As a French, i can say your tips are very good. We have a much more formal culture. We are not taught to make other people feel good (be nice, smile..) but to show them respect. That's why you NEED to begin all your interactions with the French with greetings. "Bonjour," "Bonsoir", "s'il vous plait", "merci" and "au revoir" are magic formulas. Never start an interaction straight to the point in a shop, or restaurant. YOU ARE BEING RUDE ! That's explain a lot of "French are assh.. with tourists". .. Respect those and you'll find out that even Parisians can be nice.
My French sucks but when I was in Paris I always gave a greeting and then asked if they knew any English please because my French was bad (in French) and everyone was SO nice!! I am still waiting for the “rude parisians” everyone talks about but then again I was raised with manners. It’s sad that some people need to know to greet someone when you walk into their space.
My experience in Quebec years ago was my not knowing to say anything at a bakery other than. 'I want that"and she turned her back and walked off, coming back 5 minutes later. First time it was just funny. Now I know to say Bonjour and all the rest.
@@effleurercosmetics3882 It's not about speaking french. It's just about respect and respect the culture. You have to learn 4 words and then french can speak nice to you. Is that out of your skill ? Can't you learn 4 words when you move somewhere ? French are rude with people we found uneducated... not take the time to learn 4 word, what a total disrespect... Why do you have to moove in another country if it's not for the culture ??? Being an asshole probably can't help you in France. That's why you think we are rude. And for the record the English, cause you seems to dumb to learn before talking, english is the third language in the world, not the first... Do you know how to speak chinese ? Do you speak spanish ? (cause we do learn english and spanish at school).
You have no idea how helpful your paris videos are. I will be traveling to paris for the very first time in a few months and I am going to rewatch all your videos! I don't know french so this is very helpful
Awesome! I'm happy they've been helpful. The Cafe one has more vocab if you're looking for some French words/phrases to learn, but I'm sure you'll do great! 😀👍
I've worked in a very touristic area of Paris as a waiter. 50% of the customers were from the US. To me, the 2 biggest cultural differences were how you talk about wine (the concept of terroir in France vs the varieties of grape used in the US - both are totally different yet interresting approaches) and the tipping culture. Almost every guidebook / TH-cam vlogger / whatever get it wrong (and state you do not leave tips in France), but you've nailed it. I can't thank you enough for that. I remember that day... An old lady from the US asked me if the service / tips was included. I tried to explain how things work in France. Tips and service ain't synonymous here. The service is always included (understand: the waitors' wage is decent enough) but tips never are. The French for "tip" is "pourboire", which literally means "to drink". It's just an extra few euros you leave so the waiter can have a drink after his shift (be reassured, we don't drink ALL of our tips :D). She looked at me as if I was trying to scam her, and left the place without leaving a cent, because she'd rather trust her guidebook than a local trying to be helpful (I'm still wondering why she asked, though). Oh and on a side-note: if you see something like "15% included for the service at the bottom of your bill", don't pay attention to it. The waitor won't get 15% of the bill. It will be split between him, the barman, the guy who prepares the deserts, the Maître D, and even the manager (and not equally so, as you can guess). Most of the time, it's just a way to bend the law to underpay his employees. The golden rule still applies: leave a couple of extra euros, and that'll be fine.
I think it’s worth mentioning that french waiters usually cover a lot of tables and will not want to stand around waiting for you to make a decision about what you want to eat.
I’m a new subscriber & I love binge watching these vlogs! Just made plans to visit Paris next summer and your videos are my favorite to watch for information & entertainment. Thank you!
A couple of comments on steak which the French usually eat quite rare (shockingly pink to many Americans and Brits). The waiter will ask you for "la cuisson?" which means how do you like your steak. The classic French presentation is "à point" which is pink and juicy and is definitely worth trying; any more cooked will have to be "bien cuit". Also, it's fine to order any sauce "à côté" (on the side) like in the video... means the restaurant can't get away with smothering something inferior with sauce and hoping you won't notice... it happens sometimes.
My first time in France, I was 18 and it was my graduation gift after graduating high school. My French was terrible, but I got around just starting a conversation with, "Bonjour/Bonsoir", "Pardon/Excusez-moi Monsieur/Madame/Mademoiselle", "Au revoir", et "Merci". People were all so kind and they give you more of their patience. I feel like waiters are a different breed cause that's the only time I've come across impatient/rude interactions, which is not all the time but just a heads up to anyone sensitive lol I returned to study in France, in Lyon, and my French has greatly improved and my experienced was just a lot better in many ways, obviously haha Of all the comments that I read and hear about the French being rude, all I can say is that the French are just not as easily open to strangers like some cultures. They're more, in general, "reserved", but if you show respect, they will show respect back. Just don't expect them to have a beaming smile, a fake bouncy/cheery tone, and be overtly nice to you, cause just culturally, they don't act that way, which I can see might come across as rude or mean to some people. They're more on the reserved spectrum, but so much like the Nordics(looking at you Finland lol). But mind you, the more south you go, the warmer and more open French people are. I travelled around Provence and there are literally people who would stop and chat with you, just randomly. It's def a nice change from Paris, or just northern France in general. Also, you just can't compare cultures. You can't just say, "well from where I'm from we don't do this and that!" Obviously, people from different societies and cultures will do certain things a little bit differently, and act and communicate a little bit differently, than what you're used to in your hometown, neck of the woods, city, state, province, region, or country. Hey, people have different cultures right? It all boils down to respect, and also preparing to know some basic phrases here and there, which I follow whenever I visit any foreign country. It goes a LONG way when you make an effort, and just be respectful. Shocking! Kinda applies to day to day life right? lol Just remember life's too short, travelling is expensive, and we're not getting any younger. So why let some bad apples/bad situations ruin your travel experience?!(I mean unless your passport gets stolen, you get stabbed, beaten up by a mob, kidnapped and sold to slavery, or someone you know gets killed, but I think those are extreme scenarios... :/) Anywho, safe travels! 😉
Laura's reaction to the best croissant in the world "it's pretty good" with a smirk, haha I love her reaction - she doesn't seem to agree with that title.
The French pride themselves on manners, so, yes, say hello whenever you enter any establishment. I remember my French professor in college reminding us of this constantly. I love your videos. So informative. The Louvre one is my fave. I'll be sure to remember your tips while in Paris. 😊😊
One small tip from moi..whenever you see "formule" remember that those almost never include the drink/le boisson...just an appetizer and/or a dessert. Sometimes some places lure you in with a reasonably priced formule but then overcharge the drinks. On that same vein, sometimes you eat better and cheaper getting the plat du jour and a simple drink, instead of a formule/menu, especially if you're not that in the mood for mediocre appetizers or desserts and just want one quality dish. Also...in french, an appetizer is called an entree...and an entree is called a "plat principal"
5:43 thats a view we dont see often lol, its a nice change. I went to Galette Cafe (near the Louvre) when we were there last May and had a wonderful experience. Very American firendly! We followed the French pleasantries you taught us and the waiters seemed impressed. Also offered up the English menu immediately which was helpful. I give a two thumbs up, and suggest anyone go there!! Also they have a wonderful Cider that is absolutely fantastic!
Tips are already added to your bill when you receive it. There is no need to add a tip. However when you get your change it's considered elegant to leave some or all of the coins as a little extra.
That was the one lacking area in this one I thought for sure - but I did more vocab in the cafe one so I wasn't sure what to do haha. We DID do a piece on how to order your steak (medium, rare, etc) and somehow it got cut from the final version (I blame exhaustion). Glad you enjoyed it still!
Been a subscriber for a couple years now, loving all the new content! Wanted to point out that recently I was back in Paris with my mother and we went to a restaurant where the menu they gave her with english actually did have higher prices. Lol I was surprised places still did that, but wanted to let viewers know sadly it does still happen some places. Keep up great work !
In the US, we deal with quite a few customers who are like that, and then they lie saying you're being rude, start acting very unreasonable and causing a scene and demand to speak to the manager.
These are tips I wish my sister knew years ago! She went to Paris for a college trip and got separated from the group and couldn't find her way back to the hotel and every French person she asked for help was rude to her or ignored her.. I know it's not the same as a restaurant and I'm not sure if she said Bonjour or not but nevertheless it is a bit rude to turn someone away who is alone, lost, and scared
Soooo looking fwd to this guide of yours. Have been to Paris 3 times now : 1976, 2000 and 2018. Hubby and I will be back there next April (2019). You’re such a knowledgeable guy with many invaluable tips. Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Will be on the lookout. Hopefully Australia is not too far away to receive it.
Thank you! It's a digital download of a PDF so you don't even need to wait for the post! And it's available now: bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide I hope you enjoy it!
I went to Europe like France, Italy and Switzerland in year 2017, I loved it so much. Even though I went to Europe with a tour guide most of the time the tour guide does the picking of the best dishes for us in restaurants but still sometimes when we are on our own we can’t really understand the menu so we just ordered a cup of hot chocolate and a main dish. That’s why I still need to understand those French words on the menu so I won’t get confused. Now I have more confidence after watching this video but I’m going to Europe again in 10 or 15 years
When i was dining with a French friend, after the meal we had café, but suggested i try a café gourmand. It is a café with a few tiny delicious desserts!
My first trip to France I ordered dinner for 4 in French,I was still at school at the time.I was well pleased with myself.I also managed to buy ice cream too lol Doubt I could do it now though!
This video was dope. Good tips. Wish I would have known about your first video regarding Cafés before the fam and I visited in February. Thanks for the awesome content. I just need to get better at my elementary school level French; it did help us out several times though.
Getting caught up watching after being in Paris for the week of August 13 to 20, then a return weekend after a Beigium/Germany detour. We had excellent service and friendliness, barring our last Saturday evening at a restaurant on the Champs Elysee where the young woman looked to everyone that she would rather be elsewhere, but food was fantastic and not unreasonable. an unexpected gem was Le Passey in the 16th Arr. near our Airbnb. We were planning a different restaurant, but failed to figure in it was a Friday night and didn't reserve. We had walked by on many trips to boulangerie for bread and croissants and fruit a the grocer without paying attention. Service was wonderful-prices fair, and they treated our family as special guests. It wasn't that busy when we got there at 9:00, and we thought perhaps we were imposing and thy were ready to close up, but 45 minutes later the place filled, with groups ordering their hamburger (which I had).
I've got a pretty crazy story about restaurants near the Champs Elysees. I will avoid the area except for the Arc de Triomphe from now on. The waiters kept asking 'if we had money' , even though we had dressed for dinner and I just thought it was super rude and the owner of the place kept moving groups of people in and out of the tables by the windows depending on how pretty they looked! So bizarre so we just had a drink and returned their insults on the way out.
Thanks for the tips. A few comments-after 6pm it’s “bonsoir” not “bonjour.” And add “Monsieur’ or “Madame”-the French like the polite niceties (and it might get you a French menu).
Quand je demande à un français (ou française) à quelle heure on peut dire "bonsoir", je reçois une réponse différente de chaque personne. Est-ce qu'on peut dire "bonsoir" à 17h aussi?
Bonsoir is Bon (good) and Soir (evening). So 17h is far too early. In winter it gets dark around 18h so bonsoir is ok. In summer use bonsoir around 19h, 20h.
Hello, my Sir Excellent video, full of details, I'm going to visit Paris on May 22 to May 31/ 2019. I watched many of your videos keep up good work. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Hope to see you some where in Paris! I'm hooked and I encouraged all of my friends to watch your videos and get hooked. au revoir
Hi Jay, thanks for these helpful videos. I always send them to friends visiting Paris. Btw, saw you yesterday on the Pont des Arts with your friend in this video and didn’t want to interrupt to say hi.
Discovered your channel today! I enjoyed this video, the cafe one, and voting absentee (I was so curious about that). I noticed you must be very confident, it looks like you often put your camera down and walk by for some very cool still vlog shots. They look AWESOME and make your transitions great! I want to do that but I'd be so shy about it. I'll be in Paris at the end of the month for just a couple days in between travelling- and I really enjoyed watching your videos since I'll be going alone and that's kinda spooky for me- I'll check your your vloggersguide thing. Dude have the best of days! Keep doing what you are doing!!!
Thank you! I hope the guide helps - you'll have to let me know. And if you wanted to see more about the whole vlogging process (camera placements etc) I made an entire video on how I vlog that I think is a fun one. th-cam.com/video/BIh6ljY1T8k/w-d-xo.html
Fabulous tips thanks Jay. Trying to learn a few French phrases before we get to Paris. Hope you get your bed soon. Pity you are not in Aus we have a fantastic 'Loft Bed' with desk built-in underneath in storage un-used now after having 4 boys. Happy to give it away but postage nah????
Jay that looks like a good spot to head to when out looking for dinner - lots of restaurants to choose from. Now I'm going to Google where they are....'cause you didn't say. I appreciated all the courtesy tips and things like knowing the differences in the headings on the menu. Thanks Puxan for the tip on ordering the 'dish of the day'!
Seems like we also may have lost the part where we talked about ordering how you want your meat cooked - I must have been even more tired than I thought last night
You do not need to tip in a French restaurant because a tip has already been added to your bill when you get it. If you pay in cash and a small amount of change is returned to you, it is considered elegant to leave some or all of the change if you enjoyed yourself. In better restaurants waiters buy their jobs from the previous person in that job so waiters often work at the same place for a while. The reason the first course is called an entree in French is that the verb "to enter" is entrer.
Aha.. just before watching your video, I'm watched a cooking tutorial how to make creme brulee. Then I go typing "restaurant in France", and your video came up first. What a coincidence you order that 😂 6:55
Entree means "enter" in French so it's logical that it's the first course except for hors d'oeuvres which are not that common in an ordinary restaurant. Or in a fancy restaurant the chef might send a small dish out right away. It's called an "amuse bouche". Sometimes in slang it's called an "amuse guele" but this is considered poor taste because a "guele" is the mouth of an animal.
Waiters bothering you the whole time is mostly an American thing. There is a conception that you need to be available and look after the guest the entire meal in order to get a good tip and I find that rather annoying. In Europe, where waiters can actually live off their wages without tip, it’s more layer back. As you said, just call the waiter when you want service. It’s not bad service just because the waiter is not in your face the whole time.
Tip: Every time you say an important phrase in French, put the title. Is not easy to figure out how to spell French from hearing the words. At first, I thought it was something like carab d'eau, and turns out is: "carafe d’eau" ☺️ which translates to a water pitcher. And makes sense, carafe sounds in Spanish like Jarra (pitcher) And a request for the guide, unless you already included it, please put a glossary of common french phrases. I'm doing my own, just by watching your vlogs 😉 Man, can't wait for the guide. Is gonna be great!!!
I forget sometimes - I tend to be set on accomplishing my goal and just walk into places and say "I'll take a sandwich please." It's a good thing to remember and pull back on a bit in France =)
I was wondering the same thing. Maybe it's an European thing, because I've always been taught to greet first and then ask for whatever i need. In the US I noticed that most people also greet, but did bump into people that just straight up asked me what they wanted.
A lot of folks here in America don’t have the courtesy to say hello before issuing demands, try going into Walmart and see how many customers say hi to the employees before telling them what they want. I’ve had a Walmart associates go the extra mile time and again for me just cause I said hi and smiled. Holy shit, treat people how you would want to be treated, and guess what?
In my experience, sometimes they’ll take the whole order, and other times they’ll stop you after you order your entrée and plat and say they’ll come back after you’ve eaten to ask you about dessert. (They’ll give you the menu again.)
Bonjour is essentially "Hello," you only need to say it once :) Unless you run into someone you've already said hello to (in an awkward way), then you can always say "Re-bonjour" in a self-deprecating manner and make friends. 😂
Hi , I just want to know if u have some tips like how do we ask for a split check? U know if ur dining with different families . Coz there’s 3 families in our group and there’s 10 of us . Do u think it’s hard to split the check ? Coz it’s common around here in the states . I hope u can help us . Merci
You can just ask them to split it however you need. If you wanted to split it in three, the way you'd ask in French is "Est-ce qu'on peut le couper en trois?" You can also just tell them how much you want to put on each individual card as they take payment (they'll run your card at the table)
Jay Swanson Jay do u have a video about how accessible is Paris ? Tips if u are with elderly and on a wheelchair? What sites that are mostly accessible ? If it’s possible to take a train going to Paris with wheelchair? We r staying at chatillion and it’s pretty close to Paris I just want to know if it’s ok if he still take the train bec of the traffic if we take a cab
This is excellent!!! Any place suggestions on snails? I will be in town mid November. Have you tried L'Ami Louis? Ty ps. Your video are incredible! My favorite research. Thank You!
I don't have a personal favorite but le Jourdain had a great modern take on them when we went: th-cam.com/video/8fBiRV7Wg08/w-d-xo.html You can get tons more recommendations from my guide as well if you'd like to pick up a copy: bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide Thanks for the kind words too!
Snails? Nobody in France eat snails. Almost. I guess they were eaten during famine times. I know it’s very fancy to eat some in expensive restaurants. But the french cuisine has much better to offer you.
0:58 as a french this is actually something that pissed me off so much and while talking about it with others I'm not the only one i dont know if it is about age but basically i'm 20 and each time i greet somone older (above 30 ) even at 16/17 PM it would go like: (me: bonjours! them: bonsoir !) and it soo annoying. Why do you keep correcting me???? Each time it feels a bit weird and it seem like its an unformal meme for exemple when you correct somone it's really sound like a " hehe got you ! " and also a way to assert dominance ( a bit exagerated but sometime it really sound that way espacially when you'r talking to HRO or other college in a company.
Hey Jay! Thanks so much for your videos! My husband and I are actually heading to Paris for 4 days! We leave tomorrow!!! If you catch this would love hear any tips you have. Also, looking to visit the Louvre (want to see the Mona Lisa, Greco-Roman art and Egyptian. Is there a day and time you suggest??) And lastly, are the nights still fairly warm, wondering if I need some warmer sweaters or a light coat for being out in the evening?
Hi Rachel, I don't think Jay would mind me jumping in to say he has a really useful video on how to blitz the Louvre in 3 hours. Weather-wise, it's still very warm so you might want to bring a cardigan but nothing heavier. An umbrella, however, is always a good idea in case of thunderstorms ( but check the weather forecast).
Indeed - but in Paris people often don't pay attention to the time and wind up saying "Bonjour" nearly all day long. I tend to follow the lead of whoever I'm dealing with =)
when i was there in June, shop people and hotel staff were still saying Bonjour until 8 or 9pm. perhaps they didn't notice it was evening as it was still light out? it seemed they were less interested in you being grammatically correct, and more more that you were at least trying.
christo fat Exactly. Etiquette and manners are so important in France, as they should be everywhere else in the world. Being nice has nothing to do with it. Be aware of the other person and acknowledge their existence. It's not difficult to do.
Hey, just wanted clarification. In usa the special of the day, when it comes to fish and meats, are usually the least fresh items on the menu that they need to rid of in inventory/doesn't sell. Is this the opposite in France?
Been asking people who have traveled to Paris what advise they would give me. Many recommend making a reservation, before going to a restaurant. Is this generally true? Does it matter if it's lunch or dinner?
Never order steak well done - it pisses the chef off - an ex boyfriend once ordered well done and the chef sent it out rare because refused to cook it well done - this was 10 years ago though.
I think you had an unfortunate experience, it never happened to anyone I know (I was born and still live in Paris). I eat my meat rare, but my mom always asks for it to be well done and never got that answer !
Malory Matignon next trip back definitely re ordering steak - it has put me off doing so for years. That said I like mine medium so in theory less controversial. There were many variables to why that happen one of which being the fact he is an ex. 🙈
Hey there! In case you missed it, the guide is out and available here! bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide
Thanks Jay! Great video, and instruction tips.
What’s the word for water? There’s no caption so I can’t get 😂
Josie Lau Un Carafe deux???
I love your video 💕.from india
As a French, i can say your tips are very good. We have a much more formal culture. We are not taught to make other people feel good (be nice, smile..) but to show them respect. That's why you NEED to begin all your interactions with the French with greetings. "Bonjour," "Bonsoir", "s'il vous plait", "merci" and "au revoir" are magic formulas. Never start an interaction straight to the point in a shop, or restaurant. YOU ARE BEING RUDE ! That's explain a lot of "French are assh.. with tourists". .. Respect those and you'll find out that even Parisians can be nice.
Respect is key =) Thanks for sharing!
My French sucks but when I was in Paris I always gave a greeting and then asked if they knew any English please because my French was bad (in French) and everyone was SO nice!! I am still waiting for the “rude parisians” everyone talks about but then again I was raised with manners. It’s sad that some people need to know to greet someone when you walk into their space.
My experience in Quebec years ago was my not knowing to say anything at a bakery other than. 'I want that"and she turned her back and walked off, coming back 5 minutes later. First time it was just funny. Now I know to say Bonjour and all the rest.
@@effleurercosmetics3882 It's not about speaking french. It's just about respect and respect the culture. You have to learn 4 words and then french can speak nice to you. Is that out of your skill ? Can't you learn 4 words when you move somewhere ?
French are rude with people we found uneducated... not take the time to learn 4 word, what a total disrespect... Why do you have to moove in another country if it's not for the culture ??? Being an asshole probably can't help you in France. That's why you think we are rude.
And for the record the English, cause you seems to dumb to learn before talking, english is the third language in the world, not the first...
Do you know how to speak chinese ? Do you speak spanish ? (cause we do learn english and spanish at school).
Aigidos no, English is the first language of the world
You have no idea how helpful your paris videos are. I will be traveling to paris for the very first time in a few months and I am going to rewatch all your videos!
I don't know french so this is very helpful
Awesome! I'm happy they've been helpful. The Cafe one has more vocab if you're looking for some French words/phrases to learn, but I'm sure you'll do great! 😀👍
Ritu R Hello, how was Paris?
I've worked in a very touristic area of Paris as a waiter. 50% of the customers were from the US. To me, the 2 biggest cultural differences were how you talk about wine (the concept of terroir in France vs the varieties of grape used in the US - both are totally different yet interresting approaches) and the tipping culture. Almost every guidebook / TH-cam vlogger / whatever get it wrong (and state you do not leave tips in France), but you've nailed it. I can't thank you enough for that.
I remember that day... An old lady from the US asked me if the service / tips was included. I tried to explain how things work in France. Tips and service ain't synonymous here. The service is always included (understand: the waitors' wage is decent enough) but tips never are. The French for "tip" is "pourboire", which literally means "to drink". It's just an extra few euros you leave so the waiter can have a drink after his shift (be reassured, we don't drink ALL of our tips :D).
She looked at me as if I was trying to scam her, and left the place without leaving a cent, because she'd rather trust her guidebook than a local trying to be helpful (I'm still wondering why she asked, though).
Oh and on a side-note: if you see something like "15% included for the service at the bottom of your bill", don't pay attention to it. The waitor won't get 15% of the bill. It will be split between him, the barman, the guy who prepares the deserts, the Maître D, and even the manager (and not equally so, as you can guess). Most of the time, it's just a way to bend the law to underpay his employees. The golden rule still applies: leave a couple of extra euros, and that'll be fine.
Interesting, merci!
I think it’s worth mentioning that french waiters usually cover a lot of tables and will not want to stand around waiting for you to make a decision about what you want to eat.
I’m a new subscriber & I love binge watching these vlogs! Just made plans to visit Paris next summer and your videos are my favorite to watch for information & entertainment. Thank you!
Happy they're binge-worthy! Thanks 😀👍
Same here!
A couple of comments on steak which the French usually eat quite rare (shockingly pink to many Americans and Brits). The waiter will ask you for "la cuisson?" which means how do you like your steak. The classic French presentation is "à point" which is pink and juicy and is definitely worth trying; any more cooked will have to be "bien cuit". Also, it's fine to order any sauce "à côté" (on the side) like in the video... means the restaurant can't get away with smothering something inferior with sauce and hoping you won't notice... it happens sometimes.
Uh oh, did this part get cut out of the video? We had a whole thing on how to ask for your meat - now I'm worried it got dropped entirely 😱
Sauf erreur de ma part... J'achète le guide : )
Great additions! Yeah sorry Jay this indeed got dropped from your video then. You'll just have to make more videos . I know i won't mind;)
@@JaySwanson Have you done a video on how to order a steak? If so, I cannot seem to find it. I need to know how to order mine very well done. :)
"Saignant" is rare, "a point" is medium, "bien cuit" is well done......."meduim rare" is not a thing in France
My first time in France, I was 18 and it was my graduation gift after graduating high school. My French was terrible, but I got around just starting a conversation with, "Bonjour/Bonsoir", "Pardon/Excusez-moi Monsieur/Madame/Mademoiselle", "Au revoir", et "Merci". People were all so kind and they give you more of their patience. I feel like waiters are a different breed cause that's the only time I've come across impatient/rude interactions, which is not all the time but just a heads up to anyone sensitive lol I returned to study in France, in Lyon, and my French has greatly improved and my experienced was just a lot better in many ways, obviously haha
Of all the comments that I read and hear about the French being rude, all I can say is that the French are just not as easily open to strangers like some cultures. They're more, in general, "reserved", but if you show respect, they will show respect back. Just don't expect them to have a beaming smile, a fake bouncy/cheery tone, and be overtly nice to you, cause just culturally, they don't act that way, which I can see might come across as rude or mean to some people. They're more on the reserved spectrum, but so much like the Nordics(looking at you Finland lol). But mind you, the more south you go, the warmer and more open French people are. I travelled around Provence and there are literally people who would stop and chat with you, just randomly. It's def a nice change from Paris, or just northern France in general.
Also, you just can't compare cultures. You can't just say, "well from where I'm from we don't do this and that!" Obviously, people from different societies and cultures will do certain things a little bit differently, and act and communicate a little bit differently, than what you're used to in your hometown, neck of the woods, city, state, province, region, or country. Hey, people have different cultures right? It all boils down to respect, and also preparing to know some basic phrases here and there, which I follow whenever I visit any foreign country. It goes a LONG way when you make an effort, and just be respectful. Shocking! Kinda applies to day to day life right? lol Just remember life's too short, travelling is expensive, and we're not getting any younger. So why let some bad apples/bad situations ruin your travel experience?!(I mean unless your passport gets stolen, you get stabbed, beaten up by a mob, kidnapped and sold to slavery, or someone you know gets killed, but I think those are extreme scenarios... :/) Anywho, safe travels! 😉
Laura's reaction to the best croissant in the world "it's pretty good" with a smirk, haha I love her reaction - she doesn't seem to agree with that title.
The French pride themselves on manners, so, yes, say hello whenever you enter any establishment. I remember my French professor in college reminding us of this constantly. I love your videos. So informative. The Louvre one is my fave. I'll be sure to remember your tips while in Paris. 😊😊
I hope you have a blast!
One small tip from moi..whenever you see "formule" remember that those almost never include the drink/le boisson...just an appetizer and/or a dessert. Sometimes some places lure you in with a reasonably priced formule but then overcharge the drinks.
On that same vein, sometimes you eat better and cheaper getting the plat du jour and a simple drink, instead of a formule/menu, especially if you're not that in the mood for mediocre appetizers or desserts and just want one quality dish.
Also...in french, an appetizer is called an entree...and an entree is called a "plat principal"
5:43 thats a view we dont see often lol, its a nice change. I went to Galette Cafe (near the Louvre) when we were there last May and had a wonderful experience. Very American firendly! We followed the French pleasantries you taught us and the waiters seemed impressed. Also offered up the English menu immediately which was helpful. I give a two thumbs up, and suggest anyone go there!! Also they have a wonderful Cider that is absolutely fantastic!
I'm glad you had such a good time! =D Hope these tips are just as helpful
Tips are already added to your bill when you receive it. There is no need to add a tip. However when you get your change it's considered elegant to leave some or all of the coins as a little extra.
Great tips! Would have enjoyed hearing all of you order in French. Next time?
That was the one lacking area in this one I thought for sure - but I did more vocab in the cafe one so I wasn't sure what to do haha. We DID do a piece on how to order your steak (medium, rare, etc) and somehow it got cut from the final version (I blame exhaustion). Glad you enjoyed it still!
Leaving for Paris in 8 days and this is helping me prep for my trip!!! Thank you!!
Awesome!😊
Been a subscriber for a couple years now, loving all the new content! Wanted to point out that recently I was back in Paris with my mother and we went to a restaurant where the menu they gave her with english actually did have higher prices. Lol I was surprised places still did that, but wanted to let viewers know sadly it does still happen some places. Keep up great work !
Good to know that it still happens (even if it's a bad practice haha)
Is there a way to get over it? Can we still get the cheaper price if we ask for the french menu? 😅
AaaH! One tip from me - do NOT snap your fingers at the waiter or yell "garcon'!!
Also true
MyTod2
Who the f does that?? Omg!! 😂😂😂😂😂
oh god imagine doing that anywhere🤢
Oh fuck no, humiliation extraordinaire. ‘Garcon’ means boy. You gonna call a grown assed man a boy?
In the US, we deal with quite a few customers who are like that, and then they lie saying you're being rude, start acting very unreasonable and causing a scene and demand to speak to the manager.
These are tips I wish my sister knew years ago! She went to Paris for a college trip and got separated from the group and couldn't find her way back to the hotel and every French person she asked for help was rude to her or ignored her.. I know it's not the same as a restaurant and I'm not sure if she said Bonjour or not but nevertheless it is a bit rude to turn someone away who is alone, lost, and scared
Soooo looking fwd to this guide of yours. Have been to Paris 3 times now : 1976, 2000 and 2018. Hubby and I will be back there next April (2019). You’re such a knowledgeable guy with many invaluable tips. Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Will be on the lookout. Hopefully Australia is not too far away to receive it.
Thank you! It's a digital download of a PDF so you don't even need to wait for the post! And it's available now: bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide
I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you Jay. Will be there right away. Ooh, that rhymes. Thx again.
I went to Europe like France, Italy and Switzerland in year 2017, I loved it so much. Even though I went to Europe with a tour guide most of the time the tour guide does the picking of the best dishes for us in restaurants but still sometimes when we are on our own we can’t really understand the menu so we just ordered a cup of hot chocolate and a main dish. That’s why I still need to understand those French words on the menu so I won’t get confused. Now I have more confidence after watching this video but I’m going to Europe again in 10 or 15 years
I’m late to this party but great video!!
Thank you!!
When i was dining with a French friend, after the meal we had café, but suggested i try a café gourmand. It is a café with a few tiny delicious desserts!
Definitely a good suggestion =D
Prepping for my move to paris next year by using your vids. Even though I'm french i have never lived there so these types of vids are essential!
You'll have to let me know what I missed/didn't apply for a French mover =)
@@JaySwanson Sure! So far you seem to have covered all the necessities, but I'll let you know if i notice something thats missing. 😸
Hey Jay, I love this new style of sharing after the content. Always enjoy your vlogs
Your intro almost scared me away but you have no idea how glad I am that I stayed. 😂
Glad you stayed too =)
My first trip to France I ordered dinner for 4 in French,I was still at school at the time.I was well pleased with myself.I also managed to buy ice cream too lol Doubt I could do it now though!
This video was dope. Good tips. Wish I would have known about your first video regarding Cafés before the fam and I visited in February. Thanks for the awesome content. I just need to get better at my elementary school level French; it did help us out several times though.
Just trying to speak French makes all the difference. Glad you've got what little you do =D
I am very much looking forward to the guide. we plan to visit Paris in December of this year. Should come in handy.
Handy is the goal! =D
Fun to watch and learn! 2 days coming up Oui! Bonjour from Puerto Rico ❤🔥
Have fun!
Getting caught up watching after being in Paris for the week of August 13 to 20, then a return weekend after a Beigium/Germany detour. We had excellent service and friendliness, barring our last Saturday evening at a restaurant on the Champs Elysee where the young woman looked to everyone that she would rather be elsewhere, but food was fantastic and not unreasonable. an unexpected gem was Le Passey in the 16th Arr. near our Airbnb. We were planning a different restaurant, but failed to figure in it was a Friday night and didn't reserve. We had walked by on many trips to boulangerie for bread and croissants and fruit a the grocer without paying attention. Service was wonderful-prices fair, and they treated our family as special guests. It wasn't that busy when we got there at 9:00, and we thought perhaps we were imposing and thy were ready to close up, but 45 minutes later the place filled, with groups ordering their hamburger (which I had).
We are planning a trip and I would love tips on the air bnb!
none of my baguettes survive the trip home..it is impossible, specially when they are sooo crunchy and delicious!
They're lucky to make it a block away from the bakery 😂
Javiera Ramirez oui! Our bread is so gooood!
Such a wonderful and helpful video. Thank you
I've got a pretty crazy story about restaurants near the Champs Elysees. I will avoid the area except for the Arc de Triomphe from now on. The waiters kept asking 'if we had money' , even though we had dressed for dinner and I just thought it was super rude and the owner of the place kept moving groups of people in and out of the tables by the windows depending on how pretty they looked! So bizarre so we just had a drink and returned their insults on the way out.
what was the name of the restaurant ? So I can know to never go there x)
Which restaurant? Tell us please :(
complaining about a place but not naming it - useless comment
Just refuse to move
Great Content.. you have a new fan. I'll be in Paris Sept 6th-11th.. maybe I'll see you filming! Keep it coming!!!
Thank you!
Thanks for the tips. A few comments-after 6pm it’s “bonsoir” not “bonjour.” And add “Monsieur’ or “Madame”-the French like the polite niceties (and it might get you a French menu).
Quand je demande à un français (ou française) à quelle heure on peut dire "bonsoir", je reçois une réponse différente de chaque personne. Est-ce qu'on peut dire "bonsoir" à 17h aussi?
David, t’as raison. Il n’y a pas une heure officielle pour commencer à dire bonsoir, mais en général, c’est après le travail à terminé.
Merci.
Bonsoir is Bon (good) and Soir (evening). So 17h is far too early. In winter it gets dark around 18h so bonsoir is ok. In summer use bonsoir around 19h, 20h.
Comme d'habitude, chaque réponse est différente. Après le travail ou au début d'obscurité? Ou peut-être personne ne termine le travail à 17h.
Hello, my Sir
Excellent video, full of details, I'm going to visit Paris on May 22 to May 31/ 2019. I watched many of your videos keep up good work. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Hope to see you some where in Paris! I'm hooked and I encouraged all of my friends to watch your videos and get hooked.
au revoir
Hi, do you have any recommendations of hotels or rbnb, I will travel at end of this month. Ty.
Third video. Another great one! On to number four. Thanks again!
Hi Jay, thanks for these helpful videos. I always send them to friends visiting Paris. Btw, saw you yesterday on the Pont des Arts with your friend in this video and didn’t want to interrupt to say hi.
Discovered your channel today! I enjoyed this video, the cafe one, and voting absentee (I was so curious about that). I noticed you must be very confident, it looks like you often put your camera down and walk by for some very cool still vlog shots. They look AWESOME and make your transitions great! I want to do that but I'd be so shy about it. I'll be in Paris at the end of the month for just a couple days in between travelling- and I really enjoyed watching your videos since I'll be going alone and that's kinda spooky for me- I'll check your your vloggersguide thing.
Dude have the best of days! Keep doing what you are doing!!!
Thank you! I hope the guide helps - you'll have to let me know. And if you wanted to see more about the whole vlogging process (camera placements etc) I made an entire video on how I vlog that I think is a fun one. th-cam.com/video/BIh6ljY1T8k/w-d-xo.html
Thank you I love it!!!
Voice over narration on the B roll... Awesome! Now I need to go back to Paris to use all the guide tips! (better be a meet up!)
Thanks for this video Jay! We will be in Paris in a few weeks! Always enjoy your channel! 🥐😊🍾🥂
Awesome! I hope you have a great time in Paris!
I adored the croissants at La Maison d’Isabelle! Definitely the best I’ve had. Still attempting to eat one everywhere I can get one in Paris. 😂❤️🥐
I'd suggest eating all the croissants ;D
Fabulous tips thanks Jay. Trying to learn a few French phrases before we get to Paris. Hope you get your bed soon. Pity you are not in Aus we have a fantastic 'Loft Bed' with desk built-in underneath in storage un-used now after having 4 boys. Happy to give it away but postage nah????
Haha, the postage for that would be astronomical 😂
Austrinomical!!!!. can send it piece by piece lol
Jay that looks like a good spot to head to when out looking for dinner - lots of restaurants to choose from. Now I'm going to Google where they are....'cause you didn't say. I appreciated all the courtesy tips and things like knowing the differences in the headings on the menu.
Thanks Puxan for the tip on ordering the 'dish of the day'!
Seems like we also may have lost the part where we talked about ordering how you want your meat cooked - I must have been even more tired than I thought last night
I had the best Crème brûlée of my life in Paris!!!!! 🙌🏻
It's a great place to have it ! =D
just saying thanks....I saw your video on getting around by train in Paris. It helped alot
You do not need to tip in a French restaurant because a tip has already been added to your bill when you get it.
If you pay in cash and a small amount of change is returned to you, it is considered elegant to leave some or all of the change if you enjoyed yourself.
In better restaurants waiters buy their jobs from the previous person in that job so waiters often work at the same place for a while.
The reason the first course is called an entree in French is that the verb "to enter" is entrer.
Aha.. just before watching your video, I'm watched a cooking tutorial how to make creme brulee.
Then I go typing "restaurant in France", and your video came up first.
What a coincidence you order that 😂 6:55
Here in Aus, entrees are just that, I think it’s only America that refers to a main course as the ‘entree’? Not sure why...
We like to keep things unnecessarily confusing 😉👍
Entree means "enter" in French so it's logical that it's the first course except for hors d'oeuvres which are not that common in an ordinary restaurant. Or in a fancy restaurant the chef might send a small dish out right away. It's called an "amuse bouche". Sometimes in slang it's called an "amuse guele" but this is considered poor taste because a "guele" is the mouth of an animal.
entrer means to enter in French so an entree is like an appetizer, it is not the main course!
Waiters bothering you the whole time is mostly an American thing. There is a conception that you need to be available and look after the guest the entire meal in order to get a good tip and I find that rather annoying. In Europe, where waiters can actually live off their wages without tip, it’s more layer back. As you said, just call the waiter when you want service. It’s not bad service just because the waiter is not in your face the whole time.
Intimate and useful. Thank you.
😊👍
I checked out Puxan's photos on IG. He's a good photographer. Good dining tips.
He's a great photographer! I'm glad you like his stuff =D
No the international sign for addition is drawing a rectangle in the air 🤗
Great tips-- I have another to add: don't address the waiter as "garçon," like they do in a lot of movies. It's "Monsieur" (or madame).
Absolutely
Jay Swanson
Doesn't garcon mean boy
The word ‘garçon’ was used in the 19th century. We’re in 2021.
Loved your video so helpful I'll be going to Paris soon and am completely afraid I'll starve to death because of my lack of French.
Tip: Every time you say an important phrase in French, put the title. Is not easy to figure out how to spell French from hearing the words. At first, I thought it was something like carab d'eau, and turns out is: "carafe d’eau" ☺️ which translates to a water pitcher. And makes sense, carafe sounds in Spanish like Jarra (pitcher)
And a request for the guide, unless you already included it, please put a glossary of common french phrases. I'm doing my own, just by watching your vlogs 😉 Man, can't wait for the guide. Is gonna be great!!!
Never understand why saying “bonjour” is a tip... Where on Earth people enter a place and don’t say hi to the people owning or working in it?
I forget sometimes - I tend to be set on accomplishing my goal and just walk into places and say "I'll take a sandwich please." It's a good thing to remember and pull back on a bit in France =)
'murika. just sayin.
In japan actually ppl don't tend to say bonjour when they enter a place and they are not unpolite
I was wondering the same thing. Maybe it's an European thing, because I've always been taught to greet first and then ask for whatever i need. In the US I noticed that most people also greet, but did bump into people that just straight up asked me what they wanted.
A lot of folks here in America don’t have the courtesy to say hello before issuing demands, try going into Walmart and see how many customers say hi to the employees before telling them what they want. I’ve had a Walmart associates go the extra mile time and again for me just cause I said hi and smiled. Holy shit, treat people how you would want to be treated, and guess what?
Thank you so much for this video, I’m heading to Paris tomorrow and am now less likely to accidentally offend people when I go eat 😂
Huzzah =D
You have a great channel! Thanks fo the info!!
Thank you!
Your channel is so helpful!
Thanks =)
Is that restaurant in the Marais? I ate there. It was pretty good.
Ill be in Paris Saturday!
Cool! Have fun =D
Jay Swanson thank you. When are you going back?
For the formulae meals, should you order all items at once or order dessert after your dinner as they do in the US?
In my experience, sometimes they’ll take the whole order, and other times they’ll stop you after you order your entrée and plat and say they’ll come back after you’ve eaten to ask you about dessert. (They’ll give you the menu again.)
Can you do more videos with real-time dialogue in French? Like ordering dinner or a cappuccino at a cafe.
Waiting for that guide! Leave about two weeks.
It's out now if you want to grab it! bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide
Jay I work at le petit hostellerie near notre dame, you should definitely come by theres good food!!
Thanks for the invitation! Perhaps I'll be able to soon =)
saying hi (in french) is important, i know you stressed it but you can actually see the difference, kinda funny
Definite cultural bonus points
Really helpful tips! Newbie question, but when you call the waiter over, do you have to say bonjour every time? Or only once when you initially meet?
Bonjour is essentially "Hello," you only need to say it once :) Unless you run into someone you've already said hello to (in an awkward way), then you can always say "Re-bonjour" in a self-deprecating manner and make friends. 😂
Why not, after you call a waiter over, just a simple SVP?
Thank you so much my first trip is coming up 2020 in April very excited, where can I purchase the guide ?
You'll have a blast! You can get it here: bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide 😎👍
Good videos, good tips. What advice do you have on clothing for Paris in late November? Family coming for the first time.
Dress warm! But not for the arctic =D
Very very helpful , pepper these every 10 days or so
Or not, you know this stuff
4:38 you are right it is just behind you ;-) by the way if you go in a brasserie/bistro always ask for "plat du jour"
Wondering what’s your impression of the Latin quarter?
It's great!
I’m french. The Quartier Latin is nice to visit, but bars are restaurants are over pricey. Well, like in all the touristic spots, I guess.
Great place to walk and also to dine
well "entrées" are surprisingly.... entrées! = exactly what it says to be :D it's just the weird american habit calling the main course "entrée".
🥐👍
I was lucky, I speak no french but i found a few restaurants in the 11th with some English speaking waiters.
That steak frites looked good.
Hi Jay! Sorry if I missed it, but what restaurant was this? Thanks!
Maggie Jones I believe it is here: (www.lecafedesinities.com/)
Hi , I just want to know if u have some tips like how do we ask for a split check? U know if ur dining with different families . Coz there’s 3 families in our group and there’s 10 of us . Do u think it’s hard to split the check ? Coz it’s common around here in the states . I hope u can help us . Merci
You can just ask them to split it however you need. If you wanted to split it in three, the way you'd ask in French is "Est-ce qu'on peut le couper en trois?" You can also just tell them how much you want to put on each individual card as they take payment (they'll run your card at the table)
Jay Swanson thank u so much
Jay Swanson Jay do u have a video about how accessible is Paris ? Tips if u are with elderly and on a wheelchair? What sites that are mostly accessible ? If it’s possible to take a train going to Paris with wheelchair? We r staying at chatillion and it’s pretty close to Paris I just want to know if it’s ok if he still take the train bec of the traffic if we take a cab
This is excellent!!! Any place suggestions on snails? I will be in town mid November. Have you tried L'Ami Louis? Ty ps. Your video are incredible! My favorite research. Thank You!
I don't have a personal favorite but le Jourdain had a great modern take on them when we went: th-cam.com/video/8fBiRV7Wg08/w-d-xo.html
You can get tons more recommendations from my guide as well if you'd like to pick up a copy: bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide
Thanks for the kind words too!
Snails? Nobody in France eat snails. Almost. I guess they were eaten during famine times. I know it’s very fancy to eat some in expensive restaurants. But the french cuisine has much better to offer you.
0:58 as a french this is actually something that pissed me off so much and while talking about it with others I'm not the only one i dont know if it is about age but basically i'm 20 and each time i greet somone older (above 30 ) even at 16/17 PM it would go like: (me: bonjours! them: bonsoir !) and it soo annoying. Why do you keep correcting me???? Each time it feels a bit weird and it seem like its an unformal meme for exemple when you correct somone it's really sound like a " hehe got you ! " and also a way to assert dominance ( a bit exagerated but sometime it really sound that way espacially when you'r talking to HRO or other college in a company.
Hi! What camera does your friend shoot on? The food pics look so good! :)
He's about to release a video all about it actually if you want to check out his channel: th-cam.com/users/puxanbc
When you go to a restaurant with Puxan (a food photographer) do you feel you receive better service?
For sure. Although this time they were much more interested in the TH-cam aspects
Hey Jay! Thanks so much for your videos! My husband and I are actually heading to Paris for 4 days! We leave tomorrow!!! If you catch this would love hear any tips you have. Also, looking to visit the Louvre (want to see the Mona Lisa, Greco-Roman art and Egyptian. Is there a day and time you suggest??) And lastly, are the nights still fairly warm, wondering if I need some warmer sweaters or a light coat for being out in the evening?
Hi Rachel, I don't think Jay would mind me jumping in to say he has a really useful video on how to blitz the Louvre in 3 hours. Weather-wise, it's still very warm so you might want to bring a cardigan but nothing heavier. An umbrella, however, is always a good idea in case of thunderstorms ( but check the weather forecast).
Next week should be nice, but a little cooler in the evenings. 70’s in the day and 60’s at night, I think. Bring a light sweater. Nothing heavy.
from www.louvre.fr/en/hours-admission-directions :
Musée du Louvre opening hours
Monday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday: *Closed*
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-9:45 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-9:45 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rooms begin closing at 5:30 p.m., and at 9:30 p.m. on night openings.
Thanks for this!
thank you!
After 6 p.m is o.k to say "bonsoir". The french politeness is more about respect and ettiquette and not about to be 'friendly'
Indeed - but in Paris people often don't pay attention to the time and wind up saying "Bonjour" nearly all day long. I tend to follow the lead of whoever I'm dealing with =)
when i was there in June, shop people and hotel staff were still saying Bonjour until 8 or 9pm. perhaps they didn't notice it was evening as it was still light out?
it seemed they were less interested in you being grammatically correct, and more more that you were at least trying.
christo fat
Exactly. Etiquette and manners are so important in France, as they should be everywhere else in the world. Being nice has nothing to do with it. Be aware of the other person and acknowledge their existence. It's not difficult to do.
@@rubaidaallen2764 .You are right , but the friendliness is some cultures , can be seem to be fake.
Any idea what was the name of the dish he ate at the restaurant?
Entrees in every English speaking country is an entree except in the Americas where for some strange reasons it’s a main course ☹️
Hey, just wanted clarification. In usa the special of the day, when it comes to fish and meats, are usually the least fresh items on the menu that they need to rid of in inventory/doesn't sell. Is this the opposite in France?
Yes. It is the exact opposite
Hi! Sorry, I just cannot fathom eating so many courses. Is it one entree and one piatti per person? Or entree and piatti is to be shared?
It's per person, if one meal is for 2 or more people is clearly written on menu (generally).
Thanks for this video
Been asking people who have traveled to Paris what advise they would give me. Many recommend making a reservation, before going to a restaurant. Is this generally true? Does it matter if it's lunch or dinner?
no a reservation isn't needed unless your want to eat in a specific, fancy, usually-overcrowded restaurant.
If a rated restaurant, yes reservations
How do you say no alcohol in the steak or food for me??🤔
You just remember, s'il vous plait .
Merci beaucoup.
Never order steak well done - it pisses the chef off - an ex boyfriend once ordered well done and the chef sent it out rare because refused to cook it well done - this was 10 years ago though.
I think you had an unfortunate experience, it never happened to anyone I know (I was born and still live in Paris). I eat my meat rare, but my mom always asks for it to be well done and never got that answer !
Malory Matignon next trip back definitely re ordering steak - it has put me off doing so for years. That said I like mine medium so in theory less controversial. There were many variables to why that happen one of which being the fact he is an ex. 🙈
I guess it works out well then when you order medium and they cook it well done anyway 😆😆
@@JaySwanson any idea how to ask for medium in French?
So if my pronunciation is bad do I still get credit for the attempt?
Totes 👍
Where did you eat that creme brûlée?
At the same restaurant =)
@@JaySwanson what's the name of the restaurant?
Jay's dinner: Les NOM NOM NOM NOM
haha
Man I am crazy I know zero French and booked a last
Minute transatlantic cruise by myself.
What's Laura's TH-cam channel?
She doesn't have one herself, but she works and is currently traveling with the Way Away: th-cam.com/channels/xn5zB_-HOiBGzdMSRiq_HA.html
The day's specials were behind you man. And most restaurants dont have specials on the evening
I love this