Last updated on February 10th, 2026 at 11:55 am

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How Do You Greet People in Paris?

How do you greet people in Paris?
In Paris, greetings are short, essential, and non-negotiable. You don’t need charm, fluency, or enthusiasm. You need the right word at the right moment. Paris doesn’t ask for warmth on demand. It asks for acknowledgment.

This guide explains exactly how Parisians greet each other, how tourists should greet locals, what to say in shops, cafés, and restaurants, and what mistakes quietly ruin interactions.

Paris greetings are not decoration. They’re structure.

The One Word That Matters Most: “Bonjour”

If you learn nothing else, learn this.

“Bonjour” is the default greeting in Paris. It is used:

When entering a shop
When approaching a counter
When speaking to staff
When addressing strangers

Skipping “bonjour” is not dramatic, but it is noticeable. It signals abruptness, not rudeness exactly, just… poor form.

Say it once. Calmly. Everything improves.

When to Say “Bonsoir” Instead

Time matters.

Bonjour → until early evening
Bonsoir → from evening onward

You don’t need to overthink it. If it’s dark or dinner time, “bonsoir” is safe.

Using “bonjour” at night won’t cause outrage, but Paris appreciates accuracy.

Greeting in Shops and Boutiques

This is where tourists slip.

Correct Way

Enter
Make eye contact
Say bonjour

That’s it. You can browse silently after.

Incorrect Way

Enter and say nothing
Walk straight to a question in English
Ignore staff presence

Paris shops are social spaces, not silent retail boxes.

Greeting in Cafés and Restaurants

Same rule, slightly higher stakes.

When you arrive:

Make eye contact
Say bonjour (or bonsoir)

When you leave:

Merci
Often followed by au revoir

This is not performance. It’s acknowledgment.

How to Greet Someone You’re Speaking To Directly

If you’re about to ask a question:

Bonjour
Then speak

Even in English.

“Bonjour, do you speak English?” works infinitely better than just “Do you speak English?”

Paris responds to sequence.

Do You Shake Hands in Paris?

Sometimes. Context matters.

Professional settings: yes
Introductions: often
Casual encounters: less common

Handshakes are:

Brief
Light
Not aggressive

No power grip contests. This is not a networking event.

What About Cheek Kissing (La Bise)?

Let’s slow down.

La bise is:

Common between friends
Common among acquaintances
Rare with strangers

Tourists do not need to initiate cheek kisses.

If someone leans in, follow their lead. Otherwise, don’t invent intimacy.

Paris has rules. They’re invisible but firm.

Greeting Friends vs Strangers

Friends

Bonjour or salut
La bise or casual hello

Strangers

Bonjour
Neutral tone
Respectful distance

Paris is friendly within boundaries.

“Salut” vs “Bonjour”: Important Difference

Bonjour → polite, neutral, universal
Salut → informal, friendly, familiar

Use bonjour unless:

You know the person
You are among friends
The setting is casual

Calling a shopkeeper “salut” is overly familiar. Paris notices.

Do You Greet People in Elevators or Hallways?

Sometimes, quietly.

In small buildings:

A soft “bonjour” is normal

In large public spaces:

No greeting expected

Paris reads context quickly. Follow the room.

How Loud Should Greetings Be?

Lower than you think.

Paris greetings are:

Calm
Measured
Unforced

Loud enthusiasm can feel intrusive. Soft confidence works better.

Greeting in English: Is That Okay?

Yes. With one condition.

Always:

Start with bonjour

Then continue in English if needed.

This signals respect, not submission. Paris is multilingual, not fragile.

Common Greeting Mistakes Tourists Make

Let’s avoid silent disapproval.

Mistakes to Avoid

Not greeting at all
Jumping straight into English
Over-apologizing
Being overly familiar too quickly
Confusing politeness with friendliness

Paris is polite first. Friendly later.

Why Greetings Matter So Much in Paris

This isn’t about ego. It’s about structure.

Greetings in Paris:

Acknowledge presence
Establish tone
Create social order

Skipping them feels like cutting the line. Not illegal, just frowned upon.

How Parisians React When You Greet Correctly

Here’s the quiet reward.

When you greet properly:

Service improves
Responses soften
English often appears voluntarily

Paris opens doors slowly, but greetings are the key.

What If You Forget?

Nothing terrible happens.

Just:

Say bonjour when you remember
Continue politely

Paris forgives mistakes. It doesn’t love entitlement.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Enter a place → bonjour
Evening → bonsoir
Leaving → merci, au revoir
Unsure → default to bonjour

Simple. Effective. Paris-approved.

Final Answer: How Do You Greet People in Paris?

You greet people in Paris by:

Saying bonjour when you arrive
Using bonsoir in the evening
Keeping it brief and polite
Respecting context and distance

You don’t need charm.
You don’t need French fluency.
You need awareness.

Paris doesn’t demand friendliness.
It demands recognition.