Living in Paris?

Question

I would love to live in Paris, I've already looked at a few apartments in Montmartre and I'm learning French. However, I've heard that not many people there care for Americans. How true is that?

Answer 1

I believe that this is an overblown stereotype. While there are people in France who don't care for anyone or anything American (or not local for that matter), this is neither the norm nor something specific to France. French people watch American movies and TV shows, they listen to American music, wear American fashions, eat American food, and in some cases travel to the US. All of which would be bizarre ways to demonstrate this alleged "hatred" they have for Americans. One person said that if you make the effort to communicate in French and to adapt to local customs, that goes a long way towards ensuring that your interactions with people will generally be pleasant. Sound advice wherever you go for that matter- try to adapt instead of expecting people to adapt to you. I sincerely wish you good luck if you decide to move to Paris- it's a beautiful city, and one that I miss terribly for that matter.

Answer 2

No, this is not true. They just may not agree politically. The French love to talk about politics. They are very passionate and fancy themselves well read and educated on matters of the day. This may differ from American culture, which (lets face it) enjoys pop culture and celebrity much more, and may not know alot about world matters.

Paris is filled with tourist everyday of the year. So Parisiens get a little under-whelmed in always being asked questions, directions, and "Why is that pyrimid thing doing near that Louvre?"

But give them a smile, be polite, try to be interested in absorbing their culture. Most will be pleasant, and some will go out of their way to be helpful....there are always going to be nasty people in every city, and it is no exception in Paris.

Just smile and enjoy...which you will!

Answer 3

Its not so much a matter of disliking individual Americans but having various grievances and resentments against America's position in the world and American policy at any one given moment. Right now there is certainly a great deal of hostility to the policy of the Bush administration.

Of course, that sort of generalized hostility makes it easy for some people to find fault with individual Americans that is unjustified.

Then again, many Americans behave rather badly abroad and all of us catch a bit of criticism for it.

I spend a fair amount of time in Paris and have never had much of a problem with people. Of course, being a lawyer, arguing is my stock in trade so I have no qualms about speaking my mind or sticking up for myself or my countrymen when it is justified.

My observatiom is that the French tend to enjoy argument and are more tuned in to politics and international affairs than most Americans. If they voice their opinion then you should feel free to voice yours. If you make rational arguments then my experience is that you will be respected and treated fairly.

Answer 4

No it is false. In paris we like Americans people. Of course you will probably meet stupid persons but you will also meet very nice people. Montmartre is "a village" in the city. It is a very nice place to live.
So enjoy your experience and don't worry for parisians they are rude but when you star to better know them you realize they are very nice.

Answer 5

French are fond of anyone who tries to understand and know their country it makes them proud. It is a lovely country and Paris is marvelous in the sens that it has so much to discover.

The French are fond of criticisism just do not take it personnally, it is just a way of expressing themselves, politics are a big subject.

Answer 6

Nathiouska is absolutely right. We are proud people and we critic a lot but htere is no consequence, it's just a way of life in France. If you show interest for us, you'll be a brother/sister. that's how we work!!!lol