What I Wish I Knew Before Going to France

Like any starry-eyed college twenty-something, when I knew for certain that Lyon, France would be my home during Fall Quarter of my junior year I was ecstatic. Between daydreaming of French cuisine and culture, I submersed myself in all research study abroad related. My unique program was living in a home-stay with a French Family, speaking strictly French. I’m not sure where I found confidence in my French skills to commit to this experience, given my very limited 9 months learning French back in Davis, California. And while I spent many hours researching France, there were some things I was still not prepared for. Here are some of the things I wish I knew before going to France.

1. The ‘Faire la bise’ or French cheek kissing. I thought this was a stereotype reserved for French cinema, until I learned it was actually the traditional way French people greet one another (depending on how close they are). Typically it is reserved for friends and family, where you kiss one another on the cheek. I knew this was customary before coming to France, but I did not realize how often I would encounter ‘Faire la bise’ myself! As Americans, we are ingrained to shake hands with strangers/acquaintances and hug our friends/family. With the French, you might shake hands, or faire la bise. It can be awkward trying to figure out which greeting you should use, so it is best to simply follow the French in whatever gesture they greet you in and follow likewise and know it is just part of their culture!

2. Eating is a ritual Eating is a way of life in France. As my French Professor said, “I would rather eat properly, than not eat at all.” He was referring to how Americans often eat whenever, wherever, however. In France you will rarely see someone walking down the street eating- you can probably assume that person is a foreigner! So if you’re walking down the street and attracting many odd looks with that sandwich in your hand, this could be the reason. The French savor their food and don’t scarf it down, which is something they take pride in. Follow likewise and you’ll blend right in.

1. The French speak under each other As Americans, we are notorious for being loud. I became acutely aware of this during my time in France. Rather than speaking over one another, the French try speaking under one another as to attract less attention to themselves. It is considered more respectful to speak softly, so practicing awareness of how loud you speak is important! It’s also an opportunity to prove that not all Americans are as noisy as our international stereotype might lead overs to believe.

1. You must say ‘Bonjour’ when you enter a store, and ‘Au Revoir’ when you say good bye In France you can’t just breeze through a store (no matter how big or small!) without acknowledging the proprietary or cashier like you can in the States. It is considered incredibly rude, even if we do it subconsciously! Take the opportunity to develop a French accent with a simple Hello!

2. Dress in muted tones The French dress well. Walking down the street, you will hardly see anyone in polka dots, neon, or anything particularly bright. They prefer muted, dark colors that don’t stand out (although my host dad had a pair of bright red pants he enjoyed wearing, so you have to take this one with a grain of salt!). Women are rarely seen wearing running shorts, or yoga pants for that matter. Leave those at home if you can!

3. Never take your eye off your bag Pickpocketing is a notorious problem across Europe, and France is no exception. I quickly learned that carrying an over the shoulder bag is important- that way it is harder for someone to run up with scissors and cut your bag straps, or try snatching it off you. Having your bag placed in front of you also makes you more aware of who might be eyeing your bag. I bought a money belt before coming to France, and I did not use it as much as I expected. I felt more secure keeping smaller amounts of money within an inconspicuous pocket of my bag. If you choose to use a money belt, bare in mind that fumbling around with it to pull out money can often attract unwanted attention, or look uncomfortable under your clothes. Always be sneaky!

There are so many other tips and tricks I discovered in France that I discovered the hard way, but these six were the immediate ones that jump to mind! Although the United States and France share a closely intertwined Western heritage, there are striking differences between our cultures, many of which are obvious or more unspoken. Discovering these differences is part of the beauty that is traveling, and the small obstacles and gifts that Jesus offers to us!

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