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Top ten tips: How to pass for a Parisian

Paris is changing, albeit slowly, but the new generation of Parisians still have their own customs, cultures and way of life that are slightly different to anywhere else. Here are The Local's top tips for how we foreigners can blend in.

Published: 3 May 2013 14:44 CEST
Top ten tips: How to pass for a Parisian

Residents of the French capital are often considered a breed apart, not just by foreigners but also by the rest of France.

The way of life in Paris is a little different to anywhere else on earth and even though times are changing, with a younger generation on the march, modern Parisians still have their own customs and way of life.

Which means the rest of us still stand out a mile.

Never fear, though, there are certain steps that can be taken to help us foreigners blend in and feel more at one with the locals. Whether it's when out shopping, dancing or drinking, there are instances when it's best to follow the old adage of 'when in Paris, do as the Parisians do'.

CLICK HERE FOR TEN TIPS ON HOW TO PASS FOR A PARISIAN

Can you think of any more? Let us know in the comments section below.

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PARIS

Fluffy nuisance: Outcry as Paris sends Invalides rabbits into exile

Efforts to relocate wild rabbits that are a common sight on the lawns of the historic Invalides memorial complex have provoked criticism from animal rights groups.

Published: 14 February 2024 13:01 CET
Fluffy nuisance: Outcry as Paris sends Invalides rabbits into exile

Tourists and Parisians have long been accustomed to the sight of wild rabbits frolicking around the lawns of Les Invalides, one of the French capital’s great landmarks.

But efforts are underway to relocate the fluffy animals, accused of damaging the gardens and drains around the giant edifice that houses Napoleon’s tomb, authorities said.

Police said that several dozen bunnies had been captured since late January and relocated to the private estate of Breau in the Seine-et-Marne region outside Paris, a move that has prompted an outcry from animal rights activists.

“Two operations have taken place since 25 January,” the police prefecture told AFP.

“Twenty-four healthy rabbits were captured on each occasion and released after vaccination” in Seine-et-Marne, the prefecture said.

Six more operations are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

Around 300 wild rabbits live around Les Invalides, according to estimates.

“The overpopulation on the site is leading to deteriorating living conditions and health risks,” the prefecture said.

Authorities estimate the cost of restoring the site, which has been damaged by the proliferation of underground galleries and the deterioration of gardens, pipes and flora, at €366,000.

Animal rights groups denounced the operation.

The Paris Animaux Zoopolis group said the rabbits were being subjected to “intense stress” or could be killed “under the guise of relocation”.

“A number of rabbits will die during capture and potentially during transport,” said the group, accusing authorities of being “opaque” about their methods.

The animal rights group also noted that Breau was home to the headquarters of the Seine-et-Marne hunting federation.

The police prefecture insisted that the animals would not be hunted.

In 2021, authorities classified the rabbits living in Paris as a nuisance but the order was reversed following an outcry from animal groups who have been pushing for a peaceful cohabitation with the animals.

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