What's considered rude that travelers do in Paris?

Parisians extend more grace to tourists than their reputation suggests, but a few habits reliably irritate locals. Walking into any shop or café without saying "Bonjour" first is the most consistent offense — it reads as dismissive, not casual, and staff will notice. Speaking English immediately without attempting even a word of French signals that you expect the city to accommodate you rather than the reverse; a simple "Parlez-vous anglais?" after a greeting changes the entire dynamic. Talking loudly on the Métro or in restaurants marks you immediately, as does rushing through a meal — lingering is expected, and flagging down your server the moment you sit to demand the check is considered boorish. Tipping culture differs from North America: leaving a small amount (rounding up, or one or two euros) is appreciated but not obligatory, and undertipping isn't rude the way it is stateside. Standing on the left side of Métro escalators rather than the right will earn you genuine irritation from commuters in a hurry.

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