Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and while most tourists try to enjoy its beauty respectfully, some behaviors frustrate both Parisians and other visitors.
1. Speaking Loudly Everywhere
Paris is a bustling city, but Parisians value quiet, especially in museums, churches, and on public transport.
Tourists speaking loudly—often to be heard in a group—draw annoyed stares from locals and other visitors.
2. Using Selfie Sticks in Museums
Many Paris museums, like the Louvre, ban selfie sticks because they’re disruptive and can damage exhibits.
Tourists who ignore these rules annoy both staff and visitors, especially in crowded spaces.
Swinging a selfie stick around for the perfect shot blocks views and risks knocking over fragile artifacts.
3. Blocking Sidewalks by Walking in Large, Slow-Moving Groups
Paris streets and sidewalks aren’t designed for sprawling groups taking up the entire path.
When tourists wander aimlessly in large packs, locals rushing to work and other visitors trying to explore find it frustrating.
This behavior is especially annoying in popular spots like Montmartre or near the Eiffel Tower, where crowds are already hard to navigate. It’s a city that thrives on movement, so when groups stall, it creates chaos.
4. Not Respecting Queuing Rules
Paris is a city where lines (or “queues”) are taken seriously, especially at museums like the Louvre or landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
Tourists cutting in line or ignoring signs irritate everyone waiting patiently.
This behavior creates unnecessary tension and slows the process for everyone. Even small actions, like standing in the wrong area, can disrupt the flow in these busy spaces.
5. Photographing People Without Permission
Paris is full of stylish locals and fascinating street scenes, but snapping pictures of people without asking first is considered rude.
Parisians value their privacy, and even other tourists might feel uncomfortable being photographed unknowingly.
6. Treating Waitstaff Disrespectfully
Actions like snapping fingers, whistling, or calling out “garçon” or “waiter” are seen as extremely rude.
While this might be acceptable in some countries, it’s not the case in France.
Parisians expect diners to show respect to waitstaff, and this behavior comes across as dismissive.
7. Loudly Comparing Everything to Their Home Country
While it’s natural to notice differences between Paris and home, loudly comparing everything in a negative way can feel disrespectful.
Tourists who do this—whether about food portions, transportation, or prices—seem dismissive of the city they’re visiting.
Locals find it insulting, and other tourists may feel uncomfortable hearing constant complaints instead of appreciation.
8. Not Giving Up Seats on Public Transport
In Paris, it’s expected to give up seats on buses and the Métro for the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
Tourists who ignore this custom frustrate locals, as it’s seen as a basic courtesy.
Other passengers often notice and quietly judge those who don’t follow this unspoken rule.
9. Mispronouncing French Words Loudly and Refusing to Try
While Parisians understand tourists may struggle with French, they dislike when people mock their language or loudly mispronounce words without making any effort to improve.
Some tourists even assume locals will find this funny, but it often comes across as disrespectful.
French people appreciate politeness and effort, and other tourists might cringe when they hear someone shouting “par-lez vooong FRENCH?!” in public.
10. Not Saying “Bonjour” or “Merci” When Interacting With Locals
Politeness is a big deal in France, and skipping greetings like “bonjour” (hello) or “merci” (thank you) can make locals feel disrespected.
Parisians may seem cold, but they value good manners. Tourists who ignore this often come across as rude, even if they don’t mean to.
Other travelers also find it embarrassing because it reinforces stereotypes about disrespectful visitors.
11. Littering or Leaving Trash in Iconic Areas
Paris takes pride in its beauty, and tourists who leave litter near landmarks like the Seine or Sacré-Cœur disrespect that effort.
Parisians see trash as a blight on their city, while other travelers hate that it ruins the picturesque atmosphere they came to experience.
Worse, it often encourages more littering, which can quickly turn beautiful spots into unpleasant ones.
12. Standing in the Middle of the Road or Bike Lanes for Selfies
With Paris’s stunning backdrops, it’s tempting to stop for photos everywhere.
But standing in bike lanes or streets causes accidents and frustrates locals trying to get around.
This is especially common near landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe or along the Seine.
13. Rushing Through Museums Without Respecting the Quiet Atmosphere
Parisian museums like the Louvre and Orsay are meant to be savored, not rushed.
Tourists who talk loudly, take flash photos, or breeze past exhibits disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
It’s disrespectful to art and culture, and people who came to admire the exhibits often find it frustrating.
14. Taking Selfies at Inappropriate Historical Sites
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While selfies are fun, taking them in solemn locations like Holocaust memorials, cemeteries, or inside churches feels disrespectful.
These sites hold deep cultural or historical meaning, and treating them as backdrops for Instagram photos upsets both locals and tourists seeking a reflective experience.
Paris has no shortage of picturesque places, but some spots are meant for quiet reverence, not social media.
15. Touching or Mishandling Museum Artifacts
Some tourists forget that “do not touch” signs in museums are there to protect centuries-old artifacts.
Touching paintings, sculptures, or fragile exhibits damages them over time.
This behavior can also lead to stricter rules for everyone, like roped-off displays or fewer interactive exhibits.
16. Feeding Pigeons in Public Spaces
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Feeding pigeons may seem harmless, but in Paris, it’s frowned upon.
The birds become aggressive, create messes, and damage monuments with droppings.
Locals dislike the chaos it causes in public squares, and other tourists may find the experience unpleasant when flocks of birds swarm.
Feeding them often encourages more to gather, making it a problem for everyone.
17. Throwing Coins into Fountains
While tossing coins into fountains is a popular tradition in places like Rome’s Trevi Fountain, where it’s believed to ensure a return visit and the collected money supports local charities, this practice isn’t common in Paris.
In fact, throwing coins into Parisian fountains can cause maintenance issues and is generally discouraged.
18. Being Unaware of Personal Space
Parisians value their personal space, especially in crowded places like the Métro, museums, or cafés.
Tourists standing too close in lines, leaning over someone’s table, or bumping into others without acknowledging it can come across as intrusive.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
