Having just gone to Paris, I learned a few things about French people and French culture.
Here’s the 10 requirements to passing off as a French Person :
- Don’t Smile
- Be Skinny
- Drink More Wine Than Water
- Don’t Wear a Beret – contrary to popular belief, very few French people wear berets. During my time in Paris I saw ONE guy with a Beret
- Give Yourself a French Sounding Name – Especially important if you’re looking for a job in France
- Have long meals, and be sure to chit chat and gesticulate during the entire course of the meal – you’re allowed to smile in this situation
- Wear designer clothes – French people (and Italians as well) really know how to dress sharp.
- Wear nice shoes – no sneakers – the easiest way to pick out an American Tourist in Paris is to look at their feet, they’re usually wearing sneakers!
- Kiss your friends on the cheek when you meet them
- And, of course, the most important, speak French PROPERLY
Believe me, you don’t stand a chance. Those 10 things will not make you pass off as a French. And Parisian are so different from other French that most French would have a hard time passing for Parisian.
My wife and I went to France last summer for our anniversary. It was awesome. You don’t have to wear designer clothes…
Just stay away from Jeans, T-shirts (polo shirts too) and Sneakers. I learned maybe 60 words in French.. But I was blending in so well with the clothes (and looking bored) that someone asked me for directions in french.
I understood what he was asking, but I told him I didn’t speak very good french (in french). Another french lady over heard and broke in to help him with the directions.
The french people are totally awesome (coming from an American). Just make an effort to participate in their culture–they always switched over to broken english for me after I made a polite attempt at french.. you gotta at least put forth the effort.
I leave for France tomorrow. Im immigrating there and don’t speak French yet, but am sure ill pick it up quickly
Funny read and I agree on all points
I’ve been studying in France since august.
Make sure you start the kiss-greeting on the left cheek. Also, when gesticulating, make sure you perfect the way French people shrug. Instead of doing just the shoulders, they often fill their cheeks with a little bit of air and let a little bit escape before throwing out a “Sais pas.”
Pretty good one, Amit.
The way to pick out an American anywhere is to check out the sneakers AND the American flag sweatshirt with something like “These Colors Don’t Run” on it. Of course, you can always look at people speaking loudly English thinking that they’ll be understood if they start shouting.
Amit,
2. Be Skinny
Guess I’m pretty much screwed! LOL
Peter
Amit,
I would modify number 6 to say keep the volume down when you are having long meals..
When I was there I noticed that the Americans tended to make a lot of noise especially at lunch spots compared to the French.
Glad you had a good time.
LOL great post!
At least you learn something
Great post, Amit!
Looking bored is also a requirement for blending in, in France. You have to appear like the place you’re in is not really fancy enough for you, and your precense is a great favor to anyone around you.
You forgot one:
Always carry a long – fresh baked french bread.