Only in France: Exploring the Unusual and Memorable Moments
Have you ever wondered what it is that makes France so unique?
Unexpected Customs and Traditions
From the moment my flight to Paris from the United States touched down before 8:00 am, I was faced with an interesting Parisian tradition. The airport was fairly empty as we queued for the immigration checkpoint. After a few people had processed through customs, all the windows would close, and a young woman in a uniform would step out to inform us it was “coffee and croissant” break time. With no other options, our planeload of people just stood in line for about ten minutes until the checkpoint windows reopened. To our surprise, we found it rather amusing. This episode highlights the charm and humor that often accompanies dealing with customs in France.
Service and Conveniences
One of the memorable experiences I had during my time in the fishing and beach town of Grau du Roi was visiting an upscale convenience store. My family and I were enjoying wine on the beach while my children played in the Mediterranean. When our supply of wine ran low, I needed more, so I headed back to the local shop expecting to find basic goods. What I found there was something entirely different!
People were shopping for snacks, cigarettes, bottled water, and, most surprisingly for me, wine. I approached the counter, and the beautiful woman behind the counter became my unexpected wine sommelier. She from the United States, this would be considered a 'wine cave!' Given the cultural norms in France, she presented me with five different wines to choose from, all with recommendations based on how I intended to consume them, whether with a meal or not. It was a fantastic experience, and it exemplifies the high standards and attention to detail that one often encounters in France.
Challenges and Cultural Differences
After seven years of living in France, there are too many memorable yet challenging moments to recount. For instance, one time, I was caught for drink driving, but the authorities didn't pursue charges. Instead, I received a stern lecture and a fine for jumping red lights, a precise infraction that might not have been taken as seriously in the UK.
Moreover, while car-parked and a taxi called for me, this type of service would have been almost unheard of in the UK, where I would have faced the judge early in the morning for dealing with similar incidents. This reflects the practical and sometimes humane approach to law enforcement in France, which is different from the punitive approach often seen in other countries.
Workplace Dynamics and Cultural Attitudes
French culture has its unique quirks, especially in the workplace. For instance, I witnessed a scene in a department store in Marseille, one of the busiest places in France, where two female staff members were having a fierce argument with expletives, completely oblivious to my presence. This situation is common in many large French organizations due to the minimum wage workers receive and the restrictive labor laws, leading to frequent 'bitchfests' and low job turnover. In contrast, smaller shops often have impeccable service because they are typically run by owners or family members who personally serve the customers.
An example of this dynamic comes from a Parisian department store, Lancel, where I hesitated over purchasing a 500 euro leather holdall. The young lady almost aggressively pointed out, ‘mais c'est un sac en cuir monsieur!’ Despite her pushy manner, I knew France extremely well and am not easily offended by such behavior. It is a testament to the often unexpected and sometimes confrontational nature of French retail experiences.
Conclusion
France is a country teeming with cultural peculiarity and unique experiences that can be both delightful and challenging. From the surprising customs at the airport to the surreal encounter of a wine sommelier in a convenience store, France offers a rich tapestry of memorable moments that are only experienced in this fantastic country.