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Like many big cities, French city culture thrives on a balance of leisure and speed, allowing for the successful cohabitation of casual tourists and busy locals. Nowhere is this more evident than on public transportation, with newcomers trying to figure out where to go while a rushing river of commuters zoom past. In this hectic situation, nothing will get you a side-eye faster than not keeping to the right side if you are standing still on an escalator.<\/p>\n
Parisian public transport operator RATP explains that the rule was first imposed by the London underground transportation system<\/a> in 1911, and then spread to other major cities. The RATP issues reminders of this point of etiquette all along your travels via loudspeaker announcements, signs, and even with a hint of humor on TikTok<\/a>, in an effort to keep the 12 million passengers per day flowing smoothly. If you are standing, stay on the right side of the escalators to let those who wish to pass you walk on the left.<\/p>\n While locals may be more forgiving in other settings, the rule applies just the same all over France, to any escalator, in department stores, offices, or public buildings. By extension to the same principle, never suddenly stop at the end of the escalator. If you’re unsure of which way to go, step off the escalator fully and skitter to the side so you can pause to check directions without blocking the way. Nothing irritates more than a sudden standstill at the end of an escalator. The same applies to flat “trottoirs roulants” (moving walkways). If you hear “pardon” behind you, try to scooch a little tighter to the right \u2014 it’s a polite way of signaling that you’re breaking the code.<\/p>\n