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Rick Steves offers a treasure trove of knowledge on European culture, and those planning a trip overseas in the near future are sure to find his travel tips very helpful. When visiting the capital of France, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre might be at the top of your itinerary, but Steves warns there’s a piece of French culture that you might accidentally be overlooking as you rush through all the tourist spots: sitting in the local caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n
He expressed this in a TikTok<\/a> video, saying that “Caf\u00e9 sitting [is] quintessentially Parisian.” Indeed, caf\u00e9s have been blossoming in the city since the 17th century, and you can actually still visit Caf\u00e9 Procope, the very first Parisian coffee shop.<\/p>\n Steves’s video highlights the slow-paced and convivial nature of French caf\u00e9s, offering the opposite vibe of productivity culture that has taken over the American coffee shops. “Back home, when I go to my favorite caf\u00e9, it seems like a temporary office space,” Steves pointed out. “Everybody’s got a laptop.” In France, people come to caf\u00e9s to catch up with friends and escape from the workday \u2014 a common European experience that travelers wish would come to America<\/a>. In Steves’ view, “it’s a requirement not to be in a rush” if you want to enjoy a French caf\u00e9. That’s the whole point of the experience.<\/p>\n Read more: 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Dining In Italy<\/a><\/p>\nWhat to expect at a French caf\u00e9<\/h2>\n