Do you know of a region of France where they are welcoming of Americans?

Question

I traveled to Paris, Nice and the French really appeared to fit the sterotype - impatient with the stupid American who couldn't speak their language well.

Answer 1

I won't repeat what has been perfectly expressed by others before me but why do you assume any unpleasant attitude is necessarily against Americans? I am half French and speak French with no accent and I didn't find people in Nice to be particularly friendly either I must say. But it's the only place in France where I didn't like the people.

Everywhere else I find most people very friendly and extremely helpful, even in Paris. As far as Paris is concerned, what is so strange about people being impatient in a big city? Has it ever occured to you that they are working people who are stressed and may have to deal with a long day's work, maybe a long daily commute from the suburbs, people living or working in a crowded and highly touristic city, that maybe they are rushing to get home to see their kids? Even then I have found most of them to always find time to help a lost visitor. But they are not Disneyland characters paid to smile at visitors, they are real working people, you know, in an overpopulated region, it's only natural that some may look impatient to you.

Edit: sorry to anyone from Nice for generalizing, I am sure there are a lot of great people there too, I was only there for a weekend so it's a bit short to judge. My point was mostly to stress that it has nothing to do with being American.

Answer 2

I won't repeat what has been said above. I think that either:

- Bad luck made you meet only the most disagreeable French people that exist in France, unlikely but it can happen

- You unknowingly broke some basic rule and got a slap back in return (can happen quite often, not saying hello and excuse me is unforgivable in France for example)

- You expected the French to be rude and impatient and put that interpretation on every contact you had with the French without taking into account or knowing about cultural differences. Which also happens quite often. Like, French people don't smile and that shocks the socks of a lot of Americans, that doesn't mean that they are impatient with you or hostile, they are being polite... French way.

Answer 3

I traveled to Normandy last November to see Mont St. Michael and although there really isn't much to the small surrounding town, the people were fairly understanding.  My family stayed at a bed and breakfast type accommodation, Les Vieilles Digues, and absolutely loved it.

Les Vieilles Digues- www.bnb-normandy.com; [e-mail]

Answer 4

I have been to France seven times and have never had any problems getting along with the locals. In fact, a member of my family once had a medical emergency there. A Parisian accompanied us to the hospital to help translate. Some Americans in the restaurant ran away to avoid getting involved.

My experience is that the French are accommodating to Americans who respect their customs and culture. Unfortunately, some Americans are poor ambassadors of our country. They are demanding and want everything to be like it is at home. The French don't take kindly to that - nor should they be expected to. It's their country.

Answer 5

stupid american ??? it's euphemism....

Answer 6

I agree with the Shadow's answer.

I first went to Paris over thirty years ago and have been back dozens of times since. I've cumulatively spent the equivalent of several years there. I've met the occasional jackass but no more frequently than I have in New York, London, Shanghai or any of the other cities around the world I've visited or lived in.

Americans who have problems in France (or elsewhere) are usually looking for problems or creating problems by the typical American sense of entitlement, stunning ignorance, insensitivity to local customs, shrill demands, and/or hypersensitivity.

People who travel with an open mind, attuned to the customs of others and the understanding that everything isn't just like it is back in Sioux city will have no problems.

Answer 7

I've found the French to be friendly for the most part.  I think the key is at least making an attempt to speak French.  While I was there I would always try to speak French, and most of the time when people realized it wasn't my first language they tried to speak English or find someone who did.  However, since I was there studying French I tried not to speak English. But at least the people tried to make me feel more comfortable.  If you're still looking for someplace specific, I spent my summer in Cannes.  The people there were great.

Answer 8

I've been to Paris four times and haven't experienced the stereotype you mention.  I also have a penpal in Nice, and he never acts that way either.