Any advice, tips, or cautions??
2006-11-20 04:28:09 · 7 answers · asked by Amanda E 1 in Travel ➔ France ➔ Other - France
Yes, I am currently taking a french class [the trip to Frace is part of the course] Thank you all for your insight!
2006-11-20 06:51:28 · update #1
THANK YOU ALL!!! YOU HAVE BEEN AMAZING!
2006-11-21 11:29:29 · update #2
If you are going with a school, ask your teachers what you will be seeing and then read up on it. If you have a general idea about the history of a place, or a special stiry behind something, it will mean more to you. It will also help you to read the explanations in french if you are not completely lost.
Bon Voyage et a bientot en France!
2006-11-23 10:18:20 · answer #1 · answered by Amy d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're taking a French class so that should work well for you. Some people in Paris can be really big time snobs if they know you're an American. If you're in a situation where you need to speak to someone in English, don't assume they speak English - even if it's an info booty setting. Ask in French first!
What to watch out for...pick pockets on the Metro. There are warnings posted but make sure when you ride the Metro, you're bags are closed - bring a bag that has a zipper is the best way.
The French dress a little better than the average American. So be prepared for that....
I prefer the D'Orsay Museum to the Lourve. I've found it much more unique.
Paris is a beautiful city and I enjoy it very much. (I'm actually going there on Thursday.) Don't forget to go to Versailles...the palace is BEAUTIFUL and the gardens will be in bloom when you're there!
Have Fun!
2006-11-20 07:40:14 · answer #2 · answered by Lancer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Such a general question... France is a diverse place !
I guess you're likely going to Paris.
Tips? Don't talk like you need the whole neighborhood to hear you. Ask politely is someone speaks English before assuming they do and rattling off. And don't mistake French reserved attitudes for rudeness.
Taste everything you can, the food is wonderful.
Get out of Paris a bit, find some random villages and just explore. The countryside is beautiful.
2006-11-20 05:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by Samantha 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy and read "Culture Shock! France", it gives a great explanation of the French and how to avoid being treated "rudely" by them. Also, learn as much French as possible, you have plenty of time to get to the conversational level, and at the very least learn how to buy things, order in restaurants, all the basics.
In case you don't bother buying the book an important thing to remember is to say "Bonjour Monsieur/Madame" to the proprieter/waiter at any shop/hotel/restaurant you go into. To the french this is common courtesy, and if you don't do it they may think you think you're better than them. They will go out of their way to let you know you're not (this is called rudeness by visitors who don't bother to do their homework before visiting France).
2006-11-20 04:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excellent advise above. Yes, protect against pick-pockets otherwise you will feel very secure. As said above to avoid being treated like a rude American don't act like one. Dress nice (no ball caps), learn your greetings, don't wear a camera around your neck, smile and shut-up! I do not speak French but take a book of common phrases that I will study before going somewhere. Try to say it in thier language and they will most likely help you in English. Anytime I needed something important, train tickets etc. if this did not work with the clerk, a person next to me or behind me has said "pardon me, may I help you"
2006-11-21 06:51:03 · answer #5 · answered by georgep20042 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try and visit the South of France it's great!
2006-11-21 00:57:03 · answer #6 · answered by B K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't carry money in your pockets, pack light and take alot of film really pretty sites went there last summer Paris is AWSOME!!!
2006-11-20 04:37:11 · answer #7 · answered by Dodge's lil girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋