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When you travel to France, you can't help but be taken in by the French customs and culture. France is a beautiful country, and the stereotype that the French are rude is blissfully wrong. When you take a trip to France, be sure to spend some time taking a break from tourist attractions to soak up the French culture and customs.

Eat Like the French

Everyone seems to associate French culture and customs with food, which isn't a bad place to start. The French love their food, and mealtime is a leisurely affair to be spent with family and friends. While it seems like many Americans try to eat as quickly as possible, often on the run in the car or in front of the television, the French eat slowly and savor each meal. The culture and customs of French eating trend toward long, leisurely meals with smaller portions of rich foods. The French sit at the table to eat (not in front of the television), and eat late dinners, often with multiple courses. And wine almost always accompanies the meal.

Fashion and Style

Fashion and style is often closely associated with France. And while many if the world's top designers hail from France, the custom of French culture is also highly fashionable. The French are, as a whole, well dressed and take pride in their overall appearance. While jeans, t-shirts, and sweatpants are commonplace in the United States, they are far less common in France. Women are known for their high heels, and the graphic t-shirts that are so prevalent in the United States are rarely seen. There is a feeling of formality, and well-made, well-tailored clothes are the norm. While you are in France, take a trip to one of the world-renowned department stores, such as Galleries Lafayette or Printemps to take in some French fashion.

French Customs and Culture for Travelers

There are some French customs and culture to know when you are traveling to France to make your trip more enjoyable. First, slow down. The pace of life in France is much more leisurely ' take the time to enjoy your trip and to soak up the culture around you. Second, be sure to enjoy a meal or two in a French caf'. The caf' culture is an essential part of France, especially in Paris, and no trip to France would be complete without it. When you are in a restaurant, the tip is generally included in your bill; generally, it is considered appropriate to round the bill up to leave an extra Euro or two for good service. And finally, make the effort to try to speak French, even if you can only ask if someone speaks English. http://www.living-in-france.org