Culture and customs in France. Being in France, it is inappropriate to ask its indigenous people about earnings. However, they can talk for hours about food, cheese and wines.
Etiquette and Customs:
The French are known for the fact that during breakfast they can talk to foreigners on various, even difficult topics, e.g. what political views Poles have. Sometimes it happens that a Frenchman can ignore a tourist who asks about something in English. This can be avoided by starting a bonjour polite conversation and then switching to an English conversation. Probably then most of the French will appreciate our efforts and there is a good chance to communicate in the most popular Western language.
Manners – no culture in the subway.
The French, who are considered a nation that cares about culture, are disappointed by the lack of it, for example, in the Paris metro, which is almost ruled by the laws of the jungle. It is the order of the day that no one gives way to women and the elderly. Even pregnant women rarely give way. Apart from the subway, it is not much better. The French are not eager to help when, for example, a woman is struggling with a large suitcase.
Manners – talking about wages, cuisine and rituals to greet.
Being in France, it is inappropriate to ask its indigenous people about earnings. However, they can talk for hours about food, cheese and wines. If the French invite us to dinner, it is good to give the hosts flowers and something for dessert. The welcoming rituals are a separate matter. The French kiss on the cheek to greet, this is the so-called “Bisou, bisou”. Most often, girls and boys with girls greet each other this way, although it happens that well-known gentlemen also use the “bisou, bisou” greeting. It should be noted that the number of kisses depends on the region in Brittany, 2 are used, while in Paris even 4.
Holidays – customs and customs.
The French eat donuts on a fat Tuesday, not Thursday as in Poland. During the Epiphany carnival, the inhabitants of France offer themselves a butter cake in which a small figurine is hidden, whoever finds it is entitled to a crown on that day and the title of king or queen. Valentine’s Day on February 14 is celebrated as everywhere in Europe, shops are decorated with red hearts and other decorations. In spring, the French celebrate Easter, the symbols of which are bunnies and bells on the Seine. Parents hide chocolate eggs at home or in the garden. In secular France, there is no religious reference to Easter as in Poland, but it is spent with the family at a lavishly set table, or on a vacation outside the city. On May 1, the French celebrate Labor Day, they give themselves bouquets of lilies of the valley, which is supposed to bring good luck. July 14 is the National Day of France, on this occasion there is a day off from work, summer discounts in boutiques are a kind of custom. In August, Paris is less people than usual, while the Cote d’Azur is overcrowded with tourists. November is All Saints’ Day, but the atmosphere is not as solemn as in Poland. In December, Christmas Eve and Christmas are celebrated, the dishes on Christmas Eve include turkey and seafood, especially oysters, and snails are also served. People are seated at the table from 8 pm to midnight, and gifts are opened at midnight. At Christmas, just like in Poland, you visit your family.
Top 10 French Festivals You Need to Know:
https://www.expatica.com/fr/lifestyle / holidays / top-french-festivals-444873 /
