French Customs (Parisian actually)

Question

I'm writing a story about a couple of people living in Paris, through interconnected tales. However, as an American, I'd have little idea on the customs, traditions that French people would do. Plus, I don't want to be one of those authors who makes a work, but it's very nature is bogged down due to inaccurate aspects one would do in a different culture. I want authenticity. For example, one French lady at work mentioned that most French people don't hug as much, as they would do by greeting others with a kiss. My parents are Czech, so this would already by contradictory in my eyes, as you could see. Could any name some in specific, that are contradictory to what people in America would do? Also, what tidbits could I add to make the story more "French" in nature? That are not cliché.

Much thanks.

Answer 1

The first thing is the formality of the French in language and mannerism which has already been mentioned. The distinction between tu/vous forms doesn't exist in English but still has some importance in French. The fact that people still wait for an invitation to use first names is part of a behavior pattern that is very different from the American assumption of informality and immediate willingness to share personal information with relative strangers.

Americans in particular who will talk about the intimate details of their love lives, the state of their personal finances, and the cost of everything they own with someone they met ten minutes ago are, for that reason, regarded as utterly outré by the French.

Cafes and shops are seen as an extension of the private space of the owner. Therefore exchanging greetings in the form of a welcoming "bonjour Monsieur" when entering place of business is regarded as an important aspect of being polite as is the "au revoir" that both owner and customer exchange upon leaving.

Cafes are seen as an extension of the personal living space of the customer and sitting for hours, writing letters or just wathcing the world is acceptable behavior and will not draw the exasterated sighs of wait staff or suggestions that you buy something or move on.

Answer 2

My family is from France, dad was born and grew up in Paris, and I do know that its family oriented in nature.  When I was staying with my sister in Paris, families ate together.  Everyone sat down and ate dinner talked about the day and what ever was doing.  This was their time to catch up and make sure everyone was up to what they needed to do. Ie. Kids doing well in school and such.  W/ my sister it was a lot of food!  Salad was always had near the end of dinner, not first course like it is here in the states.  The french do kiss, but its more of a cheek to cheek type of kiss.  They will kiss three times.... and if its a jewish french they kiss four times.

A lot of my family members make this interesting face and sound when they don't know something.  Their bottom lip sticks out a lil bit and make this little "Pttt" sound with their mouth and learn the heads to the side.  Its really hard to explain in words, easier to show in action. It cracks me up to watch my relatives do that, which in turn got me doing it when I was staying with them for awhile.

The French love to be up on fashions.  My mother told me when she would go shopping she was dressed to the T, make up all done up, her hair all fixed up and clothes matching with heels.  Always looked very posh!  

If you don't know someone very well, they always call them by Mrs. or Mr. all the time.  They don't mention the persons first name, unless of course they are very good friends. Manners are very important to them. You always make sure you talk in proper french when speaking to an elder or someone you're a stranger to or even a higher level in work/business.  That is extremely important.

Thats all I can think of right now... give us some examples in the story maybe it might give us a lil more to work w.

Answer 3

well, it's hard to answer if i don't know the different situations... the best advice would be : watch french movies or tv-series.

about the movies, i would recommend :

- a very recent one, "2 Days in Paris" by Julie Delpy

- another very recent, "Paris" by Cédric Klapish, a VERY Parisian movie.

I would not recommend "Amelie of Montmartre", cause it's a quite idealized idea of Paris.

enjoy