Eating in France is, of course, MUCH different than eating in the US. Food types are different, restaurants are different, and even eating times are different! From feeding yourself in the dorms to eating at restaurants, here are some helpful points.
Shopping
Cora is the big grocery store near the dorms where most people shop for groceries. It’s bigger than a Super Walmart, and contains everything you could want (that France provides, of course!). The “Winny” brand is a great way to save money. Usually it tastes almost as good as the nice brands of food, and it’s literally less than half the price. They make everything, from food to clothing to light bulbs, and it’s all ridiculously cheap.
When you arrive at Cora, you have to wrap or leave your bag at the desk before you go through the shoplifting detectors. You also have to bag your own groceries in France. They make you pay for using shopping carts, but you can use the hand baskets for free.
Restaurants
Eating at restaurants in France is quite different than in the US. Usually they are more expensive, with menus being around 15 euros at the cheap end. French people tend to eat a Menu, meaning a 2 or 3 course meal. “Entree” means appetizer, and the “Plat Principal” is the main course. You are expected to order wine with your menu, and the waiter might be put off if you just ask for water. If you want a normal thing of water, get a “carafe d’eau”, which is normal water for everyone at the table. Be prepared: in France, it is rude of the waiters to constantly check on you. They will take your order, bring your food, and that’s it. You have to ask for refills of your carafe d’eau, and most likely they won’t appreciate it.
You also have to ask for the check, or “l’addition”. Tipping is also different: if you really liked the service, add a euro or two to your bill. Otherwise, just round up to the nearest euro. I would suggest not trying to order foods based solely on what you like to eat in the US: it won’t taste as good, and you’ll leave being unsatisfied. Order French specialties, like “Tartiflette” or “Soupe a l’ognion”. French people also tend to eat later and longer, usually starting around 8 or 8:30 and finishing around 11.
