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Brits abroad have a terrible reputation.  Europeans on the Continent can spot us from a mile away: we’re the ones dressed in t-shirts and shorts or less when the locals are shivering in their shawls and coats; we’re the ones asking loudly (in English) for egg and chips at a creperie or taverna and we are the ones who keep getting run over when we cross the street because we look the wrong way.

British tourists fall into two broad categories: those who don’t like being away from home comforts and like nothing better than being surrounded by other Brits and those who would rather immerse themselves in the local culture and be as far away from other Brits as possible.  If you are one of the former, stop reading now as this article will not help you.  If you are one of the latter, though, keep reading for tips on how to blend in rather than stick out like a sore thumb next time you visit France.

Firstly, arrive inconspicuously.  If you travel from London Victoria aboard an iDBUS you will be seated amongst other Brits but also French people – it is an international company, owned by SNCF that serves to connect numerous European cities with its coach services.  From London, Paris is about eight or nine hours’ drive with iDBUS Coaches and during that time you will have plenty of space to stretch out (there are only 48 seats on an iDBUS, compared to up to 65 with other companies) and indeed start up conversations with your fellow (international) passengers.

On arrival in Paris Bercy (in central Paris) you will disembark feeling relaxed thanks to your journey, and less crumpled and wrinkled thanks to all the room on board.  Already you are starting to look and act like a local.  If you have travelled overnight then proceed directly to a café selling croissants or baguettes with butter and jam.  If you have children with you, give them a mug of hot chocolate to dip their croissant into.

Then head for a stroll along the Champs Elysees or a day in the Jardin des Plantes, stopping en route to collect a couple of baguettes, some cheese and ham and perhaps some salted crisps to serve as a picnic.  Remember that most French businesses (including cafés and shops) tend to close for an hour or two over lunch, and that restaurants do not generally open to serve evening meals until after 7pm.  That might be a bit late for your children, so make sure you have other arrangements in place (cafés still serve food until early evening, for instance).

If you decide to head to a restaurant for dinner make sure that your children know that they will be expected to sit down and behave.  Most European countries are far more tolerant of children in ‘grown-up’ restaurants than they are in the UK but it is expected that parents will have taught their children things like table manners.

Brush up on your French and bon voyage!