Ignorant tourists often put their foot in their mouth when travelling abroad. To avoid embarrassing situations and inconvenience, here are a few tips for holidaymakers in France.

Politeness. Anyone entering a shop should greet you and say "Merci" after the service. In France, it is also obligatory to be polite. Using the first name and entering a shop without a greeting is offensive.

Church visits, Even if it is not seen as strictly in France as in Italy, for example, churches should not be entered in shorts and a tank top. This not only looks offensive in a place of worship, but also leaves the image of Germans as typically bohemian.

Thieves. A car parked in the city or in front of a castle with a German licence plate attracts thieves. Always remove all valuables from the car, because here too, opportunity makes thieves.

Menu for tourists. A "Menu touristique" is usually quite cheap, but often of inferior quality. It's better to eat where the locals eat, even if it costs a little more. You can recognise such restaurants by the cars with French number plates parked in the car park.

Behaviour in a restaurant. A restaurant in France is a place to eat. After the meal, you might have a coffee, but then ask for the bill and leave the restaurant. It is not usual to sit together for longer after the meal.

When you enter the restaurant, you wait until you are allocated a seat.

Separate bills are not common in France. One guest pays the entire bill.