Are people in france nice?

Question

I heard from some peers that when they visited Paris (I'm going next year) that most all the French people they encountered were rude, and acted as if they didn't want them there. Is this true?

Answer 1

Like the first person said, Paris a big city.  People are trying to get to work on time and clueless, lost tourists are stopping in the middle of the street / subway platform.   It's not as "bad" in smaller towns.

There are also several things that Americans tend to do that may be acceptable in the US (questionable) but that are rude according to French culture. For example, walking into a small store and not greeting the person working there, *assuming* everyone in Paris speaks English and just starting to speak a foreign language to them without being courteous enough to ask first if they understand it, etc.  

Most Parisians I know are only rude in response to the tourists' rudeness.   Parisian waiters are rude to everyone- even other Parisians. Don't take that one personally! lol  

That reminds me of another thing - in France, they won't bring you your bill at a restaurant until you ask for it.  Americans think they're getting bad service and get all nasty about it when the French are just doing what is considered polite (allowing you to finish at your own pace without being rushed).  

Honestly, if people would just read a decent guide book and learn a little about French culture first, these problems would not exist!

Answer 2

Paris is no different than any big city i.e Sydney,London,New York etc everyone is in a hurry and dont have much time for anyone but themselves.I have visited Brittany in France on a few occasions and found the locals there extremely nice and very helpfull.Its only2hrs drive from Paris so if you get to annoyed by the Parisians just jump in the car and head North West.

Enjoy yourself mate.

Answer 3

Clavie gave great advice.  You will be the one visiting a foreign country where English is not the main language.  Act like a proper guest.  Try and learn some basic French to get by.  If you at least make an effort to use French you will be much better received.  Don't expect people to speak English like it is some kind or right that you have.  When you do meet French that speak English, be appreciative of them.  

The French are pretty nice.  Although they may not like everything we do, for the most part, they like Americans.  As long as you act like a proper guest you really shouldn't have any problem.

Answer 4

give us more details, why exactly did they think they're rude and didn't want them there? everybody says that but they don't give details...so they should tell what they expected...

(some years ago my brother was greeted by a "f*** the French" from the dockers when his ferry arrived in England, well he didn't think that English people are rude and didn't want him there; it still makes us laugh lol!)

Answer 5

Haha!! I suppose you get rotten apples in every races. As for the English, well they ain't bosom buddies with the French anyway. (Most French thinks the English are big headed because they speak only english and nothing else while Most English thinks the French are arrogant because they refuse to speak english.)

Answer 6

yes they are nice but you must know a little french to communicate with them

Answer 7

In my experience, French people are the nicest people I've ever met. They are not rude at all. Maybe to the person that you talked to, but not to me. As long as you are nice to them they will be nice to you. One tip before you go to Paris: LEARN FRENCH! if you don't know French you are going to feel so stupid and they will treat you stupid. Maybe thats why they treated your friend really rudely. He didn't know how to speak French. So thats the only thing you have to worry about. DON'T FORGET TO VISIT LOIRE VALLEY! in French- Valley De Loire. You will not regret visiting that place. It has bunch of castles and history, if you are into that=] have fun.