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DISCOVERIES
TRAVELLER
23
ILLUSTRATION TANG YAU HOONG
ON THE GROUND
Make like a Parisian
On the surface, Parisians
may seem very similar
to other urbanites, but,
having lived in their city now for a
few years, I can reveal some subtle
differences. Cracking the cultural
code is a game, but it’s a real joy
when you do start to understand
Paris from their perspective. Simply
follow the rules and you’ll fit right in.
The first thing to remember is
that style is very important to the
Parisians. Pack light, pack black,
pack layers and don’t forget your
scarf. You never know for sure
where your day may take you, so be
ready for anything. This season you’ll
spot a lot of polka dots – they’re
the new stripes. Also, look for new
ways the French are mixing in subtle
patterns to their classic wardrobes.
If worse comes to worst, you’ll have
to go shopping – if so, make sure to
try along Rue Abbesses in the 18th
arrondissement.
Step two is behaviour. What you
wear on your face is as important as
the garments on your body. Being in
such an incredible city might tempt
you to grin from ear to ear, but save
those smiles for the inside. A poker
face will also minimise unwanted
advances by street sellers, touts
and scammers. In particular, ignore
anyone who asks if you’ve dropped
jewellery – it’s a trick.
Don’t forget your manners, either.
Parisian etiquette is simple, but the
rules are easily forgotten. Of course,
a “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur”
when you enter an establishment,
and “Merci, au revoir,” when you
depart, will help set you apart from
those other unappreciative tourists.
If you really want to show off, leave
the conversation with a “Bonne
continuation!” (Enjoy what is yet
to come)... basically, good day and
good luck rolled into one.
By all means, try out your
rudimentary French, but don’t freak
out if someone speaks English
back to you. It happens to the most
accomplished of us. The French like
to practise their language skills too.
Knowing the rules is one thing, but
putting them to use is another. Your
homework is to find a café where
you can sit
en terrasse (
ie, outside
)
and watch the world go by
.
A place
like La Terrasse (
laterrassedu7.
com
), by the École Militaire metro,
is great for this, as you will easily
differentiate the locals from the
tourists here (the more advanced
should try Café Charlot in the Marais;
cafecharlotparis.com
). Don’t forget
to announce yourself with a friendly
“Bonjour...”
As you put your people-watching
skills to work over a coffee or
une verre du vin,
observing the way
the fabulous French are sporting
their scarves this season. I can
guarantee you’ll start to feel more
ike a local, rather than just a visitor.
Good luck with your undercover
assignments and
bon voyage!
Anne Stark Ditmeyer is a graphic
designer/editor and founder of
pret-a-voyager.com
The rules of Parisian etiquette are simple,
but easily forgotten
American inParis
AnneStarkDitmeyer
explainswhat it takes tobe“in” intheCityofLight