Formalities - why Bonjour is the word of the day and other Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France Local Custom Tips

The French are very polite to strangers and expect the same in return, or it is considered disrespectful. For example they still use the formal term for 'you' ('vous' rather than 'tu' in French) which is the archaic 'thou' in English - when speaking to strangers (except small children). That gives you an idea of how culturally ingrained this polite behavior is.

So, unless you are rude to start with, things normally go OK.

What is rude? Well, a major rude thing many tourists do is going into a store or restaurant without acknowledging the owner/workers with a friendly 'bonjour' and instead, starting things off with demands (usually in English) rather than greetings.

It is customary to say 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' (good day or good evening) first. Even 'Hello' is better than nothing! Even at the checkout line of the supermarket!

Fail to do this, and suddenly you find 'those snobby French' being cold to you -- and that's because you just acted like their stereotypes of boorish English or American tourists - which around here are also quite strong, and sadly well-deserved.

I just once found myself on the receiving end of rude service when I started out being friendly. Big deal - I've had worse waiters in Chicago.

I've also had waiters/waitresses thank me and be extra friendly for my attempt at speaking French - especially in the middle of the busy season, clearly relieved at having a guest who was polite and nice to deal with.

Are there French here in Chamonix who dislike the English ? - Yes, some - and more the Brits specifically than English-speakers in general (there is a huge ex-pat UK community here and some fear they are 'taking over'). Is this always the case? No - one of the weddings in Cham this summer was between a UK ex-pat and an old Chamonix family...so things can move forwards!

Don't add fuel to the fire - build the bridge rather than burn it!
Article on French culture

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Website: http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish

The reputation of bad service (especially as observed by Americans travelling to France and Europe) is usually a misunderstanding of the difference in the attitude which the French (and often other Europeans) take towards their meals. Meals are times to gather with friends, talk and enjoy the food - not a time to be rushed or to meet a new waiter with a pushy personality. People expect to not be overly bothered while enjoying their meals.

Therefore, don't expect to get the bill with your food, for example. It is considered rude to 'drop the bill' on someone's table without that person requesting it. If you are in a rush - make that clear before sitting down.

Otherwise, sit back and relax and enjoy. The normal time allowed for lunch breaks in France is 2.5 hours! If you want to get the bill soon, request 'L'addition, s'il vous plait' when you order your coffee or desserts at the end of the meal.

Tip between 5-10%, by the way - not 15-20%, as waiters here get paid better than their American counterparts and don't expect huge tips.

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Website: http://france.12bookhotels.com/country_guides/culture.htm

This rule applies when hiking on narrow mountain trails or when 2 cars are meeting on a narrow lane on a hill. The uphill party has the right-of-way and should not be forced to stop - the downhill party should give-way.

Not only is this polite, it will help to prevent accidents - especially in winter when roads and trails are slippery.

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This one is fun. It's traditional that if you lose a piece of bread in the fondue pot, you will owe everyone a round of drinks!

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