the next video in english will be about French Guys in NY.

 

 

Comments

[Rédigé par : HK]

OKUNIDE !
Alors ?

[Rédigé par : Hervé Kabla]

Sais-tu pourquoi il faut regarder son interlocuteur dans les yeux au moment où on trinque?