I would like to go to Paris,France but I heard alot of negative things about its people.?

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Rillifane

It is easy to hear negative things about any nationality. They are generally exagerrations, reflect the ignorance of the speaker, or are simply matters of bias based on politics.

The French re no better or worse than any other people.

There are cultural differences between the French and Americans which can exacerbate the situation and lead to misunderstanding.

Generally speaking the French are more formal than most North Americans.

In everyday speech this means appending "s'il vous plÃ¢it" to any request. It means saying "je voudrais" and not "donnez moi" when ordering from a menu. It means calling the waiter "Monsieur" and not "GarÃ§on." It means greeting the staff at a shop with "Bonjour" (madam or monsieur as appropriate). The failure of most American tourists to follow these customs means that they are seen by the French as being rude and this rudeness may be reciprocated.

The easy presumption of friendship or the discussing of personal matters with relative strangers that is common in North America is sometimes seen as boorish or crude by the French.

Americans in particular who will talk about the intimate details of their love lives, the state of their personal finances, and the cost of everything they own with someone they met ten minutes ago are, for that reason, regarded as utterly outrÃ©.

On the other hand, Americans, who have been taught to never discuss politics or religion, sometimes think they are being singled out for abuse when the French express their opinions on such matters. They are not, of course. they are simply engaging in the second most popular French indoor sport (and the one that does not usually require a bed).

You should also understand that Paris is the most visited tourist spot in the world. It is also however the political and economic heart of France. Most of the people there have jobs to go to and work to do that does not involve tourists. So don't be surprised if not everyone wants to drop whatever they are doing to explain how to use the Metro or give you directions.

And while it is true that more Frenchmen speak English than there are English speakers who also know French, the fact is that not everyone speaks English. The failure to reply to someone jibbering away in English may simply be a matter of not speaking your language.

Be polite and don't look for offense and you won't find any.

huckleberry

Just go. France is gorgeous, so much history, beautiful architecture...it is wonderful. You will adore Paris because it is not just about the people. It is about being in PARIS!!!

There are grumpy people all over the globe...even on Yahoo Answers. France is no worse than anywhere else.

eastglam

I like the French people and they are no more snooty, snobish or stand offish than say the average American.

Go with an open mind, talk to people (even in English) and you will have a great time.

Enjoy.

ctelly22

I went to Paris in January and had no problem. I found the french to be friendly and accommodating. During my whole trip I only encountered 2 rude people, but rude people are everywhere. You can't judge a whole country based on a few bad encounters. If you want to go to Paris, go, be positive and keep an open mind, if you look for the negative you will find it.

denimcap

i don't see how a "people" can be generalized. an individual is too different to have his/her life history, beliefs, opinions, feelings, stereotyped by a flag.

lingua06437

I spent a year there. The French were wonderful. I spent a month in Paris and the rest of the time in Normandy. Like any big city, people in Paris can be impatient if you slow things up. But they are willing to help you if you are sincere and show respect. People gave me directions, helped me read things and smiled at me.

If you don't speak French, don't expect the French to be able to speak English. In a nutshell, that is the reason why most French have altercations with Americans. You are the guest in their land. You should not expect them to speak English any more than they should expect you to speak French. If you carry this attitude with you, I guarrantee you will have a good time. If you expect the French to Speak English because you don't speak French and you are arrogant about it, then you will have a bad time.

I was invited to peoples houses. People wanted to get to know me. People treated me with courtesy. I was able to socialize and joke around with the people. This is a beautiful country with a lot of history and great food.

Go to France and have fun. They are wonderful people. They don't hate Americans.

greenenvy18

Haha, people call the French snobs. Don't listen to a word of it. Everybody has a complaint for every country. It's a problem in this world. People are just as nice in Paris, as any other big city.

If you're looking to socialize, you should try local bars and clubs.

sweetmommy

The Parisians are no more rude than New Yorkers. As already stated, try to, at least learn "please", "thank you", "good morning" & "good evening" in french. Buy a phrase book and try to learn some phrases that you will need.
I once saw an American start to shout at a shopgirl, thinking raising the volume would help her understand english!! No wonder the french see Americans as uncivilized. They do not like our politics much either.
On the whole the people are very nice. Much nicer in the smaller towns though.
Go to bars & cafes, you will make lots of friends if you are friendly.

boxjellÃ¿

This is such an odd question. I mean, you could ask this of any country in the world. Not everyone will be friendly in any country. You will always have bad apples. There are plenty of nice people in Paris and the rest of France. There is not a specific "friendly zone". Meeting nice, friendly people is circumstantial. The harder you try the worse it may be.

telemeister

Don't listen to people who tell you not to go. France is a wonderful country with a fascinating history, the world's best food and wine and one of the most beautful capital cities around.

I suggest that you try and speak French, the French will appreciate it. I have seen a lot of Americans who walk up and just start speaking English and are surprised that they don't get a response.

Enjoy!

arun d

I can assure you that me being a foreigner and having spent 7 years in France, never had a problem with the people.
French is a very hospitable country and the rest is but clichÃ©s and prejudices.

mac77

In life, you'll always hear plenty of negative things about people. It's just gossip. Don't take it too seriously. You'll miss out on a profound cultural experience.

superstar dj

They're not at all snobby, but if you don't speak French they're about as friendly as Americans are to someone who can't speak English.

It's a myth that parisians are snobby. there are very conservative ... wearing a nylon coat or running shoes or shorts will make you look garish ... so maybe that is snobby ... but maybe it's just an appreciation for what's local.

young people tend to be more friendly and more likely to be bilingual, if you are not.

daisy

It's true that they don't like Americans. I can remember when I went there and we were going to the Sacre Coeur church in Montmarte and I was with a group climbing stairs and there were these French people saying "stupid Americans" (in French of course.) I also had an experience where my French was shaky and I was in a pizza restaurant and the people that worked there were making fun of us and made us a nasty pizza. They just threw whatever they wanted on it. But that wasn't in Paris. For you, I would suggest you learn some French, even basic words and phrases and make an attempt to speak the language while you are there, because even if you're wrong, if you make an attempt, most people will try to help you, or try to understand what you are trying to say. Especially in Paris, alot of people speak English as well, so that helps you out too. You seem young, maybe in yours 20's, idk, so I would suggest going to cafes or bars or nightclubs and meet people around your age. A lot of the younger crowd is more inviting, plus they are the same age and you connect through common interests. Have fun!!

qwerty

the people are snotty.
but it is fun.
BUT if you're american they will likely hate you just because you're american. stupid but true.

frank m

They don't like you there. Just your money.

Dogsnoop

Don't do it....

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