Are the French as Rude as everyone says?

[Jack_Dawson]

Just wonderin'. Am thinking of taking a girl there on a vacation. I've never been.

(To France, that is)

:beer:

[Nlighten1]

1. It depends on where you go in France.

Paris: Yes
Provincial parts of France: No

[radwriter0555]

2. We were treated better in Paris and Nice than in all of Italy last summer.

I LOVE the french. They are arrogant and confident and don't suffer fools. They are quick to smile and easy to please.

LOVE the cheese.

My beau is from Paris, here since '98. He's not rude!

[charlyvi]

3. Well, I was in Kennedy airport at the Air France

terminal, and a French lady was checking tickets; the guy in front of me was asking her something about the flight when she suddenly looked up at him and sait "Sir, you ask too many questions". Ha Ha Ha!! I couldn't believe it. I don't know if it's rudeness or just self assurance, but she sure slammed him down. I felt sorry for the guy; he was rendered speechless.

[JPJones]

61. "Sir, you ask too many question" - Haaaa haaaaa haaaaa nt

[Fleshdancer]

4. I've only met French people outside of France.....

and the ones I met were extremely nice.

So you're thinking of taking a girl there on vacation?? Lucky girl!

[DODI]

5. Went for a week in 1982 and found France to be wonderful

I don't speak French, but they were always willing to work with me until we both understood. I was mostly in the countryside and I can't wait to go back with my family. I found it to be a warm and wonderful country.

[virgdem]

6. It depends on where you go...

If you go to Paris, go in August, when most of them are "en vacances" (on vacation). You will probably see mostly American and other tourists from around the world, but very few Parisians. I found the French to be very friendly once I traveled to other parts of France. I visited the Atlantic coast region of France and found the locals to be quite friendly. Wherever and whenever you go, just enjoy. France has much to see and it is one of my favorite places.

[Kellanved]

7. No; quite the contrary

The reports are largely unfounded. Much of what is interpreted as rudeness is simply a different culture. I have to admit, that starting a conversation in any language other than French can be a problem, but then again: is it OK to simply assume that everybody speaks English?
As someone who has learned English as a third language, I have to say: understanding and speaking are two completely different matters entirely (no; I do not speak proper French).

By all means go; just remember that Paris is not all of France, despite the locals believing otherwise.

[Swamp Rat]

8. No more than Americans are rude.

If you speak French or at least try very hard, you will generally be received well wherever you go. I haven't been there since Bush&Co fucked everything up so bad, so the political climate may be different for American tourists. If I were to go tomorrow, when I got there I would become a native Portuguese or Spanish speaker and avoid English in certain situations - some advice my German and French friends recently gave me.

I miss France... (sigh!)

[ForrestGump]

9. Parisians tend to hate everyone, and consider them inferior, Frenchpersons

most definitely included.

Looking through history, France has had an unfortunate habit of backstabbing and of claiming credit for things they never did (can anyone say DeGaulle?), and those are precisely the chief problems I've had with the suboptimal French people that I have had anything to do with. They were mainly Parisians. I realize that broad stereotypes are usually deeply flawed, but these people truly made me appreciate why we call 'em 'Galls.'

I have to say, too, that my French friends and other acquaintances (e.g., from the south of France and New Caledonia) consider Parisians to be (mostly) uptight, snobbish, scum. I know there are good Parisians out there, but there seem a disproportionate bunch of bad ones. On the other hand, people in places like Brittany are as nice as you'll ever meet. Takes all kinds...c'est la vie.

I'd say that you'll have a great tie in France. You may run across one of the stereotypical pompous Parisian gits, but it's not like you don't encounter rude people here in the US. Go for it!

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

33. Your statement is a bit rude itself

suggesting that "...looking through French history, France has had an unfortuante habit of backstabbing and of claiming credit for things they never did...".

Are you sure you want to make that kind of statement about an entire people's history and culture? I'm not a fan of DeGaulle at all, and I know he caused the death of many French resistance fighters by telling them to take to the streets too far ahead of D-Day just to exercise his will. He was an egomaniac. But the fact is that DeGaulle was somewhat treated dismissively by Roosevelt and Churchhill during World War II, at least from his own point of view, a fact he never forgot. What about the Anglo-German Naval pact entered behind France's back just before World War II, that allowed the Germans to re-establish their U-boats, at a time when the French and British were supposed to be allies?. Would you call that "backstabbing"? What about the British failure to send an adequate army and very few of their spitfires to France to face the German invasion alongside the French? Could that be seen as a bit of backstabbing? It might depend on your perspective.

And as for taking credit for things they haven't done, what about the fact that the French Air Force shot down approximately 1,000 German planes during the battle for France, planes that were not available to the Germans in the Battle of Britain? France actually doesn't make a big deal of that, but the British certainly benefitted. One of the greatest fighter aces of World War II, in fact was the French pilot Pierre Closterman, who had about 50 kills counting confirmed and probable shoot-downs. William Faulkner said that Closterman's war memoire "The Big Circus" was one of the greatest books on aerial warfare ever written.

Personally, I think nation states have acted in their own interests. I think your broad blanket statement of backstabbing on a continuing historical level by the French is somewhat rude and misinformed. Sorry to be so blunt on this forum but your statement itself was blunt.

[ForrestGump]

34. I'm not a French-hating freedom fryer and, frankly (ha...le pun), your

opinion's uninformed by virtue of your not knowing the depths of my involvement with French people, French institutions, and le cetera. Perhaps it wasn't clear, but I'm never one to paint with broad strokes or apply blanket statements to entire groups of people, ideas, etc. Still, if Germanic and Viking types can (as they have) be characterized as being somewhat 'warlike,' surely another country can be broadly labeled as "duplicitous" just as the United States could currently be distileld down to "Cheneyed in the head."

And then there's the Rainbow Warror...

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

51. I've lived in Europe and never heard that

except for visits to England. I think in the U.S. we are generally adopting the British views to all things European. In France, it is the British who are called "duplicitous", with their term "perfidious Albion". Where the British use the expression "taking the French leave", the French have their own saying that means the same thing: <<filer a L'Anglaise>>.

Sorry if I attacked your reference claiming that it was a broad stroke or blanket statement with regard to an entire group and their entire history.......but that's exactly what it was.

I guess I just get annoyed with stereotypes, including those said about Americans all being cowboys and anti-intellectuals who only care about money.

[ForrestGump]

56. Oh shut up, pardner...me and my Tony Lamas are gonna go catch a dip

in the ce-ment pond for a little bit, and I reckon you oughta be taking yourself along a little, too. Always find drivin' my Hummer around the topkapi-shootin' enclosure to be relaxin', m'sef....see that shiny thang out there, through these here Freedom doors? Puuuurty....

[PVnRT]

50. Why is it

whenever anyone offers any kind of criticism of France, people like you just jump down their throats. You can criticize France and not be a jingoistic Rush-worshipper. CHill.

[Fleshdancer]

10. I hope the French are nice because I found my dream house there...

My husband and I searched for homes in the South of France last night on the computer and found this:

http://www.french-property-news.com/fpn/0204Stansell.htm

I don't know how realistic it is to move there but this place makes for a wonderful fantasy.

[Habibi]

23. Dibs! Dibs!

Well, okay. I'd be willing to go in on it with you. :)

[Feanorcurufinwe]

67. 279k Euros

doesn't seem too bad. As long as your income is not dependant on your location. Bonne chance!

[Mika]

11. You want rude? Come to Miami.

The rudest and most obnoxious hellhole in the world.

[charlyvi]

12. Forget Miami...

come to West Blocton Alabama with a northern accent.

[carpediem]

13. When I was in France - the Americans I travelled with were the rude ones

Seriously. I went on one of those tours with about 35 Americans from all over the U.S. I've never been so embarrassed. One night we stayed at an inn run by a family. Very nice, very clean. They served us a family style dinner in their dining area. You could tell they worked hard on it and people had the nerve to complain about it because it was different than what they were used to. More than half asked for ketchup and poured it all over it.

Also while on that trip I broke off and went around Paris by myself, I was 19 and so they said I was old enough ( the tour group ranged from 15-60 years old). I got lost because the Metro caught on fire. I was quite frightened as it was getting late. I found that if I attempted to speak French everyone was as helpful as they could possibly have been.

One more point about rude Americans. every time we visited an historic site Americans were the only ones who would repeatedly touch the things that said do not touch. And there was floor tile that had been laid in the 12th century in a cathedral with a rug across it for walking. You weren't supposed to step off the rug, but they walked on the tile anyway.

I think you should go. It is a beautiful and wonderful country.

[LibertyorDeath]

62. "More than half asked for ketchup and poured it all over it. "

:)LOL & I'm sure these ketchup lovers did not think they were
being rude in the least.

Wankers.

[rooboy]

14. My sister lived in Paris for about 10 years...

and there are some people who can be very rude and snobby, because of their status in society, and it's not a myth. Sis lived in a rather exclusive part of town, and was once insulted by an old woman in her building because she had the gall to make eye contact with her.

That said, I don't know if there are many westernised countries that don't have a layer of people who feel superior to everyone else. I think that the place most internationally recognized for rude people is New York, though, but I've never been there and couldn't speak for myself on that.

on edit: I should point out that Paris is apparently very different from the rest of the country. I spent a weekend in Lille once that was absolutely fantastic, and the people were really nice.

[PragMantisT]

15. I went to Europe last year

And France a couple of times during that time, and I did not notice folks being any more rude than anywhere else. Never had a problem in Paris. The Americans I met there on vacation were ruder than any locals. Particularly the G.I.s.

Paris is definitely the place to go. If you are hesitant about France, try Austria, it's really affordable and beautiful. You might wait until the Euro comes down from its dizzying heights.

Have fun. It will be a great, even life-changing, experience.

[kodi]

16. let david sadaris explain it to you

http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/lists/sedaris/

[m-jean03]

17. Just learn to speak some French (if you don't already)

and people wherever you go will be VERY congenial and happy to talk with you. This was my experience as an exchange student. J'aime beaucoup les français! :)

[Jack_Dawson]

29. Don't know a word - but she does

She used to live there. That might be a good thing?

[AlFrankenFan]

18. I'd say Americans are more rude than the French n/t

[TrogL]

19. Especially in Paris

[BonjourUSA]

38. Paris is only a little part of France.

I was born in Paris and I like this city but not for living and not for working. I left it because I was fed up to waste my time in transportation, to run all the day, to drive my car during many hours just to see the countryside... I want to live !! and you can't drive 100 km or less in France without to find other architecture, other cooking, other landscape, other local traditions...

[Lydia Leftcoast]

20. When I was in Paris at the age of 17 with my family

(on my only trip to Europe so far), my father and I were the only ones in the party of six who could speak half-baked French. We had no problems with rude people. My grandmother, who could not, got into some misunderstandings.

We found a cabdriver who gave us a running commentary on everything we passed on the way to our hotel, a jolly sidewalk cafe waiter who helped us with vocabulary items, and a storekeeper who fielded my grandmother's inquiries about a particular print that she was looking for.

Years later, when I was teaching in a foreign language department, I overheard two of the French professors (both Americans) talking about the new student assistant from France. They counted her not being Parisian as a plus.

I know two couples who own houses in France, and they absolutely love it there.

You might try memorizing this phrase: "Je deteste George Bush." :-)

[Zomby Woof]

21. even worse than that

Their buttcracks smell all the time.

[Skittles]

22. no, they just don't like being condescended to

and like it or not, too many American tourists do that.

[LiberalTechie1337]

24. No

[HEyHEY]

25. I can't speak for France

But I found Quebecois to be great people, granted there were a couple of pricks that hated me because of my english accent.

[rlev1223]

26. French manners and life- affirming cheese

I have never experienced any behavior I would remotely call rude in France, but there is a different set of cultural signposts to go by.

The French have a rather elaborate system of private politeness...they are not automatically yer bes' ol' backslappin' first-name-basis friend the first time you meet, and don't want to be. It is not rudeness, just an expectation of mutual respect on their terms...you're in France, not The Homeland. (This goes for shopkeepers and waiters as well as anyone else...you're on their turf and the customer is not automatically right, especially if you are perceved as boorish or inappropriately demanding.)

Remember to say bonjour and au revoir when entering or exiting anywhere, even if you don't see anyone around, and use Monsieur and Madame liberally.

And eat a lot of cheese ....."époisses" is my fave. Very strong, smelly,
creamy, makes everything else OK.

[medeak]

27. politeness

is the way. It's rude to not say bonjour and merci when entering and leaving a shop. It's rude not to flirt!

We went in Jan when the tourists were gone. Met so many wonderful Parisians coming to our rescue. Walked into a bar asking for directions and everyone bought us many many drinks... :-) Lost on subway and locals went out of way to help us and draw maps etc. Was struck by how helpful all were.

A friend says Paris is like everyone is on Prozac now. Was told by locals that Japanese get on their nerves...not Americans. Have a terrific time! (but go when the city is not overtaken by tourists)

[HEyHEY]

28. I saw a great comedian once - he was Irish

And talking about how when coming to Canada, all his friends were knocking the friendly manner as bein "Insincere"

He said.
"I'd rather be told 'have a nice day' by someone who doesn't mean than be told 'fuck off' by someone who does."

[supernova]

32. True of Europeans in general

there is a degree of public formality that is expected. We Americans are the ones who have become socially sloppy.

Mind your manners that your grandma taught you and you should be fine: learn to say say "please" and "thank you" in the language of the place you are visiting -- here it's French; address people by their surnames and titles, unless and until such time as they tell you "Please call me Jean..."; at the same time, they may tell you it's ok to switch to the more informal form of "you" which is "tu".

Edit: one of the best tools you can use to get to know people and not come across like a typical Ami schmuck is learn to say "How do you say ('insert English equivalent here')?"

People will be glad to help you learn their language and become your temporary tutor!

[radwriter0555]

46. and TIP. You must TIP. Even though the menus say gratuity is included that

money is for the owner of the restaurant.

The servers get to keep what's left on the tables.

But the included gratuity is for the owner... so be generous!

[rlev1223]

47. Mais non

The "servis compris" tradition is coupled with protected wages and benefits that treat serving as a profession; a large tip is really unnecessary, but a small pourboire is always appreciated.

And please note that since the euro was introduced, the relative cost of cash purchases has gone up simply because of the denominations available and the rounding up that everyone has done...merchants aren't stupid. I think the euro was pegged at about 7 francs when it came out.
A cafe/express that used to cost 5 francs now costs at least 1 euro,
usually 1 euro 50 or 60 cents. Same goes for the loose change tip you leave.

[BonjourUSA]

54. NOT AT ALL !

If you want you do but it is just because you are a very kind tourist :-) (about 10%, max 15%, no more)

[medeak]

30. hint

ditch the white tennis shoes..invest in some good walking shoes (eccos or some such) and same with tshirts.

Looking the part has a lot to do with how one is treated.

Parisians are visual sort. Appreciative if you make an effort.

[Jack_Dawson]

31. Not to worry - I don't "do" white tennis shoes

and T-Shirts...hardly ever. So if you don't look Wal-Mart you get treated better? I can dig that.

[bloodyjack]

37. "Parisians are visual sort" LOL

Read: "Parisians are superficial"

Hi Jack, I hope you don't remotely resemble an Arab, because then you'll get treated like absolute shit. Pay up front at restaurants and what have you. That's not strictly a Parisian attitude I presume, but apparently you'll be in Paris because everyone's talking about Paris.

[MrScorpio]

35. All the French people I've ever met were really cool

Belgians, on the other hand, are assholes.

[BonjourUSA]

36. Don't forget to say :

Bonjour,
I'd like to..;
Excuse me
....
and any else civilian manners and the Frenchs will not be ruder than anybody else over the world

[jdonaldball]

39. Generally the French love intelligent Americans

They admire much of what is best in American culture and the old democratic ideals. Some of the anger the French have towards America is for America's failures to live up to its potential.
Just be intelligent and courteous, and hold your ground and don't take any abuse, and they'll respect you.

[Flagg]

40. Come to Montpellier

Paris sucks.

[BonjourUSA]

41. All the Frenchs want to live in Montpellier !!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

42. No. French people are nice...it's the FRENCH CANADIANS who are rude....

TRUST me on this. We get them here on vacation. It's not pretty. They look down their noses. I'm like why do you come to the states on vacation if you're going to be so rude and bitchy? Go to Cuba. They need your money and will put up with your shitty attitude.
Duckie

[zanana]

58. MOI?

I'm not rude; I'm sweet as hell.

[ForrestGump]

59. Nope, it's not you: it's those damned CAJUNS!

I mean, didn't you see Southern Comfort? Savages, I tell you....

[gatlingforme]

43. When I went to France a few times, they were very polite.

[bikebloke]

44. Not with me, they weren't.

Even in Paris, they were nice. I've always gotten along with the French. Even before a couple nice flings with French women. And they were certainly congenial when I was pedalling through France. Once, after riding all day in pouring rain, I entered a town (Charmes), and an entire bistro saw me out on the road, stood and applauded. Someone yelled, " Allez allez!". It brightened a miserable day.

[curse10]

45. No

French people are beautiful and wonderful. I relate to them better than most Americans.

[RebelOne]

48. I have been to France twice.

And in my opinion, they are rude until they see your cash or credit cards.

[HuckleB]

49. No.

They're not anymore rude than humans anywhere else on the planet. Spend a little time learning some basic French, and things will go even better than you could ever imagine.

The "rude French" bit is an old wive's tale. We've always been treated far better there than when traveling in the US. So just go! Er, do some research and go.

[Endangered Specie]

52. Paris : YES (deservedly too)...Everywhere else: Not at all.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

53. I spent a week in Paris in the spring, conference/vacation. No probs.

No difficulties with rudeness beyond what you'd experience in any big city anywhere including the U.S. This despite the fact that I have essentially zero French anymore, over 20 years after high school... Sigh...

[seethrougheyes]

55. When I was there...

I found them to be very rude. I was very polite and respectful to them, but most of the people looked at me with disgust or ignored me completely. I suspect it was due to the fact I was speaking Quebec french, which they seem to look down on. Hey, pardon me for being taught here and not there. You would think, at the very least, they would have appreciated that I was speaking to them in French.

[BonjourUSA]

57. Very, very curious !!!

We have real affection for French Canadian.

The French youth dream is now to go to live in your country and the American dream is dead a long time ago

[curse10]

64. that's odd

everything I've heard and encountered with the French has been an unabashed love for their Candian counterparts.

[JPJones]

60. Do you blame them?

Imagine having to deal with an invasion of B* loving idiots every summer.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

63. If you make an attempt

no matter how poorly executed, to speak French, you will be treated a whole lot better.

Just imagine the reaction a Bulgarian would get in America if he expected everyone to speak bulgarian.

[curse10]

65. it's as easy as that

A little effort goes a long way.

and it's just a different culture.

They just don't believe in walking around with a goofy grin on their face all the time.

[achtung_circus]

66. Non,

Nous ne sommes pas impolit. Maudit tous les Anglais et especiallment les Americains. Je suis arrive pour fourer sa mere.

But that's by no means a universal sentiment.