What's considered rude that travelers do in Paris?

Parisians extend more courtesy than their reputation suggests, but a few specific habits reliably irritate them. Walking into a shop without saying "Bonjour" to the staff is the most common offense, and it genuinely changes how you're treated; follow it with "Au revoir" on the way out. Snapping fingers or calling out "Garçon" to a waiter is both dated and rude; make eye contact and wait. Speaking to someone in French, having them respond in English, and then continuing in English anyway registers as dismissive rather than practical. Eating while walking, particularly on the Métro, draws visible disapproval. Tipping aggressively and announcing it comes across as patronizing, since service is included and a small coin or rounding up is sufficient. Photographing people at cafés or markets without acknowledgment is considered a breach of basic social contract. None of these require much adjustment, but skipping them marks you immediately as someone who showed up without bothering to learn the room.

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