Customs
French culture is of paramount importance to the French
and in an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to
protect it. It is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of
French; they do not respond well to being shouted at in English.
While the food is second to none, foreigners may find the service
in many restaurants sloppy; waiters can appear rude (particularly
in Paris) and take their time. This is just the way they are.
Traditional games such as pétanque (similar to lawn bowling but
played on gravel) are popular in village squares, but the national
sports are soccer, rugby and cycling. Smoking in public places is
not allowed and will incur heavy fines.
