Hey, I understand 'em and I love 'em. Most Americans don't understand the French. They're not rude, but WE are. I advise people visiting France to approach each French person with a polite Bonjour even before asking where's the bathroom or which way to the Metro station. Today the French Property Insider sent out an e-newsletter suggesting exactly the same thing. Be super polite and you'll (hardly) ever encounter the stereotype of a "rude" French person. They've come to expect American tourists to barge into their shop and start barking questions without even an "Excuse me" or a "Hello." Don't do it. Remember this good advice below and your trip to France will be full of harmony and happy memories.
Adrian Leeds writes...
You'll be a happier traveler if you know a few things about Paris and France before you step off onto its soil.
If you've traveled to France before, then you already know that France is very different than the United States. The language is different, the culture is different, the people are different.
It is these differences that make traveling to France, or traveling anywhere for that matter, very exciting. Every moment can be a new adventure when you travel to a foreign place, as long as you're open to exploring the differences.
LET'S START WITH THE LANGUAGE -- FRENCH.
Many French now speak English, at least some, but don't expect them to speak to you in English when French is their native language. Remember, they may not get a lot of practice and feel awkward speaking English. So, it's not that they don't want to -- they just don't feel comfortable. Luckily, you don't need a lot of French to maneuver well, and there are a few key phrases that will endear you to anyone you meet. Start practicing:
ALWAYS say BONJOUR MADAME or BONJOUR MONSIEUR upon entering ANY establishment -- a restaurant, a cafe, a shop. Say Bonjour to a salesperson before you ask any question. Say Bonjour to the taxi driver and the bus driver. You simply can't say it often enough.
ALWAYS say S'IL VOUS PLAIT before you ask anything at all! When ordering even a cup of coffee in a cafe, say s'il vous plait, may I have a coffee? Say it before and say it after. You simply can't say it enough.
ALWAYS say MERCI or MERCI BEAUCOUP every time it is appropriate. When the waiter leaves the coffee on the table, when you've paid for the things you've purchased, when you've checked out of your hotel. You simply can't say it enough.
LEARN to say PARDON or EXCUSEZ-MOI. Paris is particularly densely populated and walking down the street means tight spaces. The French don't mind those tight spaces, but if two people touch in anyway, you are sure to hear "Pardon" or "Excusez-moi." You'll hear it a million times a day, so be prepared to say it. You simply can't say it enough.
ALWAYS say AU REVOIR when you leave any establishment -- any café, restaurant, shop. Just get into the habit of saying "Merci, au revoir" every time you step out onto the street. It doesn't matter who exactly you say it to, but they'll hear you and know you have good manners. You simply can't say it enough.
So, please say please. And thank you for saying thank you. Have a wonderful vacation in France! Bon Voyage.
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3 comments:
Yes, thank you for saying this. I have lived in America now for three years and I am tired of hearing how rude French people are supposed to be. No. We are not. Maybe French people can be rude, but is this not true in any place? I am in Chicago, I have met rude people and nice people. Thank you, thank you for saying the truth-- what no one ever says.
Hey, thanks. If I ever go to France, I'll remember this.
Merci Beaucoup: I am planning on going to France to meet a long lost cousin that I just found out about. Your article was a big help to me. I feel less shaky now.
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