Say "bonjour" before you say anything else

Walking into a bakery, a shop, or a café without a greeting is the fastest way to get cool service in France. Say "Bonjour" (or "Bonsoir" in the evening) to the person behind the counter before you order or ask a question, and "Au revoir, merci" on your way out. It takes two seconds, and it changes how people treat you, especially outside Paris, where visitors are still something of an event.