AboutTerry Casey Expertise Most experienced for Paris, Loire Valley, Provence, Southwest France, Alsace, Burgundy and Reims/Champagne Country. Terry really likes helping travelers get their trip "flow and pacing" right so that your adventure is neither . . . a bore, NOR a blur! There's so much to enjoy in France that you want to make sure your timing works well and fits your interests, tastes, personal experiences and needs. In the past few years, Terry has also planned and done great trips to Belgium, Germany, Spain, Ireland, England, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Turkey and Switzerland, plus South America and Cuba. Back from wonderful April, 2007, week in Paris. Preparing for summer 2008 England through Baltics cruise.
Experience There is much post 9-11-2001 worry about travel to Europe, but all reports and experiences say things are fine, with proper care and planning. From wide travels in many parts of Europe in 2005, 2006 and 2007, my personal experiences are that things are good there and reasonably behaving Americans are treated well. There were the bombings in London while we were there in 2005, but "things" could happen anywhere in the world. See, enjoy the world and experience its great diversity!
Expert: Terry Casey Date: 5/10/2008 Subject: Paris
Question QUESTION: Hi there. I am interested in knowing the culture in France, particularly Paris. How are the 'parisians' like.. How are the people there like... In terms of how their business etiquette is, gestures etc.. what kind of gestures done would offend the people.. and do they stereotype certain people? Please let me know..thank you for your time
ANSWER: Hi . . . Lisa!
From your general question, you will probably need to narrow it down or give me more details, specifics.
Paris is a very big and diverse city. Lots and lots of people, styles and manners. It is kind of like asking what Germans or Americans are like. We can generalize, but that can be overly-broad and not exactly accurate or fair.
You asked about "business etiquette, gestures". Do you mean among bankers or arts community people? Or tourists in a store or dining places? High-end, bigger budget or lower end? In such a city as Paris, one size does not fit all, nor can it be accurate.
In general, the French are good, friendly, but reserved and proud folks. If you treat them well, they will respond accordingly. They can understand, especially those younger, some English, but they are not comfortable conversing in a language where they are not as experienced or skilled as they would desire. We have never had a rude or bad experience in France. Treating people, being patience when a guest in THEIR country, helps greatly.
TELL ME MORE! Are you writing a school paper or planning to visit there?
ENJOY! Merci Beaucoup!
Thanks. Terry Casey in Columbus, Ohio
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Bonjour! :)
Actually I need the information as I need to write a school paper on the Parisians. Firstly I would like to know the business etiquette in Paris. It doesn't matter for which segment, just a general info on the working people, the community.. As for the gestures, examples like what kind of actions would offend the people? are they touchy? and any kind of body movements would be inappropriate?
As for their culture, are they collective people? As in, do they work together..very family-oriented or are they individualistic? Thank you once again
Answer Hi . . . again . . . Lisa!
Thanks for the added info and follow-up. Those etiquette and gesture questions will vary depending on the types of businesses and economic levels at which it is being conducted.
Since this is for a school report, have you done library or literature searches? More has been written on these subjects and at a better level than where I am experienced as a tourist traveling in Paris and different parts of their country.
For what grade of school/college are you at now and at what level of research depth are you seeking? Lots of books have been written on these subjects.
As a generalization, many Americans tend to want to get to the point quicker, while those in Europe have a little more "personal" or traditional style of doing business and interacting at a slower pace.
On gestures, being respectful is very important and not too rushed or rude.
Does this help a little? What has your other research yielded?
