millie2112

I think the only thing that makes a tourist stand out is their behaviour rather than the clothes they wear.
I wear jeans and nice shirts/jumpers. and some nice walking shoes.

starrs

You are doomed.
Go ahead and wear it but that has nothing to do with "American style".

kerouac

Frankly, I am a bit offended by the people here who think that just because someone does not know how to dress, they would not know how to behave politely and respectfully in a foreign country.

VANAARLE

Reading the comments it appears that some fashion police are on this forum.
Has anyone noticed the Op never has been back since posting the question.

cheska15

kerouac I am embarrassed to admit this and on our first trip to Paris in 1980 I did not know about the social etiquette in France. Put it down being young, lack of research and ignorance.

coral22

I think OPs often get overwhelmed with the barrage of answers, sit back and digest what rings true to them, use that, and don't respond again.

In fairness to us that responded to the fashion question, she did feel uncertain enough to ask.

I hope I didn't insult anyone with my suggestion to enter a business with a "bon jour." I am sure everyone's manners are wonderful. I am an American and it is more traditional for the proprietor to initiate the first greeting. My children had to instruct us that in France, it was insulting to enter without a greeting. Sometimes you don't know until you experience it. I also had to be told to talk more softly and to not be so chatty. We once were in a restaurant in Lisbon and had a friendly, playful waiter who made a comment about Americans. We asked him what was the first clue someone was an American and he said, you take up so much space with your hand gestures and loud, constant conversation. We had encouraged him to be blunt and were hopeful that he could be, because he didn't feel we were representing that segment. Cultural norms are sensitive and specific, I would always prefer to know and not insult anyone.

cheska15

coral22. Me too. Here in Australia if I’m shopping locally I do say hello, and other shops I wouldn’t. I do have to remind myself to do it in France.

Heimdall

It’s awhile since I’ve been to France, but I agree with the etiquette of greeting with “bonjour madam”, but then you fall into the “madam - mademoiselle” dilemma. Would a young woman be offended by being called madam?

kerouac

Not at all, but the correct word is madame. I always thought a madam was the manager of a whorehouse:

danon

😸
It seems people are getting too worried, not only about what to wear in Paris, but also how to address the locals.
I occasionally travel with a friend who greets people in English (with a friendly smile) wherever we are.
. She has never been denied service in a store or restaurants…

kerouac

Not being denied service and receiving friendly and useful service are often two different things.

But it's true that speaking French is not the deciding factor.

Heimdall

Haha, of course you are right. 🤣

danon

I was being facetious ….
…the services tourists normally need are related to accommodation, restaurants , shopping…, most sellers are glad to provide it be it in Paris or Moscow.
Unless one needs a doctor or car mechanic, why worry …

ekscrunchy

RainyCirtyGirl..Sorry I did not respond until now. Your response about a day trip to Tangier was so interesting and well written. I fully intended to go and thought I would go without a guide. But I only had a week in Cadiz province and somehow, I never found time to do the trip. I am hoping to return next March for 2 weeks and then will definitely give it a go....or maybe fly into Morocco and spend a few days there before taking the ferry over to Tarifa. Thank you again for your help....

raincitygirl

Hi ekscrunchy, oh well, it sounds like you had a nice trip where you were, another time then. Tangier will be there.
We are going to Sevilla in June, hoping to do a day trip to Cadiz, did you enjoy it there?

Travel_To_Eat

My experience is nobody cares and if you don't dress like the Parisiens, whatever that means, you will blend in with the massive amount of tourists.