I remember sitting in a restaurant in Paris and when I said Merci to the waiter, she replied that she appreciated me saying a few words in French and giving me a free chocolate bar. Loved it
I visited Paris in the summer of 1987, and again in the winter of 2006-07.....I was there for Bonne Annee 2007! It was nice staying on Ille St Louis in a small lofted efficiency sized apartment. I only spoke a handful of words in French, but watched what others did and quickly felt comfortable within the week I was there. I used the local grocery store and bakery for food primarily to save money. I never had any issues with rudeness
Hi Lucile, super video. Brit here, worked in Paris for many years as a cross cultural facilitator in a major French firm. I worked a lot helping French customer service people understand and adapt to Anglo expectations. And boy, what a difference! Let’s say that the French show respect by being polite, non intrusive and that anglos tend to show respect by showing interest. Hence the difficulties. You are spot on by saying the Bonjour is absolutely vital.
Absolutely love Paris…my french is rubbish but I do my very best …the french love it and really appreciate it. It’s a beautiful language…I find the Parisians kind and friendly ❤
I went to Paris for the first time last year and I found the French to be very kind and friendly. I only know maybe 2 or 3 words of French and just making an effort to speak it goes a long way. I'm going back again in July.
It has been a while since I was in France. Before I went I found a small handbook about Franco culture that was very helpful. I took Italian in college. So, basic language syntax was not too difficult. I spent 20-30 minutes every day for about 4 months before my trip learning basic phrases in French. It made a big difference and almost everyone spoke back to me in English. Lol
I cannot disagree more. Quality of customer service in the US is next level. It’s a well established concept in the US that even the smile on waiter’s/waitress’s face from the start, is a part of the dining experience. Dining is not all about eating.
@@jeffmorrison2915 The only expectation I have of food service employees is that they just bring me the food I ordered. I don't expect them to smile or look a certain way. They're just people doing a job, they're not there to entertain you while you eat. The food is honestly the only thing that matters to me. Even if the service was good, if the food is bad I'm not going back.
The only thing I don’t like is when I need a refill for my drink. I like them to do that automatically without me asking. It takes so long to wave for them to come over.
@StrawberryJamJam29 Just fill your own glass ! Though you're quite right that getting your glass automatically refilled is part of good service even in France : it's just that it is supposed to be unobtrusive, contrary to the US. In very classy restaurants, your glass should stay topped up without you even noticing. 😶🌫️👻 Of course in most normal restaurants there is neither enough waiters nor experience to realize that correctly so by default you'll get a bottle or pitcher and be expected to refill your own glass and ask for a new drink if necessary. 😢
Ah, this is why I love France. I’m not good at small talk and I’m very direct and to the point. This is my favourite experience in France. No mucking about.
💯 great advice! I would add if you are going to Michelin star restaurants or staying at five star or "palace level" hotels there will be dress codes to adhere to or you may have issues, usually Smart Casual for days and Business Casual evenings for most places. But checking their website prior to showing up is a good idea, most will let you know. Most of the year the French tend to dark even somber color choices, that can help blend in if you want. Its a hold over from the French Revolution, prior to that they dressed like peacocks. Also athletic wear is for that, its not for street wear, avoid yoga pants and flipflops if you want to be taken seriously.
The amount of respect for quality food and dining in France is astounding and the best in the world as long as you understand and appreciate the differences between French and American cultures. Not to mention that the French diet is so much healthier and tastier than most American food. Just learn to appreciate other cultures, and learn from them. Always remember that you are in their country, so be respectful and try to learn some French.
It takes so much time and money to prepare for a trip to Paris from the US. I couldn't imagine not learning some French or about the customs... it only takes a short video like this to give you some insight into customs and then only learning a few words to order food, get a taxi, etc.
My visit to Paris was planned to include Sept 21, 2019. For me, one city is just like the next but that day in Paris was out of the ordinary. A « Gilet jaune » et « Bloc noir » manifestation. We stayed at the California Hotel, Rue de Berri, just a few blocks from the ARC DE TRIOMPHE. A well choreographed "clash" kicked-off nearly in front of the hotel at exactly 12:30.
Lots of great information lucille. I only wish upon a star that I could visit such a beautiful place.on my dad's side of the family they all come from Wales, England and on my mom's side I'm Scottish and Irish a Dutch and French Canadian.I am truly a mutt.but what a great heritage to have and hand down to your kids.thank you for taking me along for this journey.be safe and stay warm in Paris.
I'm Southeast Asian and speak French. I found everyone in France went out of their way to be nice to me once they realized I speak French (albeit with an Asian accent). I think lots of them must've been to Asia before as France has some cultural influence from Vietnam to Laos.
Hello Lucile, I like the video where you speak about foods, I like your way to describe it and I can understand almost every words of your really good english so everytime is a new food esperience and a new english lesson because I try to use in my videos every single word that I've learn from you and from your videos. so thak you a lot for the really nice job that you are doing and keep going like this. subscribed.
I'm glad to hear that in Paris it's still not cool to wear workout clothes or pajamas in public. As an American, I am embarrassed that people do that. So tacky!!!
Wearing athletic style clothing and pajamas are not comparable….pajamas are meant for bed only and home. athleisure are sold as clothing normally in sets
@@BeeDawn7 yea workout clothes can be subjective. joggers and yoga pants can technically be workout pants but my wife and I both have specific pairs of those for travel and wouldn't workout in them.
As someone who lives in New York City, I always find these types of videos a little bit misleading. Inevitably someone is comparing London or Paris - to all of the US. When in fact, most things one can mention about those two cities can immediately also be applied to New York City, an American city. So the differences are not really cultural, but urban versus rural or “sub”urban. Not really much about the lifestyle of Paris is so different from New York. I’ve been to Paris many times (not speaking much French, though) and found it a lovely, comforting city that I immediately felt normal in because I’m from a similar city. Everything from the attitude of the waiters, to the disdain for small talk, to the part about being very friendly once you approach someone politely. This is all true of New York! And our food portion sizes are also not as big as in other parts of the U.S., and we New Yorkers also walk everywhere as well. We also have plenty of bakeries that make fresh, European-style bread daily - so at least in New York, you’ll never see me buying bagged processed bread from the supermarket. Not unless I’m making a peanut butter & jelly sandwich! 😁
Hi ! Thank you for the video. I have been to France 7 times. Different regions.And nowhere I noticed small portions of food. ( except Michelin places)And I am a good eater. It is always enough and very filling.😊❤
Thanks for the pointers about language. I’ve spent a lot of time in Paris - lived here temporarily twice and travel here as often as I can. I get more practice speaking French outside of Paris, but I do find if I tell the person I’m learning French, they’re happy to speak in French. For awhile I was so worried that my French is horrible (okay, it is, but it’s better than I realize).
I love all of your videos. Thanks for all of the advice. Specifically, I love how you explain how not to "take it personal" when someone in Paris is rude to you. LoL. Thank you!
If you left only $1 or $2 as a tip in Canada that would be considered insulting. 15% minimum is expected on top of another %15 tax and sometimes I find this quite abusive. So everything is %30 to %35 more than the shown price. It adds up. Especially, in a lot of places you have to pay before eating, including the tip. So you have to give the tip BEFORE being served without even knowing if the service will be great or terrible. So in those cases I don't tip beforehamd (which you have to manually modify when paying, as the machine comes with automatic %15 to 20% tip added) and will tip in cash afterwards if it was deserved.
French people ARE friendly. I also find them very direct, which I love. My main challenge in Paris has been mixing up all the different train hubs (Gares). And trying to print a "ouigo" ticket, when a printed ticket wasn't needed. I missed my train. Yes people from Toulose are very friendly. Marseille is the best place on earth.
Whoa ! Good Luck, oh brave one. Be prepared for huge crowds. Bring LOTS of money, Everything will be increased , massively, in price ( as in EVERY City around the World, when big events occur) Paris isn't cheap, even in the 'off Season', normal Months!. I'd suggest that you, maybe, research some Restaurants, and make some bookings ,before you arrive.
Love your channel. We’re going to take a trip to Paris & Champagne next Fall, so excited. So many helpful tips. Also I’m a huge Chicago Bears fan, I’m from Chicago, so I love all of the Bears gear I see in your video 😆
@@marouenerouatbi8468 you don't have to talk to people, but just not be an ass: keep your voice down, don't wear your backpack if it's crowded, don't sit on folding seats during rush hours, don't try to step in the second the doors open before letting people step off.
ANd being polite in the subway in France means : to not talk to people, do nbot talk loudly,just say sorry if you bump into someone by accident. Source, I'm french
the only city that I stayed for 3-4 days in france is Lyon, and god local folks are soooo nice. I always hear about the french attitude, but I highly recommend everyone visiting Lyon for perhaps the best food in the region and friendly& helpful people. PS: Lucile is right, I tended to start saying bonjour (you will pick up this nuance in couple of hours as everyone says it) and if they speak english (in french) just some basics help your stay more welcoming like any other country =)
Thank you for all these excellent videos. We loved Canal St Martin - and all the cool kids having drinks along the side of the canal. But ... where do people who drink outside go to the restroom?
I understand that we should always greet the waiters or the shop owner with "bonjour" - if we feel that we're interrupting, is it appropriate to add "pardonnez-moi"? Or should we just stick with "bonjour"? (Is it not done to say "bon apres-midi" in the afternoon or "bonne soiree" in the evening?)
We rather use "excusez-moi" which is less formal. "Bon après-midi" and "bonne soirée" are for good-byes only. In the afternoon, you still say "bonjour" as a greeting, and in the evening it's "bonsoir"
I was in Paris May 1 last year and couldn't resist checking out the retirement age protests, which my wife warned me not to do. To be honest, the protesters were close to retirement age and didn't look like they were going to get too crazy. I will be back in two weeks, so the advice to check for transportation strikes is much appreciated.
Last november i went to Paris and really make a effort to speak in french with every person at hotel, restaurants, taxis, etc and after a small talk i have noticed that locals answered in english so i thought that my french was really bad…i felt embarrased every time but i kept trying every time. New suscriber i really like the content thanks!
Weather - my previous trip to Paris was in early July and it was 100F (38C) - tres chaud! No air conditioning, of course, but it was okay. My upcoming trip is in December, so I'm expecting much colder weather (I'm going to see the holiday lights)
5:05 you just taught me something new in French: "Ça n’a rien à voir avec toi". In context, it's obvious that's what you were trying to say in English (I also recognized it from the equivalent expression in Spanish being basically the same), but the English equivalent is "it has nothing to do with you". I hope it doesn't seem rude, but I thought I would point this out just so you know (assuming you didn't already figure this out between then and now)
I was in Paris at the end of April for a few weeks, the people were really nice and serviable. Which wasn't always the case, once I asked railway clerk, to help with the metro ticket, which was complicated for me and scream Ce n'est pas mon travaille. I simply couldn't get a ticket. The more I listen to Lucile's channel, I understand it is exclusively addresses Americans Vs French. I watch another utube channel Les Frenchies, equally great, however they too only address French and Americans, while the world is a lot broader with the millions of visitors coming to France.
Coming from Les Pay-Bas, most of this is pretty familiar 😄(I guess it could also be 'things you should now as an American coming to Europe' haha). But the dinner time was a great reminder: we tend to go to dinner early here and might easily walk into a restaurant around 6 😅. Looking forward to visiting Paris again in 2 months after watching your videos, merci!
I ve been to NYC a couple of times and people (in service positions) were soooo rude, it was shocking. People in Paris on the other hand were really friendly! A bonjour madame/monsieur and merci beaucoup go a long way. I love Paris and have been there many times and now I can' t wait to see more of France!
Bonjour! I’m going to Paris next month and will stay there for one week. I’ll be arriving around 7pm in Paris, do you recommend to take the Uber or train? Also I really want to see Eiffel Tower and the louvre but don’t wanna wait in line, is there a safe, fast ticket? One more thing, where are your favorite place to go and eat? Merci
I think it’s because a lot us ate at specific times with our families and at school growing up! I ate every meal with my parents growing up and I’ve just kept the habit :) I feel breakfast kind of depends on when you wake up haha
Thank you for the all the tips! You speak really fast, not sure if video was sped up, but it is all good! One comment, you mentioned safety which is true but nothing about pick pocket. I would be nice to be honest about that as a caution as we all know that is the reality, just need to be on alert and have a “plan” to be on alert as tourist.
My husband and I will be visiting Paris at the start of September this year. I'm so excited. I've wanted to visit Paris since the early 90's and finally it's happening. Thank you so much for your video!
Ahhh talking about spring and sun and good moods and here April is almost over and everyone's miserable cause it's still cold out. I was ready to put my big coat away and everything.
Merci Lucile, for your information. Always nice to get information from Locals about there culture & good food tips.😀 I love Paris, i always go to Paris 1 or 2 times year. My father is from France Guyana and lives in Paris. I am going to Paris this mai, so i am going to watch more of your video's. 🔔 new👍🏿 🙋🏿♀️ from Amsterdam, Lucie. ☀️
Thanks for letting us know about cell phone precautions and on the funny note 😂 New York pedestrians beware of the guys on scooters stealing cell phones when you’re distracted while using them.
I love Paris &all of France and French people ❤ Everywhere we have been, people have been very sweet and polite. But obviously we always greet people and say merci etc..Also i think this reputation for rudeness is undeserved or at least a relict of the 80's. Most people speak atleast a few words of English but yes it helps if you make an effort to use the little French you know.
J'ai besoin de savoir sur Paris... Je viens d'Inde, comment puis-je vous contacter, mes Toms auto-ritck vivant en Inde, Mumbai, comment puis-je joindre en France
Well, French are known to let you know if something is wrong so no need to waste time asking if everything is fine every 5 mins 🤣 I am moving to Paris from the UK soon, I can’t wait!!!
Hi! I am in Paris this weekend and cant wait. Is there any chance you could please recommend a restaurant for a Sunday evening? It looks like a lot are closed! We are stying in the 9th but can easily get the metro anywhere! Thank you!
ugh, assigned meal times are awful. my biggest complaint about living in Spain. When traveling, especially with a toddler, we eat when we need to/can and when he gets hungry or ancy. there is no negotiating with toddlers.
Omg the minimal workout wear and pajamas are always terrible, though I agree that nobody in NYC would give it a second look. I’m in Boston, where most people don’t care too much but definitely think it’s pretty low brow 😆
Great video, thank you! It actually made me much calmer about my visit in Paris. Is it true that even if I have a Paris Visite ticket for two days, i am supposed to first validate my ticket and then EVERY TIME, even 20 times that i transfer from one bus to another I need to still put it into the machine ? Or can i just validate it and then keep it in my pocket ?
I've been to Paris 4 different times in my life, and always thought the high-fashion Parisienne stereotype was strange. Most women in Paris are dressed practically for the weather and amount of walking. Also, great tips on the polite greetings!
Wonderful video. I must have French blood somewhere in my ancestry (Australian) A friendly "Bonjour" to all. Am with you on American "service"; go away and let me enjoy my meal and company in peace. Tips in US are out of control. "Bonjour. J’aimerais pratiquer le français. N’hésitez pas à me corriger et à rire !" I hate small talk. A wine and bread with cheese from the Raspail markets in the Luxembourg Gardens, yes please. I don't need a mansion to holiday in. Fresh air and open windows, yes, yes.
It makes sense. People in NYC are very different from people in Wisconsin. Just huge differences in life and the amount of people around them all the time and also crime. Just subscribed!! Im totally overwhelmed by where to stay in Paris! Is a boutique hotel better then the westin or Hilton? I don't want to spend a fortune on hotels either because we want to eat out and shop. It's such a huge city!
I do Love your Videos Lucille as I go to Paris a lot but… there are other people who watch your videos besides Americans who I guess they are aimed at. As they are all in English there are English people like myself who watch and enjoy them 😋
Absolutely, you are very welcome here haha! Sorry for speaking a bit too much about Americans, I've lived in the US and my boyfriend is from Chicago so that's why :)
Those things never expire although you might get some funny looks from the booth attendant if they aren't read by the turnstile, which they probably won't be given how old they are. But if it hasn't been validated then you should be good.
I'd say that not wearing pj's in public is about as basic a rule as there is and one that I continually strive to live by and am proud to say that I have yet to fail at. One must have some standards, after all. 😊
If you have a bebe in Paris its so difficult to go inside these they are not stroller friendly. Paris is meant for couples to sit close in cramped quarters to be in love.
Au Québec il y a certains restaurants qui ferment à 19h! C'est tellement ch*ant! 😆Moi j'ai tendance à souper vers 19h30 ou 20h et ici si quelqu'un fait ça on dit qu'il mange "à l'heure des Français" et c'est considéré très excentrique. Les gens soupent à 17h30 ici!!! 😩
I went to a restaurant in Paris last year and had a very bad experience...I was just asking the waiter to give us 5 mins to decide the order..but he just said 'No English only French' and I tried explaining but he was very rude and I literally had to get up and leave the restaurant
An American culture used to be that you got to be the one that decided what the fair wage was for the waiter, a better waiter made better pay, now American service has become more like European French or Italian service where they basically just bring you your food so it’s become very ridiculous. That tips are expected as part of the pay. It never was like that before and now you’re expected to tip before you even get the service in many cases and that’s absolutely wrong. In the 70s and 80s a 10% tip meant you didn’t really think they did that great of a job but they didn’t completely fail you, a 15% tip meant they did an excellent job, and anything more than that meant that they went over and above. Now in America, you were asked to give a 25% tip before you even know if they’re going to bring you the right thing and it’s not the capitalist culture that used to be. Capitalism means the power of who gets to thrive or fail is in the pocket of the buyer no matter how rich or poor the buyer is. Really that’s pretty much disappeared in America and from Bush, Obama, and Biden we saw things like too big to fail where the government picked and chose what companies thrived or failed and that’s not American capitalism at all. Trump was a capitalist, that doesn’t mean consumerism, capitalism literally means that there’s power in the pocket of the little person getting to decide who gets their money, this is why when Obama said people wouldn’t lose their Dr with his version of Health Care was so upsetting when people had to spend more on healthcare and lose their doctor and access to choices and speedy quality health services at Americans had been accustomed to and why Canadians typically pay out-of-pocket for American healthcare. And starting in 2020 government spoke over hospitals, giving permission for worst care but paid for care and if you want to know the real reason why there were so many losses of lives in 2020 and beyond in America, it’s because The second people heard the government would pay for care, they suddenly no longer cared that they had a right to try and the better American care that they no longer had access to the government paid and it suddenly became legal to take people off of Dr. prescribed medication’s something that used used to not be allowed but was forced through as allowed in 2020 along with also lowering standards before standards. Any reason to be lowered. this did not come directly from Trump, and I don’t try to pretend I understand how it happened, I just know it happened and it shouldn’t have.
A friend of mine was staying in the 8th when the Gilet Jaune protests started. Your riot police hammered them and my friend even though he was a block away got a bad dose of tear gas. It affected his lungs for weeks. CHECK FOR PROTESTS OR STRIKES!
I lived in Paris in 1973august me and my ex we had the run of the whole place every one is on holiday I love Paris I'm 72then I was 22 years old then young hippie dude me and my ex Cindy all those years ago. Sure was free I had a pair 0f Justin cow boy boots Justin's were the boot to wear in those days wore the leather sole off of them walking so much miss my youth and those days in Paris as a young man and my Cindy the best gal I've ever known! I still love you Cindy she has a farm in South Carolina
I'm guessing that it's the sort of thing you only visit when friends or relatives are visiting from out of town and you want to show them some of the sights. When I lived in Seattle it was only when my uncle and his wife visited me that I took them to the massive Boeing factory nearby and it was my first time there (world's biggest building I believe).
I remember sitting in a restaurant in Paris and when I said Merci to the waiter, she replied that she appreciated me saying a few words in French and giving me a free chocolate bar. Loved it
Oh that's so sweet!
So who gave chocolate to whom? It’s unclear.
@vladteyvan7564 it's very clear. The waiter was impressed with "merci" thus gave the person who wrote this comment a chocolate bar.
I am visitng paris soon and will give this a try!
😂
I visited Paris in the summer of 1987, and again in the winter of 2006-07.....I was there for Bonne Annee 2007! It was nice staying on Ille St Louis in a small lofted efficiency sized apartment. I only spoke a handful of words in French, but watched what others did and quickly felt comfortable within the week I was there. I used the local grocery store and bakery for food primarily to save money. I never had any issues with rudeness
Hi Lucile, super video. Brit here, worked in Paris for many years as a cross cultural facilitator in a major French firm. I worked a lot helping French customer service people understand and adapt to Anglo expectations. And boy, what a difference! Let’s say that the French show respect by being polite, non intrusive and that anglos tend to show respect by showing interest. Hence the difficulties. You are spot on by saying the Bonjour is absolutely vital.
Absolutely love Paris…my french is rubbish but I do my very best …the french love it and really appreciate it. It’s a beautiful language…I find the Parisians kind and friendly ❤
I went to Paris for the first time last year and I found the French to be very kind and friendly. I only know maybe 2 or 3 words of French and just making an effort to speak it goes a long way. I'm going back again in July.
Me too
But its my first time nd im kinda nervous not knowing french
Lucy, you are always helpful and insightful. You calm tone and beautiful manners are a few things that make you the best at all things commutation!
It has been a while since I was in France. Before I went I found a small handbook about Franco culture that was very helpful. I took Italian in college. So, basic language syntax was not too difficult. I spent 20-30 minutes every day for about 4 months before my trip learning basic phrases in French. It made a big difference and almost everyone spoke back to me in English. Lol
I actually far prefer French resturant service to American. I don't like having to reassure my food is fine every 5 mintues.
I cannot disagree more. Quality of customer service in the US is next level. It’s a well established concept in the US that even the smile on waiter’s/waitress’s face from the start, is a part of the dining experience. Dining is not all about eating.
@@jeffmorrison2915 The only expectation I have of food service employees is that they just bring me the food I ordered. I don't expect them to smile or look a certain way. They're just people doing a job, they're not there to entertain you while you eat. The food is honestly the only thing that matters to me. Even if the service was good, if the food is bad I'm not going back.
😂
The only thing I don’t like is when I need a refill for my drink. I like them to do that automatically without me asking. It takes so long to wave for them to come over.
@StrawberryJamJam29 Just fill your own glass ! Though you're quite right that getting your glass automatically refilled is part of good service even in France : it's just that it is supposed to be unobtrusive, contrary to the US. In very classy restaurants, your glass should stay topped up without you even noticing. 😶🌫️👻
Of course in most normal restaurants there is neither enough waiters nor experience to realize that correctly so by default you'll get a bottle or pitcher and be expected to refill your own glass and ask for a new drink if necessary. 😢
Ah, this is why I love France. I’m not good at small talk and I’m very direct and to the point. This is my favourite experience in France. No mucking about.
💯 great advice! I would add if you are going to Michelin star restaurants or staying at five star or "palace level" hotels there will be dress codes to adhere to or you may have issues, usually Smart Casual for days and Business Casual evenings for most places. But checking their website prior to showing up is a good idea, most will let you know.
Most of the year the French tend to dark even somber color choices, that can help blend in if you want. Its a hold over from the French Revolution, prior to that they dressed like peacocks.
Also athletic wear is for that, its not for street wear, avoid yoga pants and flipflops if you want to be taken seriously.
The amount of respect for quality food and dining in France is astounding and the best in the world as long as you understand and appreciate the differences between French and American cultures. Not to mention that the French diet is so much healthier and tastier than most American food. Just learn to appreciate other cultures, and learn from them. Always remember that you are in their country, so be respectful and try to learn some French.
It takes so much time and money to prepare for a trip to Paris from the US. I couldn't imagine not learning some French or about the customs... it only takes a short video like this to give you some insight into customs and then only learning a few words to order food, get a taxi, etc.
My visit to Paris was planned to include Sept 21, 2019. For me, one city is just like the next but that day in Paris was out of the ordinary. A « Gilet jaune » et « Bloc noir » manifestation. We stayed at the California Hotel, Rue de Berri, just a few blocks from the ARC DE TRIOMPHE. A well choreographed "clash" kicked-off nearly in front of the hotel at exactly 12:30.
Thanks for explaining, I was nervous about traveling to France without learning to speak French fluently
Thank you for the tips! I’m going to Paris later this year. This was super helpful 😊
Lots of great information lucille. I only wish upon a star that I could visit such a beautiful place.on my dad's side of the family they all come from Wales, England and on my mom's side I'm Scottish and Irish a Dutch and French Canadian.I am truly a mutt.but what a great heritage to have and hand down to your kids.thank you for taking me along for this journey.be safe and stay warm in Paris.
New Lucile videos = best days!
awww :D
I am American. I visited Paris and found French people very helpful and friendly. I was there years ago but I hope to go back.
What a gem of a channel , I am soooo happy I found you!! ❤️❤️
aww that's so sweet, thank you :D
I'm Southeast Asian and speak French. I found everyone in France went out of their way to be nice to me once they realized I speak French (albeit with an Asian accent). I think lots of them must've been to Asia before as France has some cultural influence from Vietnam to Laos.
Your videos are so great - thank you!! Very practical advice, and makes me feel like I will have more fun in Paris after your recommendations.
Hello Lucile, I like the video where you speak about foods, I like your way to describe it and I can understand almost every words of your really good english so everytime is a new food esperience and a new english lesson because I try to use in my videos every single word that I've learn from you and from your videos. so thak you a lot for the really nice job that you are doing and keep going like this. subscribed.
I'm glad to hear that in Paris it's still not cool to wear workout clothes or pajamas in public. As an American, I am embarrassed that people do that. So tacky!!!
Same in the Uk and its embarrassing and uncivil IMO.
Wearing athletic style clothing and pajamas are not comparable….pajamas are meant for bed only and home. athleisure are sold as clothing normally in sets
@@BeeDawn7 yea workout clothes can be subjective. joggers and yoga pants can technically be workout pants but my wife and I both have specific pairs of those for travel and wouldn't workout in them.
Solo travelling to Paris soon, so this is helpful. Thank you.
I went solo last year and everyone was so nice. I'm going again in July solo.
I just went and can’t wait to go again.
I visit Paris, 2-3 times,per year and i find your information and presentation really valuable!!!
As someone who lives in New York City, I always find these types of videos a little bit misleading. Inevitably someone is comparing London or Paris - to all of the US. When in fact, most things one can mention about those two cities can immediately also be applied to New York City, an American city. So the differences are not really cultural, but urban versus rural or “sub”urban. Not really much about the lifestyle of Paris is so different from New York. I’ve been to Paris many times (not speaking much French, though) and found it a lovely, comforting city that I immediately felt normal in because I’m from a similar city. Everything from the attitude of the waiters, to the disdain for small talk, to the part about being very friendly once you approach someone politely. This is all true of New York! And our food portion sizes are also not as big as in other parts of the U.S., and we New Yorkers also walk everywhere as well. We also have plenty of bakeries that make fresh, European-style bread daily - so at least in New York, you’ll never see me buying bagged processed bread from the supermarket. Not unless I’m making a peanut butter & jelly sandwich! 😁
New York City is the most ideal city in this world, capital of the world.
@berkeleyfuller-lewis3442 That's a choice
Thank you for your videos. I am american and my family of 5 is going to France in August. Your tips are appreciated! Merci
Hi ! Thank you for the video.
I have been to France 7 times. Different regions.And nowhere I noticed small portions of food. ( except Michelin places)And I am a good eater. It is always enough and very filling.😊❤
“ La Chiasse” oh la la😂😂😂 très different d’une chaise! J’adore tes videos de Paris! Je crois Que tu as trouvé ta specialité Lucille! ☺️☺️👍
Thanks for the pointers about language. I’ve spent a lot of time in Paris - lived here temporarily twice and travel here as often as I can. I get more practice speaking French outside of Paris, but I do find if I tell the person I’m learning French, they’re happy to speak in French. For awhile I was so worried that my French is horrible (okay, it is, but it’s better than I realize).
I love all of your videos. Thanks for all of the advice. Specifically, I love how you explain how not to "take it personal" when someone in Paris is rude to you. LoL. Thank you!
If you left only $1 or $2 as a tip in Canada that would be considered insulting. 15% minimum is expected on top of another %15 tax and sometimes I find this quite abusive. So everything is %30 to %35 more than the shown price. It adds up. Especially, in a lot of places you have to pay before eating, including the tip. So you have to give the tip BEFORE being served without even knowing if the service will be great or terrible. So in those cases I don't tip beforehamd (which you have to manually modify when paying, as the machine comes with automatic %15 to 20% tip added) and will tip in cash afterwards if it was deserved.
French people ARE friendly. I also find them very direct, which I love. My main challenge in Paris has been mixing up all the different train hubs (Gares). And trying to print a "ouigo" ticket, when a printed ticket wasn't needed. I missed my train. Yes people from Toulose are very friendly. Marseille is the best place on earth.
My favorite (Bouillon) restaurant in this video, and I only know remember like 3 restaurants in Paris, nice.
Ohhh Thank you. Perfect timing for visiting during the Olympics this summer
Whoa ! Good Luck, oh brave one. Be prepared for huge crowds. Bring LOTS of money, Everything will be increased , massively, in price ( as in EVERY City around the World, when big events occur) Paris isn't cheap, even in the 'off Season', normal Months!. I'd suggest that you, maybe, research some Restaurants, and make some bookings ,before you arrive.
I appreciate the useful info!
@@jacqueline8559 huge crowds😂 Paris was very empty during the Olympics
Love me some new Lucile content! Great video, I definitely learned a few things today 😂
Love your channel. We’re going to take a trip to Paris & Champagne next Fall, so excited. So many helpful tips. Also I’m a huge Chicago Bears fan, I’m from Chicago, so I love all of the Bears gear I see in your video 😆
I should add being super polite in the subway with people
why would you even talk to people in the subway
@@marouenerouatbi8468 you don't have to talk to people, but just not be an ass: keep your voice down, don't wear your backpack if it's crowded, don't sit on folding seats during rush hours, don't try to step in the second the doors open before letting people step off.
ANd being polite in the subway in France means : to not talk to people, do nbot talk loudly,just say sorry if you bump into someone by accident. Source, I'm french
@@marouenerouatbi8468 you often have to when you need to get out at the next stop and they have to let you out (subways are often crammed)
the only city that I stayed for 3-4 days in france is Lyon, and god local folks are soooo nice. I always hear about the french attitude, but I highly recommend everyone visiting Lyon for perhaps the best food in the region and friendly& helpful people. PS: Lucile is right, I tended to start saying bonjour (you will pick up this nuance in couple of hours as everyone says it) and if they speak english (in french) just some basics help your stay more welcoming like any other country =)
Thank you for all these excellent videos. We loved Canal St Martin - and all the cool kids having drinks along the side of the canal. But ... where do people who drink outside go to the restroom?
I understand that we should always greet the waiters or the shop owner with "bonjour" - if we feel that we're interrupting, is it appropriate to add "pardonnez-moi"? Or should we just stick with "bonjour"?
(Is it not done to say "bon apres-midi" in the afternoon or "bonne soiree" in the evening?)
We rather use "excusez-moi" which is less formal. "Bon après-midi" and "bonne soirée" are for good-byes only. In the afternoon, you still say "bonjour" as a greeting, and in the evening it's "bonsoir"
@@denisai.9996 Thank you so much for the help!
I was in Paris May 1 last year and couldn't resist checking out the retirement age protests, which my wife warned me not to do. To be honest, the protesters were close to retirement age and didn't look like they were going to get too crazy. I will be back in two weeks, so the advice to check for transportation strikes is much appreciated.
Last november i went to Paris and really make a effort to speak in french with every person at hotel, restaurants, taxis, etc and after a small talk i have noticed that locals answered in english so i thought that my french was really bad…i felt embarrased every time but i kept trying every time. New suscriber i really like the content thanks!
Weather - my previous trip to Paris was in early July and it was 100F (38C) - tres chaud! No air conditioning, of course, but it was okay. My upcoming trip is in December, so I'm expecting much colder weather (I'm going to see the holiday lights)
Very interesting and informative video.
Another great video!
5:05 you just taught me something new in French: "Ça n’a rien à voir avec toi". In context, it's obvious that's what you were trying to say in English (I also recognized it from the equivalent expression in Spanish being basically the same), but the English equivalent is "it has nothing to do with you". I hope it doesn't seem rude, but I thought I would point this out just so you know (assuming you didn't already figure this out between then and now)
I was in Paris at the end of April for a few weeks, the people were really nice and serviable. Which wasn't always the case, once I asked railway clerk, to help with the metro ticket, which was complicated for me and scream Ce n'est pas mon travaille. I simply couldn't get a ticket. The more I listen to Lucile's channel, I understand it is exclusively addresses Americans Vs French. I watch another utube channel Les Frenchies, equally great, however they too only address French and Americans, while the world is a lot broader with the millions of visitors coming to France.
Coming from Les Pay-Bas, most of this is pretty familiar 😄(I guess it could also be 'things you should now as an American coming to Europe' haha). But the dinner time was a great reminder: we tend to go to dinner early here and might easily walk into a restaurant around 6 😅. Looking forward to visiting Paris again in 2 months after watching your videos, merci!
I ve been to NYC a couple of times and people (in service positions) were soooo rude, it was shocking. People in Paris on the other hand were really friendly! A bonjour madame/monsieur and merci beaucoup go a long way. I love Paris and have been there many times and now I can' t wait to see more of France!
Bonjour! I’m going to Paris next month and will stay there for one week. I’ll be arriving around 7pm in Paris, do you recommend to take the Uber or train? Also I really want to see Eiffel Tower and the louvre but don’t wanna wait in line, is there a safe, fast ticket? One more thing, where are your favorite place to go and eat? Merci
I find your reports very good and will come in very handy
Bonjour! Why are their specific times to eat lunch and dinner? What time is breakfast in France?
I think it’s because a lot us ate at specific times with our families and at school growing up! I ate every meal with my parents growing up and I’ve just kept the habit :)
I feel breakfast kind of depends on when you wake up haha
@@LucileHR Thanks for the explanation
Thank you for the all the tips! You speak really fast, not sure if video was sped up, but it is all good!
One comment, you mentioned safety which is true but nothing about pick pocket. I would be nice to be honest about that as a caution as we all know that is the reality, just need to be on alert and have a “plan” to be on alert as tourist.
My husband and I will be visiting Paris at the start of September this year. I'm so excited. I've wanted to visit Paris since the early 90's and finally it's happening. Thank you so much for your video!
Waouh ! Tes conseills sont très intéressants et concrets. Bravo Lucile ❤
Me and my best friend are coming to Paris in may next year , can I ask what the name of that pink hotel was please and where it’s located x
im moving to paris in like two and a half months and this was super interesting to watch. thanks.
Ahhh talking about spring and sun and good moods and here April is almost over and everyone's miserable cause it's still cold out. I was ready to put my big coat away and everything.
Merci Lucile, for your information. Always nice to get information from Locals about there culture & good food tips.😀
I love Paris, i always go to Paris 1 or 2 times year. My father is from France Guyana and lives in Paris.
I am going to Paris this mai, so i am going to watch more of your video's. 🔔 new👍🏿
🙋🏿♀️ from Amsterdam,
Lucie. ☀️
Thanks for letting us know about cell phone precautions and on the funny note 😂 New York pedestrians beware of the guys on scooters stealing cell phones when you’re distracted while using them.
I love Paris &all of France and French people ❤ Everywhere we have been, people have been very sweet and polite. But obviously we always greet people and say merci etc..Also i think this reputation for rudeness is undeserved or at least a relict of the 80's. Most people speak atleast a few words of English but yes it helps if you make an effort to use the little French you know.
Hey Lucille! Love your Paris life tips! Would you do a video of good art galleries?And any museums? Be well.❤😊
J'ai besoin de savoir sur Paris... Je viens d'Inde, comment puis-je vous contacter, mes Toms auto-ritck vivant en Inde, Mumbai, comment puis-je joindre en France
Air Conditioning is a must in southern Europe 😂 and Im pretty sure also in southern France. It gets HOT in the summer 🥵
Well, French are known to let you know if something is wrong so no need to waste time asking if everything is fine every 5 mins 🤣 I am moving to Paris from the UK soon, I can’t wait!!!
Hi! I am in Paris this weekend and cant wait. Is there any chance you could please recommend a restaurant for a Sunday evening? It looks like a lot are closed! We are stying in the 9th but can easily get the metro anywhere! Thank you!
We’re going to Paris October 1st is that a good time to go? Is it rainy?
ugh, assigned meal times are awful. my biggest complaint about living in Spain. When traveling, especially with a toddler, we eat when we need to/can and when he gets hungry or ancy. there is no negotiating with toddlers.
Omg the minimal workout wear and pajamas are always terrible, though I agree that nobody in NYC would give it a second look. I’m in Boston, where most people don’t care too much but definitely think it’s pretty low brow 😆
3:18 One of my French books says, "J'ai eu la chiasse quand j'ai vu l'avalanche."
Do france have a travel card for the day for public transport?
Only 2 parts of the nation of France that I have been to are Metz and Nancy on a short car trip.
Great video, thank you! It actually made me much calmer about my visit in Paris. Is it true that even if I have a Paris Visite ticket for two days, i am supposed to first validate my ticket and then EVERY TIME, even 20 times that i transfer from one bus to another I need to still put it into the machine ? Or can i just validate it and then keep it in my pocket ?
Il faut valider à chaque fois
I've been to Paris 4 different times in my life, and always thought the high-fashion Parisienne stereotype was strange. Most women in Paris are dressed practically for the weather and amount of walking. Also, great tips on the polite greetings!
Bonjour. Can you tell me where one would find the info on strikes and protests? Merci.
Love your videos thank you 🙏 ❤
Thanks for watching!
Wonderful video. I must have French blood somewhere in my ancestry (Australian) A friendly "Bonjour" to all. Am with you on American "service"; go away and let me enjoy my meal and company in peace. Tips in US are out of control. "Bonjour. J’aimerais pratiquer le français. N’hésitez pas à me corriger et à rire !" I hate small talk. A wine and bread with cheese from the Raspail markets in the Luxembourg Gardens, yes please. I don't need a mansion to holiday in. Fresh air and open windows, yes, yes.
It makes sense. People in NYC are very different from people in Wisconsin. Just huge differences in life and the amount of people around them all the time and also crime.
Just subscribed!! Im totally overwhelmed by where to stay in Paris! Is a boutique hotel better then the westin or Hilton? I don't want to spend a fortune on hotels either because we want to eat out and shop. It's such a huge city!
You can save more if buy railcards using trainpal
I love France 🇫🇷 🎉
I do Love your Videos Lucille as I go to Paris a lot but… there are other people who watch your videos
besides Americans who I guess they are aimed at.
As they are all in English there are English people like myself who watch and enjoy them 😋
Absolutely, you are very welcome here haha! Sorry for speaking a bit too much about Americans, I've lived in the US and my boyfriend is from Chicago so that's why :)
Hi, I am planning to visit paris in June end. Is it a good time?
i plan to work in la defense pls advise which area to live is good can i go by bicycle from apartment to la defense im
first time
I still have 2 Metro tickets from 2009. Valid if I visit next year?
Those things never expire although you might get some funny looks from the booth attendant if they aren't read by the turnstile, which they probably won't be given how old they are. But if it hasn't been validated then you should be good.
@@HabaneroTi Thanks Kovie. Going to give them a try when I am here. I will update you about the looks from the booth attendants 😁
Can you say Salue instead of Bonjour to anyone? or Salue reserved for friends?
I'd say that not wearing pj's in public is about as basic a rule as there is and one that I continually strive to live by and am proud to say that I have yet to fail at. One must have some standards, after all. 😊
You remind me of Alice Braga. Great tips!
From what I've seen in some other vlogs, you have to ask for water at restaurants. Is this true?
Un carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.
Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît
If you have a bebe in Paris its so difficult to go inside these they are not stroller friendly. Paris is meant for couples to sit close in cramped quarters to be in love.
Au Québec il y a certains restaurants qui ferment à 19h! C'est tellement ch*ant! 😆Moi j'ai tendance à souper vers 19h30 ou 20h et ici si quelqu'un fait ça on dit qu'il mange "à l'heure des Français" et c'est considéré très excentrique. Les gens soupent à 17h30 ici!!! 😩
10.17 basically says it all
I'm here Lucille how are you and Bobby today.
Great seeing you here :) We're doing great, what about you??
Enjoying life .thank you.
“They don’t have to make you like them to get a fair wage”
Shots fired 😂
I went to a restaurant in Paris last year and had a very bad experience...I was just asking the waiter to give us 5 mins to decide the order..but he just said 'No English only French' and I tried explaining but he was very rude and I literally had to get up and leave the restaurant
An American culture used to be that you got to be the one that decided what the fair wage was for the waiter, a better waiter made better pay, now American service has become more like European French or Italian service where they basically just bring you your food so it’s become very ridiculous. That tips are expected as part of the pay. It never was like that before and now you’re expected to tip before you even get the service in many cases and that’s absolutely wrong. In the 70s and 80s a 10% tip meant you didn’t really think they did that great of a job but they didn’t completely fail you, a 15% tip meant they did an excellent job, and anything more than that meant that they went over and above. Now in America, you were asked to give a 25% tip before you even know if they’re going to bring you the right thing and it’s not the capitalist culture that used to be. Capitalism means the power of who gets to thrive or fail is in the pocket of the buyer no matter how rich or poor the buyer is. Really that’s pretty much disappeared in America and from Bush, Obama, and Biden we saw things like too big to fail where the government picked and chose what companies thrived or failed and that’s not American capitalism at all. Trump was a capitalist, that doesn’t mean consumerism, capitalism literally means that there’s power in the pocket of the little person getting to decide who gets their money, this is why when Obama said people wouldn’t lose their Dr with his version of Health Care was so upsetting when people had to spend more on healthcare and lose their doctor and access to choices and speedy quality health services at Americans had been accustomed to and why Canadians typically pay out-of-pocket for American healthcare. And starting in 2020 government spoke over hospitals, giving permission for worst care but paid for care and if you want to know the real reason why there were so many losses of lives in 2020 and beyond in America, it’s because The second people heard the government would pay for care, they suddenly no longer cared that they had a right to try and the better American care that they no longer had access to the government paid and it suddenly became legal to take people off of Dr. prescribed medication’s something that used used to not be allowed but was forced through as allowed in 2020 along with also lowering standards before standards. Any reason to be lowered. this did not come directly from Trump, and I don’t try to pretend I understand how it happened, I just know it happened and it shouldn’t have.
Do people actually wear berets there? Loved the video!
Not really 😂
I've heard it's rude to say Bonjour a second time to the same person on the one day...if so what is used instead....Salut ?
Re-bonjour is an easy and solid option, but any sign that you didn't forget that you met earlier is fine.
A friend of mine was staying in the 8th when the Gilet Jaune protests started. Your riot police hammered them and my friend even though he was a block away got a bad dose of tear gas. It affected his lungs for weeks.
CHECK FOR PROTESTS OR STRIKES!
I lived in Paris in 1973august me and my ex we had the run of the whole place every one is on holiday I love Paris I'm 72then I was 22 years old then young hippie dude me and my ex Cindy all those years ago. Sure was free I had a pair 0f Justin cow boy boots Justin's were the boot to wear in those days wore the leather sole off of them walking so much miss my youth and those days in Paris as a young man and my Cindy the best gal I've ever known! I still love you Cindy she has a farm in South Carolina
Have you been at Airbus production facility in Toulouse ?
I haven't but really want to visit!
I'm guessing that it's the sort of thing you only visit when friends or relatives are visiting from out of town and you want to show them some of the sights. When I lived in Seattle it was only when my uncle and his wife visited me that I took them to the massive Boeing factory nearby and it was my first time there (world's biggest building I believe).