Parisian Culture

UNDERSTAND PARIS & ITS PEOPLE A LITTLE BETTER

As a traveler, understanding the local culture helps you enjoy any destination on a much deeper level. That’s why we’re sharing our insight into Paris’s heart and soul, so you can appreciate the city even more during your stay. Get a grasp on French customs and traditions, from practical aspects such as “do you tip in France?” to typical holiday celebrations; learn about the city itself including its size, location, and population; and learn what to expect in Paris in terms of language and cultural differences. Here’s what to know about Parisian culture.

Heart-shaped lock on bridge with Eiffel Tower in background

A Holiday for Les Amoureux

Valentine’s Day in France: How the French Celebrate La Saint-Valentin

While you may think that Valentine’s Day couldn’t be that different from one country to another, you might be surprised by how subdued the celebration is in France, especially if you’re American.

French Galette des Rois tradition

Happening Now in Paris, Parisian Culture

La Galette des Rois: A Delicious French Tradition for Epiphany

If you’re in Paris in late December or January, you’re sure to see the Galette des Rois, the scrumptious King Cake on display in boulangeries, patisseries, and supermarkets. Read on to learn more about this tasty treat and the traditions around it!

Friends toasting with red wine.

Parisian Culture

Beaujolais Nouveau

Wine lovers, it’s time to get your glasses ready! The bottles of this year’s batch of Beaujolais Nouveau arrive Thursday, November 17, 2022, with Paris’s many bars and restaurants ready to celebrate. Bonne dégustation !

French closed sign on Paris restaurant window

Paris Travel Tips, Parisian Culture

What’s Open in Paris in August

With most of the locals exiting the French capital in August, it can sometimes seem like everything closes. Don’t worry though, many businesses remain open all summer long and there are also plenty of fun summertime-only spots that pop up.

Chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies in grass.

Parisian Culture

Easter in France

Easter is right around the corner – in 2022 Easter falls on Sunday, April 17th – and if you’re a francophile, you’re probably wondering how Easter is celebrated in France. You’ll likely find many aspects of the French traditions similar to those in your culture, but there are some interesting Pâques particularities too!

French Galette des Rois tradition

Happening Now in Paris, Parisian Culture

La Galette des Rois: A Delicious French Tradition for Epiphany

Friends toasting with red wine.

Parisian Culture

Beaujolais Nouveau

French closed sign on Paris restaurant window

Paris Travel Tips, Parisian Culture

What’s Open in Paris in August

Chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies in grass.

Parisian Culture

Easter in France

Gastronomic Experiences, Experiences

French Caviar Tasting

The caviar you are about to discover is produced in the Dordogne region to the rhythms of the seasons and the life of sturgeons. This product of excellence, based on the valorization of a unique land and on innovative production techniques, is the reflection of impeccable standards. Research inno…

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Gastronomic Experiences, Experiences

Café Gourmand Cooking Class

This baking class is all about exploring the thoroughly brilliant Parisian concoction – Le Café Gourmand – a wonderful coupling of a good Espresso, a pousse-café* and miniature versions of four or five French pastries. It’s a small, extravagant luxury – go on, treat yourself! *Pousse-café – a li…

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Gastronomic Experiences, Experiences

Market to Table Tour & Cooking Class

Join American expat chef and cook book author Alisa of Sweet Pea Paris, for an authentically Parisian experience. You’ll start your adventure by following Alisa to one of Paris’s best marchés (fresh food markets), where you’ll tour the stalls, meet the merchants, discover local products, a…

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Experiences, Gastronomic Experiences

Champagne & Choux Baking Class

Pâte à Choux or Choux pastry dough is what is used in making so many sexy French treats… Éclairs, Gougères (savory cheese puffs), Choux Salé, Chouquettes, Profiteroles (sweet cream puffs), Saint Honoré-Piece Monté (aka Croquembouche)…

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Experiences, Gastronomic Experiences

Wine & Cheese Pairing

This experience is an excellent opportunity for people who want to have a light introduction to French wines and discover how to pair them perfectly with French cheeses. You’ll get all the basic information you need to know about wine in France, including proper terminology, proper wine ta…

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Guided Tours, Experiences, Gastronomic Experiences

Pastry Tour of Le Marais

Le Marais is arguably the hippest neighborhood in Paris. While some may say that there are too many fashionistas, bobos, and tourists in the area, the charming cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere just can’t be beat. But Le Marais isn’t just about appearances. Local guides Nikki and Frederi…

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Experiences, Gastronomic Experiences

French Wine Tasting in Paris

This is the main session of Wine Tasting in Paris. It will take you on a road trip straight into the heart of French wine country. This tasting is perfect if you want to have a broader understanding and a global view of French wines. A veritable feast of wines will be awaiting you at each sto…

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Selection of hard cheeses

What to Expect from the Fromagerie

How to Shop for Cheese in Paris

We know that shopping for cheese in France’s capital can be intimidating for first timers. That’s why we’re sharing what expect and how to prepare for your trip to the store so you can feel confident in finding the right fromages for you!

Inside Paris metro station

Mistakes to Avoid on the Paris Metro

Dos and Don’ts of the Paris Metro

The Paris subway transports more than 4 million passengers each day, including lots of locals and many tourists too. Here are a few tips to make you seem like a pro even if it’s your first time on the metro.

Glassware on tables in bistro.

The revolutionary restaurant concept conquering Paris

Bistronomy: Gastronomic Cuisine Meets Casual Dining

If you love good food but don’t like the pretention that often goes along with gastronomic culture, bistronomy is for you. This Parisian restaurant concept is all about high-quality meals in a comfortable atmosphere, and at an affordable price. Read on to learn more about this pillar of Parisian …

View of Paris skyline and Eiffel Tower from Montparnasse Tower

Answering the Most Common Questions before a First Trip to Paris

How Big is Paris? & More Basic Facts about the French Capital

So that you can quickly get to know our city a little better and have a clearer idea of what to expect, we’re answering eight questions that cross everyone’s mind before visiting Paris for the first time.

Hotel Grand Amour Paris

Mistakes to Avoid in Restaurants

Dos and Don’ts of Dining in Paris

From how to get free water to the way not to get a server’s attention, these practical tips about Parisian culture will help you dine like a local.

Paris after dark

A Few Tips to Make the Most of Your Time in Paris

Paris is Not 24/7

Don’t plan on running late night errands while in Paris and be prepared for a lot of bars, restaurants, and shops to be closed if you come in August. In addition to these general rules, here are few more helpful things to keep in mind when preparing your stay.

Belle Epoque restaurant in Paris

Where To Go For Authentic & Affordable French Food

Les Bouillons: The Most Typical Parisian Restaurants

With a name that literally means ‘broth’ (one of the signature dishes), these traditional French restaurants serve quality cuisine quickly, and at affordable prices. Read on to learn why you should eat at least one meal at a bouillon when in Paris.

Solo traveler sitting on bench in Paris

Cultural Differences in Conversation

Are the French Really Rude?

The French, Parisians in particular, tend to get a bad rap when it comes to friendliness. After living here for over five years and studying the French language and culture for more than a decade before that, here’s my insight on why tourists might get their feathers a little ruffled when in Paris.

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