Tips on Pubs/Restaurants in Marais 3rd/4th eme

Travelling solo and would like to know of any friendly (whereby its easy to meet the locals or other travellers) and reasonably priced pubs and restaurants and nightclubs in Marais 3rd and 4th arrondisment

thanking you

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By and large French people are a reserved lot. It will take them quite a while before they start talking-and formally at that--to a regular they have seen every day in the same bar or restaurant for a couple of weeks or even months. They will talk to foreigners-- as they want to give a good impression of Paris-- but the conversation must be formal at first.

Don%26#39;t you dare asking about their first name within 5 minutes! they will freeze, unlesss they have lived abroad. No loud talk, back slapping etc. no asking about jobs, family and such..

Funnily enough older people are more open to talking to anyone. Since I turned 55 I do it myself. Younger people don%26#39;t see me as a sexual person at all so they relax and feel safe talking to me. I am relaxed myself as I long stopped worrying about looking good, sounding smart etc. As a result we can have an interesting conversation..With a person my age or older there is a natural complicity--been there, done that--

The #1 thing you MUST do when entering a business is to say a few words in French to the staff as their business is their home..Bonjour Monsieur (or Madame) Comment allez vous? or some other thing...then you can think about ordering.. prices in restaurants are ALWAYS posted outside so have a look. Prices for drinks are posted inside and the cheapest drinks are at the bar, standing. Same drink at a table will be more expensive. Night clubs are ALWAYS more expensive as they aren%26#39;t a necessity of life.

In the Marais try places with rainbow flags..staff and customers there are likely to be more open to foreigners, and no they don%26#39;t bite or whatever else..

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With very few exceptions, mainly of a %26quot;British theme-park%26quot; kind, there is nothing in France that resembles an Australian pub.

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thankyou for the tips on French etiquette and cultural norms. Im thinking an openly outgoing but not loud friendly Aussie woman may be a bit much for the French to handle. Have no wish to be offensive, but do intend to be myself.

I thought the rainbow flags are a sign for the gay community?

Nick I had to laugh at your British theme park description, conjures up all sorts of crass imagery.

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Yup, rainbow flags are for the gay community. Doesn%26#39;t mean you won%26#39;t be warmly served, but doesn%26#39;t mean that you will, either.

As for friendly people. They are everywhere in this city. Just hang out at any cafe terasse that strikes your fancy, bring a book, or postcards to write and be yourself.

It is true that you probably won%26#39;t find your new best Parisian friend, but the waiters will chat you up (if they speak english) and there are so many visitors around you%26#39;re sure to meet some friendly souls.