Paris.....are the people really rude?

Question

Ok, i will be in Paris for 1 week by myself in Oct, and only know 2 french words (merci and quoi). I'm afarid of getting a really bad impression about the city because i've heard such terrible things about Parisian(mainly that they are rude, and very unplesent). I'm from NYC, so i'm used to dealing with rude people. Is this just a really bad stereotype, or should i be prepared for people refusing to speak english to me?

Answer 1

politely ask them first if they speak english, if you do that they'll be much nicer

Answer 2

Everywhere you go there will be rude people.

But I've heard people there are rude myself, althought I have never been there.

I know this answer doesn't help much. =[

GoodLuck!

P.S Just try to be friendly, if they happen to be rude, ignore it.

Answer 3

As long as you are polite to them and dont p**s em off, the whole country is on your side.

Answer 4

Its a bad steryotype. Don't expect them to be super nice to you either though. They will most likely treet you like a tourist . Hee hee. Just be nice and they will be nice to you. French isn't that hard to understand because some words are almost the same just pronounced differently like toilet . Just be nice to them and don't listen to stupid steryotypes. Have fun :)

Answer 5

i was there about 2 years ago and i was with people who spoke on an advanced level of french and they seemed fine with us. i, myself, basically knew wat you now know and they didnt seem to dislike me or anything. and anyway theyre like us, i mean i was in a restauraunt in paris and the waitress dropped something and instead of cursing if french or watever she goes "bullshit". i dont really think french people are rude.

Answer 6

Not at all I went to Paris in May and alot of people can understand at least a little bit of english. As long as you make an effort to try to speak french out of respect, thats all I ask. When you hello say "Bonjour, Hello", so they know that your a tourist which is not a bad thing, it will make the conversation easier. Try google common phrases in french and try to remember a few, that helped me. Have fun!

Answer 7

It's been over 20 years ago since I've been there.

Most could not speak English - unless you were buying something from them.

If it were me, going there for a week by myself, I'd learn more French, or take lots and lots of cash.

Answer 8

i think that they think that they are better than us [    NOT   ]

Answer 9

No we are not rude ! The problem is that we often don't speak a very good english ! Then, if you don't speak french, be comprehensive, and everything will be OK with a smile !

Welcome in Paris

Isabelle from Paris

Answer 10

Paris is like any other big city, including NYC, so expect much the same attitudes that you see at home.

The French are extremely poor at customer service, so when you go to restaurants, stores, cafés, etc., do not be surprised if the staff seem brusque or inattentive.  They aren't this way just towards tourists ... they treat everyone that way.  It's a continuing problem with the French, and sometimes it makes a bad impression on visitors.  The situation is improving, but don't expect the happy smiles and pleasant welcome in France that you would get in many parts of the U.S.

Answer 11

My people don't like outsiders, its just a fact its like Americans don't like foreigners around their own country nothing you can do about it. They're going to be rude to you at some point or another just dont let it get to you

Answer 12

be prepared, im just back and it is pretty shocking, best bet is to introduce with bonjour, however i tried that and people thought i spoke full french!!

they seem very proud, overly proud, of their language and are not happy to speak english, dont get me wrong this is not everyone, however it will occur a good few times to you, dont let it put you off though.

people treat you like an idiot for not speaking french, had an incident at a snack bar where we clearly heard a waitress calling us stupid in french to another customer!! safe to say we werent amused!! haha

many waitresses dont speak any english, however that shouldnt be a big problem unless you are trying to get a special order( things left out/put in etc)

however as much as many say it is simply pride, parisians are arrogant as they are aware it is a great place, they expect everyone to speak french on their hallowed ground, and they are rude as h**l at times, however there are many nice people as well so enjoy yourself

Answer 13

yes - they are - I am french !!! very rude - unpolite - arrogant - dirty - racist - drunkard - erotomaniac - among my more remarkable qualities

Answer 14

I've never been to Paris myself, though I have family there.

What I've heard from co-workers and family:

1.  Even if they understand you in English, some will pretend not to know English - My coworker who traveled there had to reschedule his train ticket for an early connection back home.  The train clerk at the booth claimed that she did not know English and did not help him after many attempts to explain that this was an emergency to exchange the train ticket.  After 30 minutes of trying, he gave up and walked to another line.  While waiting, he heard that same clerk speak english to another customer!!!  What's up with that?

2.  My suggestion, bring a dictionary and try to pick out "polite" questions for common phrases when you need help or directions.  If they see you making an effort to speak their language, they may be more helpful.

3.  On the other hand, even if you speak their language and they do understand you.  French folks may not acknowledge it because you may be "butchering" the language and would consider this an insult.

3.  Don't wear flip flops.  My French cousin visited me in the states.  I wore flip flops to take him around at times.  I finally noticed he would look at me wierd when we went to dinner and asked him what was wrong.  He asked me, "why do you wear those in public?"  Here in Texas, it's normal to wear flip flops, especially in the hot summers.  Come to find out from my French cousin "It's rude to wear flip flops out in public.  They are considered bathroom or shower slippers." ....go figure :p

Answer 15

It really depens on where you go or what type of people you talk to. They just hate americans for some stupid reason. I think we are cool. lol.

Answer 16

I'm French and if you worry about the fact that people will refuse to speak to u in English U can stop worrying now because if they refuse that's not because they're rude but because they CAN'T speak English^^!!LOL. the teaching of English in France is really bad, and you'll see it!! but don't worry you'll always find someone to help you. Actually the problem with French  people(and I think it's the same everywhere) is that some are really nice, really  friendly... and some are just... asses! especially in the cities. people in shops, restaurants,etc... can be very kind but sometimes they don't even watch you.... it's a bit different in the neighborhood of Montmartre where people feel like in a village and are mostly very kind. some districts are great for the "welcoming" (don't know if that exists!). but the heart of the City (champs Elysées) is too stressed to watch you^^! But don't worry everything will be fine and you re gonna have one of the best weeks of you life soon!!^^

Answer 17

Ok I'm Irish, so totally unbiased here.

I work for a French company. I've had several visits to Paris. I don't find French people rude. They are very proud of their language and can sometimes get insulted that people don't bother to speak it.

I've also heard that New Yorkers are rude. I've been to New York many many times and I always find them straight talkers, not rude. I've met many nice New Yorkers too.

Smile, be polite and they'll get you.

Answer 18

Nah, I went with very little french skills andhad a blast.  an attempt is all they really want from people.  they just want you to show them enough respect that you are attempting it.  In paris, most people do speak english.  A good way to show them this respect is by saying "parlez vous anglais"  pronounce "par lay voo on glay"  It means "do you speak english?"  Also si-vous-plait (sp?)  pronounced "see voo play" means "please"  "Salle de bain" is bathroom.  Again, as long as you show them enough respect to attempt their language they will be very happy.  It might not hurt to bring a translation dictionary though.

Answer 19

I have been to Paris twice and have always found the French to be quite polite to me. That being said, I do fluently speak the language.

The French are very proud of their language, culture, and heritage. It is not required that you speak French fluently, but I would attempt to learn some basic phrases in order to get along easier. At least learn to ask if they speak English. The majority of the country does speak English, it is actually a requirement in their school system that they learn English and another language of their choosing.

Don't be scared! France is a beautiful place, Paris is my favorite city in the world! Have fun!

Answer 20

They are no more rude than the people in New York City.  Just remember Paris is just another city.  Although a lot of the French can speak some English, doesn't mean they are fluent and they don't want to run the risk of calling your wife a pig or something like that.  That may appear rude, but think about if the tables are switched.  Paris is a fun city, enjoy and keep in mind the History.   In the US 200 years is old, in Paris 2000 years is old.  It is a big difference.

Answer 21

I also live in NYC and have spent some time in Paris on 4 seperate occasions. It is just a stereotype. Just keep in mind that french is the national language, almost everyone speaks english. You should at least try a few phrases in french before asking to switch over to english. it would be like a french person coming up to you in NYC and just start speaking french, you might be a little put off, but if that same person said in English first" i really dont speak english can you speak french?" youd probably be more apt to try and help them...have fun Paris rocks!

Answer 22

I've been to Paris a few times and speak minimal French.  Yes, the French can be rude, but I think they are equal to New Yorkers or others from big cities throughout the world.  The best thing to do when traveling is to be humble, but to also be pleasant.  Instead of trying to speak my poor, minimal French, I'd start a conversation by stating the obvious, "I'm sorry, but my French is very poor.  Do you speak English?"  If the answer is "no", smile sweetly and say say, "excuse me, sorry" and go bother some other poor soul or just point to an item on the menu you can decipher if at a restaurant.  

I really get tired of the French stereotype given by Americans.  I've traveled all over France (as well as the rest of the world) and have never had problems.  Just have an open, adventurous mind and you'll be fine...