Bistro etiquette in Paris

I may be a bit out of practice, and expectation may be a bit different at a true Bistro vs a Bar, but you are fine sitting, trying a bit of french and having a glass of wine. Might expect to pay a bit more at a table on a popular street than a bar inside, and I suppose as a single, taking a table at a popular bistro at dinner time for just a glass of wine might get a few frowns. Other than that, go for it.

I would suggest adding at the end of your proposed phrase (in your OP): "s'il vous plait."

If it's a Bistro with tablecloths on all the tables, you wait to be seated, and you're expected to eat food. If it's a cafe with tablecloths, the same, but if it's a table at a cafe that does not have a tablecloth, or isn't "set" for a meal (napkins, utensils), you can just sit down.

And Kent's right, always say Bonjour Monsieur/Madame, s'il vous plait and merci.

It sounds more like you're asking about cafés. A bistro is only open periodically and is more if a place for grub -- usually pretty darn good.

Which is not to say some places in the tourist areas don't have 'cafe-bar-bistro-restaurant-brasserie-bordello' scribbled across the front of the awning.

Thanks for the replies! Yes, I'm definitely planning on using the polite greetings (hello/goodbye/thank you), and Ed you are correct - it is cafes I'm thinking about. Those quintessential sidewalk cafes where you can sip a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

18 days and counting!

14 days and counting myself. Hopefully the Air France strike is over by then, for me.
Enjoy.

Strikes, the French masters of suspense!

If it's mealtime or if all the tables look set up for dining (table cloth, silverware, etc), and you just want wine, ask a waiter if it's possible. He will either tell you that seating is for diners only or he will seat you at a table. House wines come by the glass or in carafes of 1/4 and 1/2 liter. If you want more than a glass, you should specify the quantity (un quart, un demi). Order as much as you think you can drink!

If tables are not set up and you just sit down, will a waiter approach or do you order inside and then sit?

"If tables are not set up and you just sit down, will a waiter approach or do you order inside and then sit?"

The former. If you order at the counter in a cafe, that is for consumption at the counter, and costs less (don't order at a counter and then take it to a table, as that is a big no-no). If you are sitting at a table, you get waiter service and pay more; in exchange, that table is yours for as long as you like.

It sometimes comes as a surprise to find three price levels for that microscopic cup of coffee. Cheapest is standing at the bar inside, mid-range is sitting down inside, and top price is sitting on the terrace. The waiter takes care of you when you sit at a table. Etiquette also does not demand a tip although you can leave a few small coins if you want. Some places will have a demi-pichet of wine if you want a smaller amount. You will have to ask for water and specify whether you want "ordinaire' from the tap or bottled, for which you pay and it comes either natural or eau gazeuse with carbonation.

I would only add that you should specify "un petit verre" if that is what you want; otherwise you might be served a very large glass at a large price, of course. This is most likely to happen in tourist areas.

Thanks for all the helpful replies - I will put all of this great advice to use in a little over a week!