Article: Etiquette in France

Thanks Patrick, the article was really interesting and good to know!

Interesting article. I read it for all of the countries. Pretty accurate and puts to rest some of the many questions I see asked on here about tipping in the various countries.

Also enjoyed the "what do they think of us" article.

Thanks, Patrick, But one passage troubled me:

Dress up. French women often wear makeup even for a trip to the grocery store. Tank tops are probably a no-no, and you should wear T-shirts and shorts sparingly. Even on hot summer days, you'll never see businessmen in seersucker. "All tourists should definitely pack a jacket," says Platt. For women, heels and dresses are de rigueur in the evening.

A perfect example of Conde Nast publications writing for older, five-star class tourists. Budget travelers aren't likely to be seeking out such dining that requires packing a jacket or heels. And doing so requires more luggage and robbing you of your independence.

"All tourists should definitely pack a jacket, says Platt. For women, heels and dresses are de rigueur in the evening."

Yes, this sounds like it was written in 1955. I picture people bording the original Queen Mary, dragging a filled steamer trunk, to sail to France!