French Customs

The French folks are regarded as the pioneer in establishing human rights. I can say that it's true, since France is a state that has strict behavioral traditions. Such behavioral rules tend to create enormous pressure on the part of the French folks when it comes to meeting certain familial expectations. That is why French gays find it hard to reveal their true selves in public, knowing that most French locals have very cold regard toward gays.

What seemed great about French attitudes and beliefs toward privacy is their strong respect for the personal lives of other people. Most French folks avoid questions that may appear very personal. Also, their way of respecting the personal lives of their peers is a sacred deed among French people. Such attitude towards privacy is like a proper behavioral etiquette for the French folks. Hence, it is very typical among French locals to refrain questioning the sexuality of their peers, although most of them have negative regard to gays and lesbians.

When a gay foreigner visits France, he will probably encounter some homophobic manifestations. Due to the rigid social codes in France, the gay foreigners should expect some negative reactions from French locals. It is best for gay visitors to be very tolerant in such instances. However, gay bashings can be avoided in suburb places and areas where there are less numbers of immigrants. So if you know you're a gay and you happen to be vacationing in France, remember to stay away from those places.

You actually read that right. A lot of people think that French people are utterly rude. Well, I can't say that these people are right. In fact, there are a lot of people from different nations that are just as rude. That is, if you really think that French suck at etiquette. I've come up with this blog since I heard a tourist say that my grand-mère (grandmother) was rude. He couldn't have been more mistaken. I got into thinking why the tourist would call grand-mère as being rude. In fact, she is the sweetest lady that I know. I then tried to recall what happened that day.

I got some theories after a few minutes of pondering. First off, my grand-mère doesn't understand English. Not much, anyway. Therefore, my lovely grandmother frowned on the stranger to show that she could not understand. Next, the young man smiled at my grandmom. What he got was a poker-faced lady staring right back at him. Afterwards, the young man turned away and that's when I heard him say, "What a rude French lady."

Here's what I have got to say. People, specifically tourists, should expect that natives of the country they're visiting are not very familiar with their language. It is a given that not everyone can accommodate the tourist's queries. Sure, English is one of the major languages. However, it is not THE ONLY language. Next, French people are not fond of smiling at others, especially at strangers. It's just not in our culture to smile at everyone.

In France, there more than the flutter of tourist enthusiasm. There are also unspoken social taboos to observe. If you are used to your own rut, better tighten up for France is another world to conquer.

A good posture should also be imposed when sitting. The model attack is not just done on the streetwalk of Paris. Compose yourself in a lady-like manner. Sit in laid-back comfort with feet together or legs crossed. Don't be caught dead in public using toothpicks, combs or nail cutters. It is considered a private grooming practice. Might as well refrain from scratching, yawning or sneezing. Leave if possible or do it with finesse and discretion.

If in U.S., there's a dirty finger curse, in France, a slap of a closed fist to an open palm is an offensive gesture. When it comes to hand signals, a curled thumb and index fingers means "zero" while the "thumbs up" means "okay". So before you move your hand, think twice. Give your palm some free air, take it off your pockets.

Here are only some non-verbal expressions or gestures. The body language often speaks outloud of the person you are. It demonstrates a tinge of your personality and how well you showcase yourself in public.

France boasts of its tourist destinations--the Eiffel Tower as a romantic setting for heart-busting scenes in movie flicks; the Louvre Museum, of the debated Da Vinci Code; and a lot of special treats and delicacies. They say that if you wish to build up on a fashion icon mode, strut the walks of Paris. In a day or a week, you'll be fashionably revitalized. A lot have been said, but these are more of the scenic and gilded impressions of the French holiday and vacation.

What are the other French prides? Yes, French prides not French fries! Of course, what is a beautiful country without its dwellers? They say French men are romantic, French women are fashionable and how about their tads?
They fancy their children to be raised with a decent upbringing.

French tads are well- behaved. They observe dining manners and are very disciplined. They cannot ask their parents to feed them during meals or go straight to the fridge. They do not embrace that kind of culture. They have in-house curfews for the their bedtime sleep. While weekends are normally family days, they do not disturb their parents in the early wake-up call. Civilized and well-mannered, these kids are molded with sincere determination in France.

French people, known for their being romantic, are also generous tippers. One difficulty I had encountered when I was in France is the protocol regarding tipping. I didn't want to hand a very minimal tip, and I didn't want to squander my money away just on tips either. So by observation, I was able to put together a sort-of guide on tipping.

Taxi drivers are customarily given a 10% tip, especially if you had a long trip. In posh restaurants, a 15% tip is added on the bill. But if you're really satisfied with your waiter's service or if your tasty hors d'oeuvres meet more than your expectations, it is just proper to add a 5% tip. In some movie houses where there are ushers, custom says that you are to give .50 euro for each person. You should also give the delivery boy (or girl, if ever) a tip, most especially if you had plenty of stuff delivered to you on the 18th floor of a building that has no elevator.

So now that you know some of the tipping practices, you wouldn't have any problem at all whether you're giving too much or you're being a cheapskate. I know tipping isn't obligatory, but like they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or rather, when in France, do as the French people do.

With its characteristic variance, and its time-old customs and heritage, Alsace is a region sure to be featured whenever the French talk about their culture, gastronomy, history and art.With a surprise around every corner, surely this is a land of adventure, color and warmth.

What makes Alsace more special is its first-rate and sumptuous wines. It is the sole region of France to continue the tradition of varietal wine making. "A small glass of Alsace wine is like a summer dress or a spring flower; it's a ray of sunshine that makes life brighter," said Christian Dior. Connoisseurs will surely feast to the seven delicious grape wine varieties they consider a healthy pleasure.

The Alsace Wine Route takes you past some of the world's most famous wine-farming estates. Forming a magnificent panorama, are the vineyards that enshroud thousands of acres as they climb the sunny slopes of the Vosges, past medieval villages and ancient castles.

Spending the Holy Week in France is an exciting experience. Indeed, it is one of the most visited countries in the world because of its historical and religious destinations. Who doesn't know the Eiffel Tower in Paris? It is one of the top destinations of couples. And of course, The Grotto in Lourdes is also a famous attraction in France.

Lourdes is located in the Southwest of the department of Hautes-Pyrenees. It houses 15,043 people. Each year, Lourdes is accepting more than five million people from different parts of the world. Lourdes was recognized as a Marian City, since Bernadette Soubirious saw the apparition on February 11, 1858 in the River Gave. That was the first apparition, and more followed.

Until today, Lourdes is the one of the busiest cities in the world. Especially during Holy Week, the city is occupied by Catholic and non-Catholic people. With over 270 business establishments, and several hotels around, Lourdes is one of the memorable places in France. One can enjoy the travel to the Grotto of Lourdes by starting at the base of the mountains to Pyreness.

Whether you’re planning to stay over in France for a long time or just pay a short visit to a friend, it’s important for you to understand some of the ways of life that French people follow. Every culture has different approaches in some of the most basic things in life, so remember that what you consider alright and tolerable doesn’t mean that French people would see it the same way as you do. Among the countries in our planet, I will choose to compare the customs of the United States to that of France.

Children in the US seem a little too independent to me. I found that the French are very specific about some of the things their young ones must observe. For instance, during a meal the child should wait until the food is served on the table. The French considers it very unruly if the child gets the food directly from the refrigerator or the pantry. Generally, the children in France go to bed early. In America, it’s alright for a child to creep up to their parent’s bedroom and wake them up. In France, children would never wake up their parents, especially in weekend mornings.

Traditionally, French are friendly people. France is home to diverse nationalities, but with one distinct culture.

The people of France communicate well with people from other countries. On the other hand, French are unwilling to speak using telephone. It is advised to foreigners that phone calls have to be made not earlier than 9 o'clock in the morning.

French are customarily disturbed by the idea that they have to answer phone calls when they have to take their rest. Still, such custom doest not affect the reality that French are one of the finest people in the world.

Okay, so I'm obsessed about French kissing. What? You're not?

French kissing is also known as tongue kiss because it involves the tongue of your partner touching your lips or even your own tongue too. This type of kiss is very pleasurable because it stimulates very sensitive lips, tongue, and mouth. This kiss is usually shared by those who have a romantic or sexual relationship.

Intimacy and passion is often associated with this kiss. Although sex is always anticipated after a prolonged French kiss, this is not the usual case. For this reason exactly that French kissing in some known countries, is still taboo.

I don't really know why it's called 'French kiss.' Anyway, perhaps, if the world comes to an end, this kiss will still put the French on the map.

Just like in other countries, wedding in France has distinct characteristics on its own. However, unlike in other societies where the bride and groom should only see each other at the church's altar, the French bride and groom could see each other even before they went to the church.

As practiced, the French groom is the one who escorts his bride to the church, not the bride's mother or father. Then upon arrival to the church, the bride will cut white ribbons that are being hold by children as she and her groom proceeds inside the church.

What is Francewithout romance? When you hear, read or think about France, you can't help but think about all the romantic movies made there and of course, the exciting scenes you've imagined yourself in. Listen to French language. It is so sensual and sexy. The tongue seems to dance with the words. And have you seen French lovers? They're so passionate and expressive about their love. French men are chivalrous while the women, well, it's been said that they let their hair grow, except, well, down there. Don't even let me get started with French-kissing. For me, France is romance.