15 Things Not To Do in France: Insider Tips For Smart Travelers

France invites you in with café terraces, grand boulevards, tiny village squares, and long, lingering meals. Whether you are strolling along the Seine, tasting cheeses in a local market, or road-tripping through vineyards, the country feels made for unrushed, beautiful moments.

At the same time, there are specific cultural expectations and a few social rules that matter a lot. Knowing the key things not to do in France helps you avoid awkward encounters, misunderstandings, and even fines. More importantly, it makes your trip feel smoother and more authentic.

If you are planning your first trip and wondering what not to do in France, this guide walks you through the most important things to avoid as a tourist, including behavior in cafés, churches, public transport, malls, and local neighborhoods.

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1. Do Not Forget To Say Bonjour

If you remember only one thing from the list of things not to do in France, let it be this: never start a conversation without a greeting. Entering a bakery, boutique, or hotel and jumping straight into “Do you have…” or “Where is…” is one of the common mistakes to avoid in France.

Always begin with a warm “Bonjour, Monsieur” or “Bonjour, Madame” during the day, and “Bonsoir” in the evening. It sets the tone, shows respect, and instantly softens any interaction. Skipping this basic step is one of the things that offend locals in France more than most visitors realize.

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2. Do Not Assume Everyone Speaks English

One of the key travel mistakes in France to avoid is expecting everyone to switch to English immediately. In big cities, many people understand English, but that does not mean they are always comfortable using it or enjoy being addressed in English without any French greeting.

Start with a simple line like “Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais?” (Hello, do you speak English?) Even if your French stops there, this small effort shows you do not take their language for granted. It is one of the most important things not to do in France for first-timers who want friendly responses instead of cold looks.

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3. Do Not Dress Sloppy In Cities And Churches

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When thinking about what not to wear in France, the key is to avoid looking overly casual in urban areas and religious sites. Sports shorts, worn-out T-shirts, beach flip-flops, and large athletic logos may be perfectly fine at home, but they stand out in French cities.

French style tends to favor neat, simple, and well-fitted clothing. If you plan to visit churches, cathedrals, or more formal restaurants, avoid very short shorts, crop tops, and low-cut outfits. Dressing respectfully is one of the things to avoid in France as a tourist if you do not want to feel out of place or disrespected at more traditional venues.

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4. Do Not Rush Through French Meals

In France, meals are meant to be savored, not rushed. One of the most common mistakes to avoid in France is expecting quick, constantly hovering service or asking for the bill too early. Eating is a social ritual here, and restaurants often assume you want to linger.

If you are in a hurry, choose a café or a brasserie rather than a multi-course restaurant. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the pace. Quickly gulping down food, constantly checking your watch, or pressuring staff to hurry can be seen as disrespectful to the dining experience as a whole.

5. Do Not Misuse Café And Restaurant Etiquette

Café culture is one of the joys of France, but it comes with unspoken rules. Among the important things not to do in France for first-timers:

• Do not move tables together without asking the staff.
• Do not sit for a long time with just tap water at peak hours.
• Do not shout “Garçon” to get the waiter’s attention.
• Do not expect separate checks for every single person in a big group.

Tipping is more modest than in some countries, but leaving a small extra amount for good service is appreciated. Misreading these habits is one of the travel mistakes in France to avoid if you want to blend into local café life.

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6. Do Not Handle Market Produce Without Permission

Fresh markets are a highlight for many visitors, but they also reveal some things not to do in France that might surprise you. At traditional markets, many stallholders prefer that you do not grab and squeeze fruit or vegetables yourself.

Instead, point to what you want, say “Bonjour,” and let the vendor select items for you. This is both a hygiene measure and a gesture of trust. Handling everything with your bare hands is one of the small things that offend locals in France, especially in more traditional neighborhoods.

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7. Do Not Disrespect Churches And Religious Sites

Historic churches, cathedrals, and chapels are not just tourist attractions; they are active places of worship. One of the key things to avoid in France as a tourist is entering these sites in beachwear, speaking loudly, or treating them as photo studios.

When visiting churches:

• Dress modestly, covering shoulders and avoiding very short shorts.
• Speak softly or remain silent.
• Avoid flash photography, especially during services.

Behaving casually in such places may not result in a fine, but it is one of the things not to do in France if you want to show that you understand the culture’s deeper layers.

8. Do Not Be Loud In Public Spaces

France values discretion and a certain calm in public. Speaking very loudly on trains, in restaurants, or on quiet streets is one of the things tourists should avoid in France. You may notice locals talking in softer tones, even when passionate about a topic.

Groups shouting, playing loud music on speakers, or laughing excessively in small indoor spaces can quickly annoy those around you. Keeping your voice at a gentle level is an easy way to avoid becoming “the noisy tourists” everyone is side-eyeing.

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9. Do Not Ignore Metro, Train, And Bus Etiquette

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Public transport in France, especially in cities like Paris, has its own rhythm. Among the important things not to do in France for first-timers:

• Do not block doors while people are trying to get on or off.
• Do not stand on the wrong side of escalators if locals clearly keep one side for walking.
• Do not place your bags on the seat when the train is crowded.
• Do not play loud videos or music without headphones.

Respecting these norms keeps the system flowing smoothly and helps you avoid cold stares during rush hour.

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10. Do Not Treat Malls And Shops Like Food Courts

If you are wondering what not to do in French malls, remember that they are primarily shopping spaces, not casual hangout zones. Sprawling across seating areas with loud conversations, picnicking with outside food, or leaving trash behind is frowned upon.

In many French malls and department stores, you are expected to keep noise to a minimum, respect store staff, and not open items before paying unless explicitly allowed. Treating malls like public playgrounds is one of the things to avoid as a tourist in France if you want to maintain a good impression.

11. Do Not Take Photos Of People Without Consent

Beautiful markets, cafés, and narrow streets make it tempting to snap endless pictures. But one of the important things not to do in France is to photograph people, especially children, shopkeepers, or diners, without asking first.

If someone is clearly the main subject of your shot, make eye contact and ask politely, even with a simple “Je peux” and a gesture. Being photographed without consent is one of the things that offends locals in France, and it is kinder to respect privacy.

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12. Do Not Overdo Public Displays Of Affection

France has a romantic reputation, and you will definitely see couples holding hands or sharing a quick kiss. However, very passionate public displays can still feel out of place in quieter towns, on metros, or inside restaurants.

Over-the-top hugging, kissing, or physical affection in close quarters is one of the subtle things not to do in France. It might not cause a scene, but it can make those around you quietly uncomfortable, especially older locals.

13. Do Not Assume Paris Is All There Is To France

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One of the travel mistakes in France to avoid is treating Paris as the entire country. While the capital is iconic, France is a patchwork of regions, each with distinct traditions, foods, and accents.

Dismissing other parts of the country or repeatedly saying “We only care about Paris” can come across as dismissive. If your itinerary allows, visiting at least one village, coastal town, or countryside area helps you appreciate how diverse France really is.

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14. Do Not Ignore Local Schedules And Closing Times

Shops and restaurants in France do not always follow a non-stop schedule. Many smaller businesses close in the afternoon for a break, and Sundays can be especially quiet, with limited services.

Among the things not to do in France for first-timers is assuming everything is open late every day. Check opening hours in advance, especially in small towns. Turning up for a late lunch when the kitchen has already closed is a very easy mistake to make.

15. Do Not Forget Basic French Courtesy Phrases

Finally, one of the simplest yet most powerful things not to do in France is to rely only on English phrases. Using a few basic French expressions changes everything:

• Bonjour / Bonsoir: Hello / Good evening
• S’il vous plaît: Please
• Merci beaucoup: Thank you very much
• Excusez-moi: Excuse me

Even if your pronunciation is not perfect, the effort is appreciated. Forgetting to use these and speaking only English are among the most common mistakes to avoid in France when trying to connect with locals.

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FAQs

What are the laws in France for tourists?

Tourists in France must follow the same laws as residents. That includes rules around public drinking, smoking only in designated areas, buying valid tickets for public transport, and respecting local noise regulations. Some key things not to do in France include damaging monuments, littering at cultural sites, or ignoring safety regulations at landmarks and museums.

Is it ok to wear shorts in France?

Yes, wearing shorts is generally acceptable, especially in summer and in coastal areas. However, what not to wear in France depends on the setting. Very short or beach-style shorts may feel out of place in central Paris, churches, or fine-dining restaurants. Opt for neat, tailored shorts or light trousers when in doubt.

Can unmarried couples go on holiday to France?

Unmarried couples can absolutely travel to France and stay together in hotels without any issues. Hotels are used to international guests and do not ask about marital status. Just remember the general cultural guideline against overdoing public displays of affection in quieter or more traditional areas.

Is it safe to visit France as a solo traveler?

France is a popular and generally safe destination for solo travelers. As with any major city, stay alert to your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas where pickpocketing can occur. Avoid isolated areas late at night, keep your belongings secure, and you can enjoy a relaxed, rewarding trip.

What is the best month to go to France?

The best time to visit France depends on what you want to experience. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor cafés. Summer is busier but perfect for coastal trips, while winter brings Christmas markets and quieter city breaks.

Can two male friends share a hotel room in France?

Yes, two male friends or friends of any gender can share a hotel room in France without any problems. You can request twin beds if you prefer separate sleeping arrangements. Hotels in France are used to a wide variety of travelers and do not see this as unusual.

What is not allowed in France as a tourist?

Some things not to do in France as a tourist include vandalizing monuments, littering in public spaces, drinking alcohol where it is prohibited, smoking in non-smoking zones, and taking disrespectful photos in religious sites. Always follow posted signs at attractions and public transport to avoid fines or uncomfortable situations.

What are the strict rules in France?

France has strict rules regarding public safety, transport tickets, and the protection of cultural heritage. Traveling without a valid ticket on trains or metros, damaging historic buildings, or ignoring crowd-control measures at major attractions can lead to fines. Being aware of these common mistakes to avoid in France will help you travel confidently and respectfully.