French people - character?

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jmp78

Very good question! From experience, people in Paris are seen as more formal (always in a hurry and more corporate, sort of) than people in the south of France, who are seen as more laid back and love to take their time :)

Rillifane

The French are generally more formal in all areas than Americans.

The exception is that there is a more open attitude towards certain aspects of sexual behavior, public displays of affection, nudity at the beach and in advertising or on television (things restricted to cable in the USA sometimes appear on broadcast TV in France).

More specifically, the French use a more formal style of speech, using the "vous" form rather than "tu" with social equals until invited to adopt the more familiar "tu". People do not use first names upon first becoming acquainted.

Conversations with people do not assume the easy familiarity that Americans take for granted. People do not discuss the intimate details of their lives, finances or relationships with any but their most intimate friends. The sole exception seems to be about health which the French love to complain about (hypochondria is a national sport).

Relationships with strangers are based on roles. No French waiter would do the "Hi I'm Mark and I'll be your server" sort of shtick common in the States. A waiter is a professional and the customer is his client and each takes a formal attitude in regard to the other. (Don't, by the way, call a waiter "Garcon" as you may have been taught in your high school French class).

The French will often use titles (like professor) when Americans would not and there is not the assumption of universal equal status that exists in America.

The French pursue logical investigation of issues rather than attempting to avoid all controversy. i.e. The French don't "agree to disagree" but want to investigate every nuance of the disagreement. This may seem tenditious or even hostile to many Americans who, at least at a personal level, prefer compromise and accomodation.

lionking19

French people are good in nature.

This is the country of beauty and wine. Enjoy it.

Only thing is they have strong prejudice towards english language. In Paris you will still not feel it, but if you go in interior you may face some problems, the solution is roam around with English to French translation book.

Unlike UK, France is much more safe, in Paris you should be more careful.

Don't worry it is very nice country and people are also very nice.

Oxane

Hi I'm french and I live in the area from Paris. Maybe I'm too involved to give you a right opinion. I'm not a tourist here. But I think Parisians are sometimes unfriendly, they don't take their time to explain you something, they are always pressed for time. But some are very nice! It depends on the person! But on the whole, they are not so pleasant and welcoming. That's my opinion!
Otherwise Paris is a safe and beautiful city, but when you are in some areas (especially north of the city) or in the underground, you have to be careful all the same, there are some thieves! Poverty brings some poor people in the streets.
I think people are more relaxed in the provinces. Less stress. But people in France are not so comfortable with foreign languages, what is a problem for communication!
I don't know what are people from the Nancy area like, but I guess they are more open and welcoming.
Have a nice trip in France and I hope you'll enjoy this country! There are so much things to see here!

jansey

I have found the French to be of the highest character. I believe it is in how you treat people, that they treat you back. Once in Paris, we were lost, and the owner of a store ran outside after a bus, stopped the bus, told him where we needed to go, and motioned for us to run down there and get on. He told us that the driver would motion us as to where to get off the bus... and the bus driver did not even charge us to ride!!!

I have a good friend in the south of France, and they are very down to earth there too.

I love going to France, as there is always something else to do or see, and the people are wonderful.

Monsieur Kermit

The people in Paris were absolutely terrific and fun to deal with and hang out with. I think a lot of the problems are due to some Americans who act like assmunches when they are visiting. If you mind your manners, honor some of the basic customs and act like a decent person you will do just fine in Paris, which is an AWESOME city.

â™¥JJâ™¥

Food is another formal/relax situation.

When the French eat, even for the most informal quick lunch break, they generally expect a sit-down-at-the-table lunch and not a quick gobble-your-sandwich-down one. It doesn't have to be a fully formal lunch complete with table cloth and wine glasses, but they do like to take their time to eat, savor their meal, and discuss at the same time.

I find that sitting down to discuss over cocktails at about 7pm is an excellent way to break the ice and start having more down to earth conversation. Afternoon coffee in a cafe is good too.

They enjoy discussing many things in a philosophical manner and once you get to know them, they like to debate. But of course, it depends on the person.

JJ

qriste

Hi I'm French I live in Lyon (RhÃ´ne-Alpes) and we're friendly here, don't believe people who say we are cold in this area.
French people are reserved, we're not as spontaneous as other people in Europe (Spanish, English...), that's why people think we're rude.

Paris Traveler

I have found all the French to be very nice and helpful. However, I'm not so sure today about their leader-Sarkozy. He jumped on the boat of 2 news photographers and cussed them out in French for taking his picture, while on vacation in New Hampshire. That's some character for ya!

Smokeabella

I holidaying in both Nice and Paris. The people of Nice were lovely, friendly and welcoming.
I just found the Parisians to be rude, rude, rude. And yes I did all the bonjour and au revoir etc. They would literally walk away from you if you were in the middle of ordering food, roll their eyes if you asked for help at the Metro. Not what any tourist expects to find on holiday. I just don't buy that stuff about them being respectful and polite, maybe to each other but certainly not to tourists. The british are also known for being formal and polite and I did find this on a visit to London, but as for Paris - no way!

swissgirl

people in paris are very arrogant and unfriendly.

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