A nice article in Economist.com about etiquette in Paris. What to do or avoid when meeting, working, eating and socialising with the French on a business trip. It starts with: "Our best bit of advice for negotiating Paris successfully is quite simple: start every conversation with a "bonjour" or a "bonsoir". It's an easy ice-breaker and, where appropriate, should ensure you a better level of service." I recognise the tips in the article very well, they are very useful. Read the readers' comments as well, they give corrections and additions to the tips.
There are a few readers' comments about punctuality (in time). My experience is that the French are more punctual than we think from their reputation. Especially for formal appointments, you are expected to be there exactly in time. When I have a dentist appointment or with someone from the insurance company, let say at 3 p.m., she or he is ready for me at 3. Trains have punctuality percentages the Dutch railway company can only dream of. Meetings with friends are more flexible in time, so we "plan" to arrive half an hour later than the time mentioned. Once we arrived 45 minutes later than the time that was said in the invitation and we found we were last to arrive!
I've learned that the social part is very important. I appreciate that very much, people really take the time to listen to each other. If someone asks you "Ça va?" (How are you), it is an honest question. It is very rude to ignore this first part of the conversation and "come to business". The two kisses on the cheek are part of this as well. At the running club, we all greet each other, either by shaking hands (man-man) or kisses (woman-woman, man-woman). Imagine, about 30 people waiting for greetings, nobody can be ignored. You better arrive first, so they'll have to come to you!
I don't experience much rudeness here in shops or restaurants (well, we don't live in Paris, maybe that explains). However, don't expect the same level of service as you're used to (in the States, for example). This remark doesn't apply for all shops, but here not every "customer is king". Sometimes I want to think: "I'm sorry I asked you something", but then I quickly push away this thought. My top rudeness experience was in Paris, when I was looking for running shoes. A man was helping me with some shoes and at some point he went down the stairs, I thought to look for more shoes for me. It took some time while I waited for him. Another customer came in and asked for this man. His colleague said: "Oh, he is out for lunch". I think you're not surprised that this was my last visit to this shop.
For the rest, I find people here very relaxed and patient. Nothing here of the wild gestures, loud horn sounding or high voices full of emotion that are often said to be typically French. Maybe you find that in the south, but not here (not far from Paris). I now know to be patient myself, no use to upset myself if someone is slow in a shop. Calm down, relax. That is something from which Dutch people can learn.
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