There have been many past threads on the stiffness or rudeness of the Parisians and how some of that is changing, so I wanted to share our recent wonderful 1 week visit in Paris. Our group of 4 have a limited command of french - most of it is "tres mauvais", but we know a few phrases and polite words. Every single person we dealt with, from the lovely lady on the street asking if we needed help navigating, all the waiters and servers in the many bistros and cafes, workers in grocery stores, older lady on the metro who provided some sage advice about being aware of the clip-board people, etc. were absolutely welcoming and wonderful. A little french, a little english, lots of smiles and shrugs - we loved Paris!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16547 posts
Great post, Susan! We also had a wonderful time in Paris, and I love seeing the "French are rude" myth dispelled!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
I had a similar experience on my recent Paris trip. In fact, in all my trips to Paris and France, I have had noting but positive experiences with the French. It is all about knowing and using a little French - the niceities, at least - and attitude.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11778 posts
Polite efforts work wonders most places! I am convinced we reap what we sow and a smile along with a few nice words and a willing attitude -- preferably in the local language -- go a long way!
Posted by
Berkeley CA
1321 posts
Thanks for posting about your wonderful experiences.
I've been fortunate enough to visit Paris 8 times in the last 22 years and I have had a better time (and seen a nicer and more accepting Parisian population) on each of my visits.
My French is also quite minimal, despite my best efforts to learn! On this most recent trip of 2 1/2 weeks this past Spring, each time I entered a shop or cafe or needed help with the metro, I would begin with "Bonjour Madame (or Monsieur)." And each time I would be answered "May I help you" in English and with a smile!!!
I don't expect the French to speak English to me, and I am prepared to muddle through if necessary with a few words and gestures, but never once was anyone surly or rude.
I can't wait to go back again!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN
2 posts
My husband and I just returned from Paris on 9/28/17 and we were surprised by how friendly everyone was. We hardly speak any French and as long as we greeted everyone we were dealing with with a Bonjour or Bonsoir (good evening), we were met with absolute friendliness. Especially the waiters in restaurants. I don't know where that stereotype of rude people in Paris came from because we didn't come across a single incident were anyone was terse or rude. In fact, when we returned to the US we came across more distractedness & tenseness than we did in France. Maybe that stereotype is outdated now... We love the Parisians.
Posted by
shingle springs, CA, USA
782 posts
I was in Paris for 12 days in May and the people were wonderful from our hotel staff to wait staff in restaurants as well as all of the other people we encountered,this was our fourth trip to Paris and we will return for more.
Mike
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
My husband and I just returned from Paris on 9/28/17 and we were
surprised by how friendly everyone was. We hardly speak any French and
as long as we greeted everyone we were dealing with with a Bonjour or
Bonsoir (good evening), we were met with absolute friendliness.
Why were you surprised? Did you experience rudeness on your last trip to Paris or were you told by others to expect it? Assuming you are not dealing with a criminal element, if you're polite and respectful, why wouldn't anybody else be? We adore returning to Paris and a major reason is the people.