Are the french really unfriendly to American tourists?

Question

It's always been my dream to visit Paris someday, but I have heard the french are very snooty and that everyone smokes. True or untrue?

Answer 1

The French are not unfriendly they are simply more formal than Americans. This causes a great deal of misunderstanding.

The American characteristics of easy informality, calling people by their first names, making physical contact with near strangers, exchanging personal information on first acquittance, being loud and boisterous, and failing to use polite language (please, thank you) when making requests of waiters and service personal are all seen as being vulgar and rude by the French.

Americans see the French as being standoffish and unfriendly when all they are doing is acting in exactly the same manner as they would with fellow Frenchmen.

Answer 2

It would be tragic if you were to let what you've heard convince you not to pursue your dream to visit Paris. I've been to Paris quite a few times (and spent quite a bit more time in Provence and the Cote d'Azur) and I'd say that the French were as friendly to me as people anywhere on my trips. Now, there are certain things you can do to attract snootiness - talk loudly to people in English without making any attempt at French, dressing like a clown (it's amazing how obvious many Americans are, in gaudy clothes more appropriate for a Florida beach than a stylish French street or restaurant), or taking the "the customer is always right" attitude (unlike some American services, the French seem to always understand that the employee is a person too).

But I experience as much unfriendliness right here at home as I do in Paris. Do not let other people's bad experiences talk you out of going.

Answer 3

I have also heard that French are unfriendly to Americans. I don't know how much of that I believe. I lived in a small town called Mereville when I was younger. The last time I was there was a couple of years ago visiting some of my relatives. I went to alot of places when I was in France. There was one particular cafe I went to in Paris. I was sitting outside with a friend having a coffee when these people next to me were talking and laughing. I started casually talking to them and I found out that they were on a business trip. They loved Paris and they really liked the people. If they would have had some problems with the french people they would have mentioned it. On a more personal note...being french from France myself the french can be snooty but that is just part of there make-up. No matter where you go you will get good and bad. I will tell you though...Once your in Paris or anywhere in France it will be a magical journey. Think positive about your dream and you'll get there.

Answer 4

i have travelled to paris quite a bit. in comparison to other places like amsterdam or barcelona, the french are generally rather cold to strangers. i wouldn't say they are impolite, they just dont care one way or the other. i dont think that the french necessarily refuse to speak english to americans, i just dont think that very many of them speak fluent english. most can understand much more than they can speak. many parisians smoke, but there are lots of non smoking areas and sections in place now. having or making a good friend there can make a big difference towards getting around and making more friends. there is a fun irish pub called "the long hop", lots of americans and brits there and the bands usually play american pop covers, if you find yourself wanting to be somewhere friendly where you can have a conversation in english.

Answer 5

TRUE!!! Been to Paris... it's an open sewer. The French people don't know what soap and water is, let alone deodorant. They all smoke and have nicotine stained teeth. They are unfriendly to American tourists, but they like our money! You couldn't get me back there on a bet!

Answer 6

lol...ok. Well that is true, french people smoke a lot. But the american part, thats not really true. We dont really check for wats goin on with the french goverment and the US goverment. We even laugh about it. But Parisian are snobby, well a lot of them at least. If you need help there, dont ask random ppl on the street, try to ask an officer or someone in a shop. That will help you.

Answer 7

I've asked many, many people about their experiences in France, and the most common indicator of whether they had a good time there was whether or not they tried to communicate in French. Not whether they're fluent, or anything like it: simply making an effort is sufficient. Everyone who tried to speak French had a positive experience. Everyone who didn't had a negative one.

Answer 8

A lot of people in France smoke, that is true.

My experiences in France have always been that the people are really nice and friendly. Maybe not totally gushy but still willing to help if they can.

if you learn a couple of French phrases ahead of time, and use them with people, they will appreciate it a lot. They will like practicing English with you too, if they know any.

Answer 9

Hi,

The french are absolutely not unfriendly to American tourists, not more than to British, German, or Spanish tourists.

French are not rude, but you know, when someone approach you, and just say "Where is the Louvre", without saying "Bonjour" or even "Hello", and without "excuse me, thank you, etc..." (Excusez-moi, merci...), that doesn't give you the desire to be polite. And believe me it happens every day.
If you are polite yourself (Bonjour, excuse me I don't speak french, do you speak english ?... Thank you...), I'm sure that everyone will be understanding, and will try to help you in english, even if english is not easier for us than french for you.
Even if your french is very bad, don't hesitate to try. People will help you, and at the end, they will understand what you need.

Book your plane ticket, you will not be disappointed ;-)

Answer 10

Depends.

9 out of 10 times when we asked for directions it was WRONG!! We spent 2 hours going in the wrong direction!! Plus some guy at the train station ripped us off.

If you go to Paris, find a trusted friend who lives in Paris to bring you around or a good tour guide. Be prepared to walk a lot and take the Metro. Bring lots of maps!