French Etiquette - Restaurants and Meals

The French are known for their etiquette and love of la politesse.  Below are a few things to remember while staying in France, which may be very different from what you're used to in the US!

Note:  Do not get grumpy if the meal is taking too long.  Americans are used to eating a quick meal, even when at a restaurant, but the French consider a meal a pleasant luxury to be enjoyed.  Take your time and remember - you are having an amazingly delicious meal in the south of France!

Eating at Someone's House

• Bring a gift for the host such as a bottle of wine (French, of course), chocolates, or a small plant or flowers.
• Arrive 15 minutes late, which gives the host time to finish preparing.  If you'll be later than that, call or text.
• When toasting, always look your toasting partner in the eyes and never cross arms with someone.
• Do not start eating until your host says, "Bon appétit!".
• Keep your hands on the table at all times.
• Always use the fork in your left and the knife in the right.
• Break off pieces of a baguette with your hands; never slice it.  Keep the bread on the table next to your plate, never on your plate.
• Do not use your hands to eat (even for pizza) - only for the bread and sopping up any remaining juices on your plate.  
• Finish your plate, but do not ask for seconds.  If there is any food left, your host will offer it.
• When you are finished eating, place your fork and knife parallel on the right side of the plate.

Dining out

• Arrive on time.
• Greet the host or hostess with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir."
• Tell them how many you have in your party by saying, "On est quatre," for example.
• Greet the server with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir."
• Close your menu to indicate that you are ready to order.  By the way, in France, "entrée" is a smaller plate of food you eat before your meal.  The main dish will be called "le plat."
• Never snap your fingers and call, "Garçon!".  You can catch the server's eye and nod or say, "S'il vous plaît...".
• Keep your hands on the table at all times.  
• Always use the fork in your left and the knife in the right.
• Break off pieces of a baguette with your hands; never slice it.  Keep the bread on the table next to your plate, never on your plate.
• Do not use your hands to eat (even for pizza) - only for the bread and sopping up any remaining juices on your plate.
• When you are finished eating, place your fork and knife parallel on the right side of the plate.
• When you are ready for your bill, catch the server's eye and pretend to sign the receipt mid-air.
• It is not necessary to tip in France (it is included in the bill), but you can leave a couple of Euro on the table if you'd like to.  
• At most places in Montpellier, you will pay inside, even if you haven't received your check yet.
• They will be able to divide the meals so each person can pay their own portion.  When you go inside to pay at the bar, you will tell them what you had for your meal and they will total it up.

Bon appétit!