Top 5 Mistakes Tourists Make When Partying in France

France is known for its wine, food, and timeless culture — but also for its vibrant nightlife. Whether you're in Paris, Marseille, or partying in Nice with Beer&Dash, a night out in France can be unforgettable — for all the right or wrong reasons.

We’ve seen it all. So before you hit the bars and dance floors, here are the top 5 mistakes tourists make when partying in France — and how to avoid them.

1. Assuming Every Night Out Starts Early

In many countries, a night out starts at 7 or 8 PM. Not in France. Here, people often begin with a slow apéritif, then dinner, and only go out late — bars don’t heat up until 10 or 11 PM, and clubs get going after midnight.

Tourist mistake: Showing up at the bar at 7 PM expecting a party.
Tip: Have a relaxed dinner, then join a local pub crawl in Nice around 9:30 PM to ease into the night.

2. Not Greeting or Thanking Staff Properly

French culture values politeness, especially when entering shops, bars, or restaurants. Saying “bonjour” and “merci” isn’t optional — it’s expected.

Tourist mistake: Walking up to the bar and ordering without a greeting.
Tip: Always say hello and thank the staff — you’ll get better service and avoid being seen as rude.

3. Thinking Shots Are the Norm

Unlike some countries where shots dominate the night, French drink culture focuses more on cocktails, wine, beer, and long drinks. Shots are fine in moderation, but excessive shots are often viewed as childish or sloppy.

Tourist mistake: Buying rounds of shots for everyone, everywhere.
Tip: Enjoy the local drinks slowly. Better yet, join a cocktail-making workshop in Nice and learn how to do it right.

4. Ignoring Dress Codes in Clubs

While French nightlife can be relaxed, many clubs (especially in big cities and coastal destinations like Nice or Cannes) expect some level of effort in how you dress.

Tourist mistake: Showing up to a club in flip-flops and a tank top.
Tip: Smart casual is the norm. Think clean sneakers, shirts, and dresses. Leave the beachwear for the beach.

5. Getting Too Loud Too Fast

The French love to party — but it’s usually more subtle and stylish than rowdy. Big groups yelling in the streets, causing a scene, or being too “spring break” will likely get you dirty looks or even kicked out of venues.

Tourist mistake: Turning every bar into a frat party.
Tip: Be fun, be social — but read the room. The vibe is often more chill and flirtatious than loud and wild. There’s a reason locals often choose intimate bars with live music over chaotic nightclubs.

Final Tips to Party Like a Local

• Know your surroundings: Beach bars, speakeasies, rooftop lounges — France has it all.

• Join guided nightlife experiences: Pub crawls like Beer&Dash help you avoid tourist traps.

• Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers — but do respect personal space.

• Learn a few key phrases in French. It goes a long way.

Want to avoid awkward moments and actually blend in with the locals?
Join our pub crawl in Nice for a curated, fun, and authentic night out with other travelers and locals alike. Your best memories in France might start there.