Eat like you’re In France. French Etiquette Tips.
You want to be sure you are following the correct rules of etiquette while in France, especially while dining there.
If dining at someone’s home in France, being fashionably late is appreciated. The French do not wish to see you early as they are using that time to finish their meal preparations. Be on time or a few minutes late. Also, you should not show up empty handed. You want to take the hostess some small gift, such as a bottle of wine.
If in a restaurant, do not ask for a menu item to be altered, it is what it is. The only exception is if you are allergic to an ingredient. Also, try to speak a little French rather than expect your server to accommodate you in complete English. Asking for a doggy bag is simply not done; whatever is uneaten is to be left behind.
Wherever you dine at, your hands should be on the table at all times, but not your elbows. It is considered rude to place them in your lap. Also, do not pick up your bread and take a bite off of it; rather you are to tear off bite size pieces instead.