Tourism in France is down by 17 percent since January compared with the same time period in 2008. The government wants people back and is going all out to try to seduce them to return.
Airfares are at an all-time recent low (if you’re flexible) and adept at surfing the Internet. There are so many hotel and package deals to be had, that if you have any interest in visiting France, now’s the ideal time – if you have the time and the money.
Restaurants have lowered the VAT (value added tax) to 5.5 percent from 19.6 percent. That will make a dramatic difference on the bottom line when it comes to dining out. Even though I find it hard to believe, the rule is the tip is even included.
In a survey conductor by TripAdvisor.com in May, the findings were that France is the most overrated country in Europe and the second-most expensive. In addition, the French are perceived as being unfriendly.
That hasn’t been my experience. But I’m prejudiced.
To counter the slump and boost revenues, the tourist board has set up stands manned by teams of “smile ambassadors” to welcome tourists at some of Paris’s most popular spots. Hundreds of roller-skaters gathered at Place Vendome and formed a giant smile.
Two holiday rental groups, Pierre et Vacances and FranceLoc, are even offering weather insurance if there are four days of rain during a one-week rental period. That might be an excellent investment since France’s weather can be uncertain especially in these days of global warming.
Herv Kayser, who conceived the insurance idea, told French daily newspaper Le Figaro, that in a trial run last year, 10 percent of the people who bought the insurance policy received rebates due to rain.
But back to the smiles; this isn’t the first program of its sort. Tourism officials launched a program approximately fifteen years ago where it encouraged people working in the hospitality industry to smile and learn English. Perhaps the downturn in business has caused people to be grumpy and they need to be reminded.
Paul Roll, Director of the tourist board, said “If we want tourism, which has generated more than two million jobs to remain a leading sector in the French economy, everyone has to make visitors feel welcome including professionals, elected representatives and the French public.”
As much as I fear asking this question, have you found the French rude? Anymore than if you were a foreigner going to New York or another U.S. city where people didn’t speak your language and they didn’t speak English?
Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.
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I have found the French delightful in every environment where I have been able to interact with them. It was on my first trip to Europe, when I was 16 (nearly 30 years ago) that I first visited France, and began for form my theory that every bit of “conventional wisdom” about other places is wrong. The French were uniformly helpful and pleasant, and there always seemed to be a quick negotiation to see whether my French or their English was better. A few years ago I passed quickly through the French Riviera while on a longer vacation in Italy, and again found the French to be a delight.
And when I’ve run into French people in other places, the experience has been uniformly positive. In Atlanta, where I live, it is somewhat uncommon to hear French spoken on the street, so when I do hear the language, I make it a point to say hello. Often these are travelers who unvaryingly pay nice (and generally undeserved) compliments to my accent, my city, and my country.
Similarly, I greet people when I am traveling, and have had the occasion to talk to French tourists in (among other places) Mexico, Greece, and Jordan. Each time the tourists were conversant in English – and tried switched the conversation to English despite my efforts to keep the conversation in French. And they were unfailingly engaged in the local culture and the opportunity to make connections both with me and with the residents of those destinations.
I have no idea where the negative stereotypes of the French come from. But it’s time to put the final nail in the coffin of these misconceptions.
The French are absolutely NOT unfriendly when compared to any other European city I’ve visited (and that’s more than a dozen of them). London is the worst. I live in it and I’ve watched it for years.
While the French may not be loud and gregarious, they are pleasant and engaging when engaged in return. And they’ll even go so far as to correct my less-than-mediocre French. At least they care.
France is my favorite travel pick; I just returned from France a few weeks ago. The people I met on this and previoius trips have mostly been courteous and helpful, some to the point of going out of their way to assist me. I have seen them respond coldly to rude and demanding people, but I believe I’ve seen the Americans respond the same to rudeness.
I think the seemingly widespread belief that the French are rude is mostly a preconceived notion. Travelers, especially those who don’t speak French, start their trip expecting to encounter this much talked about rudeness, and I believe it colors their experience.
For 10 years I’ve been traveling to France at least once or twice a year, sometimes staying for six week periods, and rather than rudeness, many Frenchmen have gone out of their way to be helpful. Sadly, I think much of this rude treatment springs from the tourist acting like just that, a tourist, who expects to be catered to on their own terms rather than being a tourist who is conscious of the fact that a foreign country has its own culture, habits and ways, and that as “the foreigner,” the tourist must be the one to adapt.
In other words, that trite old adage still applies – when in Rome, do as the Romans do!
I was in Paris in 2005 and found the French to be cordial and nice. Mostly they probably took pity on my terrible high school French and spoke English to save their language! The only rude people I met in France were Americans who were disgruntled “that no one spoke English!” or were unable to get their steaks well done. We were helped, directed and assisted everywhere we went. I loved the time spent there.
I’ve only been to France a couple times, so I’m no authority, but apparently all the rude French people were out of town when I was there, and only the helpful, friendly ones were left behind.
On my first visit, I was in Bordeaux, looking at the amazing chateaus, and drove up to one of them shortly before 5pm. A man walking in the door shouted out to me that they were closed. I told him that was no problem, I was just looking around. He paused briefly, then told me to come on in. I got a private tour of the winery, including a glass of wine from one of the vats.
Later that day, I met a couple that were actually quite rude. The younger woman had nothing positive to say and was critical of everything, no matter what the subject. Her older male companion wasn’t much better. They were from Arizona…
I really don’t think they are rude, just indifferent. During my recent trip to Paris, I found the French to be very helpful, but only when asked. They certainly did not go out of their way to ask if they could be of assistance to me. I do think an occasional smile would not hurt as they all seem too serious until you get them to open up.
weather insurance? Only the French would presume to manage the weather. I live in Provence, “the American dream”…and can say that Provence is vastly over rated. It’s deathly hot in summer, damp and cold in winter –those “364 “or so days of sunshine, where ARE they? The villagers look at the world through a straw. French homes are not open to foreigners, even when you are married to an amicable Frenchman. It’s a narrow provincial culture surrounded by regions of incredible beauty. As for the intellectual life: thank god for the Provence expat club. And then there’s Paris which IS stupendous —except for the Parisiens. It’s a big world out there…check it out.
My daughters and I were in Paris six weeks ago (on a day-trip from London). The teens were trying on berets in a ‘newstand’ just off the sidewalk near the Eiffel Tower. All went well, until the girls decided they weren’t going to buy the hats after all and neatly hung them back up. Offended, the shopkeeper ripped the hats from the line where they were hanging and began to cuss us out (in French) and brush the hats as if to remove any trace of ‘American’ from his precious berets. (I was stunned, and after a sincere ‘pardon’ and we were outta there!)
Another similar incident happened hours later when my daughter did not say ‘please’ when asking for a fork at the train station deli. She got the fork, but with it came a dirty look and a terse ‘oui, sil vous plait!’
None of these establishments were ‘white linen tablecloth’ type places, and having just spent four days in London — where the people are so polite — my teens said they would never go back to Paris. Those two incidents wiped out all the nice experiences we had that day. Unfortunately, it’s the ugly ones they’ll remember.
p.s.-It was raining, too!
Karen is correct on all points. I love Paris and all of France. In all of my visits, I have only most rarely encountered anyone who was rude, and the art, architecture, culture, history, etc, etc, etc, is just fabulous. The opportunity to take advantage of the special pricing of which Karen writes is just irresistible.
The French — particularly Parisians — are more reserved and formal than Americans.. but far from unfriendly or unhelpful. No, they don’t bounce up and down or use first names. And viva la difference!
This is another silly stereotype similar to the New Yorkers are unfriendly.
I have been going to Europe for a great many years. I definitely prefer France and especially Paris.
All this stuff about the French being rude and unfriendly is pure nonsense. I have found for years that when France was mentioned and someone would say that the French were rude and they were asked when they were treated rudely. The answer was that they had never even been to France!
I go at least twice a year and stay at least a month each time. I am recoginized when I arrive in the area that I always stay in..the 7th, near the Eiffel Tower.
I have been able to people watch and have learned a great deal about the way they live. I think a great deal could b learned by their relationships with one another. It is so nice!
I also people watch tourists..from everywhere. Many never take the time to learn customs and how to act as a guest in another country. I wonder if they do the same as a guest in someone’s home.!
Some tourists complain when they are at a place that does not speak English. I have yet to find a place in wherever I go in the US where a visitor from France, for instance, could go to and they would speak French!
A lot of people probably should not travel. They seem to express unhappiness with it by their actions, and those around them would be happier without them, too.
I have two lenghty trips planned within the next year. Anxious to meet up with other friends who I will meet while there where we will join with French friends for some great times together.
a bientot…
Joan
The French are not at all rude. Some Americans perceive them as rude because the French custom is to be a bit more formal on initial contact.
Perfect example, I have a French friend who has lived in the U.S. for about 25 years. I see her once or twice a week and talk to her regularly on the phone. After 25 years, she still says “Bonjour, Madame” when I see her or speak to her on the phone. This just amazes my other friends who’s usual greeting is “Hey! What’s up?”
It’s the Americans who are perceived as rude when they march into a restaurant or shop in France and just say “Table for Two” or “How much is that scarf?” The shop keeper feels insulted and behaves accordingly.
If Americans would just learn this one little custom and use the formal greeting when they first encounter a Frenchman/woman they would be amazed at how friendly the French can be. When in Rome……
I’ve visited France and family members have visited within the last two years, and the French are helpful, welcoming, and patient as they try to understand my less-than-fluent language skills. I’ve had rude experiences in NYC, but not France.
I have had the privilege of visiting France (for both personal and business trips) since 1980. I just returned from my latest trip on July 9. Though I speak very limited French, I have never encountered anyone holding a job where they would interface with travelers who has been rude. Grumpy? Occasionally yes, but then again, I’ve encountered many, many grumpy people working in travel/hospitality jobs in the US. I love visiting France, and look forward to returning soon.
In my many visits to France, I have rarely encountered any rudeness. What I have seen is travellers (incuding myself) who were grumpy from lost sleep, having been squeezed like lemmings onto an airplane with seats a few inches apart. Most people respond to courtesies – I’m glad to note from this helpful article that regardless of whether it is really neded, the French are putting on smiley faces – and lowering a few prices to boot!
I found my interactions with the French in Paris to be mixed. I would say the level of friendliness was equivalent to being in New York City. I am sure the French can get tired of tourists that don’t speak their language. But I did not leave the city thinking all French people were rude.
On another trip, I spent time on the French Riviera – in Cannes and Nice. I had the BEST experience there. They welcomed tourists and treated us kindly. We enjoyed all that this beautiful part of the country had to offer.
Go to France with a great attitude and respect for another country’s culture, and you will have a wonderful time.
I’ve traveled to France for the last 21 on-and-off years. In all that time not once have I experienced the rudeness for which the French are infamous. My understanding is that French people who live outside of Paris complain about Parisian rudeness and that Parisians are rude to each other. My Parisienne French teacher half-jokingly tells me my time will come, but not to take it personally. In my experience of Paris, however, my relations with shop owners, with the vendors in the market, and just people in the street so far have been nothing but pleasant. When traveling around the rest of the country the pleasant factor goes up a few notches. It should be noted that I’ve only been studying the language for about 6 years, so I’m certainly not fluent.
There was only one time that I could have had a potential problem, and that was my own fault. In 2002, we were lost in Lyon, attempting to leave the city. I was getting more and more panicked when I saw a supermarket. I ran in looking for someone who could give me directions. I abruptly stopped the first person I saw, probably a supervisor, and asked if he spoke English. He physically recoiled from me with wide eyes and it was at that moment I realized my mistake. I hadn’t said “bonjour”. I knew la politesse but in my agitation it had gone from my mind. I excused myself, took a deep breath and apologized. When I started again, this man moved heaven and earth to get me the most accurate directions to our destination. We shook hands, bid each other au revoir, and smiled at each other as I left.
Even the most polite American will run into a Frenchman or woman who is either having a bad day, is rough around the edges, or just not a nice person. If one makes any effort to learn la politesse and the cultural differences between America and France, (such as the French are more formal than we are and not as “smiley”)there seems to be less likelihood that there will be a trip-spoiling event. It may happen anyway but at least you can say that it wasn’t about you! A French phrase book helps as well. Anglo-phones tend to think that “everyone speaks English.” Of course that’s a false assumption and it alone can get an American into trouble. Yes, it would be lovely if all French people were completely welcoming to tourists, but that is as unrealistic as expecting foreign tourists in New York City not to suddenly stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk and look up at the tall buildings. This is probably the pet peeve of New Yorkers and causes many of them to deliberately bump into said tourists. No apologies, of course. Is this beginning to sound familiar? It would be good to remember that la politesse cuts both ways. Respect me and I’ll respect you. It is “comme simple comme bonjour”.
I live in the New York metro area and have experienced far more nastiness here than I ever have overseas. On the other hand, I’ve also seen New Yorkers go out of their way to help foreigners with directions etc. I’m proud to say I’m one of them.
Perception (and context) is everything.
I have never found the French to be rude. Paris is no less friendly than my city, New York. Recently I was riding the Metro with my aged mom and a Parisian women warned me that thieves were eying my mom to steal her pocketbook. The woman was right and I was grateful.
I do try to speak a few words in French and that seems to be appreciated.
I may be in the minority BUT I have never had a problem when I have been in Paris( France) which is 3x and the 4th coming up. However, I do try to speak their language, and know a few of the essential words. I always enter a store/restaurant with a smile and a hello, how are you today(in French) and then ask if they speak English. Some say yes and others no. Usually this shows them at least I have tried. My own theory is, it is their country, why should they have to learn English. However, we Americans can be just as rude.
Now if you had asked me about Barcelona, where I do the same thing, I would say Oh boy are they ever rude! Have been there 4x once for a week. The other 3 to catch a cruise. After the first week, even being there 2 days is tooooo long!
When I traveled from London to Paris on the EuroStar I found the Frenchman sitting across from me to be rude. We were sitting at a table on a train and I got up to go to the bathroom and get a cup of coffee. When I got back he completely spread out his stuff all over the table. He saw me come back and still didn’t move it. I had to be like “Hey I’m sitting here” before he moved his things. Really minor, but annoying.
Once I got to Paris I had no problems and a great time in the week I was there. One of my cities to go back to.
An insightful resume of the French response. THe restaurant tax reduction is smart indeed……and smiles are always good. THose of us who are fond of France have found some difficulties……i would say a couple…..over a half centruy of visits. Is that bad ? I think not !
LOL and what a loaded question.
I will try to make an attempt to answer your question, but with a bit of background.
I was born and raised in New York City, which I believe is the best training ground should a person eventually start to travel. New Yorkers are proud people, they are on a mission, live on tight schedules, and are surrounded by every culture the world has to offer.
I have also been traveling to France since I was a child; maybe the first trip was around 1960.
In my humble opinion Paris and the Parisians, are very similar in attitudes as New Yorkers and other residents of major cities. I have found that most Europeans do speak English/ American in some degree, but why should they?
Do Americans speak French……not that many, and Americans are very much against learning Spanish, which is a growing language issue here in the States. I will not go into the many forms of dialect of the Spanish Language.
Parisians speak their language quickly, whereas if you do have some knowledge of the language, the southern regions of France the spoken French is slower and more poetic.
The Tourist attitude also plays a role in this. If you approach anyone as if a demand, you will be treated as such….”Who in the heck do you think you are to address me in such a fashion”. If you approach a person with a question be polite, have a pad and paper in order to at least line draw what you are trying to address. This has always worked for me, anyplace in the world, and smile.
Before you go really to any country, you should learn a few basic words, such as
Please, Thank You, Pardon me, Your Welcome, Left, Right and a really basic “Where is a toilet?”
If you are perceived to be rude, then it will be reciprocated in kind.
Paris is a walking city. There are two circular roads that go around the city.
As a teenager a friend of mine and I decided to walk the outer road. We eventually got hopelessly lost. A dear little old lady passed us, notice we were confused, began the conversation in French to try and help us, she then immediately broke into English.
We were in shock by the quick language change, and she advised us she learn English when the Americans and English liberated Paris from the Nazi’s. We ended up having an unplanned delightful conversation.
Just as there are “Ugly Americans” and I have seen them in action, I run the opposite direction and I feel sorry for the French person trying to help them.
There are also just rude Parisians, just as there are rude people all over the world.
A tourist has to always remember that “they are a tourist” and mind your place.
The tourist is going to stay in the country for a short period of time, and you are only a visitor in their country. Hence, the tourist needs to make an attempt, and remember they are also representing their country.
Politeness and smiles works two ways.
If the French stop pretending they can’t speak anything but French, or stop being rude to everyone, stop being so arrogant, they won’t be French any more.
I think this is all just fodder for a slow news day.
We just returned from 9 days in Provence and Paris and nothing ruined it for us. Not the allegedly rude reputation of the French, not the weather, not our tiny hotel room near the Louvre, not the little cups of strong coffee, not those crazy roundabouts, not the attitude of the waiters. Not even the horrid exchange rate with the dollar. OK, maybe that last one was a bit of a headache, but we’re already planning a return to Provence with kids in tow.
Currently chronicling our journey on my blog. Updates daily through Sunday.
We have not found the French to any more impolite than Americans are and actually we have enjoyed ourselves immensely on our trips to France. Our son works in Paris and is a wonderful “guide” to France and other nearby countries. We thouroughly enjoy ourselves on our trips, it would be wonderful to visit now when the vat in restaurancts is so low.
We are just middle income people and so do not just go to higher expensive places.
WEIRD NEWS PARIS, France – To combat a reputation for unfriendliess, Paris will now place smiling tourism ambassadors throughout the city.
I must join the chorus of those who say the reputation the French have as rude is undeserved, although they are sticklers for what used to be called common courtesy. I went to Paris for the first time about 4 years ago and, due to their reputation, was apprehensive to say the least. I made certain to memorize a few polite phrases, including, in French, “Pardon me, but do you speak English? My French is tragic. Thank you. ” which brought a smile to more than one face. The Parisians I encountered were, at the very least, polite and helpful.
The rudest? London. Hands-down the rudest people I have ever met. Far ruder than any New Yorker I have encountered in my many years of doing business in Manhattan. I have never encountered, before or since, people who went out of their way to be snide, give misleading information or refuse to assist in any way. It was so bad that I am still puzzled after all these years and have no intention of going back. AND I actively discourage others from staying in London any longer than they need to.
In the last 10 years we have visited the Languedoc, Brittany, Lot, and Paris on 6 or so trips, typically 2 weeks, the most recent in April with a week in the Lot Valley and a week in Paris. With rare exception we have been treated with kindness and help. We’ve had the occasionally less than friendly waiter in Paris, but even there it has been an exception. We have found the French to be friendly, curious and eager to engage in conversation with Americans
As someone who has lived in France cheek by jowl with the rude, arrogant natives for four years, I have one question for all these delirious posters who find the French warm, delightful and friendly. Do you smoke crack 24-7?
I must concur with WC. The French are famous for their obscene body odor. French subways smell like the Third World, with an underlying hint of Limburger cheese. In fact, the French only bathe when they are so dirty it hurts. The French are also known to shower in pig sweat known as “le douche de cochon.” In English, this means “we like the spread smelly pig pits all over our smelly bodies and call it a shower.” That description was apt three centuries ago. Today the French take two showers a year. In France, escargot is snails. French people eat snails because it’s the only thing they can kill. With everything else, they just surrender.