I'm Going To France And....?

Question

I'm going to France sometime in November, and I want to know what to expect. I know it's going to be cold, I expect that (that's obvious) but... like, I heard that they get offended if you speak only English... Do they speak English, too? Or just French all the time? Because I only know how to speak Latin, Spanish, English and some Italian. Also, are things over there overly expensive?

Anything else that you think I should know, don't be scared to include it!

Also, I really would like your answer to come from someone's experience, not from a website, if you don't mind. Thanks!

Answer 1

In a recent poll, a substantial majority of French people said they speak at least some English and 16% said they were fluent.

If you learn to simply say "Bonjour Monsieur" (or Madame as appropriate) when ever you go into a shop or cafe, always say "s'il vous plait" and "merci" (thank you) that will be enough. the French are a bit formal with language and failing to do these things is seen as rude.

It really isn't terribly cold in Paris in November. The average high temperature is 49 degrees farenheit, and the average 39 Fahrenheit. chilly to be sure but not freezing. You'll probably get little or not snow and the average is only one day of snow in the month.

Paris can accommodate almost any budget. There are places that are terribly expensive like the Hotel Crillon or any of the fancy 3 star restaurants but there are also a lot of reasonably priced hotels and dining establishments.

Eating and drinking establishments are required by law to post their prices in plain view where they can be read from the street. Check before entering anyplace and take your time reviewing these menus. If it seems too expensive then just move on.

Most tourists run into trouble because:

1) They try to do things in Paris as they would at home. They want a big breakfast even though this is not the custom. So they seek out a restaurant and pay a big price. They want their hotel to be just like the ones they know at home and therefore avoid charming places that are inexpensive but lack elevators and mini-bars.

2) They don't understand the way things run in France. Tourists typically complain about high prices for a cup of coffee or a coke at cafes. They don't realize that the French will sit for hours nursing one drink while they read, write letters or just watch the world go by. this is considered perfectly acceptable and no waiter will ever hustle you to get another drink. As a result, drink prices are high to reflect a sort of "rent" in your seat. If you just want a quick drink then either buy it from a street stand or stand at the bar (where prices are lower).

3) Tourists fear being embarrassed because they don't speak French and so avoid the little neighborhood places that charge reasonable prices and head to the big tourist traps with huge signs proclaiming "English Spoken Here."

Don't worry if you don't speak French. March right in and order even if you're not 100% sure what you're ordering. After all, whats the worst that could happen? If they bring out something appalling like calves head in cream sauce (Tete de veau) you'll have a hilarious story to tell your feinds when you get home.

I adore Paris (I'll be there most of October) and have been going back annually for about 35 years. I hope you'll like it as much as I do.

My best advice is relax and enjoy yourself.

P.S. With all due respect to the first answerer, I have never pretended to be anything but a 100% true blue American despite the fact that I speak French with distinctly Quebec accent (I learned French in Montreal) and am usually taken to be a French Canadian.

The French are educated and sophisticated people and whatever poltical differences they may have with the current administration they are NOT so foolish as to take this out on every American. I wish I could say the same thing about my fellow Americans with all their stupid cracks about "cheese eating surrender monkeys" etc etc ad nauseum.

The French love political arguments. I often say it is their second favorite indoor sport and they are quite good at it. If they have some tart things to say about George Bush,  I assure you that they make equally pungent remarks about their own politicians. I have also never hesitiated to speak honestly about my own political views even when they are not popular in France. The French react with good grace and intelligence. Reasonable minds may disagree about many things and reasonable people will never take offense at a sincere difference of opinion.

I cannot guarantee that you won't bump into some loud mouthed fool who is rude but the vast majority of people in France are perfectly charming and polite.

I too have traveled all over the world as a tourist, a businessman/lawyer, and as an NGO delegate to various international bodies. I have seen far more Americans acting badly than I have seen people "targeting" Americans.

In fact, in almost every case in which I have met an American who claimed to be mistreated it was obvious that they were the one giving offense (often unintentionally but giving offense none the less).

When I travel I am a guest in someone else's country. I take it as my responsiblity to acquant myself with local customs and some of the local language. It is my role to adjust to the ways of others and not vice versa. As a result I am always well treated. Let that be a word to the wise.

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Answer 2

Hi,

French speak English they learn English language at school but they don't used it because they are afraid with the accent.

They will be not affended if youspeak only English learn only one sentence in France: " I don't speak french" and expression like "thancks", "hello" that it.

French learn also Spanish at school. easy for you.

I have experine because I am french and I travel all raound the word for my job.

Like evey country if you look one guy and speak language he don't understant and laffing afetr he will think you have fun with him. Aslo be care of your expressions. some bad word are know for every body do'nt used it every time!

We can not say French don't like American. it is wrong! French have juste one differnt character than USA guy and arabic,... I am French and some time I don't like the french touch... Each country is different when you are here just think like one European guy and not like a mexican, african, or american....easy!!

Answer 3

i was there in december and like u i dont speak  a single word of french except for hello, good evening, thanks and bye bye. i did not have a single problem at all there in paris and even ornan. i got lost and ask passerby in english and he answered me in english! so no problem. yes things are slightly on the steep side. but then have fun and wear warm clothes.

Answer 4

You know, there are a lot of american or english speaking tourists in France who do not speak a single word of french. Doesn't matter.... But if you know some basic words: "bonjour" "aurevoir" "merci" it will make contacts easier and people more smiling. ;-)

I am french and when I went to the US for the first time, i was afraid to not be welcome because I was french.... I was wrong.

American are not as anti-french as i expected. The opposite is also true. ;-)

Answer 5

Well I have not been to France before, but just a quick suggestion, my brother travels all over the world.  He suggest (sadly) that you do NOT tell people you are American.  Tell everyone you are Canadian.  Remember that American's are targeted abroad and anything you can do to stay safe is worth it.  He also said NEVER wear anything with an American flag on it.  

For anyone "offended" by this comment, it is NOT an anti American statement.  Just advice from a person who travels all over the world and has actually seen Americans harassed.

Answer 6

Yeah, I'm sorry but that first answer was waaaaay off base!  You should never, NEVER be ashamed of your nationality.  I too have traveled abroad extensively and have never felt targeted or harassed because of it.  My backpack even has a bright American flag on it too.

Go to France with an open mind and spirit and you will have a great experience.  Say 'merci' and 's'il vous plait' alot and the French will appreciate that you have made an effort.

Yeah, Paris is a bit on the expensive side, but compared to other cities (London) it's not horrible.  Just stray a little off the tourist path to find the best value.  That's the true delight of Paris anyway!