Has anyone been to France as a tourist? How is it? Just everything.?

Question

How are the houses there? Does anyone know any website with pictures from houses and stuff in France?

Answer 1

I've been visiting Paris on a fairly regular basis for 35 years. Obviously I love the place.

Like everything in life, it is what you choose to make of it. No doubt this is why people either love it or hate it.

I took a young lady one time who complained constantly that there was no good chili, no Texas line dancing and no country and western music. For her, Paris was a total bust.

People who believe that everyone in the world has a moral obligation to speak English will hate it. People who demand bacon and eggs for breakfast will hate it. People who think that its insane to eat dinner later than 6 PM will be offended. People who demand that their hotel be exactly like one in Omaha or that all restaurants serve southern fried chicken and iced tea will not be pleased.

But almost anyone who understands culture, art, history, and fine cuisine will adore it.

Answer 2

As you know, France is the most visited country on earth.  The food is great. There is no need to go to an expensive 5 star restaurant, the restaurants, bistros and bakeries used by the average Joe/average Jean have great food.  Remember, the restaurant must (by law) provide you with "une carafe d'eau" (pitcher of tap water) if you order food.  Of course, they will charge you for bottled water like Evian.    It really helps if you can speak some French.  Though many French ppl have studied English in school, most are not fluent and most do not feel comfortable speaking English.  Ppl in the smaller towns tend to be friendlier than in the really big cities.  The French ppl (in general) have a love-hate relationship with a lot of countries:  US, UK, etc.  There are  a lot of beautiful buildings and museums to see.  The cost of living is very high in France.  You might want to bring a FEW snacks from home   (e.g. French ppl buy cashew nuts in packs the size of a deck of playing cards and the nuts are still expensive).   Try to travel light overall.  I noticed that in France, some ppl wear the same clothes 2 days in a row (sometimes 3 days in a row)so you can save some weight by doing the same.

Answer 3

I don't like to generalize, but I'll tell you what I though trough 3 consecutive trips to France, (Paris, for most)  in 1995, 96, 97 - It is Truly one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been in' However I found it cold of temperament. In the Metro, which is the subway, people often will stare squarely at one, but very seldom smile.

I began to feel a kind of insecurity because I felt judged, or as if I was not welcome, but resented for being a visitor there.

The French do not like to be asked question except in their language, and often, they'll make it hard for you to get an answer, playing the part of not understanding.

The movie houses, at that time were foggy with cigarette smoke and people seemed to talk amongst themselves at times, so that I wanted to say : SHUSH! but did not.

At restaurants, especially if you ask for steak, no matter how many times you ask for it to be taken back, let's say to have it more well done, it's come back the same as when you'd sent it to the chef.

The people just seemed very difficult to get to know, even though I was there 6 weeks each of the 3 consecutive years.

I truly loved the incredible blue-gray Beauty of the city, especially at night, along the Seine, but the temperament remains too cold, too aloof , too unwelcoming for my personal taste.

Answer 4

The country is unbelievably beautiful. The people are not exactly the most friendly though. I agree with the first post, you should try to learn a little bit of French. They'll treat you better.

Answer 5

VERY rude people and will never go back.

Answer 6

I was in Paris for New Year's Eve in 2004.  It was very lively, but you do have to dress up a little more than in Calif.  The food and wine were great, but the cost of everything is higher than here, even L.A.  If you want to buy clothes, you'd better have a high line of credit, especially if you go to the larger dept. stores.  Also the women's sizes are small.  Don't take cabs, buy a metro pass and a museum pass through a travel agency.  The m. pass allows you to cut to the front of the huge lines.  Have a street crepe, visit the Eiffel tower, go to the left Bank, splurge at a restaurant called L'alsace in Champs D'Elysee.  Learn a few conversational phrases in French.  Explore the city, it's very exciting.

Answer 7

I live in France and I love it! better than the states!

Answer 8

In general lived up to my expectations. Paris was magnificent - just as you would expect from the movies.

Try and speak a little French if you can - the people will treat you better for it.

Answer 9

I'm french, sorry for my sentences !!

sure french don't speak english very well, but you know I went many times in UK, britain don't do any effort to speak french... that is not friendly too ...

Answer 10

Last there 2 years ago. The French people are overwhelmingly friendly and try to be helpful to the point of becoming a nuisance.

The sights are incredible in Paris. A must missed by most tourist:  Go to the Eiffel Tower after dark and look at the city lights. Then go to the top of the Arch De Triumph after dark and look at the city. It can't be described.

The food is incredible, especially in the Normandy area.

It will help if you learn a few phrases and how to count in French before going, The pronounciations in tour books isn't even close to French pronouciations and they won't have a clue what you are asking.

The bus drivers will get cranky if you hold them up trying to find out where they go and how much the fare is.