Maison du Whisky

Not a really big faux-pas. I was in Paris recently and paid a visit to the Maison du Whisky (I got a great store exclusive Glenfarclas there, but that's another story...) and it is a really cool store. Basically, the whisky bottles on the shelves are for display only; the idea is that you ask (or point) to the bottle you want and they will go get one in the back for you that has not been sitting around in the light. I don't think it was a big deal that you took the bottle; next time you'll know.

Rufus

I was there in May. Lovely store, and you have described it very well. When entering a French store, the customer is always greeted with 'Bonjour Monsieur', and is expected to respond 'Bonjour'. This polite start sets the tone for any business to take place. Without it, you are just a rude foreigner. I was told for fruit stands, or such similar, that the customer is not to touch the fruit, but point out what you want, and let the owner select the best ones for you. Perhaps this is also the case at Masion Du Whisky. When I was there, the fellow went into the back room to get the whisky for me once I told him what I wanted.

A general comment now. That was my first trip to a non-English speaking country. I do speak some French, and I still was intimidated. My wife, who knows only a few words, was even more uncomfortable. This discomfort was strictly from me, and is no reflection on anyone we met. Everyone was very friendly, polite, and patient with my broken French. It made me think about travelling to other countries in the world, and how much more difficult it would be without knowing the language at all. And this was a western country, not a completely different culture!

So, did you do something wrong? Perhaps, but not deliberatly. In North America we are insulated from other customs, which is to our loss.

Doug.

Hi guys,

Now, as a Frenchman, I feel I have to answer to your questions about 'faux pas' and 'feeling unconfortable' at la Maison du Whisky. And it'll be quick.

I know Jean-Michel (the shop keeper) and other employees as well and all I can say is that they are very proud to welcome any foreign aficionado - whatever the country and the language. Whether you 'touched' the bottles on display or you didn't speak a perfect French just doesn't matter. You're always welcome.

Of course, saying 'bonjour' is nice... But 'hello' or 'good morning' works nicely as well ;-)

Yep, it's a great shop.

Santé and merry Christmas!

Serge

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dans l'article bs9gsr$b3e4t$ snipped-for-privacy@ID-208638.news.uni-berlin.de, Doug Ratz à snipped-for-privacy@lhbe.edu.on.ca a écrit le 23/12/03 5:43 :