France
The people in France are a rude and unfriendly sort. Although there are some that may be helpful so long as you speak some French. The scenery is disappointing, the beaches are rocky and the place is dirty. Expect it to rain.
- Location: Western Europe
- Capital: Paris
- Climate: Mild temperate climate.
- Currency: Euro (Euro)
- Language: French
- Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/france
July 1, 2006 @ 7:00 pm
willee said,
too busy, rude people, and very expensive, pick-pockets everywhere.
November 10, 2006 @ 6:57 am
simone said,
I’m sorry but after having lived in Europe for four years about 5 minutes from France I can tell you that this is wrong. Yes, people can be rude and the weather isn’t always great but if you are a sophisticated traveller who appreciates fine art and food you will enjoy this destination.
July 3, 2007 @ 1:07 pm
Mathilde said,
Dirty?? Rude?? Have you been to NYC? — You need to get out of Paris to appreciate France like you need to get out of NYC to appreciate the true America.
September 8, 2007 @ 5:55 am
Salma said,
I totally disagree.. i went to france this summer and had the best time ive had in years! It’s not dirty..atleast not as dirty as other places in the world! and plus.. cannes was one of the cleanest places i’ve ever seen in my life! The people were really helpful even though i didn’t speak a word of french. They made me feel really comfortable. I recommend going to france if you’re there to have fun and meet different people not if you’re there to criticise things that you find all over the world!
February 4, 2008 @ 7:17 am
anne said said,
French people are soooo ARROGANT, they hate tourists, nobody speak english, city is dirty and expensive– in short, they have too good oppinion about themselfs,but in reality they are rude and terrible in all ways!
i ll never go back!
April 12, 2008 @ 9:40 am
Alleyne said,
Why would you expect people in France to speak English? It would seem overly impudent of me to arrive in London as a Frenchman and expect everyone to speak French. French people would probably hate tourists who shout at them in English with a French accent and expect to be understood. France is beautiful. If you spend all your time in Paris, and neglect the rest of France you are a bound to think that the rest of the country is like the city. How ignorant!
April 24, 2008 @ 6:31 am
maria said,
I do not speak French but I noticed that when I visit Paris I always start to say in French “Excusez moi, monsieur, parlez vous anglais ?” (excuse me sir, do you speak english). French people are pleased that you make effort to speak French then they help you.
Most of the American tourists do not bother to make an effort to be understandable, why French people will try to help them ?
April 24, 2008 @ 7:14 am
Kathleen said,
I completely agree with Maria & Alleyne. I’ve been to Paris and other parts of France several times with nothing more than a few french phrases (please, thank you, where is, how much, please repeat slowly) and a good sense of humour and I have never had anything but the most friendly and helpful of replies. I don’t expect them or their city to be like America or Americains, what would be the point of travelling? My last time in Paris was amazing. The city was cleaner than I had remembered and the people were a joy. My friend who had never been and spoke no French, had a fabulous time and counts Paris as her favorite new city. Give other cultures and languages a try. It’s requires so little effort and the rewards are beyond measure!
April 24, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Frankie said,
Let’s turn some stereotypes around here. Rude, arrogant? Sure, but who are we to judge the French about arrogance? Americans are the worst tourists when it comes to language and culture, we expect everyone else to bend over backwards to make our experience there more like America. For an example when I was in Paris I saw a fat American family in a small cafe and they were SCREAMING at the waiter demanding the English menu and turning their noses up at everything they could figure out. I’d be rude and arrogant to them too! France just doesn’t want to put up with us being so rude to them. If we try even just a little, they’re much more pleasant and helpful. Learning a few customs and words helps. Like when you walk into a shop it’s customary to say “bonjour” to the shopkeeper, if you don’t, they won’t help you because you’re rude. Even just knowing how to say “Je suis désolé, je ne parle pas français” [I’m sorry, I don’t speak French] will get you most of the help you’ll ever need.
April 27, 2008 @ 4:52 am
Bob Walton said,
During my 1999 visit to Paris, I experienced some “resistance” when I asked for assistance in English. (I can read but cannot speak or understand spoken French.) Their resistance evaporated when the gentlemen discovered I was American, not British. Later that day, I was accosted by a British couple whose first words were, ” do you speak English?” I told them, “I was born in Brooklyn, but I’d try.” I was able to give them the directions they sought. Then… it occurred to me why a Frenchman might take umbrage if the first words uttered to them by a stranger were, “Do you speak …?”
April 27, 2008 @ 5:23 am
Ken said,
I am tired of hearing about French people being rude. This only comes from Americans. If the French came to an American city, spoke only French and expected everybody to understand them, and raised their voices in French if people didn’t understand them, then those French people would find only rudeness. I found no rude people in Paris, not one! I spoke to them in French.
If I am in a country where I don’t speak the language, I ask first if they speak English. It’s only polite. If Americans don’t want to find the French rude, then have some manners yourselves!
April 27, 2008 @ 5:45 am
BArbara said,
i really would like to know who is making this list; my husband and I went to Paris and everyone spoke English..of course we were not arrogant expecting them to speak to us we would make an effort to speak French and they would see that we were having a hard time and would start speaking English. Everyone was very sweet, nice and helpfull
April 27, 2008 @ 6:22 am
Patricia said,
I spent ten days in France years ago, but I made the effort to learn a little French and get familiar with the customs. It was a memorable experience and I did not find the negatives listed in the review. I found France to be a beautiful country, and enjoyed both Paris and the historic ares in the southern part of the country. Shame on the writer to perpetuate such stereotypes!
April 27, 2008 @ 6:38 am
Jack Sand said,
what Willee said—sorry but YOU ARE AN IDIOT—American`s carry a sense of pomposity when travelling through Europe–especially France. I am American but i can spot the typical American tourist in their Hawaian Shirt–camera around the neck–sneakers (it is best to wear walking shoes–no one wears sneakers unless they are playing sports–the French will tell you so) Also learn some basic French(if you somehow believe that everyone is supposed to speak your language–then I suggest you go to the Epcot Center @ Disney World or Las Vegas to see their Eiffel Tower) When you enter a store or restaurant, be friendly—don`t interrupt a conversation–I`ve stood behind other American`s in a store as they spoke as loudly and rudely as they could.I also met an American couple who were not having a good time—so I helped them get walking shoes—told them what to wear and how in general to approach someone in a store or restaurant. A week later when I ran into them,they could`nt thank me enough for helping them –they had such a wonderful time.
April 27, 2008 @ 7:08 am
Antonia said,
I spent a month in France years ago, and have to say it was one of the most eye-opening and exciting trips of my life. First off, I was totally welcomed by the other young people I met. Granted, I was staying with a “native”, but all the people I meant seemed fascinated by American culture, they embrace the music and some of the television shows and just wanted to talk about them with me. Yes, they do not like some things American (especially McDonald’s and Eurodisney) but who can blame them? When Americans travel, they just want to be catered to and have their butts kissed. If you treat other people with respect and make some attempt to speak their language they will welcome you. Besides, the countryside and architecture is to die for, the food is great, and the Louvre is awesome.
April 27, 2008 @ 8:10 am
Sandra said,
I have been to several cities in France…Paris, Cannes, Nice, Ez, Marseilles, even the Principality of Monaco. The French are wonderful and friendly but then I wasn’t the arrogant American expecting them to speak English and shouting for directions to the nearest McDonalds. I learned a few phrases and smiled when I approached someone. Being polite was very helpful. I did notice a lot of Ugly American syndrome though. One woman wanted ketchup in a restaurant in Monaco and she continued to shout KETCHUP to the waiter who did not understand. Then she got up from the table and went into the kitchen herself to get it…and people wonder why the French find American behavior disgusting.
April 27, 2008 @ 8:10 am
LARRY MADRIGAL said,
I’VE BEEN IN FRANCE WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND HAD A HECK OF A TIME. I REMEMBER
BEACHES, BEAUTIFUL. MAYBE, IT ISTIME FOR ME TO GO BACK.
April 27, 2008 @ 8:28 am
Monique said,
What are you idiots talking about? I just went to France; not dirty, very friendly people. In fact , when I was on the bus or Metro, people were very friendly and outgoing, offering suggestions on where to go and what to do. The streets are spotless, manicured, and flowers everywhere, EVERYWHERE. Just gorgeous. I was waiting for the horrendous attitudes. I’m from New York, where I do find rude people, but most are very friendly, too. If you come WITH an attitude, how do you expect a good attitude back. I have to say, I happen to speak a little French. Most people, very kind, always answered in English, no matter how much I tried to speak French!!! I love it, I love the partying, I love the shopping. Will be back, and hopefully will buy a home in Paris. Love it.
April 27, 2008 @ 8:40 am
Monica said,
I’ve been to 23 different countries.
The French people are the same as everyone I’ve ever met, including Americans. They are proud of their language, country, and culture.
Be respectful to them; try to understand their culture and mannerisms. Learn a few phrases of their language. Even if you don’t have the pronunciation correct, they will respect you for trying. The French (and everyone else) will be kinder, more helpful, give you respect in return.
April 27, 2008 @ 9:04 am
Ken - 2 said,
Our favorite place…
Paris is always the best…winter or summer…
We have visited many towns all over France and have learned that your behavior sets the stage for your hosts…..
Learn a few phases in the local language demonstrates a desire to be a good guest……
Do not compare to you home, but look for the interesting things…
In closing, rude people almost always recieve rude reactions…..
Smile and enjoy…
April 27, 2008 @ 9:20 am
DocD said,
I lived in France about 60 miles shouth of Paris in the first half of the 1960’s and spent a lot of time in Paris and other places in the country. In my years there Ihad one negative experience with a waiter in a Paris bistro. In 2000 my wife and I rented an apartment in the student quarter for a month and I renewed all my marvelous experiences of the past. Everyone was as I remembered the French; friendly, helpful, humorous, and welcoming. My French had deteriorated over the years, but the shopkeepers and weekend market vendors (all that delicious cheese, etc.) went out of their way to be generous…I felt “home again”. It was fund to da as I used to do when I lived there and knew my local shop keepers. They would help me with my French and I would help them with their English. We would all laugh and joke and the boulanger always slipped an extra croissant into the bag.
April 27, 2008 @ 9:21 am
Austin said,
i would like to disregard all people who said France is a good place especially Alleyne. English is a almost universal language. People in parts of france, korea, italy, Brazil, even Africa learn to speak english growing up. Many other places pratice this too. And why should we even go there and spend our money they dont support the troops and niether do the french owned stores such as Target. Even places as poor as Africa help. I know some people will say why is it their job to help our troops, well its their job to help our troops becuase we’ve helped them on multible oacausions. We’ve even saved them from a war they were losing.
April 27, 2008 @ 9:54 am
Dan said,
I visited France for three months, and spent two weeks in Paris. I really enjoyed my stay in France, and Paris remains one of my top five favorite cities in the world.
There is sooo much to see in this city, that two weeks can’t even touch it. Every street and alley, especially in the Latin Quarter, has something interesting to offer. The city is, of course expensive, but there is very little reason not to eat at the bakeries and small cafes which are everywhere. My favorite bakery pastry is the mille feiulle… best pastry in the world.
My French and German friends tell me that Parisians are more grumpy in the summer than in the off seasons. The reason for this is because the city tends to empty in the summer while everyone goes to Spain, Greece, etc for vacation. A majority of folks there are bound to the tourist trade, and have to deal with rude, obnoxious Americans (as tourists, we do have this well deserved rep). For this reason, it’s better to go in the spring or fall.
April 27, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Tom said,
I have just returned from a week in Paris. The people were extremely friendly and the city is sparklingly clean compared to NYC where I live. It is true that even the slightest effort to speak French is vastly rewarded. The French have a very formal culture. Always extend a Bonjour and Au Revoir to them and they will help you with everything else. Excuse-moi and Pardon are very helpful when asking for directions. I had zero problems. Their Metro is far superior to NY’s. The restaurants are quite pricey and that’s without the euro conversion. You can find small cafes and boulangerie’s to eat at that are reasonably priced. Generally at dinner the portions are small and expensive. There are alot of price-fixed dinners that range from 14euro to 30euro per person without wine, That comes to $60 - $125 depending on which you chose and whether you want a glass or bottle of wine.
The only negative that I can present is the at Le Louvre, and other museums, all the descriptions of the works are only in French. Having taken 3 years of French I was able to get the gist of the explanations.
All in all a wonderful vacation.
April 27, 2008 @ 11:51 am
Kim said,
salma …, cannes isnt dirty , speaking of paris ! oh yes ! it is dirty ! and yes the people are really rude ! i felt them as racists and unfriendly , if they want to get something done ,then they show courtesy and manners , ( so its not that they dont know how to smile and be nice to others ) they need to wake up and learn that everyone is equal. and you only get respect when you give. oh! it sounds like Nyc is miserably dirty ! awwchh !!!
April 27, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Klynn said,
I’ve always enjoyed France. Once we were studying a metro map and a French woman stopped to help us w/o asking. As others noted, I also found that starting with a French phrase was probably helpful, and then they’d reply in English, but you had to ask to get them to stop speaking in English if you wanted to practice your French! The Louvre is art overkill for me; don’t miss the Musee D’Orsay, Jeu de Pomme and a walk around the Rodin gardens with a lunch of bread, cheese and fruit bought from little stores. All can be reached on the metro. We’re going to try a town near the Pyrenees in S. France this summer. Looking forward to it. We’ve traveled in Asia, middle east, Latin America, and people world wide are generally very nice. It’s the attitude you bring with you and good will that make a difference.
April 27, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Bill in Upstate NY said,
I was always told that the French were rude and snobbish. We traveled to Paris in 2006 and I found quite the opposite. The taxi driver wasn’t french and was upset that I knew the area (looked at map) better than him. In all, if you try to speak the language (whether you fail or not) people appreciate the effort. There were some uppity people there but I’ve seen that anywhere I’ve gone.
April 27, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Kim Sikes said,
People have way too high expectations, always ‘waiting’ and ‘expecting’ to be “wowed” and entertained, without being willing participants. Life IS, an adventure, and there is always something amazing and beautiful in ANY surrounding. The Art and Architecture of Paris is exquisite. To be able to actually view, first hand, ‘The Statue of David’, ‘The Mona Lisa’, the ‘Palace of Versailles’, ‘Notre Dame Cathedral’… Old World History is truly amazing! And yes, I have been to the Awesome and Fabulous places in America as well… I highly recommend Bryce Canyon and Zion. Have not made the opportunity to witness the wonders of Niagra Falls… But I WILL…
April 27, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Mariebelle said,
i hated france. i lived in whales for years; but whenever i went to france i had a horribe exoerience
April 27, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
Maggie said,
The only place in France that I found to be undesirable was Paris. There, people did seem rude, and it was very dirty. But people in the US aren’t always particularly friendy either, especially towards tourists. To truly experience France, step outside of Paris and you will realize that it is a wonderful place, and that the people don’t always fit into the sterotype of a rude French.
April 27, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
Garey said,
I’ve been to France several times and have never found it to be dirty or the French any more rude than peoples of other countries when treated disrespectably. To really enjoy France it is best to stay away from all the tourist spots and enjoy the country itself, the small towns and the people themselves. It also helps to have a set of 6 year old twin grandsons who grew up with a mother and grandfather who speak fluent Germany and the mother also speaking fluent French. They have always heard things spoken not only in English, but many times repeated in German and Frence. I would try to speak, at least, a few phrases in French only to be told, “Let us Grandpa.” At which point they would take over and even though the person they were talking to could also speak English, they just fell in love with the twins and would speak to me in English but the twins in French and many times would help them with the different duances of the language.
So my advice is, go to France, don’t be arrogent, treat everyone like you would like to be treated, enjoy the experience and take twin grandsons who speak French fluently.
April 27, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
MaryLou said,
In every country I have visited I have found one thing to be true. If you are nice to people - they will be nice to you.
April 27, 2008 @ 7:43 pm
Monalisa said,
I’ve been in Paris a few times, always great time… you will find rude people anywhere in the world, as well as friendly and nice ones, it’s maybe depends a lot on your attitude, I absolutely would go back again… and about the expensive, if your hotel include breakfast it’s a plus, and there is a lot of little places to eat good without spend a lot, ah, and the crepes, oh my God, the best crepes in the world for only 4 to 5 euros, and that really can count as a meal, well, just walking around Paris make it worth it, lovely and beautiful city…
April 27, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
William said,
Rude, nonsense, everywhere there are people that can be rude. The French like etiquette, thats the problem: foreigners do not understand this. You should go to my birth place Amsterdam The Netherlands, to experience rude, filth, and maximum prices too! Or go to London. And even in those places you can meet nice lovely people. … Apart from all this: Paris is a magnificent place! Visit the churches and meet nice people there!
June 13, 2008 @ 12:43 am
nanou said,
that mayby help you understand our attitude (yes I’m from paris
) :
France remains the country the most visited to the world with 78 million foreign tourists in 2006, among which more than 25 millions in Paris. Nevertheless, France is classified 3rd in term of receipts with a 35 billion euro total.
For information there are 2 millions inhabitants in Paris!!!
I don’t want to apologize for being rude but when I give some informations to 15 persons during the day, if the sixteenth isn’t polite I won’t be helpful for him !
excuse my poor english
if you come in paris this summer I we will be happy to help you et show you how paris can be great !
write me at
nutsairline@yahoo.fr !!!
July 31, 2008 @ 4:08 am
sami said,
but france is beautiful
August 2, 2008 @ 6:29 am
Acropolis said,
I’am always surprised with this dumb Anglosaxon cliche,portraying the French as rude,obnoxious,and other kind of craps.It comes from cultural differences and misperceptions.French are not ET’S. They are like all other peoples on earth.Good and bad,like everywhere.And i can’t understand how Anglosaxons are able to judge other peoples with their standards. In my experience,i’ve found Anglosaxons by far more arrogant and aggressive than the French. Would they appreciate if French tourists were speaking to them directly in French,as many Anglosaxons speak their own language,when they travel overseas ?
You have also to add to this a bit of jealousy,particularly from these nasty Britton tongues,who never miss an occasion to spit on the French.Most of the time, without any valid reason.
September 29, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
My Name Is Mud said,
I’ve traveled to France and always had a great time. I don’t recall anyone being snobby or antisocial. People don’t walk about smiling at strangers, beckoning you to Have A Nice Day. It’s like any large, bustling city. This summer I sent my son to Paris to study. He too was warned about Americans being disliked and treated badly. When he asked me about it I reminded him that the world is filled with different people and not everyone is as warm and open as our family is to strangers, but they may just be more contained and reserved. Vive la différence! But always keep an open mind and open heart, find the joy and beauty and take advantage of every opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonder and beauty.