Cultural surprises go both ways.
Visitors to France often notice long lunches, formal greetings, and fresh baguettes.
But French people are just as likely to be surprised when they visit English-speaking countries.
Some habits feel friendly.
Others feel confusing.
Many simply reflect different ways of thinking about everyday life.
Here are some English-speaking habits that often surprise French people.
1. Smiling at Strangers
In countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia, smiling at people you don’t know is common.
You might smile at:
- a cashier
- someone passing on the sidewalk
- a neighbor
- another customer in a shop
Many French visitors notice this immediately.
In France, smiles are often more connected to an actual interaction than to simple eye contact.
2. Starting Conversations with “How Are You?”
A shop assistant may say:
“Hi! How are you today?”
A cashier may ask the same question.
French visitors sometimes wonder:
“Do they really want to know?”
In English, “How are you?” is often a greeting rather than a genuine request for a detailed health report.
The expected answer is usually short:
“Good, thanks. How are you?”
3. Calling Teachers by Their First Name
In many English-speaking schools and universities, students may call teachers:
- Sarah
- John
- Emily
instead of:
- Mrs. Smith
- Mr. Brown
For many French people, this feels surprisingly informal.
They’re more accustomed to saying:
Madame
or:
Monsieur
throughout their education.
4. Eating Lunch Quickly
Many English-speaking workers eat lunch in thirty minutes or less.
Some eat at their desks while answering emails.
French visitors often find this surprising.
In France, lunch has traditionally been treated as a real break rather than simply a pause between meetings.
5. Drinking Coffee While Walking
It’s common to see people carrying large takeaway coffees on the street.
Some drink coffee while commuting.
Others finish it in the car.
In France, coffee is more often enjoyed while sitting down, even if only for a few minutes.
The coffee is small.
The pause is the important part.
6. Talking to Strangers More Easily
English speakers often start conversations with people they’ve never met.
At a bus stop.
In an elevator.
While waiting in line.
A simple comment about the weather can become a friendly chat.
French visitors sometimes find this openness surprising, especially in larger cities.
7. Larger Restaurant Portions
Restaurant meals in many English-speaking countries can be noticeably larger.
Taking leftovers home is also common.
French visitors may be surprised by both the portion sizes and the expectation that unfinished food can become tomorrow’s lunch.
8. Very Friendly Customer Service
Employees may greet customers enthusiastically with:
“Hi! Welcome!”
or:
“Have an amazing day!”
To many English speakers, this feels normal.
To some French visitors, it can seem unusually energetic.
The friendliness is part of the service culture rather than a sign of personal friendship.
9. Free Refills
In many restaurants, soft drinks, coffee, or tea may come with unlimited refills.
French visitors are often surprised by this.
In France, ordering another drink usually means paying for another drink.
10. More Informal Workplaces
Employees may dress casually.
Managers may invite everyone to use first names.
Meetings may feel less formal.
French professionals sometimes notice that hierarchy is less visible in many English-speaking workplaces, especially in technology companies and startups.
Neither Culture Is More Polite
French people are sometimes described as formal.
English speakers are often described as friendly.
Both descriptions contain a little truth.
But they focus on different ways of showing respect.
French politeness often begins with:
- formal greetings
- appropriate titles
- respectful distance
English-speaking politeness often emphasizes:
- smiling
- friendliness
- casual conversation
- making others feel comfortable
The destination is similar.
The route is different.
Small Habits Reveal Big Values
Most cultural surprises are not about famous landmarks.
They’re about ordinary moments.
A greeting.
A lunch break.
A coffee.
A conversation with a stranger.
These everyday habits reveal how different societies think about politeness, community, work, and personal space.
For French visitors, English-speaking countries can feel surprisingly open, relaxed, and informal.
For English speakers visiting France, France can feel more structured and reserved.
Neither is strange once you understand the culture behind it.
They’re simply two different ways of making everyday life work.