Tipping and Etiquette in France

Tipping and Etiquette in France

French social etiquette is more formal than many visitors expect — but it's not complicated. The rules are simple, consistent, and widely followed. Master a few basics and you'll be treated with the warmth and generosity for which the French are (genuinely) known.

• Casual meal: round up or leave the small change
• Good bistro meal: €2–5
• Fine dining: 5–10% of the total
• Never feel pressured. The service charge is already in the bill.

Cafés

Round up. If your coffee costs €2.50, leave €3. If your bill is €12, leave €13. That's it.

Taxis

Round up to the nearest euro, or add €1–2 for helpful drivers (loading luggage, long journeys). Tips are not expected but always welcome.

Greeting Etiquette

Bonjour is Mandatory

Say when entering any shop, café, restaurant, or service establishment. Say or when leaving. This is the single most important social rule in France. Skipping it is considered genuinely rude.

La Bise (Cheek Kissing)

The — light air-kisses on alternating cheeks — is the standard greeting between friends, acquaintances, and relatives. The number of kisses varies by region (two in most of France; three in Provence; four in parts of the north). As a tourist, a handshake is always appropriate. If a French person initiates la bise, follow their lead.

Vous vs. Tu

Use (formal) with strangers, service staff, elders, and professional contacts. Switch to (informal) only when invited or among friends of the same age. When in doubt, use vous.

Dining Etiquette

At a Restaurant

1. Wait to be seated. Don't sit yourself unless it's clearly a casual café.
2. Bread goes on the table — not on a side plate. This isn't rude; it's French.
3. Wine is poured by the host or the person who ordered — don't pour your own from a shared bottle.
4. Hands on the table — resting wrists on the table edge is proper; hands in your lap is considered strange.
5. Don't ask to split the bill — it's considered gauche. One person pays, or you take turns across meals.
6. Eating pace: Meals are leisurely. Lunch is 1–2 hours. Dinner even longer. The waiter won't rush you — but equally, won't bring the bill until you ask: .
7. Don't ask for substitutions — French chefs prepare dishes as intended. Dietary needs should be mentioned upfront; preferences are less welcome.

Coffee

The default in France is an espresso. If you want a large milky coffee, ask for a or . Coffee comes after dessert, never during the meal. Ordering a cappuccino after lunch marks you as a tourist (though nobody will refuse to serve you one).

Dress Code

The French dress neatly. You don't need to be fashionable — but looking presentable shows respect. Practical advice:

• Restaurants: Smart casual minimum. No flip-flops, shorts, or athletic wear at sit-down restaurants.
• Churches: Cover shoulders and knees (especially at Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, etc.).
• Beaches: Swimwear at the beach only — cover up for the walk to the café.
• General: Clean, well-fitting clothes in neutral colours will never look out of place.

Other Social Norms

• Queuing: The French queue, but less rigidly than the British. Don't be aggressive, but don't be surprised by some flexibility.
• Noise: Speaking loudly in public — especially on phones — is frowned upon. Indoor voices are expected in restaurants and on public transport.
• Personal space: Closer than Anglo-Saxon norms but not as close as Mediterranean. Follow cues.
• Showing up on time: For dinner invitations, 15 minutes late is politely expected (). For restaurants and business, be on time.