Paris Olympics 2024: A guide to survive in the ‘City of Snobs’

It’s here! It’s here! The Olympics are finally upon us and Paris, the host, is brimming with excitement and a whole lot of rats. As usual, the Olympic Games have brought with them a bevy of interesting headlines — from the cleanliness of the River Seine to the political unrest in France following the snap elections called on by President Emmanuel Macron.

But along with these headlines, there’s also the buzz of Paris being invaded by thousands and thousands of people from across the globe to witness the once-in-a-lifetime Olympic Games.

As we gear up for the sporting event, many are considering or are already on their way to the French capital. For them, we present to you a guide on how to be Parisian and not invite the scorn of every local there — though it’s almost impossible considering the ‘City of Love’ is notoriously known for not being too loving towards its tourists. But as they say, we can always try.

Bonjour culture

In Paris, saying bonjour, the French equivalent of hello is imperative. Tourist guides in the French capital note that the effort to speak in French and greet people as you meet them goes a really long way.

A friendly “bonjour” can open doors at street corners, cafes, and museums, say guides. And if you miss greeting a person before asking them for help, forget it.

As Emily Monaco, who relocated to France from the US, was quoted as saying: “Any interaction with anyone — be it your bus driver, your waiter, or a shopkeeper — should always begin with ‘bonjour.’ ‘Bonjour’ doesn’t just mean hello in the French language: it primes the other person for a conversation or a request. You should say ‘bonjour,’ wait for the other person to say ‘bonjour’ back, and then proceed with your request. (If you don’t speak French, the next words out of your mouth will likely be ‘Parlez-vous anglais?’ ‘Do you speak English?’).”

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But don’t stop just at bonjour, say some tour guides. Saying goodbye — au revoir — is equally important. Elisabeth Guenette, who regularly shares language tips and cultural insights from her time teaching both in France and in the US, told CNN: “Knowing a tiny bit of French to begin your conversations shows that you are respecting their culture.”

Other words you must keep ready: S’il vous plait, which means please, merci — thank you — and excusez-moi — excuse me.

Gobble up the Parisian culture

Food is an integral part of French culture; for them, it’s la vie — “life” — and if you truly want to savour it then a Parisian cafe is where you need to be.

However, Paris has its own food rituals and traditions that must be followed if you wish to live the Paris way. Firstly, slow down. Cafes in Paris aren’t known for their quick service. What do you expect from a country where eating at your desk is illegal?

Guenette says: “Meals are a precious time, and they take time. Your meal is going to take more than just half an hour and they’re not going to be rushing things to you.”

Also, smoking is still permitted on terraces, so expect whatever you order to come with a side of second-hand smoke.

Also, eating on the go in Paris is a strict no-no. The only thing you may get away eating while being out on the streets is a sandwich or baguette. Coffee is rarely ordered to-go; even eating apples or bananas on the street may cause people to scoff.

Talk isn’t cheap

We have all heard the phrase ‘indoor voice’. In Paris, learn to make it your outdoor voice too. This means talking softly. In Paris, speaking loudly in restaurants, on trains, and in other public spaces isn’t just seen as rude — as a visitor, it’s also the fastest way to stick out like a sore thumb. Turn down the volume a notch or two as a sign of respect for those around you. Also, don’t take phone calls in public spaces.

Travel experts also note that if you want to curry favour with the locals, express your wonderment and ask questions, albeit politely and respectfully. Don’t ask personal questions, though and don’t think the ‘bises’ — the kiss on the cheeks — is for everyone. That’s reserved for friends and friends of friends.

And while politics may be a regular topic of conversation back from where you belong, in Paris, it’s an absolute no. Countess Marie de Tilly, a French etiquette coach whose clients include brands like Chanel and Cartier, told CNN, “Especially right now. It’s really touchy because there’s two extremes, the right and the left.”

In Paris, another habit to inculcate is to keep your hands to yourself. As the French say, ne touchez pas — don’t touch. If you are visiting a food market, ask before you grab something from the stall. The same rule applies at any of the flea markets dotting neighbourhood streets. Many of the items for sale are valuable and fragile, so it’s better to catch the seller’s attention and point rather than behave like it’s already yours.

Dress like a Parisian

Paris is known as the world’s fashion capital. And in the capital of fashion, it’s imperative that you dress well. While the Parisians aren’t expecting you to bring out the tiaras and dress to the nines, they also don’t want to see people walking around in gym wear.

Workout wear — leggings, sports bras or other sorts of workout wear worn as daywear — is not only a fashion faux pas in Paris but also a sure way to upset the locals. As they would say: ça ne se fait pas — it simply isn’t done. Also, don’t follow the stereotypes of walking through the streets wearing a beret.

If you do want to be like them, dress in neutrals: black, white, beige, navy, olive green. Also don’t over accessorise. Think of a single chosen accessory: a scarf, a wide belt, some big earrings, though worn one at a time.

Tour guides say Paris has a reputation for standoffishness and being a ‘City of Snobs’. However, that’s not completely true. If you have a little humility, and speak the most elementary words in the French language, you may have the best time.

So, get dressed, treat yourself to a baguette and enjoy the Paris way of living.

With inputs from agencies