I want to visit france?

Question

My wife and I want to visit france with our daughter, but I wonder how welcome U.S. citizens are made to feel. We don't speak French, so will that be a problem?

Answer 1

I would stay away from Paris. They are not real friendly to Americans there. And they don't prefer to speak English. They don't like it all. Take tours with translaters.

Answer 2

Do it! France is a wonderful country and the beauty of everything will drive you to tears. ^_^ From my trips, a little french helps a lot, since most french people speak a little english at least. The French are proud people though, and they do not like to be bothered by tourists who are rude and only want to speak english, so learn a few simple phrases to begin a conversation with and you will be amazed at how fast they will try to help you out.

Paris is easier to get around for tourists who don't speak the language, but some of the other cities are just as worthy of a visit, Lyon is especially beautiful and has some of the best restaurants I have ever been to.

Take public transportation whenever you can, it's a lot cheaper than taxis. And France is a big walking city, you will find grocers, bakeries, post offices (get your money changed here, lower fee), and restaurants within walking distance of your hotel or apartment. I highly recommend getting an apartment with a kitchenette if possible, as dining out every meal can be expensive and time consuming. It's a lot more fun to cook with fresh, regional ingredients, served with a small selection of french cheeses and fresh bread from the nearest bakery. If you want to save a little more time and money, buy some croissants from the bakery as well and have a simple continental breakfast before the day's exploration.

Have a great vacation!

Answer 3

By France, do you mean Paris? From my experience in Paris, the people were polite... though I've heard they can be quite rude. I speak some French...enough to get by. Be respectful and unassuming and don't expect that everyone will speak English. I think if you make an attempt at speaking the language, the people are much more willing to help you out in English. It would serve you well, if you have the time, to invest in a French language course on tape. There are ones specifically designed for travellers. You can go to Barnes and Noble or Amazon online and see what's available.

Answer 4

US visitors are perfectly welcome. And as long as you understand that the locals in Paris have a slightly different way of going about and their default setting with strangers is formal, you'll have no problems.

Not speaking French won't be an issue. However, you need to realise that while most people do speak some English, not everyone will be fluent. You will need to be patient and exercise a sense of humour. It wouldn't kill you to learn a few basic phrases like Hello Sir/Madam, please, thank you, Do you speak English?, Goodbye. Even if you can't remember all of the phrases, don't forget your manners. Good manners are universal.

Answer 5

A good friend of mine travelled to France two years ago with a tour group (of Americans). While most of the French were very welcoming, she felt they were warmer toward her if she made an attempt to speak French. It may have been a poor attempt on her part, but they were more willing to speak to her when she tried.

Answer 6

Germany - incredibly Berlin - has some fantastic museums, too, besides as galleries! As for the information of English: that is often very accent-ridden :D yet, incredibly between youthful human beings you'll right now, if no longer on the instantaneous, locate those who talk English and are very pleased to assist out. Even those who won't be able to talk English very well, will attempt to assist out as a lot as they could. (there are the weird exceptions notwithstanding who're in a nasty mood etc, yet you receives that everywhere.) So i'd vote for Germany. although, both international places are great? also, in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne that is extra in all chance to locate English speaking human beings than in slightly village on excellent of a mountain, in case you get what I propose. and persons refusing to respond to in English as a wide-spread rule is purely no longer real. in any respect.

Answer 7

Go for it! You will spend a fabulous time. Contrary to what the New York Times and "the drive by press" make you to believe, the French, as human beings adore America. You will be treated like a Tourist and - the customer is always right.

Answer 8

Learn a few phrases, numbers for money, please, thank you, where's the bathroom, etc. I found that the French were very nice as long as you were polite and tried to speak a little French. And speaking loudly will not help someone understand you if they don't understand your language. If someone came along speaking some loud nonsense to you and your family in your hometown, you probably wouldn't be nice either.

Answer 9

Learn how to say hello, thank you, please, these few basic phrases, believe me it works. I was there in may, and as soon as I said bonjour, people did appreciate the try.
Have fun

Answer 10

first buy a dictionnary and then don't worry, french people are no bad, they cant' eat you, enjoy your trip and don't worry the most imporant it's you enjoy your trip, no?