Visit France: What You Should Know Before You Visit France

What you should know before you visit France. Whether you are touring Paris or partying in Provence there are things that vacationers and travelers should know about France so they can have the best trip possible. We talk about language, public transport, money, safety, and more.
France vs America -- What you should know before you visit France.
Filmed in Avignon, France
Copyright Mark Wolters 2015

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[alexhidell]

I often found in France that when I started speaking my traveler's French, they instantly replied in English--they wanted to practice their English! I wanted to practice my French, so the conversation continued with me, the foreigner, speaking French and they, the natives, replying in English. I dearly love France and miss it a lot, but I recommend you count your change carefully in bars, restaurants, etc. I think they don't think a little short-changing is "bad." Count your change when it is put in front of you and while the change-maker is still watching. This will eliminate problems.

[MrSebfrench]

Everytime i'm watching one of your great vids, i think in myself " Gosh, this guy has understood everything !"
You have perfectly felt the french way of acting and living, and your kind words are like salted butter in my mouth, especially after considering the huuuuge ammount of french bashing seen on the net .
Un grand merci de la part d'un amoureux des USA.

[sorallephilosemite]

As a French, I can say that man is pretty right for everything he says :)

[ivanduvok]

Dangles, bro, your video is on point and you are so diplomatic the way you explained things. Europe can be different but you gave it a just yet honest coverage. Thumbs up, merci!

[MrTomtomtest]

If you forget to validate your train ticket before boarding you can ask the staff inside to validate it, you just have to do it before they start checking. If you don't then you do get a fine, usually.

[wwjackie]

Yes! I agree with the comment below....we Americans expect other countries to speak English....that IS ridiculous! Now that being said, it is true that English is taught in most schools and it's usually the younger people who speak it best. But come on people lets have a little respect for other cultures and learn a little common words and niceties, so at least they see we're trying. That really goes a very long way.

[jims]

That you so much for all of your videos- my wife and I went to Paris/Normandy last November and I felt so "prepared" for the trip and enjoyed it so much! Since it was the off season, crowds were minimal and even the waiters were all unhurried and polite! And for those watching, don't underestimate knowing a little French: it goes a long way. I only learned about 12 phrases very well but it made the visit so much more enjoyable!

[dawncaruso]

True about the curling iron. We rented an apartment in Paris and my curling iron didn't work. In fact it shorted out. Oddly enough I bought a cheap one the next year when visiting Provence and it was ok!! But still, good advice Walter, because some of us woman can spend over 100 hundred bucks or more on a curling iron and it's not worth the risk
of loosing it.

Also the advice about the check is SO true!!! We loved that we did not feel rushed out the door the moment you finish the last morsel off your plate. And the only way we could get our check was by asking for it. Such a difference from the United States.

[canada]

Mna I’m so happy I grew up in Quebec. I’m fluent in French and English. I’m going to France in 6 days and I’m so exited!!!

[plottwist]

If you want to take bus and especially if you"re alone at the stop, always wave to the driver

[BillGreenAZ]

Mark, happy Bastille Day! I would like to pass along my experience visiting France last month as it relates to your video.
-Almost everyone in Paris that I spoke to speaks English. I did go into a bar in Reims and the man didn't speak English but a younger employee there did.
-Everyone was great! They were friendly and polite, yes, even in Paris.
-I bought a phone package (Verizon) for $10/day. I was able to send and receive phone calls and texts to and from phones in France and the US.
-Don't buy Euros from your bank in the US. Mine wanted to charge me something like 7% over the exchange rate. I went to an ATM in Paris (outside the airport) and was only charged a small fee plus a small fee from my bank.
-Try the pastries! They are nothing like what you will get anywhere else and they are delicious.
-Have a baguette. They really are worth trying. If you get one that is not really that great have another one until you get one that is delicious.
-Take a walking food tour. There are neighborhoods in Paris that are walk-able. The food is delicious!
-Yes, there is a lot of walking. My friend and I used the Metro as often as we could but my pedometer counted about 20, 000 steps per day. It would be possible to walk less so don't stress if that seems too much.

[ohthepeppers]

I actually prefer the _leave the customers alone when they're eating_ restaurant service we have in Europe to the American thing of waiting staff constantly coming over when I'm eating, talking with whoever I'm out with  - If I want more drinks or food or my bill, I can ask. American table service just comes across as pushy, you can't relax as easily. But I think that's a cultural thing - I think we Europeans spend _longer_ over dinner, especially in restaurants,  than Americans.

[joshclendenin]

I have lived and traveled in France and this is such a great quick run through for traveling to France. Bien fait !

[princessdratini]

Hey Mark, I've been watching your videos for literally years and on Christmas day, I'm finally traveling to Paris for the first time ever. Your videos have been instrumental in helping me plan my trip and learn more about cultures, etiquette, and expectations. Thanks so much for the work you do, it really does have an impact on your viewers.

[FrankDan]

In majority they do not put a service charge, I know this because I live in France 3months out the year. I have lived in the north and south. Even in Michelin starred places they do not add a charge. They appreciate a tip.

[Papillon]

I'd just like to say that yes, we do tip, mostly at restaurants and cafés and such. It's actually considered rude not to.
Leaving just 1 or 2€ is what's expected (unless you spend hundreds or go to a big restaurant.)

[DIYDomTheBuilder]

Just got back from my first trip to France a few weeks ago and I had a great time! I did try to prepare a bit by watching a few videos (like yours) learn a few things. The following are a few lessons learned...

1. Learning a little French goes a long way, just the basic greetings etc... but, if you plan to travel more, invest in a universal translator device (~$200)
2. Your debit/credit cards won’t work at any autopay terminal that does not have a person working there... examples: pay parking ticket kiosk, closed gas stations w “24hr” credit only pay, etc.
3. Outside of major cities (i.e. Paris), most shopping stores seem to be closed on Sundays.
4. Odd hours of operation: even during the week, a lot of stores seem to close at 8pm (2000hrs, they use military time there).
5. A lot of restaurants seem to close for a few hours between breakfast/lunch/dinner. Also, a lot of night clubs (in Paris) seem to only be open on the weekends.
6. Uber is probably the best way to get around in Paris. That said, renting a car is a great experience if you’re gonna travel around the country.
7. Speaking of car rentals... make sure you get an International Driving Permit, if you’re gonna rent a car. Only costs $30 and you can get one in about 10-15 from any AAA store.
8. If you’re a smoker (or vaper), bring enough of your product to last the whole trip. If you have to buy tobacco products in France, they’re not as abundant like in the U.S.
9. Get Cash! Stop at your bank at least a week before you leave and order some Euros.
10. Bring a small adjustable “city bag” backpack for daily trips. They’re great for holding battery banks, drinks, souvenirs you pick up, etc. But I say adjustable, meaning ones you can adjust to slip around to your front etc. in case you’re in crowded places where they warn about pick pockets.

11. Lastly... this is 2 fold...
A. Keep your passports with you at all times in a secure pocket on your person.
B. Talk to your credit card company or a reputable travel agent to purchase “Actual” travel insurance (NOT to be confused w a ‘ticket protection’ option) actual travel insurance that will guarantee, with no hassle, up front, plane ticket replacement, regardless of which airline, in case your flight is delayed, canceled, or god forbid (like in our case) your airline goes bankrupt while your on vacation.

[cocopops]

This video is really interesting!!! I really like learning our cultures differences :) As a French I completely agree with what you said!
And thank you for saying that we doesn't hate Americans (in my High School there is a "club USA" ^^)
I wish I could travel like you! :)
I'm sorry if my English is bad >w<

[tosht]

Super comprehensive. Excellent video Mark.

[zezmcguffin]

I lived in France until I was 5 (Normandy) and now I live in Canada but I have visited France many times and I love it there! If you are considering coming, please do! Super vidéo! Très utile pour les voyageurs débutants!