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C'est parfait, très complet. Seule petite erreur : bistro (ou bistrot) vient bien du russe. Mais ce ne sont pas les réfugiés de la révolution de 1917 qui ont apporté ce mot à Paris. Ce sont les armées russes, vainqueurs des troupes françaises à Waterloo en 1815. Arrivés à Paris après leur victoire et campant ce qui était,à l'époque, des jardins en bas des Champs Elysées, ils avaient soif :-) et dans les cafés ou restaurants, commandaient à boire en ajoutant : "Bistro" : vite !!
3:40 You spelled "Glace" (ice cream) as if it's "Glaçe". The "cedilla" mark in ç is NEVER needed before an e or an i. This is because it's always a soft-c sound before those vowels. However, if a c is soft before an a, o or u where typically it would be a hard-c sound, then you show the soft c as ç. So Glace (an ice cream), but Glaçon (ice cube).
Many years ago my Canadian girlfriend and I were in Paris and she spoke French, but still seemed nervous speaking because there are differences and she was rusty. We were at a restaurant and she was ordering and somewhat stumbling. She turned to me and said something to that effect while the waiter was still there. He then says switching to perfect English, “no you’re doing great, keep going, get the practice!” We all chuckled.
Two things...I've been to France 6 times. Once I had an experience with a rude waitress. But, it was early in the morning and we, my wife and I, figured out it was because somebody had phoned in sick and she was peeved at them. Then there was the time in Geneva when I went into a small restaurant and was presented with a menu in German. I muttered under my breath..."Ay Carumba, yo no habla Deutsch" and he started talking to me in Spanish...I sheepishly had to inform him I only spoke American.
I put together a word processing document which consists of food translations. German/French/Italian/Spanish to English for ingredients. Along with a small dictionary of terms used in French cooking. All told it's 32 pages long. Exported it to a pdf and that's on my phone. Give me enough time and I can pretty much figure out what's what. Or...my last 5 trips to France...hang around with English speaking people who also fluent in French.
It definitely should be like that everywhere. Taxes are mandatory so they should be included in publicly displayed prices. Tips should only be bonuses as waiters and waitresses should be on a proper monthly wage by the restaurant which actually hired them!!
I used to travel to Paris for work. My French is not good at all, but I always started with ‘bonjour’ and gave my broken French my best shot. But I always was ready with in French, ‘I apologize my French is not good.’ 99 times out of 100, their response was, ‘not to worry my English is not good either’. Even though it was way better than my French! Never had a bad interaction with this small bit of humility on my part and some basic language prep.
YES!! I've always tried to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Before a business trip to Sweden I got a q&d Intro to Swedish CD and managed to ram a few hundred words into my skull. It turned out that nearly everyone in the country learns English as a second language, but introducing myself in Swedish went a LONG way towards breaking some ice. I took one afternoon to visit a museum. I asked the gift-shop salesperson "Hej, prata du engelska? Min svenska är inte bra." (Hi, do you speak English? My Swedish isn't good.) to which she replied in perfect, UK-accented English, "Of course! But do you know you're the first American visitor in over two months who's talked to me in Swedish first?". That little interaction led to a wonderful conversation and some extra goodies from the gift shop.
l pointed at something on a Menu in France and said " l'll have that !" . The waiter said " you can't have that !" . l said " Why not ? " . He said " Because it says " page four "!!! .
On television a man at a French restaurant did the same thing. He pointed and said I'll have that and that. The waiter said very good. Snails and brains!
As a french, i found every tips is this video usefull for a tourist. I may just have one smal precision to ad about the 10th tips: 11:20 in some bar or bistro, you may need to go at the "bar table" (srry i dont know the exact translation in english) to pay even in cash. That become more and more curent that they have a machine that do all the cash gestion work because the staff cant touch the money (for hygenic reasons). So dont be upset if a waiter says you "ce sera au bar pour régler" ("that gonna be at the bar that you can pay"). I hope this comment can be usefull to someone (sorry for my bad english).
I'm french myself but I really enjoy your videos I agree with most of your tips and etiquette tricks, you're both really sympathetic and the format is really catchy and informative at the same time! Keep up the good work, I'm sure a lot of people are greatful for your help 🎉
You are so right when you advise to make an effort to speak French. I always hear from others about their poor experiences in Paris and how unfriendly Parisians were. I always try to start a conversation in French and it is obvious that people appreciate the effort. We have never been treated poorly or rudely in Paris by service or retail personnel. On one trip to Paris my wife, daughter and I were on the subway to our stop in Le Marais. The train stopped and all passengers had to get off. Luckily, I understood enough French to understand that the train would go no further. General strike! Amid the chaos I entered a store and approached a young man explaining in French as best I could that I was lost and needed to get to Le Marais. He was so nice that he switched to English and accompanied us outside the store explaining where we had to go and what train to catch. I just discovered your channel and it's great. This video is so helpful. Merci!
this has been my experience as well my french is ok, but i try to speak it as much as possible, and i have had nothing but good experiences , i did have fun telling a bunch of loud americans to shhhh as they were being rude and i could hear them criticising me behind my back little did they know I am in Fact British lol
This is why I was happy when I was not sent by my company to France, but to Reunion. I was not talking French, they were not talking English - but nobody cared. Very different experience than when I was in Norway - I was talking with everybody in English and almost forgot that I was in different country.
My French is a decades old, Canadian version and I stumble along…but always with a smile. In dozens of trips to Paris I’ve never had a bad experience, even when the server had no English. It’s an adventure and they want to please you. Just be respectful don’t take yourself too seriously. You’ll learn something new very time.
En tant que français et ancien serveur, j'ai beaucoup aimé la manière dont vous présentez les choses. Vous avez parfaitement compris. On sent bcp d'empathie envers le staff et ça fait plaisir 🙂
Oui et bien je suis cliente et française et j’en ai assez de lire dans tous les guides et blog de voyage pour américain qu’il ne faut laisser qu’1 ou 2 euros de pourboire 😡 ! C’est indécent. Si je suis satisfaite du service je laisse entre 5 et 10 % de l’addition
@@Joliefleur252 je fais pas tellement au pourcentage moi, déjà c'est rare quand je laisse un pourboire mais quand ça arrive je lâche 10 balles comme ça
She said that tip is included, which is not true. Besides almost every eatery owner expects that tips are a part of your salary, which is why owner do not need to pay you much. @@Joliefleur252
Of prime importance: LE MENU is a set meal (usually starter and main course or main course and dessert), LE PLAT DU JOUR is the dish of the day and LA CARTE is the menu. Bon appétit!
I was nervous about ordering in France because I don’t speak French. But when I was in France two weeks ago, I didn’t have problems ordering in any of the restaurants. All of the wait staff In France were amazing. If they didn’t speak English, they showed us how to take a picture of the menu, and it translated to English. I also tipped 20% cash extra because they were so nice to us. They really appreciated it, and would usually bring us a free dessert or extra drink. Even in the grocery stores, people were super nice to us when trying to figure out food items in English. Can’t wait to go back one day!
Great story! I was speaking to a client recently and he kept saying the French are arseholes! I didn’t tell him I’ve been to France way more than he has. So many times, I can’t count. I’ve never had anything but positive experiences with the French people.
I'm so glad you had a great experience! I found in Italy that kindness and a good attitude goes such a long way as well as smiling. I can't wait to go to Paris!
That’s been my experience in Italy, too. One benefit of living an hour from the southern border, is that my Spanish is pretty good for a gringo. I can have conversations in Italian with them. You’ll love Paris, but don’t sleep on other places in France. I LOVE Strasbourg and Colmar in the Alsace.
@@jeffcarrier7435 I agree, the French are charming. My only problem ever was a shop assistant in a swanky boutique in Toulon (if there ARE any swanky anythings in Toulon!) who was dismissive and sneering. I suspect it was because I was nervous and, well, my gayness must have emerged as a bit of a camp simper. Oh well, I still like the French!
This is a great video. My father is French and I grew up in America. We went to France every other summer for my whole life. We didn’t go out to eat very often (my grandmother is an excellent cook) Now as an adult I go with my American husband. While I speak French, his is not great but good enough to go out. Everything you went over I had explained to him as well! I hope everyone watches this to give them more confidence to go out and enjoy their meal!!
An American who speaks at least some French so good for him. He's in a small minority, one that I wish I was in. If you work with him, his French will improve.
Great video, I'm french and also a former waiter in Paris and even I learned a few stuff haha! Just a little clarification, it's not as simple as whether the tip is included or not... Indeed we have a way better wage than in the US for sure but actually, there is no tip included in the price of what you are eating. If a hundred customers order for 100€ each, we will be paid exactly the same amount as if we only have five customers ordering for 20€ each even though the amount of work is obviously not the same in those two cases ;) So if you have the will to leave a tip (and if only the waiter is kind and welcoming of course), whether you are American, French, Japanese, or whatever it's always welcomed :D And thank you for this cute video!
I will write in English for others--as a waiter in Paris, you already understand the difference in our cultures and tipping. As most waiters, of course, do. And while I am sure there are some waiters in touristy places who see an American coming from a mile away, and they will answer the question "Is the tip included" with a Non! Hoping to get a tip... BUT, hoping most are honest, and taking into account what you wrote, the actual, honest truth is that while "servis" is included (compris), "le pourboire"=a "tip", or gratuity, is not! It is a subtle, but legal,! distinction! And unless one is really trying to make a point, you always round up. Even if just with coins. A few centimes on a crème is much appreciated. And much less than one would think they even need to leave, if from the US. A couple of euro on a nice dinner, per person, is even enough. Maybe not what they are expecting from an American--and by all means leave a small bill if the service was excellent! But while they don't work off of tips, it is one of the reasons that one can dine so leisurely! They are not trying to turn over the tables so quickly! So just to review--and bear in mind--Service, is not a tip or gratuity! So let's give the waiter the benefit of the doubt and assume that when he answered "is the tip included?" He wasn't lying to the American tourist when he said "No", because, it isn't! But the service is...! Quick side note--While the international sign for l'addition will typically get you the bill almost anywhere, be VERY CAREFUL when the waiter acknowledges you, and you are then tempted to flash him the OK sign, or worse, a thumbs up!!! ESPECIALLY now that so many restaurants have staff from Southern European or Middle Eastern descent! Americans, when traveling, should be aware (no excuse not to, with the internet these days!), that hand gesture can mean VERY different things in different cultures and countries! You may be a tourist, you may be American, you may be in Paris, but, in fact, a thumbs up or an A-OK, can get you arrested in some places in the Middle East! So gesture for l'addition, s.v.p., and then smile and nod as you tuck your hands back under your arms 😉! Better safe than sorry! Bon voyage!
The advice about learning a few words such as hello, thank you etc is extremely good. If you learn a few basics for any language before you visit that country it shows respect and, when you inevitably struggle, a waitress etc is more prepared to help.
I'm traveling in France for the first time right now and this video has been so helpful to me! I literally studied French in college, but we never really discussed practical skills like this. Thank you for such a helpful and easy to follow video!
Have a look at the "plat du jour" or "menu du jour" if there is. It means a special cook of the day and more likely to be made with fresh products of the season (no strawberries in winter 😄).
Definitely true. Small restaurants or brasseries don’t generally have enough clientele to be able to cook each and every meal on the menu, unless they have a very short menu (like 3 entrées and 3 main courses). So if you order something that is not « plat du jour », chances are high that you will get a pre-made sous-vide reheated meal (which doesn’t mean it’s not good, but maybe they just bought it pre-made…) So be warned.
It's been almost 40 years ago now, but I remember, my companion and I walked into a little pastry shop in Salzburg. We just walked in without acknowledging the people behind the counter and discussed what we saw in the cases. When I looked up and saw their faces, I didn't need to know the language, I could see in their faces that they were insulted. I felt bad about that. So afterwards, wherever I go in a shop, especially in Europe, I say "hello" in whatever language is appropriate.
After living in Paris for a while I was in London and went into a little shop. As I left I realised I'd said hello, I'll have this please, thank you, goodbye, and have a nice day. The guy in the shop said nothing but without thinking I'd acted like I would in Paris. Politeness is so important here.
Absolutely the best, thoughtful and helpful guide/advice. You two take some of our anxiety away when traveling to France. Thank you very much for all of your great contents!
Y'all!! We are going to France on Wednesday and ordering food in a restaurant is all I've been thinking about! Thank you so much!! Love Saturday mornings with Les Frenchies!
I think in Paris you won't have is issue, very often. Outside the city, it can be a bit more difficult. There is a lot of English spoken and written in English, and not JUST the tourist traps. This a a wonderful time of year to travel to France. Relax and enjoy your trip.
Hello! Fellow French here. Great video, it is really interesting to see other views on our culture. I would like to add some context on the tipping here. The tip in France is appreciated, but it is not the same as in US. It is called "Pourboire", litterally "to drink". The usage here is, if you're really happy with the service, to pay the next coffee for the waiter according to the price of the coffee or a drink in the place you ate. You can also leave the change if you pay in Cash. Moreover, It is usual to tip not only waiting staff but also Taxi Drivers (especially for long travel) and Hair dresser (only if he is not the owner of the shop). But these two are less frequent nowaday. Glad you like it here, hope you will continue to build nice memories in our country!
This was a great video and explains a lot of what happened to us when we visited (we were guilty of cutting into someone's break...hoping the generous tip made up for it!). Two other things I noticed that were different from the US: 1. When the waiter came to ask for our order at the faster pace locations (bistros and cafes) the expectation seems to be you order everything at once - drinks, appetizer, entrée. 2. In any location we had to ask for the check, which I personally like. Too often in the states the server just plunks the check on the table which feels like a request for us to leave as soon as possible. So long as there wasn't a rush, restaurants in France were genuinely happy to let us take our time and enjoy the experience. Next trip is April so hoping we'll bump into you. Thank you for all the hard work.
Not just his break, but also the break of the cook, the clerk who helps the cook, the dishwasher who cleans the plates, and embarrassing the work of the cleaners who have to thoroughly clean the kitchen. At a certain time, the fryers are turned off, also the ovens, the ingredients are put away neatly in cold room, etc... So they don't like these situations... Kitchen organization is pretty like military discipline with the boss yelling orders and the other guys running around sweating... I really like your channel, the Frenchies, I learn things while I'm French. And I think your guide is a great idea, even for us French people. I wish you a lot of success, and a good continuation in your discoveries! The best is in our regions...
John, often the reason for ordering entree, plat principal and dessert at the same time is one to all the options are prepared & cooked to order. For example, seafood, fresh fruit & souffle.
We are in Paris right now and your videos have been a great help! We have already tried a bunch of your suggested spots! My fiancé has been learning French for a few months in the build up to this trip and it you can tell it definitely goes a long way!!
Bonjour. Il existe une quatrième cuisson pour les viandes. C'est la cuisson dite "bleu". Elle vient avant saignant, ce qui correspond plus ou moins à un aller-retour de la viande sur la poêle. La viande est juste saisie à l'extérieur et très peu cuite dedans. En général, peu d'étrangers commandent cette cuisson pour leur viande de bœuf mais il faut savoir qu'elle existe et, dans les restaurants spécialisés proposant des viandes d'excellente qualité, on s'attendra presque à ce qu'un connaisseur choisisse cette cuisson. N'oublions pas que nous sommes au pays du tartare. 😉
I think the confusion mainly is that what we call tip in the USA really is the service charge, which is not included in the price of the meal, just like the taxes are charged on top of it. Both service charge and taxes are included in the pricing in France. So, the service charge is included, the tip is called a "pourboire".
Exactly. The tip in France is just the extra part of the tip you will give in the US if you want to show a special appreciation to the waiter for his/her dedication, help, kindness, patience, taking care of a special request you made, etc. Just that part. Or zero if you don’t feel so. That’s not rude, even though leaving 1 or 2 euro coins is common after a meal. Don’t fall for the trap in very touristy areas (actually you should never sit in a small restaurant in a tourist packed area, but walk 5 or 10 min away into some place where locals do eat, not tourists…). Restaurants or brasseries in highly touristy areas will always be seriously overpriced and most often will serve low quality, pre-made or industrial food. You definitely don’t want that. If in a hurry, buy yourself a good fresh baguette sandwich in a nice bakery, and go in a park or at a café table to eat it with a drink you order there.
Thankyou This is a usful explanation. Years ago i went to work in Paris. Wish i could have had this sort of help. But there was no internet then. I worked for about 3/4 months before i was invited for an afterwork drink. I have to say it was the best time of my life. Thankyou again
Google translate app has the ability to use the camera and translate real time. It's amazing for helping to figure out what's on the menu (I used this when I didn't know a word or two)
These days, the easiest thing to do is use Google lens. It allows you to point your smartphone camera at any piece of text and it will automatically translate that text into English. I used it last year when I was in Paris and it was a lifesaver for menus, street signs etc. Thanks for the great content guys, so helpful ❤
Great tips thank you. For the most part I do agree though tips are not included ! Service is included and there’s a difference. Yes, waiters get proper wages and often also get a percentage of their turnover which is why they work incredibly hard BUT they do expect a tip. Somewhere between 5 and 10% is normal. So please don’t confuse tips with wages.
Great, great video (all your videos are) We are here in Paris and every point is true, especially about the tipping! I’m just laughing because we’re living and observing these situations right now. I’d like to add a lot of service personnel we’re encountering are a actually from other countries and their French is a bit rocky too. We walked into an ice cream shop and both employees, when they realized we’re were Americans, said ‘we don’t speak French, we can speak English.’ One was from Sicily, the other from Spain…such a melting pot of cultures in Paris! Such a beautiful City❤
Hi, a late commenter here 😄 I saw in the video you were looking at the menu of French Paradox (Pass. des Panoramas). I can attest that their food and service were excellent, can't wait to go back there. Thank you Antoine & Colleen for your wonderful videos, they are extremely helpful and honest. Regards from Malaysia.
Thank you for sharing these useful tips for ordering food in a French restaurant! I would also like to add that it's helpful to familiarize yourself with common French menu items and their translations beforehand to avoid any confusion. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or explanations on menu items. Bon appétit!
My daughter has moved to Paris with her Partner for 2 years , i am visiting for first time in many years. I am from UK, so used to some of the European ways but have looked at your tips and they are good to know thank you
I'd been to Paris many times. Your video is one of the best to help tourists navigate the 2nd most important aspect of this city. 1st is the sights, of course.
Parisian here : about the tips. The service is included in the price, however, the tip is not. I would strongly recommand to tip between 2€ et 5€ if you're going to a place to eat. (Most of the time, we don't tip when we're just ordering a coffee or a beer). Remember that a lot of waiters and waitress do the job as a part time job to pay their rent and study the rest of time (except in fancy restaurant) and don't make a lot of money, often struggling with their finances. Just to give you an idea : for a part time job, let say 20h per week, they will earn around 800€ per month. The rent is minimum 500€ but most of the time around 600€ per month. So if we do the math they have around 200€ per month for transportation, food, and any thing related to uni to spend (like books that are expensive). So if you can afford to pay 20€ for a meal, you can probably afford tiping 2€ or 3€ :)
What does "service compris" on l'addition mean if it's not the tip ? Expecting people to work for tips is evil, if you can't pay your staff properly you don't deserve my custom and perhaps you should take that nasty business model to a country that shares it. Leaving 1 or 2€ on the table for the person cleaning up my mess is nice though
One golden rule : avoid the restaurants with plenty of choice, this is the best way to eat frozen food. I suppose this rule applies everwhere in the world :D Second thing : the word "MENU" in French has two different meanings, this may generate confusion : 1 - "le menu" or "la carte" designate the print booklet that contains all you can order. Sometimes, "LA CARTE des desserts" and "LA CARTE des vins" come separately (we don't say "le menu des vins" or "le menu des desserts"). 2 - When you order, you choose either "un menu" ("je vais choisir le menu à 24 euros") or "À la carte" : in the first case, you have a predetermined list of choices for your entire meal with a fixed price, in the second case, you order whatever you want. Sometimes, when the course is available both in a menu and "à la carte", it's bigger if you choose "à la carte". Sometimes, some courses are available in the menu with an extra fee (and this must be mentioned, of course). I hope it helps :)
I was in a Paris restaurant where the waiter was going to other tables flipping into different languages with the customers. I asked him how many languages he spoke. He said he was fluent in eight but could fake it in four more. So this guy had working knowledge of 12 languages. That is something you never see in America.
Being a waiter in France is not necessarily the lowly-making enough money to get through college job that many people think. It's a profession and yes, most of them are very professional. @@LesFrenchiesTravel
We don’t see it here because so many have bought into the notion that this the greatest country in the world and everyone all over the world should speak English. We’re probably the most ignorant country when it comes to people different from us. It’s a shame.
@@sharonfrede6791 "so many have bought into the notion that this the greatest country in the world " There is a reason why the French came up with the word "chauvinisme". That being said, Europeans have a great advantage over Americans. They are able to learn other languages much more easily because they are surrounded geographically by people who actually SPEAK these languages. I would be very surprised if Europeans spoke ONLY their native tongues. Language acquisition has very little to do with jingoism.
This used to be unusual in Paris too. But it seems things have changed significantly over the last 30 years since I lived there. I also noticed a lot of people working in shops were from other European countries and could get by in multiple languages too. I think we can thank the EU for ensuring that Paris is no longer the city with the rudest people in Europe.
I just discovered this wonderful couple. I have been to Paris four times. I am going again in early December and the content here is helpful and informative. Thank you so much!! I wish I had found you sooner.
You two are so great, thank you. I haven't been to Paris in yrs and only remember a handful of words and phrases from school ((a long time ago). This is really helping me. Merci. X :)
Very interesting and informative vid! I generally speak enough French to get by as a tourist but still there were a few tips here which I found useful. One thing I really liked was that you featured le restaurant Chartier... this was recommended to me the first time I visited Paris (way back in 1981) by a friend of my sister's. I was in the city just before the pandemic after a long absence and it was just the same... good food, reasonably priced!
I love your videos. Even though I have frequented Paris several times in the last 20 years, tips like these are always helpful. I was in Paris on business one time with a colleague and they didn't know about saying Bonjour upon entering the business or restaurant, the proprietor stood there waiting and I reminded my colleague about protocols and the proprietor was very happy she said Bonjour.
Will be going on a trip to Paris in a month, and your videos are extremely helpful. Binge watched most of them by now, and you both really help calm me down abouty trip!! So, merci beaucoup ❤️
Well made video. Merci! When I was in Paris (living in London) I got lost one day trying to find a restaurant. With what little French I knew I ended up having a taxi driver leaving his car and walking down a street with me and pointing in the right direction. I couldn’t believe he did that for me! Who says French people aren’t nice. That’s not true! Then when I arrived at the restaurant the menu was only in French. So a nice older French couple sitting next to me helped me out! In ordering. Again, amazing. I really loved Paris. It ended up being my favorite city in Europe. Just dripping with culture! Beautiful.
What a great video...as someone who was in Paris this year all your tips are spot on....ironically my only issue was with a waiter who preferred I spoke English as he was an African Immigrant and wanted to practice his English ( but it was in good spirits..no angst ).
Thank you so much! Your videos have been helping me a lot! I'm visiting Paris for the first time in two weeks, but as a solo traveller who doesn't speak French, it seemed scary. But with your tips and seeing how much you enjoy Paris really reassured me.❤
You’re a great couple… amazing content and stellar tips… your videos always leave a smile on my face (and I’m sure that’s also the case with thousands of your subscribers)
Worth noting that potato dishes aren't always 'Pomme de terre avec . . . ' etc. For example - 'Pommes aligot' which is not apples - but the most incredible cheesy, creamy mash potatoes you'll ever have 😍😍😍
@@anthonyholroyd5359 Try once to cook it at home. It is a NIGHTMARE lol Very difficult to cook it right (maybe you tried). If ever you try, leave a message right after 🙂 Have a very good day, dear Anthony !
I am so so happy that I found you two before my trip to Paris. You are both delightful and I’ve learned so much. merci beaucoup! I will try not to be too friendly! I talk to everyone here in NYC much to the chagrin of my husband and family. 😊
This was a fantastic video. I took a few months of French lessons before we went, combined with your videos I thought I was fairly prepared. You hit the nail on the head with our experience in Paris in March, we experienced every thing you said here, including a waiter asking to add a 15 Euro tip to a 35 Euro bill.
@@philwanadoo7435 I'm sure it was more likely the fact that I wasn't fluent in French and my family and I were looking over photos from the day. Jealousy doesn't look good on you.
When you're looking for a place to sit at a bistro, check to see if there is silverware on the table. If there is, that table is for people who are ordering food. If you just want coffee or a glass of wine, look for a table that does not have silverware on it. Once you're seated, you have the table as long as you want it. You normally pay right before you leave, but sometimes the waiter's shift will end before you're ready to go, so they may ask you to settle up before they leave. However, that does not mean you have to give up the table. Also, hot chocolate is called "chocolate chaud", and "chaud" is pronounced like the English word "show". Lastly, the price of beverages can vary based on where you sit. A coffee or hot chocolate will cost more if you're sitting at a table on the sidewalk than it will if you're seated inside the building.
Also - I'm Scottish, I know a service charge is common in Paris. Regardless, I've still followed my general rule: 1. Bad service? No tip 2. Expected service? 10% 3. Excellent service? 20% + I was in Paris in October - and I know there's alot of stereotypes about parisians being rude and getting poor service . . . But honestly? Knowing just a little French, treating your waiters like human beings and being a little adventurous with your orders (tried Escargot & Boeuf tartare for the first time - would recommend both!) I found parisian servers to be nothing but hospitable and pleasant - sometimes a little quick, sure (they have 101 other table to get to) but I had no complaints, and honestly I tipped alot 😅😅
That’s very generous by French standards. Expected service should hardly be more than 1 (or 2) euros per person at the table. 10% is already a fine tip for special appreciation. 20% is a VERY high tip for exceptional, outstanding service that goes way beyond what you would have expected in this kind of restaurant. Over 20% is just if you want to impress a lady with your wealth…
Wonderful video. One of the oddities that might make Americans uncomfortable is eating a hamburger with knife and fork. I see most Parisians doing this but hard as I try, it just doesn't work well for me so I revert to just grabbing the burger and chomping away. Very self-conscious about it however! I slither out the door in shame 🤪 Thank you for all your edifications. Greatly appreciated from Rue Monsieur le Prince.
@@LesFrenchiesTravel Not that you will be banished for eating with your hands, but I am wondering what the French actually think of us doing so. I have learned to eat my pizza with knife and fork, stab at my frites, but the hamburger thing just explodes into bun, meat, and condiments when I attack it with a knife. In desperation, I look around the restaurant and then pick the darn thing up and eat! However, as I strive to become more Frenchified ... I desire to do things the French way even if wholly impractical and messy! 🤪
@@bluewaterstudio If you eat your hamburger with your fingers, you respect and honor the French tradition "à la bonne franquette". These words mean "honestly, no manners, just enjoy like among friends at home". You can proudly eat your burger with your fingers. If someone looks at you sideways, respond with "A la bonne franquette !". You will please everyone. Sometimes restaurant burgers are huge. I usually cut them in half and then eat them with my fingers.
@@nowakevelyne223 Thank you so much! I am an engineer and love a practical solution to a problem. I am also very culturally sensitive and would feel awful knowing that I was being insensitive toward others.
I have been at a loss sometimes due to the number of choices on some European menus. I often ask locals what to order or the waiter. Most restaurants in Paris have waiters with good English. The one thing to watch for is the differences in pricing. Stay away from the tourist eateries with inflated prices. There are great off the beaten path restaurants with wonderful food at reasonable prices. Of course, if you are fluent use your French. It will open many doors to you just like in other cultures. The French people become more sociable when you speak French.
Omg I am LOVING this episode with the French pronunciations! PLease do more! I’ve been following you two for a few months now and this is the first video I have seen with this! I am trying to get around to starting to learn French since I’m trying to go to Paris in November 2023 is my first female solo trip! But can you say is a little slower Si Vous plait? 😂
now I know those restaurant-related words, and French food culture and manners, thank you Les Frenchies for the very educational and informative video.
Hi, if I may add something. When you enter a french restaurant or any shop, it is more polite to say « Bonjour Madame » or « Bonjour Monsieur ». It will bring you to another of connection with the waiter other the waitress. Otherwise thanks for this great video. Cheers
Serious mate, you have a parisian accent when you speak french. Brillant. Thank you for the content, as a french it's help me to improve my social skills with non french speakers that i could encounter in order to help them and make them more comfortable. Knowing now a little bit more about difficulties that they could have while visiting France.
1982 I was literally shamed in Paris for not understanding/speaking French (although I said Bon Jour, s'il vous plait, Merci). Around 2001 the majority of the waitstaff (of a different generation) were kind, strived, and allowed me to use my few gestures in French and came forward with their English to meet me more than halfway!
I took French in high school and college and of course it all goes away. When I know I'm going to France again, I take some TH-cam classes and last trip I took a class at my local community college. I made a big difference to refresh my brain. It also refreshed my accent so I have a better chance of someone understanding me. I still cannot carry on a full conversation with anyone, but I can get by.
@@ericduffield524 Thank you for understanding what I meant and for not judging me-it means the world! Every year I try to blend in and be respectful as I soak it all in. Thankful for Les Frenchies and many vlogs coming out of France!
I don't think I could be anymore envious, you guys are living my dream, hopefully i can kick it off in 2023, all the best and continued success for the New Year
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C'est parfait, très complet. Seule petite erreur : bistro (ou bistrot) vient bien du russe. Mais ce ne sont pas les réfugiés de la révolution de 1917 qui ont apporté ce mot à Paris. Ce sont les armées russes, vainqueurs des troupes françaises à Waterloo en 1815. Arrivés à Paris après leur victoire et campant ce qui était,à l'époque, des jardins en bas des Champs Elysées, ils avaient soif :-) et dans les cafés ou restaurants, commandaient à boire en ajoutant : "Bistro" : vite !!
The tips is not included!
3:40 You spelled "Glace" (ice cream) as if it's "Glaçe". The "cedilla" mark in ç is NEVER needed before an e or an i. This is because it's always a soft-c sound before those vowels. However, if a c is soft before an a, o or u where typically it would be a hard-c sound, then you show the soft c as ç. So Glace (an ice cream), but Glaçon (ice cube).
Many years ago my Canadian girlfriend and I were in Paris and she spoke French, but still seemed nervous speaking because there are differences and she was rusty. We were at a restaurant and she was ordering and somewhat stumbling. She turned to me and said something to that effect while the waiter was still there. He then says switching to perfect English, “no you’re doing great, keep going, get the practice!” We all chuckled.
Two things...I've been to France 6 times. Once I had an experience with a rude waitress. But, it was early in the morning and we, my wife and I, figured out it was because somebody had phoned in sick and she was peeved at them. Then there was the time in Geneva when I went into a small restaurant and was presented with a menu in German. I muttered under my breath..."Ay Carumba, yo no habla Deutsch" and he started talking to me in Spanish...I sheepishly had to inform him I only spoke American.
I put together a word processing document which consists of food translations. German/French/Italian/Spanish to English for ingredients. Along with a small dictionary of terms used in French cooking. All told it's 32 pages long. Exported it to a pdf and that's on my phone. Give me enough time and I can pretty much figure out what's what.
Or...my last 5 trips to France...hang around with English speaking people who also fluent in French.
Yes, I was trying to use my French but they noticed I was not good so they started speaking English. I thanked them.
@@kleanne58 - I tell people "I AM multilingual, I can order a beer in 5 languages"!
@@billkant849 Didn't know American was a language. Always thought it was a pair of continents i.e South, Central, and North America.
"The price you see on the menu is the price you pay" What a relief. This is the way it should be everywhere.
There are places where it is not like that?
@@peterboil4064The US.
It definitely should be like that everywhere. Taxes are mandatory so they should be included in publicly displayed prices. Tips should only be bonuses as waiters and waitresses should be on a proper monthly wage by the restaurant which actually hired them!!
@peterboil4064 The U.S. and Canada. Time to change that. I'm Canadian.
It´s everywhere except the US
I used to travel to Paris for work. My French is not good at all, but I always started with ‘bonjour’ and gave my broken French my best shot. But I always was ready with in French, ‘I apologize my French is not good.’ 99 times out of 100, their response was, ‘not to worry my English is not good either’. Even though it was way better than my French! Never had a bad interaction with this small bit of humility on my part and some basic language prep.
YES!! I've always tried to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Before a business trip to Sweden I got a q&d Intro to Swedish CD and managed to ram a few hundred words into my skull. It turned out that nearly everyone in the country learns English as a second language, but introducing myself in Swedish went a LONG way towards breaking some ice.
I took one afternoon to visit a museum. I asked the gift-shop salesperson "Hej, prata du engelska? Min svenska är inte bra." (Hi, do you speak English? My Swedish isn't good.) to which she replied in perfect, UK-accented English, "Of course! But do you know you're the first American visitor in over two months who's talked to me in Swedish first?". That little interaction led to a wonderful conversation and some extra goodies from the gift shop.
l pointed at something on a Menu in France and said " l'll have that !" . The waiter said " you can't have that !" . l said " Why not ? " . He said " Because it says " page four "!!! .
😂😂😂😂😂
They put a piece of paper in the oven? ("page-four").
I don’t know if your story is true or not, but it made me laugh. 😊
good one, in the 80"sI did the same. But I got everything not cheap but perfect,
On television a man at a French restaurant did the same thing. He pointed and said I'll have that and that. The waiter said very good. Snails and brains!
As a french, i found every tips is this video usefull for a tourist. I may just have one smal precision to ad about the 10th tips: 11:20 in some bar or bistro, you may need to go at the "bar table" (srry i dont know the exact translation in english) to pay even in cash. That become more and more curent that they have a machine that do all the cash gestion work because the staff cant touch the money (for hygenic reasons). So dont be upset if a waiter says you "ce sera au bar pour régler" ("that gonna be at the bar that you can pay").
I hope this comment can be usefull to someone (sorry for my bad english).
Your English is very understandable! Well done and great tip!
Même si tu parles pas très bien anglais, je suis sûre que tu parles mieux anglais que certains américains parle français😂
I'm french myself but I really enjoy your videos I agree with most of your tips and etiquette tricks, you're both really sympathetic and the format is really catchy and informative at the same time! Keep up the good work, I'm sure a lot of people are greatful for your help 🎉
You are so right when you advise to make an effort to speak French. I always hear from others about their poor experiences in Paris and how unfriendly Parisians were. I always try to start a conversation in French and it is obvious that people appreciate the effort. We have never been treated poorly or rudely in Paris by service or retail personnel. On one trip to Paris my wife, daughter and I were on the subway to our stop in Le Marais. The train stopped and all passengers had to get off. Luckily, I understood enough French to understand that the train would go no further. General strike! Amid the chaos I entered a store and approached a young man explaining in French as best I could that I was lost and needed to get to Le Marais. He was so nice that he switched to English and accompanied us outside the store explaining where we had to go and what train to catch. I just discovered your channel and it's great. This video is so helpful. Merci!
You are very welcome 😁
this has been my experience as well my french is ok, but i try to speak it as much as possible, and i have had nothing but good experiences , i did have fun telling a bunch of loud americans to shhhh as they were being rude and i could hear them criticising me behind my back little did they know I am in Fact British lol
This is why I was happy when I was not sent by my company to France, but to Reunion. I was not talking French, they were not talking English - but nobody cared. Very different experience than when I was in Norway - I was talking with everybody in English and almost forgot that I was in different country.
"le Marais" it's considered by many parisian like a gay neighborhood :') sorry it's make me laugh
As Americans we knew a little French and used it. The service persons treated us amazingly! Luv France!❤
My French is a decades old, Canadian version and I stumble along…but always with a smile. In dozens of trips to Paris I’ve never had a bad experience, even when the server had no English. It’s an adventure and they want to please you. Just be respectful don’t take yourself too seriously. You’ll learn something new very time.
En tant que français et ancien serveur, j'ai beaucoup aimé la manière dont vous présentez les choses.
Vous avez parfaitement compris.
On sent bcp d'empathie envers le staff et ça fait plaisir 🙂
j'avoue
Oui et bien je suis cliente et française et j’en ai assez de lire dans tous les guides et blog de voyage pour américain qu’il ne faut laisser qu’1 ou 2 euros de pourboire 😡 ! C’est indécent. Si je suis satisfaite du service je laisse entre 5 et 10 % de l’addition
@@Joliefleur252 je fais pas tellement au pourcentage moi, déjà c'est rare quand je laisse un pourboire mais quand ça arrive je lâche 10 balles comme ça
She said that tip is included, which is not true. Besides almost every eatery owner expects that tips are a part of your salary, which is why owner do not need to pay you much.
@@Joliefleur252
Of prime importance: LE MENU is a set meal (usually starter and main course or main course and dessert), LE PLAT DU JOUR is the dish of the day and LA CARTE is the menu. Bon appétit!
👍
I was nervous about ordering in France because I don’t speak French. But when I was in France two weeks ago, I didn’t have problems ordering in any of the restaurants. All of the wait staff In France were amazing. If they didn’t speak English, they showed us how to take a picture of the menu, and it translated to English. I also tipped 20% cash extra because they were so nice to us. They really appreciated it, and would usually bring us a free dessert or extra drink. Even in the grocery stores, people were super nice to us when trying to figure out food items in English. Can’t wait to go back one day!
Great story!
I was speaking to a client recently and he kept saying the French are arseholes!
I didn’t tell him I’ve been to France way more than he has. So many times, I can’t count. I’ve never had anything but positive experiences with the French people.
I'm so glad you had a great experience! I found in Italy that kindness and a good attitude goes such a long way as well as smiling. I can't wait to go to Paris!
That’s been my experience in Italy, too. One benefit of living an hour from the southern border, is that my Spanish is pretty good for a gringo. I can have conversations in Italian with them.
You’ll love Paris, but don’t sleep on other places in France. I LOVE Strasbourg and Colmar in the Alsace.
Going to France again in January. Can't wait to eat delicious food.
@@jeffcarrier7435 I agree, the French are charming. My only problem ever was a shop assistant in a swanky boutique in Toulon (if there ARE any swanky anythings in Toulon!) who was dismissive and sneering. I suspect it was because I was nervous and, well, my gayness must have emerged as a bit of a camp simper. Oh well, I still like the French!
Bonjour, svp and merci are the magic words here in france! this video is worth sharing❤🇨🇵 merci!
This is a great video. My father is French and I grew up in America. We went to France every other summer for my whole life. We didn’t go out to eat very often (my grandmother is an excellent cook) Now as an adult I go with my American husband. While I speak French, his is not great but good enough to go out. Everything you went over I had explained to him as well! I hope everyone watches this to give them more confidence to go out and enjoy their meal!!
An American who speaks at least some French so good for him. He's in a small minority, one that I wish I was in. If you work with him, his French will improve.
Great video, I'm french and also a former waiter in Paris and even I learned a few stuff haha!
Just a little clarification, it's not as simple as whether the tip is included or not... Indeed we have a way better wage than in the US for sure but actually, there is no tip included in the price of what you are eating. If a hundred customers order for 100€ each, we will be paid exactly the same amount as if we only have five customers ordering for 20€ each even though the amount of work is obviously not the same in those two cases ;) So if you have the will to leave a tip (and if only the waiter is kind and welcoming of course), whether you are American, French, Japanese, or whatever it's always welcomed :D
And thank you for this cute video!
I will write in English for others--as a waiter in Paris, you already understand the difference in our cultures and tipping. As most waiters, of course, do. And while I am sure there are some waiters in touristy places who see an American coming from a mile away, and they will answer the question "Is the tip included" with a Non! Hoping to get a tip... BUT, hoping most are honest, and taking into account what you wrote, the actual, honest truth is that while "servis" is included (compris), "le pourboire"=a "tip", or gratuity, is not! It is a subtle, but legal,! distinction! And unless one is really trying to make a point, you always round up. Even if just with coins. A few centimes on a crème is much appreciated. And much less than one would think they even need to leave, if from the US. A couple of euro on a nice dinner, per person, is even enough. Maybe not what they are expecting from an American--and by all means leave a small bill if the service was excellent! But while they don't work off of tips, it is one of the reasons that one can dine so leisurely! They are not trying to turn over the tables so quickly! So just to review--and bear in mind--Service, is not a tip or gratuity! So let's give the waiter the benefit of the doubt and assume that when he answered "is the tip included?" He wasn't lying to the American tourist when he said "No", because, it isn't! But the service is...!
Quick side note--While the international sign for l'addition will typically get you the bill almost anywhere, be VERY CAREFUL when the waiter acknowledges you, and you are then tempted to flash him the OK sign, or worse, a thumbs up!!! ESPECIALLY now that so many restaurants have staff from Southern European or Middle Eastern descent! Americans, when traveling, should be aware (no excuse not to, with the internet these days!), that hand gesture can mean VERY different things in different cultures and countries! You may be a tourist, you may be American, you may be in Paris, but, in fact, a thumbs up or an A-OK, can get you arrested in some places in the Middle East! So gesture for l'addition, s.v.p., and then smile and nod as you tuck your hands back under your arms 😉! Better safe than sorry! Bon voyage!
Most of the French people do gives tips to waiters unless the service was awful
@@LesFrenchiesTravel Maybe you should have known ?
@@paulbourguignon3632 Yes but NOT 20 % !!
@@philwanadoo7435 i do usually 5-10% or a max 50€ in Gastronomic restaurant when the bill is going high :)
The advice about learning a few words such as hello, thank you etc is extremely good. If you learn a few basics for any language before you visit that country it shows respect and, when you inevitably struggle, a waitress etc is more prepared to help.
I'm traveling in France for the first time right now and this video has been so helpful to me! I literally studied French in college, but we never really discussed practical skills like this. Thank you for such a helpful and easy to follow video!
Have a look at the "plat du jour" or "menu du jour" if there is. It means a special cook of the day and more likely to be made with fresh products of the season (no strawberries in winter 😄).
Definitely true.
Small restaurants or brasseries don’t generally have enough clientele to be able to cook each and every meal on the menu, unless they have a very short menu (like 3 entrées and 3 main courses). So if you order something that is not « plat du jour », chances are high that you will get a pre-made sous-vide reheated meal (which doesn’t mean it’s not good, but maybe they just bought it pre-made…)
So be warned.
It's been almost 40 years ago now, but I remember, my companion and I walked into a little pastry shop in Salzburg. We just walked in without acknowledging the people behind the counter and discussed what we saw in the cases. When I looked up and saw their faces, I didn't need to know the language, I could see in their faces that they were insulted. I felt bad about that. So afterwards, wherever I go in a shop, especially in Europe, I say "hello" in whatever language is appropriate.
After living in Paris for a while I was in London and went into a little shop. As I left I realised I'd said hello, I'll have this please, thank you, goodbye, and have a nice day. The guy in the shop said nothing but without thinking I'd acted like I would in Paris. Politeness is so important here.
40 years ago... Germany has changed a lot since then... now you are lucky if you buy from someone who speaks a good amount of German.
Praising waiters is such a nice thing to do seriously❤
Absolutely the best, thoughtful and helpful guide/advice. You two take some of our anxiety away when traveling to France. Thank you very much for all of your great contents!
Y'all!! We are going to France on Wednesday and ordering food in a restaurant is all I've been thinking about! Thank you so much!! Love Saturday mornings with Les Frenchies!
I think in Paris you won't have is issue, very often. Outside the city, it can be a bit more difficult. There is a lot of English spoken and written in English, and not JUST the tourist traps. This a a wonderful time of year to travel to France. Relax and enjoy your trip.
So how was it?
Hello! Fellow French here. Great video, it is really interesting to see other views on our culture.
I would like to add some context on the tipping here.
The tip in France is appreciated, but it is not the same as in US.
It is called "Pourboire", litterally "to drink". The usage here is, if you're really happy with the service, to pay the next coffee for the waiter according to the price of the coffee or a drink in the place you ate. You can also leave the change if you pay in Cash.
Moreover, It is usual to tip not only waiting staff but also Taxi Drivers (especially for long travel) and Hair dresser (only if he is not the owner of the shop). But these two are less frequent nowaday.
Glad you like it here, hope you will continue to build nice memories in our country!
That's a really sweet way to approach this subject, thank you for that.
Being an old born parisian I must say that your tips and hints were just brilliant. Yes, that's the way to go!
This was a great video and explains a lot of what happened to us when we visited (we were guilty of cutting into someone's break...hoping the generous tip made up for it!). Two other things I noticed that were different from the US: 1. When the waiter came to ask for our order at the faster pace locations (bistros and cafes) the expectation seems to be you order everything at once - drinks, appetizer, entrée. 2. In any location we had to ask for the check, which I personally like. Too often in the states the server just plunks the check on the table which feels like a request for us to leave as soon as possible. So long as there wasn't a rush, restaurants in France were genuinely happy to let us take our time and enjoy the experience. Next trip is April so hoping we'll bump into you. Thank you for all the hard work.
Not just his break, but also the break of the cook, the clerk who helps the cook, the dishwasher who cleans the plates, and embarrassing the work of the cleaners who have to thoroughly clean the kitchen. At a certain time, the fryers are turned off, also the ovens, the ingredients are put away neatly in cold room, etc... So they don't like these situations... Kitchen organization is pretty like military discipline with the boss yelling orders and the other guys running around sweating... I really like your channel, the Frenchies, I learn things while I'm French. And I think your guide is a great idea, even for us French people. I wish you a lot of success, and a good continuation in your discoveries! The best is in our regions...
John, often the reason for ordering entree, plat principal and dessert at the same time is one to all the options are prepared & cooked to order. For example, seafood, fresh fruit & souffle.
We are in Paris right now and your videos have been a great help! We have already tried a bunch of your suggested spots! My fiancé has been learning French for a few months in the build up to this trip and it you can tell it definitely goes a long way!!
😉 you learn to say hello?😂
Bonjour. Il existe une quatrième cuisson pour les viandes. C'est la cuisson dite "bleu". Elle vient avant saignant, ce qui correspond plus ou moins à un aller-retour de la viande sur la poêle. La viande est juste saisie à l'extérieur et très peu cuite dedans. En général, peu d'étrangers commandent cette cuisson pour leur viande de bœuf mais il faut savoir qu'elle existe et, dans les restaurants spécialisés proposant des viandes d'excellente qualité, on s'attendra presque à ce qu'un connaisseur choisisse cette cuisson. N'oublions pas que nous sommes au pays du tartare. 😉
@@LesFrenchiesTravel A eux de s'adapter peut-être...
Your videos have so much valuable information. I also like the way you and Colleen seem to always enjoy being together.
I think the confusion mainly is that what we call tip in the USA really is the service charge, which is not included in the price of the meal, just like the taxes are charged on top of it. Both service charge and taxes are included in the pricing in France. So, the service charge is included, the tip is called a "pourboire".
Exactly. The tip in France is just the extra part of the tip you will give in the US if you want to show a special appreciation to the waiter for his/her dedication, help, kindness, patience, taking care of a special request you made, etc.
Just that part. Or zero if you don’t feel so. That’s not rude, even though leaving 1 or 2 euro coins is common after a meal.
Don’t fall for the trap in very touristy areas (actually you should never sit in a small restaurant in a tourist packed area, but walk 5 or 10 min away into some place where locals do eat, not tourists…). Restaurants or brasseries in highly touristy areas will always be seriously overpriced and most often will serve low quality, pre-made or industrial food. You definitely don’t want that. If in a hurry, buy yourself a good fresh baguette sandwich in a nice bakery, and go in a park or at a café table to eat it with a drink you order there.
Perfect description of the french parisian way of eating....love it....
One of the most helpful tips you have ever videoed! Thank you in behalf of all of your followers...💙🍽💙💙
Thankyou
This is a usful explanation.
Years ago i went to work in Paris. Wish i could have had this sort of help.
But there was no internet then.
I worked for about 3/4 months before i was invited for an afterwork drink.
I have to say it was the best time of my life.
Thankyou again
Google translate app has the ability to use the camera and translate real time. It's amazing for helping to figure out what's on the menu (I used this when I didn't know a word or two)
Yes, Google Lens
These days, the easiest thing to do is use Google lens. It allows you to point your smartphone camera at any piece of text and it will automatically translate that text into English. I used it last year when I was in Paris and it was a lifesaver for menus, street signs etc. Thanks for the great content guys, so helpful ❤
Google lens is awesome!!
Great tips thank you. For the most part I do agree though tips are not included ! Service is included and there’s a difference. Yes, waiters get proper wages and often also get a percentage of their turnover which is why they work incredibly hard BUT they do expect a tip. Somewhere between 5 and 10% is normal.
So please don’t confuse tips with wages.
Thank you for all you wonderful videos! Took 5 yrs in high school and polishing up for my Sept trip. Greetings from Miami, Fl!
Great, great video (all your videos are) We are here in Paris and every point is true, especially about the tipping! I’m just laughing because we’re living and observing these situations right now. I’d like to add a lot of service personnel we’re encountering are a actually from other countries and their French is a bit rocky too. We walked into an ice cream shop and both employees, when they realized we’re were Americans, said ‘we don’t speak French, we can speak English.’ One was from Sicily, the other from Spain…such a melting pot of cultures in Paris! Such a beautiful City❤
You guys make it absolutely RIGHT .. I lived in Paris and all your advices are absolutely useful and you didn’t fall into stupid clichée !
Thank you 😊
Hi, a late commenter here 😄 I saw in the video you were looking at the menu of French Paradox (Pass. des Panoramas). I can attest that their food and service were excellent, can't wait to go back there. Thank you Antoine & Colleen for your wonderful videos, they are extremely helpful and honest. Regards from Malaysia.
Appreciate all of the advice and help but the tipping part was the most important and helpful.
Your videos have been a great help as i prepare for my solo trip to France. Merci!
Thank you for sharing these useful tips for ordering food in a French restaurant! I would also like to add that it's helpful to familiarize yourself with common French menu items and their translations beforehand to avoid any confusion. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or explanations on menu items. Bon appétit!
My two girls and I absolutely love your channel! So helpful and well done! We're visiting Paris for the first time next Spring.
My daughter has moved to Paris with her Partner for 2 years , i am visiting for first time in many years. I am from UK, so used to some of the European ways but have looked at your tips and they are good to know thank you
Very helpful information, as I'm going to France in a few weeks. Excellent video.
This was great. I can’t wait to try out the ideas when I go to Paris.
I’m so thankful for your videos! Definitely the most practical I have found in all of my research for our trip! :)
I have only just discovered your videos, this is the second one I have watched. Your videos are just wonderful!
Thank you for ranking the types of food establishments. It helps a lot! Great video, as always!
I'd been to Paris many times. Your video is one of the best to help tourists navigate the 2nd most important aspect of this city. 1st is the sights, of course.
Merci!
Excellent like always, detailed with very good useful information, I enjoy everyone one of your videos.💗💗💗
I just discovered your videos, and, not only are they essential for a visit to Paris, they’re beautifully produced. Great work! Thanks👍
Parisian here : about the tips.
The service is included in the price, however, the tip is not. I would strongly recommand to tip between 2€ et 5€ if you're going to a place to eat. (Most of the time, we don't tip when we're just ordering a coffee or a beer). Remember that a lot of waiters and waitress do the job as a part time job to pay their rent and study the rest of time (except in fancy restaurant) and don't make a lot of money, often struggling with their finances.
Just to give you an idea : for a part time job, let say 20h per week, they will earn around 800€ per month. The rent is minimum 500€ but most of the time around 600€ per month. So if we do the math they have around 200€ per month for transportation, food, and any thing related to uni to spend (like books that are expensive). So if you can afford to pay 20€ for a meal, you can probably afford tiping 2€ or 3€ :)
Great pointers on tipping, thank you and very much appteciated... 😊
What does "service compris" on l'addition mean if it's not the tip ? Expecting people to work for tips is evil, if you can't pay your staff properly you don't deserve my custom and perhaps you should take that nasty business model to a country that shares it. Leaving 1 or 2€ on the table for the person cleaning up my mess is nice though
Traveled to Paris many times, and this video is spot-on. Follow this advice and you’ll have a great time.
One golden rule : avoid the restaurants with plenty of choice, this is the best way to eat frozen food. I suppose this rule applies everwhere in the world :D
Second thing : the word "MENU" in French has two different meanings, this may generate confusion :
1 - "le menu" or "la carte" designate the print booklet that contains all you can order. Sometimes, "LA CARTE des desserts" and "LA CARTE des vins" come separately (we don't say "le menu des vins" or "le menu des desserts").
2 - When you order, you choose either "un menu" ("je vais choisir le menu à 24 euros") or "À la carte" : in the first case, you have a predetermined list of choices for your entire meal with a fixed price, in the second case, you order whatever you want. Sometimes, when the course is available both in a menu and "à la carte", it's bigger if you choose "à la carte". Sometimes, some courses are available in the menu with an extra fee (and this must be mentioned, of course).
I hope it helps :)
You're doing good work, people.
I was in a Paris restaurant where the waiter was going to other tables flipping into different languages with the customers. I asked him how many languages he spoke. He said he was fluent in eight but could fake it in four more. So this guy had working knowledge of 12 languages. That is something you never see in America.
And this genius is a waiter! He’s very valuable in many fields! If you speak 3 fluent languages is very impressive!
Being a waiter in France is not necessarily the lowly-making enough money to get through college job that many people think. It's a profession and yes, most of them are very professional. @@LesFrenchiesTravel
We don’t see it here because so many have bought into the notion that this the greatest country in the world and everyone all over the world should speak English. We’re probably the most ignorant country when it comes to people different from us. It’s a shame.
@@sharonfrede6791 "so many have bought into the notion that this the greatest country in the world " There is a reason why the French came up with the word "chauvinisme". That being said, Europeans have a great advantage over Americans. They are able to learn other languages much more easily because they are surrounded geographically by people who actually SPEAK these languages. I would be very surprised if Europeans spoke ONLY their native tongues. Language acquisition has very little to do with jingoism.
This used to be unusual in Paris too. But it seems things have changed significantly over the last 30 years since I lived there. I also noticed a lot of people working in shops were from other European countries and could get by in multiple languages too. I think we can thank the EU for ensuring that Paris is no longer the city with the rudest people in Europe.
I just discovered this wonderful couple. I have been to Paris four times. I am going again in early December and the content here is helpful and informative. Thank you so much!! I wish I had found you sooner.
Wonderful! Thank you so much!!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful video n for simplifying d way to order food in France.
@@LesFrenchiesTravel 😁
You two are so great, thank you. I haven't been to Paris in yrs and only remember a handful of words and phrases from school ((a long time ago). This is really helping me. Merci. X :)
Very interesting and informative vid! I generally speak enough French to get by as a tourist but still there were a few tips here which I found useful. One thing I really liked was that you featured le restaurant Chartier... this was recommended to me the first time I visited Paris (way back in 1981) by a friend of my sister's. I was in the city just before the pandemic after a long absence and it was just the same... good food, reasonably priced!
I love your videos. Even though I have frequented Paris several times in the last 20 years, tips like these are always helpful.
I was in Paris on business one time with a colleague and they didn't know about saying Bonjour upon entering the business or restaurant, the proprietor stood there waiting and I reminded my colleague about protocols and the proprietor was very happy she said Bonjour.
😊
I am really liking your videos. Thank you.
Happy to hear that!
This is one of your best videos yet! Every traveler needs to see this one. Thank you for providing so many helpful videos!!
Will be going on a trip to Paris in a month, and your videos are extremely helpful. Binge watched most of them by now, and you both really help calm me down abouty trip!! So, merci beaucoup ❤️
I'm french and I just learned from you guys the origin of "bistrot"
Always enjoy watching your videos. Very helpful tips that lessen the worries of visiting Paris/France.
Merci beaucoup, Antoine and Colleen! 💗🥂☕️
Well made video. Merci! When I was in Paris (living in London) I got lost one day trying to find a restaurant. With what little French I knew I ended up having a taxi driver leaving his car and walking down a street with me and pointing in the right direction. I couldn’t believe he did that for me! Who says French people aren’t nice. That’s not true! Then when I arrived at the restaurant the menu was only in French. So a nice older French couple sitting next to me helped me out! In ordering. Again, amazing. I really loved Paris. It ended up being my favorite city in Europe. Just dripping with culture! Beautiful.
What a great video...as someone who was in Paris this year all your tips are spot on....ironically my only issue was with a waiter who preferred I spoke English as he was an African Immigrant and wanted to practice his English ( but it was in good spirits..no angst ).
Thank you so much! Your videos have been helping me a lot! I'm visiting Paris for the first time in two weeks, but as a solo traveller who doesn't speak French, it seemed scary.
But with your tips and seeing how much you enjoy Paris really reassured me.❤
You’re a great couple… amazing content and stellar tips… your videos always leave a smile on my face (and I’m sure that’s also the case with thousands of your subscribers)
Bonjour. So nice to wake up to your video
If you’re going for dinner say ‘Bonsoir’ not Bonjour
Hysterical! I had no idea of the history of the word 'Bistro'. Wow. Buistra means 'hurry' 'come quickly'. Amazing!
Worth noting that potato dishes aren't always 'Pomme de terre avec . . . ' etc.
For example - 'Pommes aligot' which is not apples - but the most incredible cheesy, creamy mash potatoes you'll ever have 😍😍😍
Like "pommes frites" for instance, a short term for "pommes de terre frites" (grilled potatoes) which stands for "French fries".
You tried aligot ? Good choice 😉
@@heliedecastanet1882 first time I had them was at La Petite Périgourdine in the Latin quarter. I've had them many times since 😍😍
@@anthonyholroyd5359 Try once to cook it at home. It is a NIGHTMARE lol Very difficult to cook it right (maybe you tried). If ever you try, leave a message right after 🙂
Have a very good day, dear Anthony !
I am so so happy that I found you two before my trip to Paris. You are both delightful and I’ve learned so much. merci beaucoup! I will try not to be too friendly! I talk to everyone here in NYC much to the chagrin of my husband and family. 😊
My kids used to tell their friends "don't talk to strangers unless you're my mom". I get it 🤣
lol...you'll be just fine 🙂
This was a fantastic video. I took a few months of French lessons before we went, combined with your videos I thought I was fairly prepared. You hit the nail on the head with our experience in Paris in March, we experienced every thing you said here, including a waiter asking to add a 15 Euro tip to a 35 Euro bill.
This guy can be fired for this... Absolutely forbidden and a disgrace to the boss. Serious professional misconduct.
He spotted the tourist...
Maybe you talked loud or wore flower shorts ?
@@philwanadoo7435 I'm sure it was more likely the fact that I wasn't fluent in French and my family and I were looking over photos from the day. Jealousy doesn't look good on you.
@@heavy_duty Lol
Love you 2. Very informative and the food is delicious.
When you're looking for a place to sit at a bistro, check to see if there is silverware on the table. If there is, that table is for people who are ordering food. If you just want coffee or a glass of wine, look for a table that does not have silverware on it. Once you're seated, you have the table as long as you want it. You normally pay right before you leave, but sometimes the waiter's shift will end before you're ready to go, so they may ask you to settle up before they leave. However, that does not mean you have to give up the table. Also, hot chocolate is called "chocolate chaud", and "chaud" is pronounced like the English word "show". Lastly, the price of beverages can vary based on where you sit. A coffee or hot chocolate will cost more if you're sitting at a table on the sidewalk than it will if you're seated inside the building.
chocolat not chocolate...
I'm currently in Paris, solo, for the first time. I'm really loving your videos and finding them very helpful. Thankyou both. X
Also - I'm Scottish, I know a service charge is common in Paris. Regardless, I've still followed my general rule:
1. Bad service? No tip
2. Expected service? 10%
3. Excellent service? 20% +
I was in Paris in October - and I know there's alot of stereotypes about parisians being rude and getting poor service . . . But honestly?
Knowing just a little French, treating your waiters like human beings and being a little adventurous with your orders (tried Escargot & Boeuf tartare for the first time - would recommend both!) I found parisian servers to be nothing but hospitable and pleasant - sometimes a little quick, sure (they have 101 other table to get to) but I had no complaints, and honestly I tipped alot 😅😅
That’s very generous by French standards. Expected service should hardly be more than 1 (or 2) euros per person at the table.
10% is already a fine tip for special appreciation.
20% is a VERY high tip for exceptional, outstanding service that goes way beyond what you would have expected in this kind of restaurant.
Over 20% is just if you want to impress a lady with your wealth…
Really enjoyed your comment. I’m Scottish and adopt the identical approach as described above. It just feels right.
Again a great video 👍👍👍
Wishing Colleen a Happy Mother's Day 💐
Loved this. I know Paris quite well but you never stop learning.
Wonderful video. One of the oddities that might make Americans uncomfortable is eating a hamburger with knife and fork. I see most Parisians doing this but hard as I try, it just doesn't work well for me so I revert to just grabbing the burger and chomping away. Very self-conscious about it however! I slither out the door in shame 🤪 Thank you for all your edifications. Greatly appreciated from Rue Monsieur le Prince.
@@LesFrenchiesTravel so do I! (But it's a lipstick thing haha)
@@LesFrenchiesTravel Not that you will be banished for eating with your hands, but I am wondering what the French actually think of us doing so. I have learned to eat my pizza with knife and fork, stab at my frites, but the hamburger thing just explodes into bun, meat, and condiments when I attack it with a knife. In desperation, I look around the restaurant and then pick the darn thing up and eat! However, as I strive to become more Frenchified ... I desire to do things the French way even if wholly impractical and messy! 🤪
Many French people eat fries with their fingers....
@@bluewaterstudio If you eat your hamburger with your fingers, you respect and honor the French tradition "à la bonne franquette". These words mean "honestly, no manners, just enjoy like among friends at home". You can proudly eat your burger with your fingers. If someone looks at you sideways, respond with "A la bonne franquette !". You will please everyone. Sometimes restaurant burgers are huge. I usually cut them in half and then eat them with my fingers.
@@nowakevelyne223 Thank you so much! I am an engineer and love a practical solution to a problem. I am also very culturally sensitive and would feel awful knowing that I was being insensitive toward others.
I used google translate, it helps a lot!!!. Most of restaurants offer combo meals, which is very good deals
I have been at a loss sometimes due to the number of choices on some European menus. I often ask locals what to order or the waiter. Most restaurants in Paris have waiters with good English. The one thing to watch for is the differences in pricing. Stay away from the tourist eateries with inflated prices. There are great off the beaten path restaurants with wonderful food at reasonable prices. Of course, if you are fluent use your French. It will open many doors to you just like in other cultures. The French people become more sociable when you speak French.
in all countries the rule is the same.
I will be taking the family to Paris in a week and this is perfect. Thank you very much Les Frenchies
Your videos are so informative! Do you have just 1 video with common words and phrases you should know in Paris?
Thanks dear for sharing your beautiful experiences in Paris. Very helpful. Beautifully presented.
Thank you
Omg I am LOVING this episode with the French pronunciations! PLease do more! I’ve been following you two for a few months now and this is the first video I have seen with this! I am trying to get around to starting to learn French since I’m trying to go to Paris in November 2023 is my first female solo trip!
But can you say is a little slower Si Vous plait? 😂
now I know those restaurant-related words, and French food culture and manners, thank you Les Frenchies for the very educational and informative video.
Hi, if I may add something. When you enter a french restaurant or any shop, it is more polite to say « Bonjour Madame » or « Bonjour Monsieur ». It will bring you to another of connection with the waiter other the waitress. Otherwise thanks for this great video. Cheers
Helpful to mention that menus must be posted outside. Where there were many restaurants we enjoyed a stroll reading the menus. Then a decision.
The "bistro" thing isn't about russian imigrants, but russian soldiers during the russian occupation in 1814 after Napoleon defeat
Good information!
You are exactly right about at Least trying to speak their language. Just make an effort
I just spent a few days in Paris. I was complimenten for trying. Most speak English.
Serious mate, you have a parisian accent when you speak french. Brillant. Thank you for the content, as a french it's help me to improve my social skills with non french speakers that i could encounter in order to help them and make them more comfortable. Knowing now a little bit more about difficulties that they could have while visiting France.
1982 I was literally shamed in Paris for not understanding/speaking French (although I said Bon Jour, s'il vous plait, Merci). Around 2001 the majority of the waitstaff (of a different generation) were kind, strived, and allowed me to use my few gestures in French and came forward with their English to meet me more than halfway!
Agree! From 1988 to 2019 vastly different attitude. Maybe because of our global society and the internet?
I took French in high school and college and of course it all goes away. When I know I'm going to France again, I take some TH-cam classes and last trip I took a class at my local community college. I made a big difference to refresh my brain. It also refreshed my accent so I have a better chance of someone understanding me. I still cannot carry on a full conversation with anyone, but I can get by.
@@ericduffield524 Thank you for understanding what I meant and for not judging me-it means the world! Every year I try to blend in and be respectful as I soak it all in. Thankful for Les Frenchies and many vlogs coming out of France!
I don't think I could be anymore envious, you guys are living my dream, hopefully i can kick it off in 2023, all the best and continued success for the New Year
@@LesFrenchiesTravel Merci beaucoup et bonne année