I'm going to France in the Spring...?

Question

I really don't want to appear as an arrogant and rude American. Does anyone have any tips on how I should behave?

I already know these things:

-French people always dress nicely when in public. No jeans and tees and defintly NO SNEEKERS!

-If you are having trouble having a conversation in French with someone, apologize profusley for not being able to speak thier language and then ask if they speak English.

-Always be extremly well behaved like your at a fancy dinner party or something.

Does anyone else have any more tips?

Answer 1

i`ve been traveling 4 20 years, lived in SanFran, miami and San diego...still believe France is the most beautiful place in the world...now that said...would you stop considering you are going in another world...you obviously can`t compare U.s to France but feel free to be, do whatever you feel like. My country is very welcomefull even with americans after that mac donalds have destroyed many of our children palates.

you be surprised to see so many american landscapes in our city streets

ENJOY.............. oh, i know.....don`t talk louder than anybody in public places

Answer 2

Don't be afraid, french people are not all rude...only some are a little stupid and don't like all foreign people.

If you ask something in a polite way, people will probably help you, especially in big towns.

About dressing, Paris is a great town and you can find many kind of people. It depends on where you go. In a great restaurant or in a theater, try to be well dressed, and not in a swimming suit for instance.

One thing who can shocks some french people is to see american people putting ice in wine  or drinking coca cola in a good restaurant. Remember always that eating and drinking wine  is a very important thing for french people.

On the contrary, if you go in a restaurant and you ask to taste the local speciality, you will appear as the better tourist !

(but in some places, it's at your risks....joke)

Anyway I wish you a good travel in France. I'm sure you will enjoy.

Answer 3

As this question is being asked often, here are a few of the previous answers to questions about those dreaded French.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

If you have the time I recommend Polly Plat's book  French or Foe where she explains some of our most famous peculiarities. The book is a bit old now but mostly holds true.  

Welcome to France, hope you will enjoy your trip.

Answer 4

Hi,I've analyse your mail and I think that you are becoming over stressed about such a little-Do you really that having the same appearance as french girl will help you to feel better in France?Really What's the need of being a tourist if you look like the others-you are what you are and you must not change for anyone