Parisians?

Question

Just wondering, but how will I be treated if I go to Paris? I have an oriental parantage, and Paris is one of my "to die for" vacation spots. Some people say they're open and friendly, while others say they're s****. and vain.

Answer 1

I think you get treated in about the same manner as you treat people, most of the time.  So, if you are courteous, then they will probably be courteous to you.  Remember to learn what they consider courteous behaviour, though, because it might be a little different from what you're used to.  

For example, in the US, for the most part we are not used to shopkeepers greeting us and asking if they can help us or show us items.  On the other hand, in France it is customary to say hello and goodbye when entering and leaving a shop.  

Say bonjour when you enter the shop and bonne journee when you leave.  

Remember always to say please (s'il vous plait) and thank you (merci) when asking for and receiving something or some service.  

My Parisian friend is definitely vain, but he is not at all s****..  We had a 20-minute conversation about how he looks in a swimsuit, for goodness sake!  He's opinionated, but friendly.  He's always willing to help when he is asked.

Answer 2

Paris is really a multicultural city. You can find a lot of people coming from all over the world. You find Millions of tourists once again coming from all over the earth. So as soon as you don't consider them as c**p they will treat you well. I was born in Paris, lived there for 25 years before moving to Boston last year, and really i think that people are the same as in the US, a majority is very friendly, open minded and love to be around tourists or immigrants, but like in others countries you ll find some a..holes!!! But we have a tradition of having people from all over the world, so we are used to it, and we love it. If you re in a bar, start talking with people and you will see how nice parisians are:! Even if not everybody speaks english, it's true for seniors, but most of the parisians are english speaking

have fun in Paris

Answer 3

They'll treat you as you treat them -- in general.  Most Parisians are quite charming in fact.  If you speak French, try using it as often as possible.  If you don't know French, learn a few phrases prior to your trip.  Make sure you learn courtesies such as greeting a shopkeeper by saying "Bonjour monsieur" or "Bonjour madame", etc.

Have fun!  Paris is incredible!!

Answer 4

No,it is how they feel!

Answer 5

I am of mixed English/Asiam ancestry. I have traveled to Paris frequently over the last 30+ years. I have never noticed any anti-Asian bias.

The priciple people who complain about the French seem to be English speaking tourists who believe that everyone in the world has a moral obligation to speak English, cater to them, do things just like they do them at home, and otherwise snap to attention and do what they are told (in English no less).

Now it is true that Parisians are typical big city folks. They usually are busy, a bit harried, and constantly being annoyed by tourists. So they can be brusque because, frankly, they have better things to do than serve as unpaid tour guides and translators.

But generally speaking, the Parisians are perfectly pleasant people.