I am considering going to France for vacation but am concerned that Americans are not treated well there

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hatachisugi

Tell them you are Canadian LoL
And learn French

mafia_racer

I could read from one answer above "go to Italy". Well look Princess, we italians don't like whiny Americans better than the French do. If you expect us to speak english to you, then call us rude if we don't, provide you with diet coke wherever you go, and make sure the a/c is cranked up everywhere, this is just NOT gonna happen. I have American friends, the ones that make an effort to adjust to our culture and way of life when they come. It's been a blast together. The other ones we wake them back up to reality, and fast. I don't expect people to answer me in Italian and serve me Pastis when I go to the US. So YOU ADAPT YOURSELF first and we'll be nice. No problem with the fact that you're american or chinese we don't give a crap. It just so happens that the spoiled childs too often seem to have an american accent. Once for all, we just want you to respect people, what they are, how they live, and they'll respect you back. Now if you want to "discover" another country while eating hamburgers and watching baseball, go to Epcot center and that'll be enough for you. Ciao

Dhara

This is very true. Be extra polite but as aloof and disinterested as possible. Attempt to speak their language. DO NOT dress like a tourist or an American and believe it or not there is a difference. Think in terms of less is more in not just your choice of wardrobe but pretty much everything.
Plan an agenda and thoroughly research the history of where you are going as well as points of interest. That way you will be an interested but informed participant and not a wide-eyed observor.

ello

yes it is

thylawyer

In the big cities and ports and tourist areas, people will speak English. The Parisians are snobbish about everything, including speaking "perfect" French. Outside the cities, a lot of people speak English, with varying degrees of skill. Schoolchildren like the chance to speak English with a native speaker, but do not always have the patience to listen. It helps if you can learn a few phrases in French, including "Pardonnez-mois, mais je ne parle pas bien le francais." (Sorry, I don't speak French well.)

iwuvcheesypoofs8

Yes! It is EXTREMELY true. I've been to France numerous times, and each visit, I was hassled. Just lie and say you're Canadian. (If they ask for a city, say you live in the Yukon Territory in a hut or something.)

Del Fuego

I could have gone without seeing it.

birdchirp

Depends...if you learn proper French etiquette before you go (never assume anyone speaks English--ASK in French first; greet the store workers as you enter; don't dress like an American tourist, etc) you will be treated nicely. I have been many times and always am treated well. Keep in mind that French people love to argue and this can come across as rude by Americans--we save our arguing for close friends/family.

le_ffrench

I am still quite surprised to read answers such as the first ones. I live near Paris and every time I am asked for directions by tourists, I gladly help. It helps me practice my english.
It is more difficult when I come accross persons who speak neither French or English.

As for politeness, who's being impolite? French bashing seems to be a national sport in the US and I am not sure a French reading or hearing the kind of jokes Bill O'Reilly makes daily would welcome americans gladly.
We have no equivalent to www.fuckfrance.com directed towards americans here...

seremaestro

Let me tell you a little story that comes from personal experience....

I went to Paris 3 years ago, and had the most HORRIBLE time while I was there. The Parisians, while a classy folk, are rude as heck to Americans. They are brusque, do NOT stop to answer questions about directions, locations, etc. if you are not French French, and ignore Americans. In fact, I was lost in Paris, and heard two people ahead of me conversing in English. I asked for directions, and they looked at me like I was crazy. One muttered something in French, and they walked away. If you go, get a good map, a friend, and a steel will. Good luck.

P.S. DONT plan on going to the Louvre Museum on a Tuesday. That's the day it's closed. Cheers!

robbie

I don't think its true in general.

You will find rude people everywhere. You want rude, try New York.

The average Parisians are so into themselves, they don't even know that the US exists.

Go ahead and have a good time. Don't even think about it.

helenamr

I've seen this question so many times... It starts to look like there's some sort of phobia in the USA about France. Another typical sort of answer (from USA people) is that "french people are horrible, France is a terrible place, don't go there"...
How do french people get treated around in the USA? Aren't they badly treated?

The thing is, USA people seem to be quite proud. The French are also very proud. Each one wants to speak their language, each feels like they're better than the other. How do you want to get along in these terms?

Basic stuff:
Be polite, try to speak some french.
Nice people and rude people are everywhere! All around the globe, in pretty much the same proportions... I guess you'll meet as many nice people as you would in NY.
Remember Paris is a huge city, and if you know other big cities in the World, you know that people are colder, stressed and more distant in big cities.
In the countryside, or in smaller cities, they have more time, they can take a moment to answer a question or chat for a while.

tisherself2004

Out of all the places in the world....
WHY would anyone want to go to France??

brainstorm

Generally speaking they are more civilised than the Americans so you should be OK.

no this is totally untrue - its like the scottish hating the english - its a governmental kind of thing. you dont actually hate the people. parisians and some other french ppl are a little crazy to everyone - even each other. their driving is mental! its a beautiful country though with delicious food and i highly recommend it. i went to paris with my american boyfriend over the summer and cannot say he was treated any differenly than me (im scottish) have a lovely time if you end up going. places like Royan, Quiberon, il de laurion are lovely! byee

sueet2b

go to italy, italians loooove americans, at least they compliment you if you tell them your from la, ny, or some other big city in the states.

nothing1soso2

I have been and the french aren't anymore or less rude than anyone else. American tourist visit France in great numbers repeatedly. Paris is an international city, there are SO many Americans(and just about everyone else) about. If you can get through NYC OK-You will find Parisians quite likable. That is to say if you are not use to big cities than the people there might seem a little less friendly but that is true for every city it's size. they are use to visitors of every stripe and no they do not single out American tourist Secondly and quite frankly I met more people who spoke multiple of language esp. English than those who did not. It would be extremely rare that you would bump into anyone there in the capacity of customer service that did not speak English from the front desk, to tour guides,etc I also went to a festival in Nice in the people were VERY Friendly. well those are the only two cities I visited I find it hard to believe you would be treated badly elsewhere. I don't know how muchtravel youhave under your belt but realize in general that big cities have the best of both. Both the nicest and the rudiest it has nothing to do with just the french. I lived in NYC and if you can handle a visti there than Paris would be a breeze.

Cedar××œ×™ 10452

If you dont speak french or if you know just few words.. dont speak at all and you will be ok. Parisian In General are rude people... They r the city People u know. and NO French in general are not rude. Specially people from the south

dillontellier

I'm French, Parisians in general are rude to Americans because of stereotypical reasons. No one else is though. So lay low in Paris but if you're friendly you can get good treatment. I recommed visiting the South like Nice or Marseille. People are nice, the food is great, and the weather is wonderful.

Madam Death

Most of Europe hates americans, but if u dont make a fool outta urself, they wont do anything to u. As long as u know sum basics of French, u'll get along the place alright ^-^

....just a tip- dont wear or have anything that might have an american flag or sumthin very american on u during ur trip lol ^-^ they get offended pretty easily ^-^

Madam Death X_x

sidereus_nuncius

I have been there many times, and all were very nice...except the waiter on the Champe-Ellysees who would not give me a menu in English...but I think he was just having a bad day. Listen, go experience it for yourself; its not like you are going to a war zone like Iraq. Have no fear...if they're rude, tell them what for...and look for a new French person to be friendly to. Let me know how it went! Have a great vacation!

www.40daysinparis.blogspot.com

INDIFFERENCE --- it looks like rudeness.
You'd be surprised how little time French people spend thinking about America or Americans. We are not important to them and they've been around longer than we have.

If you do not know where you are going, are dressed like a tourist, are speaking in a loud voice in public, or do not greet a person in THEIR language BEFORE asking them a question, you are going to be ignored. This means you must PREPARE for a trip to France. Don't just get on a plane like you are going to Cancun for spring break. Take the opportunity to learn a half dozen phrases; leave your white athletic socks and sneakers at home (at the moment, Puma is the brand of choice in France); Be respectful everywhere and at all times, as if you are visiting someone's home. NEVER speak to someone in English and expect them to respond in English. Your job, as world traveller, is to learn a few phrases and plan your day before you leave your hotel. If you need help on the Metro platform, look for someone who appears to be helpful. If the French make you nervous, there are plenty of immigrants and foreigners who are able to help you --- b/c they've been in your shoes before.

It's not about YOU. Make your interactions with the French about THEM. This works with all people, everywhere. Humility Rules.

(...and YES, there are a lot of French people who act rude. If you'll notice, these folks are the same way to each other. Again...it's not about YOU. But your responsibility is to suck it up and put the focus on others.)

Little Hulk

Yeah, they're rude. France is only good for a couple days anyway.

Daniellellellellelle

The French are proud. I was there a few weekends ago. If you are nice, they will mostly help you with what you need, but you can't expect to be treated like you would be in America. Go and enjoy it. It's a beautiful place.

whomdini

I have been to Paris twice. The first experience, during the summer was pretty bad. The subway workers, train workers, bus drivers, and museum workers all went on strike for at least part of the time I was there. . . and I was only there a week. I hadn't learned any French and people were rude. Still, I had some great food and enjoyed seeing what sites I was able to see.

The second time I went was in the winter and it was a fantastic trip. I picked up some Pimsleur French tapes (highly recommended) at the library a few weeks before the trip and learned just enough to say "Bonjour" and a small handful of phrases. I experienced only one rude waiter on the whole trip. The city wasn't full of tourists as it had been in the summer and I think some locals may be more friendly as a result.

In summary, I highly recommend learning just a few key words and phrases.

chef spicey

yes they are miserable.......... but i still enjoyed it inspite of them...........

Y'a quelqu'un ?

I would say yes if u behave like an American !
I am always amazed that when u are in a tourist hotel in Paris people say Hello or Good morning when u enter the elevator ...!
Do french of Italian people say Bonjour or Ciao when they are in NY ??
So just try to learn basics french terms such as "Bonjour, Au Revoir, s'il vous plait" that u will find in any good tourist guide. Then u star talking by those terms that will show u make an effort and then ask if they speak english and I am sure they will be delighted to help you.

Be careful with French waiters that try to sell expensive meals or drinks in cafÃ© and restaurants. Plus you do not need to tip like crazy. 1 or 2â‚¬ is most of the times enough because service is included in all prices.

Come and visit, I am sure you'll love it.

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I am considering going to France for vacation but am concerned that Americans are not treated well there - ?