As an American, over the last ten years or so much has been said over the tepid relationship between The States and France and maybe more Parisians specifically. I’ve heard many stories of tourists visiting Paris and speaking to the rudeness of the locals, more so than anywhere else in the world. That being said, Paris is also a hot spot for American tourists, whom as we most can claim to have seen with our own eyes aren’t the most respectful of local culture at times.
As a regular traveler I always do my best to make myself aware of local customs and avoid any faux pas. So after visiting more cities in Europe than I can remember I finally had the City of Light on my calendar.
I arrived in Paris for a quick three night visit, eager to explore and experience Parisians for myself. After my first day, all is well, people seem friendly. At least as friendly as most large cities. Then came day two, I fell ill very quickly with strep throat. I had a fever, cough and sore throat. Poor timing to say the least.
I tried to make the best of it and still see the most I could. I got up and headed out. Not more than a couple hours later I was so floored I wasn’t sure what my options were. I headed to a local pharmacy where to my disadvantage, everything was behind the counter. I couldn’t just grab some cold meds and go. A pharmacist ask me a question in French along the lines of “do you need help”? Unable to speak French and not really able to speak well at all, I mumbled no thank you in English. “English” the pharmacist said. Yes. The man spoke great English and began asking what my symptoms were and patiently listened to me try to speak. After a few minutes I had a bag of everything I needed along with a bit of advice. Hell, I don’t get this good of service from back home! I said a very appreciative thank you and headed out.
When I arrived back at my hotel I had to give the receptionist my room number. Barely audible, I was able to get “204” out. Hearing my raspy voice she made me a cup of tea with lemon and brought me an orange from the kitchen and told me to rest.
I was able to salvage a bit more of my Paris visit after getting the cold meds. Luckily for me I had some very friendly and hospitable Parisians help me along the way and in turn debunking the stories I had heard.
Be kind, respectful and try to learn a few basic native words when you travel, it goes a long way.
It really does !!! You’d be amazed at the number of people who don’t even say “bonjour” or “excusez moi” before they ask something. French people in general are very proud of their language and we can be touchy ^^.
In the summer months most Parisians are on holiday and it seems there are only tourists around, it’s more relaxed I think.
Yes! I try to always know: please, thank you and excuse me. A few words can go a long way. Either way, I found the Parisians to be friendly by just showing respect for culture and being patient.
Karl, I experienced much the same when I lived in Paris for a few months. You can count on the locals when you need them. I agree that making an effort is also important from us visitors.
Raul, I didn’t know you lived there a few months? Yes, I think the Parisian attitude is great and true colors always shine when someone needs help.
I completely agree with everything you said! I am moving to Paris in a couple of weeks and on my previous trip they were nothing but sweet and accommodating. It definitely helps if you at least attempt to speak the language. Love your stuff, I write about Paris as well!
Moving? Excellent! I would love to visit Paris again and hopefully spend more time there. I think the rude for American perspective is either overblown or brought on by people who may deserve it 😉 Oh and by the way, I tried to follow your Twitter off you blog and the link didn’t work,,,
Yikes! That is because I haven’t set one up yet. I’m doing it now!
Yes, finally found some people who also disagree with the Parisian stereotypes! They are very friendly and polite people. Every time I’m at Paris, they help me where they can!
The ironic part is that the Times just had an article about Paris battling the “rude image”. Maybe it exists, I just didn’t see it. Rude waiters are worldwide. My experiences just differed in Paris and have nothing but good things to say.
Service in the US is very outgoing and “bubbly,” which can be a great thing, but one should not expect the same abroad. It’s not necessarily worse, just different (and not so heavily tip-driven). I actually like it than in e.g. Paris people leave you alone, especially in cafes. 🙂
Like when nobody comes to give you the bill unless you ask. Always takes me a bit to remember that I’ll be sitting there a while unless I ask for the check.
I’ve lived 20 years in Paris and it is the very first time I read or hear something like “Parisians are nice”! I guess you got lucky, but don’t ever challenge this luck in the subway at rush hour 😉
True, but rush hour on any subway would test anyone’s patience, lol. There will always be some give and take but the people were nice and helpful when I needed it.
I am so glad you wrote an article about this. I experienced the same Parisian friendliness when I visited for five days a few years ago. A total stranger carried my large suitcase down the subway station steps when he noticed my husband was bogged down with bags. He came by, noticed our dilemma, picked up my bag, carried it down the steps, and went on his way. No words spoken, he just noticed a need and helped. I don’t know if the same would happen in San Francisco or New York City, so why do the French get the bad reputation?
Also of note, reports of my experience with the French people are met with skepticism by Americans back home. I was in France a total of 16 days and had only one negative incident. Regrettably, the single person who was rude worked at an info booth at the train station. I greeted him with what I am sure was a horrible version of “Bonjour, Parlez vous Anglais?” and he responded by mocking my accent before finally telling me where to catch the TGV train to Avignon. That was rude, to be sure. But if you judge an entire country’s population based on one government worker, I don’t know how anyone who visits the US could find us any more friendly.
I think for many Americans, Paris is their first visit to an European country and are not used to being in a country that isn’t catering strictly to English speaking visitors. Ironically there was an article in The Times this week how the French board of tourism was going to try to combat the stereotype cough mannerisms it is famed for. In my view a sarcastic waiter with short patience is just part of the experience. The Parisians as a whole are nice to people interested in their culture.
On my last trip to Paris I was in the city solo and encountered LOTS of friendly people. My favorite stories: first, a waiter in a cafe thought I spoke French (I guess my beautifully pronounced “bonjour!” fooled him), then saw my blank stare when he said something and started in English, but switched right back to French with a big smile when I remembered a few key phrases. He just let me practice and I really appreciated that. Then I was in Montmartre in the evening, soaked and trying to work a small map. Not an easy task, given the area’s street layout… Luckily, two elderly gentlemen stopped by, helped this damsel in distress, and took time to help me find the place I was looking for. Their directions were spot on and they saved me a lot of trouble. I love the city, it’s one of my favorite places on earth, and I just don’t buy the silly stereotypes. 🙂
I had a something similar with a waiter and somehow I wound up with an anchovy pizza. Needless to say I didn’t want to surrender to the fact that my poor French got me this meal . So I ordered 2 beers and choked it down. I know Parisians get a lot of visitors & I find the no frills attitude approach just fine. Friendly gets friendly.