I'm traveling to Paris next year, and want to fit in as well as possible. What should I do or not do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
2006-07-29 07:35:40 · 12 answers · asked by Snapple Monkey 3 in Travel ➔ France ➔ Paris
Tout dépend de votre personnalité et de votre éducation. The same thing could be said the other way round. Just be yourself and you will be appreciated for what you are. Being in France doesn't make any difference. As in any other country you'll come across people happy to assist you and pleased to help you make the best of your visit in France. You may occasionally be disappointed by some indifferent dope..but this should not temper your enthusiasm. Try and speak a few words in French. It breaks the ice (if any) and we love your accent. You are definetly warmly welcomed in France. I suggest you travel out of Paris and Versailles thronged with tourists from Japan, China, South and North America,..Provincial towns and countryside are truly interesting what we call.."la France profonde". Wishing you a pleasant stay and.. Bon Voyage!
2006-07-29 10:46:29 · answer #1 · answered by GOLDFINGER 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the guy who suggested learning some cordial French. I'd add that you should just treat them as you would any stranger: kindly, with respect, and patience. You'll be fine. Myself and a friend travelled there and we don't speak a lick of French and everyone was nice.
One storeperson did try to rip me off, but math isn't French, so I caught her and it was no big deal. Something like that could happen in any city. Just be kind and you'll be ok. The fact that you're concerned about making a good impression says to me you'll be fine.
Bon appetit! (That's about all the French I know.)
2006-07-29 14:41:43 · answer #2 · answered by Silent Kninja 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The French can be "compassionatly abraisive".
What I mean is- The French pretend to hate everybody. The more you are insulted, the happier they are that you are there.
I recently walked into a Starbucks in Paris and was even greeted in English!:
"We dount seurve Amerikans Heure". (enhanced to demonstrate thick French accent). Nevertheless, I ordered and even tipped the server who sneered at me.
Best advice- Most French wont bother you, but be prepared for some attitude here and there. Don't let it get to you.
2006-07-29 14:48:28 · answer #3 · answered by User 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking as a person who has taken French since kindergarten and who has travelled to France many times, it is important not to be boisterous, act as though you are entitled to anything you desire, or stereotype French behavior. If you really want to fit in, don't take travel in packs. Also, I have found (vicariously) that if you do not speak a language, you should not just smile at, say a sales person who speaks to you in French. Even if your French is not very good, people like it very much if you at least try to speak to them in their language. It shows them that you willing to adapt to ways foreign to your own, and people will still compliment you on your French if you try and are not too shy.
2006-07-29 14:57:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Spikey_Rocker,
As said above, if you learn at least a few sentences in french you'll solve 95% of all problems. Just so simple.
My guess is that those who find the french rude speak to them in english and expect to be answered in english. Are they unable or unwilling to learn ten words in another language ? I find this extremely rude.
Enjoy your stay and don't worry!
2006-07-30 07:36:44 · answer #5 · answered by Matt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not expect the French to bow to you because the US aided in liberating the country in WW II.
Only old people remember it.
The new generation has no memory of it.
"Treat others as you would like to be treated"
Make a trip to West Bank
Have dinner at the Petit Zinc, (Zenk), very French.
2006-07-29 14:42:45 · answer #6 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be very polite. I was in Strasbourg three months ago, and the french seem to be very picky when it comes to manners. Most of them seem to be incredibly nice though, so dont sweat it. Have fun!
2006-07-29 14:44:34 · answer #7 · answered by RadiantGal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
french people are not freindly at all,I vivit france every year
people are so bad all what you can do make yourself as not caring ,prepare yourself for there ignorance when you speak to them in english try to know some words like how much can you please when where is ,where can I find this address,what time you open or close ...
2006-07-29 15:29:51 · answer #8 · answered by styleinvistigator 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to learn some simple french and be friendly and polite and oh don't forget to say, s'il vous plait, when you ask for something :D
2006-07-30 04:43:19 · answer #9 · answered by mauvi3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive been to paris myself, cant say i met alot of friendly people there but hey, could have just been the weather making the mood lol
id just be yourself, if they dont like it tough hun
2006-07-29 14:41:12 · answer #10 · answered by miss m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋