 | Paris Stereotypes: Rude, or friendly? Reviews | 21 - 30 of 77 |  |
As an American I had heard comments from one end to the other about how I would be treated by the French. My trip took place right after the US went to war in Iraq and everyone wanted to give me advice about going or not going. A good friend told me to remember that I was visiting another country and should not forget that their treatment of me would depend on how I acted and treated them. He said the term "Ugly American" came from Americans who travel with an attitude that the US is better than any other place. He advised me to always say hello/good-bye and thank you. I have always been a courteous traveler but I took his advice to heart and never failed to say Bonjour and Merci. My traveling companion and I were treated wonderfully and I would like to pass on my friend's advice to all that travel to France or any country for that matter. Leave a Comment
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French people quickly kiss you! According to areas, the number of kisses is different. In Paris: 4, and other areas in general is 2. Always on the cheeks! Leave a Comment
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Very often I read that the French are not sympas with the foreigners. Indeed, before asking your way, or of another information if you do not say "hello " or "bonjour" they will be unaware of you. There are two reasons:
- it is a pricipe of courtesy
- the Parisians are often requested in the street for cigarettes, money...
Then they prefer to ignore you.
When you live in the Champs Elysées area you cannot imagine how many times somebody asks you for his way! Leave a Comment
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Of course these observations are coming from the point of view, of one American, suggesting the direction of some of our differences and are meant to help a novice traveler rather than make a definitive statement.
You may have heard others complain, that the French, especially Parisians, are rude, snobbish, or arrogant. I'd say such comments reflect more the complainant than their subject.
In my experience, the French—in general—are a gracious people, they are passionate, like to debate, and speak their mind openly. They, are not quick to smile perfunctorily, so when you do get a smile, you can be sure that it’s meant.
Ask before taking pictures of people, even of French friends.
Once while taking a picture of friends at a workplace coffee bar, I noticed that they were laughing as if hearing a joke. I asked what was so funny and they told me that other patrons in the room had asked why I was taking their picture. Rather than explain that I was a 'common' tourist, they said that I was a journalist! How’s that for a promotion?
I learned my lesson and later when I wanted to take a picture of three policemen near Place de la Concorde, I asked.
One imposing officer stepped up and refused my request. For a second I was about to retreat, but saw at the corners of his lips, a small upwards turn. Encouraged, I pleaded my case. They relented and I got my picture taken with all three.
What ever you do, don’t try to get after dinner coffee and desert at the same time.
It won’t happen! Leave a Comment
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I am positive that those who experience rudeness in Paris have somehow been disrespectful themselves either by not at least trying to speak French first or by not appreciating the way of the Parisians. You must remember you are not in N.A. or your home country. Parisians are proud and do things the Parisian way and there is nothing wrong with this. Take it in; absorb it. Try and act in the way that is acceptable there as we are GUESTS in their home. Leave a Comment
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Parisians are well known to be rude people. Although there are some exceptions (the waitress at the spaguibar and the seller at Dyptique), most of the sellers at shops and most waiters are quite rude. So don't be surprised. It's nothing personal, it's just the way they are. After all, having tons of tourists a year can annoy anyone!!! Leave a Comment
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There is a saying that the French are rude. Well, they can be but so can every other culture. I think it's more like that they don't have any patience for visitors who won't attempt to speak their language. This is true for everywhere, learn a few words and you will be ok. Leave a Comment
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Parisians i found were normal people, stylish of course with individuality. An effort made to speak french is always helpful. I remember watching a french beggar(a girl) near the eiffel, asking some spanish group of young boys and girls some money. Well the spaniards gave her chips,sandwiches and water saying eauf! but she immediately corrected them with the correct pronounciation of eaux! One has to realize The factor of rudeness depends on your atitude as well. There was guy walking along, as he saw me studying the map, he helped me out. I asked people for directions and had no problem. In front of the louvre there was a guy trying to snap a polaroid of me and my wife, so i said uhhnnn! and he started saying unnhh uhh uhh! so i played along! French rudeness is just a hype by the americans. Although you might get a serving of rudeness if you walk into some shops on the champs elysee like cartier,Dior,Arpels, and look at the $30,000 piaget watch. But who wants to go there! Just be cool and stylish! Leave a Comment
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I didn't have any negative experiences with rudeness in Paris. In fact, people I encountered struck me as quite friendly and helpful and eager to welcome me into their lives. Don't go around acting as if you own the place, and try to speak a little French, show some respect and you should be fine. Doesn't that rule apply to travel in all countries??? Leave a Comment
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In Paris I found that people serving you acted like you were putting them out. You often get a snappy answer before you even finished the sentance.
I was charged more than I should of been for drinks in Jardin des Tuileries, which I figured would be more effort than it was worth to argue about.
At first I found the way I was looked at very threatening, like I would be targeted because I was a tourist but I got used to it eventually.
One of my party got lost on our first night, a call from England had took all their credit ( the same then happened to me) and it took several hours to find someone who would let him use a phone to ring me for the Hotel address. One person asked for his mobile phone in exchange, another took money off him for a phone card and then gave him one with no credit on it after that night he was convinced that the French really dislike the English.
A police man bruised his arm while he quite clearly told him in English to **** OFF!
We only just got into our boarding gate by 5 minutes due to Britsih Airways staff at CDG airport sending us the wrong way one person just shrugged without even trying, and we had arrived more than two hours before our flight.
And they drive like maniacs crossing a road is like an extreme sport, even with traffic lights, I certainly think I would of enjoyed my trip to Paris more had we encountered friendlier people.
At first I put the nonchalance of effort down to Paris not needing the tourism to survive, but very few were actually pleasant even to each other so it must just be the way they are. I wouldn't of believed how agro they are without provocation without actually seeing it for myself, as I try to see the positive in everyone but I was really shocked more than once as there was just no need for it.
I'm sad I have come away from Paris with such a low opinion of its people.
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Destinations near Paris- Île de la Cité, 1.22 km / 0.76 miles
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