When in France, Do as the French Do

It's been four months since I left New Canaan behind and arrived in Cannes, France, and in that time I've learned a few important lessons on living life like the French:

Always look your best, regardless of where you're headed. The French are always decked out to the nines, even if it's just to take the dog for a walk. Leisure wear just isn't part of the French vocabulary.

Dogs must accompany their owners everywhere and to anything at all times. Restaurants? Oui. The market? Certainement. Shopping excursions? Bien sur. Dogs will often get their own seat at restaurants, and I've seen quite a few people with dedicated dog strollers. I've only seen one sign so far that bans the chiens from entering. But as charming as it is to see dogs everywhere, it would be nice if their owners picked up after their dogs so walking the sidewalks wasn't like walking a landmine field.

Coffee is not a to-go affair. Don't even ask. They will be offended. No grabbing your Starbucks and running off; it's a sit-down, no rush kind of thing here. And while we're on the topic of coffee, don't expect to get anything that resembles American coffee. Ask for a coffee and you'll get a small cup of dark sludge, express, yes with an x. Want it with milk? Well don't make the mistake of asking for a café au lait, which is typically only served at breakfast, in one's home. What you're really looking for is a café créme, which is coffee served with warm milk or cream, normally never served after lunch or dinner. And coffee is only ever served after a meal, and only after dessert. Never at the same time, it's just not correct. And when in France, one always wants to be correct, non?

Walking into a store, a restaurant, or a vendor's stall at the market and not greeting the proprietor immediately with a Bonjour Monsieur/Madame is akin to barging into someone's front door without knocking. A lot of Americans get used to just walking into a store without greeting the storekeeper right away, but here doing that is considered trés rude.

Always be prepared to go in for the double cheek kiss when you meet or greet someone. Occasionally a handshake will be appropriate, but more often than not, it's a quick double cheek peck when you're either greeting someone or saying goodbye. And when you greet one person in a group, you must greet all of them. Even if it's a group of 20 people. Expect some sore cheeks in situations like that.

Anytime is time for rosé (or champagne, why not?). It's 10 a.m. and I've just gotten myself out of bed and am my way to the market when what do I see but scores of people at cafes sipping on wine. Completely normal. And why not? You might get some strange stares sipping on a glass of wine instead of your Starbucks in New Canaan, but I think the French might have the right idea here.

To read more, visit Elise's blog, www.saltpepperlove.com.