Going to France?

Question

This summer ( July 6 - 27) I'm going to the north of France - Bretagne(Brittany).Is it true, that people there speak English very bad?It would be very difficult for me , as I don't speak French at all ;( I would also like to know if Bretagne is safe region?( because I'm going there all alone with the youth exchange programme)And what's the weather there in July?

thnx in advance

Answer 1

I am from Brittany and I still live here and it is a safe region !

People are nice and friendly; some are stupid but it is like this everywhere, isn't it?

Actually, Brittany is at the west of France. If you go to Rennes, or by the coast, or in any touristic city (Dinan, Vannes, Quimper...and many others), you will always find someone who speaks English or someone who will help you.

The best you can do is take with you a small book to have a few sentences in French, at least to manage to say you don't speak French.

Please tell me where you go exactly and I might have information for you.

You will have a very good time in Brittany!

Answer 2

Young people in France  learn English in school they understand you but most of them are afraid to speak as they are only unsure of themself.

Yes the Bretagne is a very save place - don´t be afraid.

Answer 3

Most people will speak English (but with various abilities). English is taught in all schools.

Brittany is also a safe place to visit. You shouldn't have any problems! Just go with an open mind and enjoy yourself!

Answer 4

Many French people speak English.  But I strongly suggest you learn some french phrases, nonetheless.  Make certain to say Merci (thank you), Je vous en prie (you're welcome), S'il vous plait (please), Parlez vous anglais? (Do you speak english?) and use Monsieur and Madame a lot.  Please be polite.  Most french people are very courteous if you demonstrate politeness.  They will help you if you try to speak to them in their language.  Remember you're on their land so you should at least try to speak a few phrases.  You'll be surprised at how well you'll be received.  Have a wonderful time!  France is a beautiful country and so are the people.

Answer 5

Well ...

As wrote previously, Young people learns english at school, but it don't means they speak english as a mother tongue.

Brittany is a toiuristic area, so, you can find peoples who speaks english, but it is not as common as in big towns. If you go in very small village in Brittany, some people don't speak either french or english ( just kiddin' )

Try to learn some basic words in french , you will be more helped rather if you ask directly in english.

I don't understand what you mean by "safe place", my american step mother asked me the same question when she went where I am living, south of Paris. There is no gangs or something, it is unusual in France, except in very rare place. French people welcomes easily, and more if you don't act like a tourist and run for visiting . The french "Art de vivre" is soft and confortable, even in the rough Brittany ^^

Enjoy

Answer 6

It is a safe region and the people are friendly.

I am not sure how your youth exchange program works.  If you are going to be with a group of people, I really don't see why you should be concerned.  If you have a problem, just go to who ever is in charge.  

Are you going to be all alone with no one else there on a day to day basis?  I wouldn't worry about your safety, but I would concerned about your attitude to learning French.  You should not go to another country and expect everyone to cater to you.  Learn some basic phrases and change your mindset.  Do what you have to do to think of learning French as fun. It can be very fun if you let it be.  Soon enough the time will pass and you will be back in the US.  You only have a narrow amount of time to be in France so I would suggest using it wisely.

Bretagne is a beautiful area.  Summers should be in 70's and 80's.  Not too humid there.  It might rain a bit.

Answer 7

Your view about France sound pretty old...we dont eat kids anymore you know, beside that French is the only language (with some Celtic) spoken in Brittany but you will of course find some english speaker ...

For the weather could be very hot, or **** depend of the global warming....difficult today to guess on season..I guess in your place to right?

here some info about the part of France:

http://www.brittanytourism.com/