Street Behavior

Sidewalk Etiquette

Navigation Rules: - Walk right generally - Don't block entire sidewalk - Step aside for phone calls - Moderate walking speed - Acknowledge collisions - Keep groups compact

Noise Levels

French streets are surprisingly quiet compared to many cultures:

Volume Expectations: - Conversational tones only - No shouting across streets - Moderate laughter - Quiet phone calls - Minimal public music - Respect residential areas

Photography Etiquette

Respectful Photography: - Ask before photographing individuals - Be discrete in residential areas - Respect privacy in cafés - Avoid photos during meals - Don't block pedestrian flow - Mind security restrictions

Cultural Context Box: The Right to Image

French law protects "droit à l'image" (image rights). Publishing photos of identifiable individuals without consent can bring legal issues. This reflects deep French values around privacy and personal control.