DRAGOMAN

CHRONICLES

travel updates and advisories

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Chronicles

Brandon Keene

Nicholas Crowder

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FRANCE - TRAVEL, ETIQUETTE FOR BEING A GUEST IN A FRENCH HOME

Being invited to a French home for an evening meal is a rare treat. Following a few simple rules can make the event enjoyable and favorably impress your host as to your knowledge of French etiquette.

The French are generally a very private people and this is especially true regarding their family and home. Even among friends, entertaining is often conducted away from home. If you are given an invitation it will usually be to arrive around 7:00 pm. Be punctual and do not arrive early. You do not want to rush the host as they have probably prepared most of the day for the evening. Dress as if you are going out to a restaurant. You may also ask for the door code since most apartments have a front door which is locked. When you arrive you will be introduced to the others present. Remember during your conversations never be overly personal. This includes not asking what others do for a living, their income, information about family members or even the age of someone. Other taboo subjects are how much was paid for something, nuclear testing and politics in front of women. Good topics of conversation are French history and culture. However, I once was in Paris on assignment and having dinner at a friend's home when one of the guests from the U.S. brought up the involvement of the U.S. military during WWII. That was not wise on his part. 

At the beginning of the evening you will probably be offered a cocktail and there will be crackers and nuts to nibble on. Be careful not to load up on these since dinner will probably not be served for another hour. At the dinner I mentioned above, my American friend requested wine prior to dinner. This is another problem. A more appropriate request would have been a whiskey or martini as they are more common before dinner. Wine will be offered when dinner is served. When presented your cocktail it is polite to stand up to receive it. Also, you should remain in the room where the host has brought you. It would be rude to follow the host into the kitchen and do not help yourself to the bar or open cabinets or drawers because something looks interesting. NEXT PAGE.

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