French traditions

The French love traditions, etiquette, fashion, lifestyle, relationships with family, colleagues and friends originate in French traditions. If the Frenchman indignantly dismisses the requirements and instructions (“no smoking”, no “parking”), then compliance with many written and unwritten rules is almost mandatory.

Everything in the life of a Frenchman should be comme il faut (that is, done as it should be). Even during summer holidays, in a campsite or a tent city, a Frenchman will spend a couple of hours on his morning toilet, as if he were going to a social event, and not a walk with a backpack around the neighborhood. French women will even cook a three-course dinner on a fire, serve it on a white tablecloth with a full serving, put the wine to cool in a bucket with ice, and do not forget about the obligatory ingredients of the meal - cheeses and sauce.

French etiquette lessons

The French family occupies a decisive place in life. Relatives prefer to settle in the neighborhood, and regularly gather for Sunday family dinners. The ban on participation in a family dinner borders on unjustified cruelty. Common councils traditional for French families are held with the participation of all generations.

The idea of ​​having pets, just like that, for pleasure, did not take root in the minds of the French. The animal must perform useful functions or serve as food in the future. Even in the cities, the French mostly breed sheepdogs (useful for protecting the home) or poodles (prestigious, which means it’s still useful).

In France, it is not customary to comb your hair in public places or touch up your make-up; a Frenchman will not leave the house without a jacket, no matter how hot it is on the street.

Handshakes at the meeting should be exchanged with all those present. At the same time, it is necessary to remember who you already greeted, shaking hands again is a gross violation of the rules of etiquette. It is customary for the French to say hello when you enter a cafe or shop, and say goodbye when you leave.

Special unwritten rules govern the use of "you" (toi) and "you" (vous). They say that in some French families, spouses do not “poke” each other throughout their lives.

French etiquette.

French etiquette reflects the very culture of France. It's no secret that the French have been trendsetters and trendsetters for centuries. It is in this country that beauty enjoys the greatest honor and recognition. The French appreciate beauty in everything: in the architecture of cities, in art, in women, in various ceremonies and rituals, in food and other pleasures.

The culture of France has given rise to a nation that is quite liberated in communication, famous for its ease and elegance of manners. According to French etiquette, the manifestation of individualism, as well as a demonstration of indifference to public opinion, is considered the norm. Of course, it is considered right to ignore the opinions of others only when the Frenchman is absolutely sure that he is right in the current situation.

The inhabitants of France throughout history have shown free-thinking. Real Frenchmen are not guided in life by all sorts of formalities, instructions, patterns. Authorities in this country are also not honored.

The French are an emotional nation, rather noisy and temperamental. Therefore, French etiquette allows you to express feelings and emotions through speech, gestures and facial expressions.

The French like to discuss something or someone, make comments, but they cannot stand criticism in their address. All this is again due to the influence of the culture of France and the increased emotionality of the inhabitants of this country.

However, the idea of ​​the French as irresponsible, careless and undisciplined people will be wrong. In the business sphere, they behave impeccably.

Peculiarities business communication with partners.

The French, whose homeland is considered the legislator in business protocol and etiquette, are very gallant, refined, strive to adhere to etiquette, while being relaxed and open to interlocutors. They greatly value intelligence, the ability to express themselves, to accurately formulate the terms of contracts and transactions. The feeling of satisfaction among the French causes an interest in their culture and language (at the same time, poor knowledge of the French language is perceived with annoyance). In business relationships, personal connections are valued. Many important decisions are made at business receptions (breakfasts, dinners, cocktails, etc.).

When negotiating, the French try to avoid official discussions of issues "one on one" and strive to maintain their independence. At the same time, their behavior can change dramatically depending on who they discuss the problem with. The French pay great attention to preliminary agreements. They like to thoroughly study all aspects and consequences of incoming proposals, so negotiations with them take place at a much slower pace. Any attempt to speed up negotiations can only harm the cause. When discussing issues, French arguments traditionally focus on logical evidence. They are quite tough in negotiations and, as a rule, do not have a “spare” position. French partners may interrupt the interlocutor to make critical remarks or counterarguments, but they are not inclined to bargain. Compared to Americans, they are less free and independent in making the final decision. The signed contracts are extremely correct and do not allow discrepancies. The French have a negative attitude towards compromises and prefer to use French as the official language of negotiations.

National features of the French man.

Etiquette in France is one of the main components of national prestige. Therefore, all the French observe the rules of good manners, in any life situation they demonstrate their politeness and gallantry.

The last quality is most often shown by the strong half of France in relation to the fair sex. It is the French who are recognized as the most gallant gentlemen in the world. By the way, they own the authorship of one of the wisest rules: "When a woman is wrong, you must ask her for forgiveness."

In France, great importance is attached to communication etiquette, the ability to speak correctly and beautifully.

Returning to the gallant French men, it should be noted that they are ready for the most unexpected and incredible deeds for the sake of their loved ones. Therefore, the relationship in France between two lovers throughout their entire length is the same as the Russian “candy-bouquet period”. Easy beautiful relationships in this country last as long as love is alive. When the feeling fades, the two part peacefully, civilized. Thus, divorces are common and absolutely not shameful in France. Even the divorce of a person from the political sphere in this country, unlike in all other states, will not affect the voters' confidence in him.

What national features of the French man amaze us Russians?

The first is, of course, their courtesy. French men are very courteous, sweet and courteous in conversation, they listen attentively to the interlocutor. "Sorry" is a favorite word of the French, and you hear it everywhere: in a store, transport, at work, at home, etc. And at the same time, I rarely saw a man helping a woman put on a coat or giving a hand to a woman getting out of the transport. Maybe this is the consequences of the feminism of French women? But, nevertheless, men from France cannot be denied gallantry.

The second is their attitude towards alcohol. In French families, it is customary to drink wine almost every day during dinner. But to be honest, I have not seen anywhere in families that they drink wine on weekdays. Yes, and on holidays they don’t really drink wine - for example, a glass of another wine and that’s it, none of the men get completely drunk. The French have been tasting wine since early childhood. Children can taste wine with their parents and are present at feasts with adults. Then the rules for serving wine are already known, what and with what wine is drunk, they are taught to feel the taste and aroma of wine. Still, it is important to instill a culture of drinking from childhood.

The third is the attitude towards women. French men are very romantic. When they are in love, then for a woman it is just heaven. They will surround you with such attention, helpfulness and care that it is simply impossible to resist them. And even the stingy French (and they all are) become generous and magnanimous. But, nevertheless, they always keep control and God forbid they find out about some of your other hobbies with men (although they admit it)! Then they become unrestrained and quickly lose interest.

The fourth is that modern French people are highly sensitive to everything national - this is one of the distinguishing features of their national character. They even had a law at one time that only 20 percent of foreign music could be played on the radio.

And at the same time, many French people are now marrying foreign women, because French women are much more difficult to live with, they are more demanding, capricious and quarrelsome.

Fifth, is that the French man is prudent and stingy. On the other hand, we Russians are not used to counting everything, and if we start to relax, then, as they say, “since such a booze has gone, cut the last cucumber!”. The French don't have it. They will calculate everything and may deny themselves something, but they will save money and will not borrow. It is not even customary to borrow money from parents here. Previously, after the age of 18, young people left their homes and lived independently, but recently, with the growth of the crisis and unemployment, children remain to live with their parents.

Sixth, it is that in business life for the French, the main thing is personal connections and acquaintances. Far from the best feature, why it is difficult to start a business in France.

French men are extreme individualists, they love originality and for the sake of posture, brilliance and personal glory, they can sacrifice a lot.

Of course, many more can be national characteristics French men, but these I find more conspicuous and catchy.

These are the men from France. I really like one expression and it helps everyone in life - a person who is next to you is neither better nor worse, he is just different.

The French are the oldest and most distinctive nation in Europe, with a rich history and cultural heritage. The French are a restrained, reasonable and prudent people. They are very friendly and polite, but they will never tell the truth to your face.

The French tend to teach and know foreign languages, but are extremely reluctant to speak them with foreigners. Most French people don't like speaking English, so if you don't know French, it's better to say right away that you are Russian. The French are very sensitive to errors in French.

The most common form of greeting is a light handshake. Meetings must be arranged in advance. Being late is considered impolite. However, the general rule is that the higher the status of the guest, the more late is allowed. An invitation to visit for dinner means a special location for you

Only after talking on a neutral topic can you move on to the main thing, otherwise it will be considered bad form, the French do not like to immediately touch on the main issue, this is especially important to consider when conducting business negotiations.

In general, the behavior of the French is very diverse. They gracefully defend their point of view, their position, but are not inclined to bargain. The conversation starts quickly and naturally, besides, the speed of speech of the French is one of the fastest in the world.

For the French, education, the general level of knowledge, and erudition are of great importance. They are rightfully proud of their culture. A good acquaintance with history, philosophy, art is highly valued. Accordingly, gifts that meet intellectual needs or a sense of beauty will be well received (for example, books or art albums). Although a box of chocolates and flowers for the hostess would also be appropriate.

The meal must be accompanied by an interesting conversation. The French at the table prefer to talk about culture, art and French cuisine - the national pride of every Frenchman. It is not customary for the French to pronounce lengthy toasts at the table. It is not customary to clink glasses. Traditionally, the French lunch starts at 18.00-19.00, so if you are invited to dinner, know that you are expected by this time.

Features of French cuisine

Cooking is a special pride of the French. The names of hundreds of dishes came to us from the French language: cutlets, sauce, mayonnaise, scrambled eggs, entrecote - all these are French words. But the notorious love of the French for frog meat is a clear exaggeration. The frog is indeed present in a rich range of French cuisine, but you can’t call it an everyday French dish. Grape snails with herbs and spices are eaten somewhat more often (of which there are sometimes so many that you can’t distinguish the taste of a snail).

All over the world they talk about French cuisine as the most diverse and exquisite. In addition, almost every region of France, every city, every restaurant has its own unique set of dishes. France produces over 300 different types of cheese known throughout the world.

A characteristic feature of the French diet is the abundance of vegetables and root crops on the dining table. Potatoes, various varieties of onions, green beans, spinach, cabbage of various varieties, tomatoes, eggplants, celery, parsley, salads - this is not a complete list of vegetables from which salads, snacks, side dishes are prepared.

The inhabitants of the southern regions of France have their favorite dishes, which are spicy due to the use of large quantities of spices (garlic and onion). The inhabitants of Alsace are lovers of pork and cabbage. Residents of coastal areas cannot imagine their diet without seafood dishes.

Regional differences in nutrition are felt even in different attitudes towards fats: in the north they like butter, in the south - olive. Each locality of France has its own specialties: liver pates, Bayonne hams, sausages and beans in a pot (“toulouse”), Provencal tomatoes.

Cold dishes and snacks - stuffed cucumbers, vegetable salads, celery salad and others.

First courses - mashed leek soups with potatoes, onion soup seasoned with cheese, clear soups on beef broth, dressing soups, saltworts, Provencal fish soup, fish soup.

Second courses - steak with deep-fried potatoes and steak with blood with a slightly fried crust and almost raw inside. These two dishes are the epitome of French cuisine. The French love that the meat is not overcooked, it must retain the pink juice. A common white meat stew with white sauce.

The French are very sensitive to all sorts of flavor nuances. Therefore, if there is a treat in the form of a dish of small game, it must be kept for several days in the air, and the meat of wild boar, roe deer must be marinated. In soups and sauces, the French dip small bunches of herbs from parsley, savory, bay leaf. Before serving, the bundle is removed from the food.

Among the second courses - sea and freshwater fish (cod, flounder, halibut, mackerel, pike, carp), seafood - shrimps, lobsters, scallops.

The French are true gourmets in terms of sauces, which are always served not only with meat and fish second courses, but also with salads and various cold appetizers.

After the second course, cheese is served on the table, and several varieties at once. You can drink cheese only with white or red wine, and in no case with juice or Coca-Cola.

Dessert - fresh fruits and berries, fruit salads, confectionery, especially with nut fillings such as pralines, ice cream with fruits and biscuits, bowl, dessert cocktails.

The French diet includes two breakfasts. First breakfast - fruit and vegetable juices, eggs, cheese, butter, omelettes (with jam, ham, cheese, mushrooms, herbs, stuffed tomatoes and other side dishes). Second breakfast (at 12 o'clock) - cold snacks from seafood and fish, poultry meat, stuffed or stewed vegetables, hot dishes of simple preparation.

Lunch (from 18:00 to 19:00) - any snacks of European cuisine, soups, main courses.

France is the world's leading wine producer and the French are very proud of their brands of this wonderful drink. There are about 300 different grape varieties used in the production of wines.

Champagne was brought out by the abbe Don Perignon as a result of numerous experiments in selection and blending. Champagne is produced in two main areas of the Champagne province - Montagne de Reims, where they grow excellent grapes Pilot Noir and Côte de Blay, where the Chardonnay variety dominates. Champagne companies still make up the elite of the wine industry.

Cognac is a strong alcoholic drink that belongs to one of the types of grape brandy. It is prepared from cognac spirit, obtained by distillation from unalcoholized young and healthy white grape wines, followed by distillation in oak barrels. Armagnac, similar in name, is already a different type, with a thicker consistency than that of cognac. Its taste is less refined, besides it is drier. Cognac is produced in a defined and legally restricted area of ​​​​the city of Cognac, located in the south-west of France, 500 km from Paris.

France has long been famous as a country of refined and refined manners, elegance and a special skill, or rather, the art of living.

The rules of French etiquette have many nuances that are sometimes difficult for an uninitiated person to grasp. After all, the traditions of another country can, at times, cause misunderstanding and inability to quickly adapt to the situation.

We offer you a short guide on how it is done in France, where the feast is part of the culture. It will tell you how to behave in order to avoid possible oddities visiting the French.

Rule #1: Be on time

The French are very sensitive to the issue of being late, despite the fact that they themselves often sin with them. Remember - if you are invited to visit France, the paradoxical rule that it is indecent to come to the feast on time does not apply here. The hostess of the house will never allow herself, at the hour appointed for the arrival of guests, to run around the apartment in a dressing gown and curlers, finishing the Russian olive. If the time is indicated to you, it means that by this time the champagne is chilled, and the oysters are open, and by this time they are waiting for you! A delay of 10-15 minutes is considered decent, nothing more.

Rule #2: Greetings

When greeting, do not forget to add Madame, Monsieur or, if the status of your relationship allows it, the name of the person you are addressing. A typical mistake that our compatriots make, sincerely wanting to do something nice, is adding the name of the interlocutor to the address. Just as we do not say: "Madam Natalia", so the phrase: "Madame Natalie" for the French ear will sound at least strange.

Be prepared for the fact that in France it is customary to kiss with close acquaintances, but this is not a kiss in our understanding, but just a light touch of the cheek on the cheek. This tradition has been around for many years, and you should not try to change it. A sign of whether the guests will exchange kisses with each other or confine themselves to a handshake is usually given by the hosts by personal example.

Rule #3: About ladies and dresses

The dress code plays a big role in French etiquette. In France, they will never wear a business suit for a formal meal or an evening long dress for a business dinner. The French are convinced that it is better to refrain from overly sexy, open or extravagant dressing if you are not sure about the status of the event, because only a woman dressed “out of place” can be worse than a poorly dressed woman. Another unspoken, but very important rule: you should not dress more luxuriously than the mistress of the house.
The hosts will inform you in advance about the nature of the feast, as well as what kind of audience will attend it, and the invitation usually indicates what dress code is expected. Therefore, it will be easy for you to navigate.

Rule number 4: About gentlemen and gallantry

There is no place for feminism in "table" matters, especially among the French! Men in such situations should remain men: fill your glass, move your chair, give you a hand - their knightly duty, but you are a true lady who graciously allows you to take care of yourself and smiles sweetly. Believe me, this is not a conservative "naphthalene", but an etiquette that is followed all over the world.

Rule number 5: About shoes: to be or not to be, to take off your shoes or not?

The question is by no means idle, but truly akin to Hamlet's. Very often, Russian guests sin with the "Soviet rules of etiquette." Do not ask the owners of the house for slippers, assuring them that you have an absolute absence of fungal diseases. You will not be understood. Imagine how ridiculous you will look in a beautiful dress and slippers borrowed from the hostess, and your spouse in a suit, tie and socks because there were no slippers of his size 46. Leave the care of the cleanliness of the floor to the mistress of the house: in France it is customary to wear shoes at home - this is not Japan.

Rule #6: At the table

In France, you will not see a table set like in Russia: all kinds of salads, cuts of meat, fish, cheese, and then the first, second and compote. You will not be put on the table all types of alcohol at the same time.

Before you are invited to the table, you will be offered an aperitif of your choice: Champagne, whiskey, wine or soft drink. The hostess of the house will also take an interest in your taste preferences in advance in order to avoid embarrassment (religion, allergies, etc.).

Seating guests

Another important point that often confuses our compatriots is that you will be invited to the table and the hosts will tell you where and with whom you will sit. Often couples are seated so that newcomers to the campaign also have the opportunity to communicate, and gentlemen should alternate with ladies. The gentleman takes care of the lady throughout the evening. Don't be scared, this is not a swingers club and adultery will not follow.

Cutlery

In fact, there is nothing intimidating about the amount of cutlery that will be waiting for you on the table. Dishes will be served to you in the order provided by the hostess. Therefore, a hint: the first dish that you are offered to taste, you can safely eat with appliances lying on the farthest edge from the plate (knife on the right, fork on the left). A knife and fork will also be taken along with the used plate. To taste a new dish, you take the next fork and knife according to the same principle.

1. hot plate
2. snack plate
3. Bread plate
4. snack fork
5. fish fork
6. Table fork
7. Table-knife
8. fish knife
9. snack knife
10. Tablespoon
11. butter knife
12. Dessert spoon
13. dessert fork
14. Water glass
15. White wine glass
16. Red wine glass

Glasses and drinks

You may also be frightened by the number of wine glasses, but do not worry - this is the concern of the owners of the house. For dinner, they can choose one drink, then everything is simple: the host will pour it into the right glasses for you, depending on whether it will be Burgundy wine, Bordeaux or just water. If the wines change during the course of the dinner depending on the dishes served, you will be offered either to finish the rest in your glass before filling it with wine of a different variety, or they will give you a new clean one. Please, do not resist that they say it will do, they say, I'm not pretentious. This can offend the hosts: the French carefully choose wine for each dish, there are no accidents here, and you, as a true connoisseur, should feel the bouquet of wine. And even if you are still a “beginner oenologist”, anyway, please your hosts and admire the excellent selection of drinks.

Rule #7: Table Talk

The hardest thing, you say? Yes and no. There is one very simple rule: to talk only about what is pleasant to the neighbors on the table. Weather and sports are a win-win option for good etiquette, which has helped more than one celebration. You should not talk about illness, death, physiology, tell the hostess how you prepare treats, and especially talk about people who are not present at the table. And do not forget - if you were asked a question, even a personal one, they do not expect a forty-minute confession from you!

Rule #8: Time doesn't wait

Dessert in France is served on its own, without tea and coffee. Before dessert, you may be offered a cheese plate. Hot drinks are offered a little later, and then a digestif is served: Calvados, cognac, armagnac, they offer to drink a glass, so that everything eaten subsides as it should. And this is the first bell to the fact that it would be time and honor to know.

That, in fact, is all. Enjoy your tasting - French rules of etiquette do not recommend wishing you a pleasant appetite, considering it not subtle enough - and no less pleasant communication!

According to a poll by Catholic World News in January 2007: 51% of those polled are Catholics, 31% are agnostic or atheists. (Another poll gives a proportion of atheists of 27%), 10% profess other religions or have no opinion, 4% identified as Muslim, 3% identified as Protestant, 1% identified as Jewish.

According to the latest Evobarometer poll in 2005, 34% of French citizens answered that they "believe that God exists", while 27% answered that they "believe in a kind of fortitude or living force" and 33% " do not believe in the existence of any kind of spirit, God, nor in a living force."

Another study indicates that 32% of people in France identified themselves as atheists, while another 32% identified themselves as "skeptical about the existence of God, but not atheists."

Existing Jewish community in France has approximately 600 thousand people according to the World Jewish Congress and is the largest in Europe. Estimates of the number of Muslims in France vary widely.

According to the French census in 1999, there were only 3.7 million people of "possible Muslim faith" in France (6.3% of the total population). In 2003, the French Ministry of the Interior estimated the total number of Muslims at 5-6 million.

It is estimated that 200,000 of the 1 million illegal immigrants live in France.

The concept of a secular character has existed in France since 1905, French government it is legally forbidden to recognize any religion (with the exception of the statutes of the succession of military priests and Alsace-Moselle).

Instead, it simply recognizes religious organizations, according to formal legal criteria that do not refer to religious doctrine. Conversely, religious organizations should refrain from interfering in the development of tactics.

Tensions sometimes erupt over alleged discrimination against minorities, especially against Muslims.

Catholicism in France

France has traditionally been a Catholic country, and today approximately 80% of the French population is credited with at least, formally, to the Catholic religion.

In reality, however, France is a very secular country that has played the role of organized religion in the lives of people in France since the revolutions in the 1780s and 1804s.

Many French people who were considered to be Catholics, in fact, were not. Most Catholics in France do not go to church regularly or at all.

Catholic Church in France regarded as highly progressive and keeping pace with the changes of modern society. The former Archbishop of Paris since 1981, Jean Marie Lustiger, was born into a Jewish family in Paris in 1926 and converted to the Catholic religion at the age of 14.

Islam in France

Islam is the second largest religion in Europe. There are currently approximately five million Muslims in France who practice Islam, many of them from North Africa.

Muslims first began to immigrate to France in large numbers during the 1950s and 1960s, when France needed labor to sustain its economic boom.

Muslim community in France was at the center of central controversy, including various attacks from right-wing political groups during the 1980s, and later faced a ban on the practice of Islam in French public schools.

Many French Muslims from North Africa complain of harassment and discrimination from the police and employers.

Protestantism in France

Approximately one million French people in France practice Protestantism. Called Huguenots, Protestants in France were severely persecuted by the Catholic Government in France during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Protestants of France live mainly in the southeastern part of the Massif Central, near the Jura and Alsace mountains in northern France.

John Calvin, a well-known reformer from the Protestant religion, was born in northern France in 1509 and trained in Paris; however, he spent most of his adult life living and working in Geneva.

Judaism in France

The Jewish community in France has existed since Roman times, but it was largely erased during the Middle Ages when it was persecuted and eventually abandoned.

French Jews first received full citizenship in 1790, and beginning in 1808, the Jewish community organized a group called "Consistoire" to serve their interests.

Today there are approximately 650,000 Jews in this group in France, many of whom are recent immigrants who came from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia during the 1960s.

The French communicate very liberated, easily and gracefully. The opinion of the public here does not have such weight as we do, especially if Madame or Monsieur feels 100% right. Authorities and formalities are not honored here. But violent emotions and temperament are welcome, shown in gestures and facial expressions, which is why it is important to take into account French speech etiquette so as not to get into an awkward situation.

In France, they address: "monsieur" to men, "madame" to women and to girls or young unmarried women ("mademoiselle" was canceled).

Business communication and correspondence

Business communication, as well as correspondence, must be conducted in French. The French are sensitive to the use of English or any other language. They try to be punctual, but do not get very angry when a partner, apologizing, appears 15 minutes late.

The treaties concluded by the French are always specific, precise and concise.

The French do not like it when their partners make any changes during negotiations.

Men prefer business clothes, but they often appear in light jackets, but always in an elegant shirt.

Among French entrepreneurs, it is customary to interrupt an interlocutor, to make critical remarks or counterarguments during a discussion. Many important decisions are made at business receptions. They talk about business only after coffee, but not immediately, but after talking about sights, taxes, and also after talking about everyday topics.

Don't bring up religious issues in conversation. marital status, political preferences, problems related to the position in the service.
The French love to visit restaurants and cafes where they serve good wines. If you are invited to dinner, it is better to come 15 minutes later than the appointed time, taking flowers, champagne, sweets, a bottle of expensive wine with you as gifts.
During lunch, you should definitely praise the quality of food and drinks. It is not customary to leave food on a plate, use spices, add salt to food.

It is not customary to address interlocutors by name, unless they themselves have asked for it. It is considered impolite if you do not add "monsieur" or "madame" to traditional greetings such as "bonjour" (hello).

In business, women are addressed with the word "madame" regardless of their marital status.

At a business meeting, you must present your business card. France attaches great importance to education. Therefore, it is recommended to indicate on the card the completed higher educational institution, especially if it enjoys a good reputation.

During negotiations, the French love it when the interlocutor shows his professionalism. disapproves of use foreign words. A business partner who speaks fluent French enjoys special authority.

What is strictly forbidden in communication with the French

1. Here they do not brag about their income. The assessment of personality is influenced by the level of politeness, charm, elegance and taste.
2. The traditional address is "madame" or "monsieur". You can only use your first name if you are directly asked to do so. “Monsieur / madam!” is always added to the “bon jur” greeting. Otherwise, you will be considered impolite.
3. Tipping in a restaurant is usually included on the bill and marked on the menu. If it is not available, add 10 percent of the amount to the bill. Separate tips are given to the cloakroom attendant and doorman. The traditional address to the waitress is “mademoiselle”, the waiter is “garcon”.