Culture & Customs
The French are generally regarded as being patriotic, peaceful, and polite, with a natural flair towards style and the finer things in life. Although evidence points toward the region being inhabited since the Neolithic period (4,000 BC), the written history of France began with its incorporation into the Roman empire between 118 and 50BC. Over the subsequent 2000 years the French have made significant contributions to the world of science, politics, art, design, wine-making and cuisine.
Elegance and style seem to prevail amongst the French regardless of social standing or wealth. Even though dress codes are fast disappearing, it is unusual to find the French going out to a bar or dinner in very casual clothes which may be perfectly normal in the US or Australia for instance. As a traveller, it is advisable to treat the local customs and conventions with respect. When visiting a church for instance, respect can be shown by dressing and behaving appropriately as the French find loudness and crassness both abrasive and discourteous, although they will rarely tell you so.
Tipping is very common in France and can constitute a large proportion of some people’s income. In many restaurants, a 15% surcharge may be included with the bill, and if this is the case it should be clearly stated on the menu. In addition to this, if the sevice has been particularly good, a further 2-3% is customary, as is leaving the small change on the plate if paying by cash. If a service charge is not included in the bill, a 15% tip is customary.
Taxi drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare, hairdressers 10%, hotel porters around 1.50€ per bag, and chambermaids around 1.50€ per day. It is also customary to tip washroom attendants and museum tour guides around 1€ , and tour guides and drivers between 1-3€ , depending on the level of service.
When shopping, haggling over the price is uncommon and generally the price shown is the price expected. There is no harm is asking for a discount or to match another store’s advertised price if it seems appropriate, but this should be done in a respectful way.
The predominant religion in France is Catholicism, with Christianity accounting for more than 50% of the population. Around 30% claim to be either agnostic or atheist, and 5% Muslim.
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