Queuing etiquette simulator

Faux-queue (false queue) is the French social crime tourists commit most. The boulangerie line is not at the door — it's where the first person stops with their baguette. This tool walks you through 6 real queues.

Pick the queue

What this tool actually solves

Faux-queue — pretending to be in line when you're not, or starting a parallel queue — is the French version of the British queue sin, and it's just as frowned upon. Tourists commit faux-queue every day without realising because the line is not visible: the boulangerie queue starts at the inside wall, not at the door. The pharmacy queue on Sunday is a queue of 30+ in the rain. The La Poste queue has 2 windows for 80 people. This tool decodes them.

How to read the result

Each scenario gives you: where the queue actually starts, the body language that signals you're in line, and the faux-queue mistakes.

Limitations

Rules of "faire la queue" are universal but the practical queues vary by city and venue. Marseille airport queues are wilder than Paris queues — locals are louder and faster.

FAQ

Can I ask "qui est le dernier ?" (who is the last one?)?

Yes, this is the correct French move when you can't see where it starts. Anyone in the queue will say "Moi" or "C'est moi" — you are now behind them. Don't try to start a parallel queue — it will be shouted down.

What about RATP bus queues?

Real bus queues form at the stop pole. They are informal but real. Don't push forward when boarding — the bus driver will let the queue board in order. Tourists who "didn't see" the agent are shouted at, not by the driver, but by the agents at the stop.

About

1 of 38 tools in France Trip Toolkit. Independent.

Privacy

No tracking.

Disclaimer

Estimate only. Real queues vary by time and place.