Anyone ever been to Paris?

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Rillifane

I have been to Paris many, many times. It is a wonderful city and you'll have a great time.

Many Americans claim that the French are rude or just don't like American tourists. Its simply not true.

Customs and habits are different in France and both Americans and Frenchmen can rub each other the wrong way or misinterpret the others actions.

The French are more formal than Americans. The easy familiarity of Americans is taken as rudeness by the French while Americans see the French as being stiff and unfriendly.

Parisians live in a very crowded city and have learned to be quiet and unobtrusive. Americans tend to be loud and deliberately draw attention to themselves. Parisians see this as being crude and obnoxious. Tune it back a notch and you'll get a better reception.

Few Americans speak French and often seem indignant that not everyone in Paris speaks English. Please remember that and try to learn a few simple phrases in French. Avoid the American habit of thinking that if you speak very loudly and slowly that everyone can understand English.

The French are very well educated and have their own opinions about things. They are not always American opinions. They're entitled to that right? If you find someone bad mouthing America or the American government don't be surprised. But then its also true that the French are often as annoyed at their own government as they are at ours. That Frenchman who cusses out George Bush will often have equally unflattering things to say about Jacques Chirac. Political debate is an art form in France. They are very good at it.

Keep an open mind, a spirit of adventure, and a sense of humor. Paris is, Hemingway said, "a moveable feast". Enjoy.

Have Your Say

Ive been there, and yes they were rude.
Yes, we did our best to be polite but to no avail.
Quite frankly, I could sort of see the cities charm, but it was dirty and stinky overall.

The people in Nice and along the Riveira were a little nicer.

But I will never, never go back to France.

*LuvLii JOJO ScOorpio*

Oooh!!!...I have. I've been to Paris, France; London, England; and Italy, Rome in 10 days...It wuz sooooo freakin' fun. u should go dere. And yeah...French ppl don't lyk American Tourists. But if u speak french wit 'em u'll b juss fine.(Hint) Print out a sheet that contains common french phrases lyk; how r u/common talles vous? good morning/bonjour...etc...I should no I spoke french to every1 that I met dere...they can b reeeeeely nice if you speak francais to them.

babyshade94

I have been to paris! I go every year to see my dad and grandma! My mom is american and my dad is french.
You should really go to, it's really fun and there is alot of shopping!!!!!!!! It's a girls dream! I don't know why people think French people are rude, because they aren't. They are very nice
and polite. At least there aren't so many fat people there. Unlike America where ever you turn u see a fast food chain and a bunch of fat people!!

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never been but i would suggest renting a tour video and learn some basics of the language and culture before you go.

van_cleef_and_arpels625

Ive been to France once a year since i was four, Im American and no one in the entire country has ever been rude to me. Paris is a beautiful city and no one there is rude. They are probably only rude to people who are rude to them. The French believe that to be quiet is rude. You should ask questions, be loud and inquisitive.

Constantina Crespighi

I know someone who went to Paris, and wasn't allowed to use a bathroom in this business by the owner because she's American. I sure hope that sort of thing doesn't happen to you, or me. I hear that experiences vary a lot, but certainly, Il faut que tu parler franÃ§ais pour Ãªtre sÃ»r et heureux !

fuilui213

nope..i want to though!

Scha

But I believe French kiss is acceptable in all countries.

Hey, have fun in Paris! I've never been there, but I wish I can someday.

Tiffany

no that is not true there just curious about a lot of different things just dont take any newspaper that looks like pampelts from anyone handing them out they out they really do charge but other than that it is a beautiful place to be and very romantic

10 pts for me?

A couple of things to keep in mind. Unlike the rest of the European counties the majority of the French do not speak a second language. They are very proud of their language so if you at least try to communicate in French they will be appreciative. Also, the Parisians come across as being rude (especially Americans) but they are not it's just the way they are to everyone. It's like anywhere you go if you are polite and courteous they will embrace you. I guess the answer is no, they do like American tourists. American tourists have a tendancy to be really loud and obnoxious and can be very demanding. This is what they don't like and not all American tourists are like this.

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