Posted on 12/11/2013 5:33:33 PM PST by nickcarraway
The owners of a café in the south of France have struck a blow for good old-fashioned French politeness, with a sign charging extra for customers who forget their manners while ordering their coffee.
The French are well-known for their love of everyday formalities. While much of the Western world can sometimes seem to get through the day with grunts and nods, the French insist on sprinkling their exchanges with a “Madame” here and a “C’est trop gentil” there.
Baguette purchases must be preceded by a mandatory “Bonjour”, and it’s de rigeur to wish complete strangers a good afternoon, even when leaving an elevator.
So what happens if these standards drop, as can happen from time to time?
Well, for the owners of one café in the south of France, the solution is clear – hit your rudest clients in their pockets, or at least threaten to do so.
The Petite Syrah café in the Riviera city of Nice, has implemented a new pricing scheme, as seen in the picture below.
“A coffee” will set you back €7, according to the sign, while “a coffee please” is a little more affordable, at €4.25.
If you want keep your expenses down, and stay friends with your local barista, however, the best option is “Hello, a coffee please,” which will only cost you €1.40.
Manager of the Petite Syrah, Fabrice Pepino, told The Local: "It started as a joke because at lunchtime people would come in very stressed and were sometimes rude to us when they ordered a coffee.
“It's our way of saying 'keep calm and carry on,'” he added.
"I know people say that French service can be rude but it's also true that customers can be rude when they’re busy.”
Although Pepino admits he’s never actually had to enforce the price scheme, he says he has noticed a difference in his customers’ behaviour.
“Most of my customers are regulars and they just see the funny side and exaggerate their politeness,” he said, adding “They started calling me 'your greatness' when they saw the sign."
“But people are more relaxed now, and they’re smiling more. That's the most important thing."
My first trip to Paris was in 2000. I was in a grocery store and a woman bumped into me with her cart. She excused herself in French and I said, “Oh no, excuse me.” Her expression turned to seething contempt and she chastised me for speaking English in France. I told her that if it weren’t for my English and that of my fellow Americans, she would be speaking to me in German.
She left her cart where it was.
Rudest people in the world. Smelliest, too.
hahahahahah
Brilliant!!!!!
oh,I thought they were charging more for them to be rude to you, so you get the fol french experience.
The rudest people I know are French!
You've never been to India, I surmise.
In France, it is “Servis Compris”, meaning the tip is included in the price. That is 15%. By Law. You generally leave small coins if you feel like it, but if service was exemplary, 5 to 10 % extra.
I have been to France 13 times on vacation, and found the French very gracious. Trying to use their language helps. One of the prettiest countries around.
Seriously, I’ve been in France, lately this year, and the rudeness in restaurants is endemic. However, the people in the cities are lovely. I had one couple so concerned about my getting lost while I rode the bus to a destination, they came with me.
The French are lovely people.
I’ve only been the once (with my English to French dictionary in hand) and everybody treated me so well. Escorting me to the correct train platforms, actually lifting me and my bags on to trains, helping me with my pronunciations, great restaurants, and so full of laughter and good humor...and in all the big towns everyone spoke English, so amazing. Once, when getting my picture taken with a French policemen (with the Eiffel Tower in the background) he pinched my bum. Everyone comments on that gorgeous snapshot and how big my smile is in that picture! France...living up to all expectations.
“I have been to French restaurants, and let me tell you, the rudeness of the staff there comes free.”
I have known French people and let me tell you the rudeness from the people comes free!!!
There is a NEW high-end restaurant here in Los Angeles who gives you your bill with 3% tacked on for Employee Healthcare.
They invite you to adjust your tip if you disagree. Mmm ...
did she chastise you in english?
As a matter of fact, she did! Guess she thought I couldn’t understand French, which I would have.
If New Yorkers did that, they would become millionaires overnight.
I am from The South and have spent much time in NY. I have had the pleasure of interacting with the nicest people and absolutely LOVED being there. If I needed directions, there were times that several people stopped and one guy actually led me to where I needed to be. (being a woman, I am not good at directions)
But, I did hear recently that someone shot off a flare off the coast of France and they surrendered?
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