Are the French as Rude as they Say?
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
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So, are the French really as rude as they portray them in the movies? No! The French are awesome and friendly!
Filmed in Paris, France
#rudetravelers #frenchlife
Copyright Mark Wolters 2024
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As a Brit, I'm supposed to have a natural animosity toward the French. Well I (and most Brits) do not. I love France because France is wonderful. And why is France wonderful because French people are great. Vive la France!
@@notreyf We hate each other with love 🤭
@@notreyf as a baguette eater who’s also supposed to not like brits, I have to say that every single time I went there, people were always really nice and welcoming
I was shocked at the friendliness of the French, yes, even in Paris. It's amazing what a "bonjour" or "merci" can do. Trying to order in French, apologizing for my bad French opened conversations with waiters and locals. Dijon, Beaune, Chamonix, Villafranche, etc. Honestly, the rudest people we encountered (and it wasn't even close) were American students and the award for the rudest American I've EVER seen in years of European travel was an American Floridian (gators hat and shirt) yelling and swearing at staff in Paris to speak English if they wanted his money. Respect a different culture and take a chance. Learn phrases, gestures.
Of you don't say "bonjour/hello" and "merci/thank you", you're disrespecting the person. It's so natural for frenchmen that you can't forget to do it.
As a Parisian, French waiters are horrible to French people us too... if you eat in tourist traps
You will find rude people in France the same way you will in just about any country you visit in the world. It's the exception, not the rule. The majority of French people can be very warm with you once you break the ice with them. A good way to do that is attempt to speak French. Even if it's broken, even if you can't formulate a complete sentence. Bonjour or salut can help break the ice. That has been my experience in general and I have lived with a Frenchie for years and having visited France personally.
I have been to France in numerous occasions as we live close by in the UK and I have to say if your are respectful and polite to the French people and learn at least a few simple sentences in French to acknowledge them instead of ‘shouting’ words in English they will go out of their way to help you. Also have found they have a very wicked sense of humour. Vive La France !
I don't know what you mean by "wicked", but yeah... I mean, being polite and respectful of others is the only way to have others respect you. And very obviously, this is not only in France. Humans are humans everywhere, after all.
@@nox8730 turns out he made a video about it. Hello again my friend
@@QuiGonJack10 Hey :). I haven't watched that many of his videos, but i find it interesting how he generally understands countries pretty well.
Viva España! In Spain Vive la France! In France…😉
@@nox8730 I meant to say wicked sense of humour which means a cheeky and sarcastic sense of humour which The Brits have too
Southern france has the nicest people, Paris has the rudest
Depends where. In Biarritz people are fantastic. In 'ice they are as rude as Parisians. And people are insanely nice in Lille too
This is likely in response to your attitude. I have never had anything but a lovely experience with Parisians.
This
Try speaking anything other than french language in a meeting you’ll see what rude is!
I've only been to Paris, and I found the people mostly rude, but a cashier in a supermarket was super nice.
I learned that saying “bonjour” when you enter a place goes a long way. They see as being very rude if you don’t acknowledge their presence when you get in contact with them.
Go to France and figure it out ! We're ready to help and give informations ! And visit the countryside and the villages, not just Paris, Lyon and Marseille 😊🇫🇷
@@HugoB30 I will next time. Las summer I just visited Paris.
It is like saying Americans are rude if you can barely speak English and just visit New York City. French people are actually more friendly than other European countries.
Seriously? Are french more friendly than other european country? Come on...remember that there are greeks, spanish, dutchs and italians..
@@andre3424 spanish are very friendly, except if you're french :D
Agree it's only the waiters in Paris tourist restaurants. LOVE LOVE LOVE the people of France!
We travelled through Paris and around the Ameins area last November. We did not come across one rude person. Everyone was helpful and friendly. If you smile and be respectful, as you always should be, you will almost always get a good response. That was our wonderful experience anyway.❤
The French are not rude at all. They were so kind and friendly to me the first time I went to Paris
Perhaps the Parisian waiters are rude because they get called garçon by tourists?
Agreed. Plus Americans are also very used to servers constantly checking on them. The French, and most of Europe that I experienced, have you alert them when you are ready or need something. Both ways have their ups and downs, but we have to adapt to the cultures of the places we visit.
This.
en effet, en france, si vous avez besoin de quelques chose, vous faites un signe amical de la main et dites "s'il vous plait" et il viendra avec les meilleures intentions
Being fortunate enough to have visited numerous times primarily Paris, I’ve had really great experiences each and every time with wonderfully welcoming people. Some basic cultural awareness and a modicum of effort around basic phrases goes a long long way. I’ve found that really entitled tourists who seem to forget they are visitors have the worst experience.
I've managed to avoid the rude people in Paris so far. Everyone has been fine with me. I did my best to speak as much French as possible, though, so that made a difference. There was a really nice lady at Beauvais Airport who said my French was really good when I was ordering coffee, and she even slowed down a little so I could understand her.
I spent 2 weeks in Paris and was not treated rudely by anyone.
Same here. It makes me wonder how everyone else behaves to get those responses. Maybe a tad bit more cold compared to America, but I don't hold that against them. I loved my short time in Paris.
@@JuanWayTripsfrench bashing, look it up, real thing.
Parisian waiters can be comically rude in a way I've never encountered elsewhere. Just treat it as part of the travel experience. But French people in general are usually polite and often friendly.
yes and as french we also hate the service delivered by the waiters in Paris and some of places in southern east area.
Waiters in Paris were great to us! They were fast, polite and patient! A little French goes a long way like you said!
Paris is a little tricky but we were in a restaurant in Chantilly after visiting the chateau. The staff didn't speak English and we don't speak French but we got through it and the staff and other customers were as friendly as could be.
I have been to so many cities and towns in France and have only encountered rude (or possibly racist) behavior one time and that was at a restaurant in Nice. We sat for over 30 mins at the beginning of the dinner time and they refused to come over to serve us. We left and went to another restaurant and all was fine. I think it was just that server.
Just got back from Paris (3rd time in 18 months) and we have never had a problem in Paris with people being rude.
How is that rude it just means they're busy
The “key” that opens the door to ingratiating the French is that when you first speak with someone in France make sure that your first word is “Bonjour” (or “Bonsoir” if it’s in the evening).
Some people are afraid to say bonjour because they think that the French person will believe that they speak French, but it’s OK to say bonjour and then ask them if they speak English or speak to them in English if you know that they do. But somehow, by starting your conversation off that way, it shows that you respect them and their language. I’ve found that it makes the biggest difference.
ce n'est pas une question de respect, bonjour ou bonsoir, c'est juste de la politesse qui permet d'ouvrir une discussion
Parisians are like New Yorkers - they’re blunt. They can be extraordinarily friendly and helpful, just like New Yorkers, or they can be harried and curt.
One thing I noticed on my last trip there in 2017 - there aren’t that many French working in the shops and restaurants in central Paris. Most of them come from elsewhere in Europe and beyond, and not only do they speak English, it’s their common language, NOT French. So if you feel you’re being treated poorly, don’t necessarily blame “the French”. Although I generally had great service that trip.
That’s very different from when I last visited in 1993, when central Paris was all-French. I stayed near the Sorbonne both times, and the difference was night and day. It felt like a lived-in neighborhood in the ‘90s, with all walks of life represented. Now it’s a Disneyland for the global elite, with very little street life and lots of investment properties. To see the real Paris you need to visit the outer arrondissements.
LOVE your bright, beautiful communication/ reporting style. Thank you!😊
I’ve been to France a couple of times. The French are reserved and are not exactly warm, but never rude.
I traveled to France in ‘84 and ‘88. My experience is that if others are rude to them they’ll be rude right back.!If others are nice to them they’ll be nice right back! So just be nice and maybe a bit formal to them- it’ll go a long way! (Oh, and never snap your fingers and say, “Oh garçon” in the restaurants- they hate that!)
And imagine your town being overrun by tourists every single day. I don’t blame them for being a little irritated by that. Tourists need to be mindful of that and be gracious.
I went to France last month for the first time in my life. I thought they were nice actually. I loved France. Spain ... now there is where I saw a great contrast 😐.
My experience is nothing but friendly from everyone in Paris and beyond. I guess if you’re seeking to be offended you’ll find it.
Was in Paris 2 months ago. Everyone there was so nice. Been to France about 10 times everytime everyone was so nice
The French are kind and helpful. It's the Italians who work in the tourist industry who roll their eyes and ignore you. Note, the Italians who are not sick of tourists are lovely.
I have found that French people are fine. I did not get the 'rude' treatment. But then again, I speak some French (Canadian here, so it's mandatory to learn)...and even though it's not the best, the effort is appreciated. I still remember getting lost one time and basically being taken by the hand to where I needed to go.
You also need to differentiate Parisians from the rest of the country. Parisians can be very rude and arrogant but as as you leave the capital, people tend to be much warmer and friendly.
Some of them are, especially in Paris, city centre. The further away from the centre you go, the better it gets.
The people in Paris are extremely rude. The people in southern France are great. However, people in New York or other large cities can also come off rude.
Problem in Paris is they’re rude with an ego.
I haven t met many French people in Paris.The question is :where are the French in Paris?
ils sont francais, la couleur de peau n'est pas une nationalité si c'est ce que TU veux dire, voila un exemple d'une personne qui dira du mal des francais
LOVE the French!
I've never met people as friendly as people from the South of France, especially the men, but I even found friendly people in Paris. ❤
OMGosh! I was in Paris and went up to the hotel front desk and a French Canadian was speaking French to the employee who kept stopping him and correcting his pronunciation and I stepped forward and said, “he’s speaking French! Just give him the towels!” and the gent got his towels while I got dirty looks from the employee who’d been grinning running his mouth at this poor tourist! But that was only Paris, rest of France were amazing but I was a Spanish tourist not American. Dual citizenship!
The French will totally correct your pronunciation. I used to think it was rude until I realized they judge each other the same way. It’s a status thing.
It also explains why they often refuse to speak English, even when they’re fairly fluent in it. I think they assume we’re equally judgmental, when in fact I think most English speakers think English at least sounds better when absolutely butchered by the French. 😂
My French is so poor I can usually watch them make the mental calculation to determine whether to reply to me in English. I goes something like this:
As they listen to the 1st sentence I speak in French: “Wow. This guy’s French is really bad.”
2nd sentence: “There’s no way my English is as bad as this guy’s French.”
3rd: “This is painful. Physically painful. Maybe if I speak English he’ll stop butchering French.”
Works every time. 😂
@@sunspot42 I have tried to make some friends speak some english with me despite their very low proficiency level, and they never agreed to try. When you are french, there is a sense of ridicule that overwhelms us, whenever we try speaking english. That's really not something most people will be confortable with (not even me). For some reason, it is not as bad with spanish. My friends are fluent in spanish, i was too.
Nope, disagree. The French are often rude (as in, inconsiderate and gruff) and, no, they don't like it when you practice your broken high-school French on them, they'd rather switch to English. Just don't forget to say hello and good bye (in French) as you enter and exit a shop or an establishment, that helps a bit.
In the first place, if people do switch to english, this means they want to help you. If you are calling them rude because of that... well... they are probably going to be.
I spent a week in Paris and the people were pretty nice.
Absolutely yes, they are very rude. Note : in mostly Paris as mentioned.
It is what you are bringing to the table. I’m assuming you are American. Americans expect the world to act and react the way we do. When people aren’t open to dumb jokes or loud conversation they are deemed rude.
@@Travelbug71 nah I'm not American
@@alihorda Algérien ?
@@morzhed-hoqh732?
I can attest that having command of the French language, even basic, and essentially not being a jerk goes a long way in France. Also, you're more likely to encounter more welcoming spirits outside Paris, I guess people there are already tired of the locust-like invasion of tourists year in and year out. 🙃
100% agree
It's fascinating to see the differences between French and American embassies regarding travel advice. French embassy websites are filled with valuable details about local customs and appropriate behaviors, providing their citizens with a cultural compass to navigate foreign lands gracefully.
In contrast, American embassies seem to focus mainly on safety advisories and administrative formalities, somewhat neglecting guidance on local customs. This gap might explain why some Americans appear less aware of local sensitivities.
Perhaps it would be wise for American embassies to follow the French example by including more comprehensive advice on local customs. Such an approach would likely foster better understanding and greater respect for the cultures visited, thus avoiding many misunderstandings.
The sheer volume of tourists, especially number of misbehaving ones, will surely inspire some resentment. But by and large French people are hospitable and helpful.
I had a great experience with people in Paris.
Be patient with service workers, respect the language difference, and you should be fine.
They will snap back if you act entitled though. Karen energy does not go far in Paris 😂
👍
Relatively well-traveled person here... Been to France 5 times... And yeaaah they're pretty awful. Each experience has garnered me another uniquely rude but entertaining story. I wish I could say it's just Paris but... It's not. They're like Germans with better food.
If the whole majority of people disagree with you, perhaps you were the problem.
French people rude????😮 Ive never met a rude person in France. May be they'll be rude if you are a rude with them
I have had to deal with rude waiters.
I wonder if there is a competition for the rudest waiter.
I am from Quebec, I speak French fluently, with a not too pronounced accent (you can confuse me with a Belgian in France!).
I love France and the French in general. In certain regions, in Normandy and Brittany in particular where my ancestors came from, I almost feel at home there.
That said, I have to admit that I've had some bad experiences with the Garçons de Café in Paris, some of whom excel at making you feel like shit. Too bad because they are splashing all over France.
French get a bad rap. If it wasn't for the french. U.s.a. would be still under England monarchy.
... and half of the US would be French ! Vive l'Empereur !
Try talking English with the metro kiosk lady when the card malfunctioned- i ended up yelling back to her “ no matter how matter how hard you scream at me and point like im stupid it dont help the fact that i did not know what button you wanted me to push is” 🥴
A reminder : France was once again in 2023 the country most visited by tourists in the world. That’s a lot of people for a country of this size! 😊The United States are only 3rd... behind Spain which is 2nd!
I agree.. we've been in France 2x......
Who is rude? Anglosaxon imperialism or Victor Hugo?
Big cities usually have rude folks, same here in the states in many ways. I say its the pace of life where you go that reflects attitudes
My experience, outside of France, has been that they can be EXTREMELY RUDE. I will say my experience is VERY LIMITED. BUT I understand that Quebec is FANTASTIC.
I agree, 19 times in paris and never once a rude person. make an attempt to speak basic French and no flip flops( they are disgusting anyway and everywhere)
IDK what shows and movies people have been watching 'cuz they don't seem rude on TV either
I disagree. I spent a month all over France; from Normandy to Colmar ( I purposely avoided Paris). I still encountered a lot of rude people. From my experience, I concluded that french people are rude and arrogant even when you try to speak to them in French.
Yes in Paris they are rude. Other parts of France no.
I mean if you just use Bonjour and Merci in place of Hello and Thank You you're golden there.
Parisians are rude. But the rest of the country is awesome
Definitely, especially in the North
If you are looking for rude go to Egypt.
I’ve only been to Paris but from my experiences there were many people working in the service field who seemed very charming and friendly upfront. I think this happens because they want to contradict the rudeness label. There were also some who were quite easily irritated it appeared. This seemed to happen when there was an inconvenience or something happened they weren’t used to/prepared for. I would also note that Paris seems to attract a lot of big egos, and sadly some more sociopaths compared to other EU big cities, amongst locals, tourists, and immigrants alike it seems. Just a theory, but I think this is because Paris in particular is associated with glitz, glam, money, prestige, success, etc. in media, including social media, and that this is particularly attractive to well… some really horrible people.
Fortunately, we have had wonderful experiences with people in France, even Paris! I think the biggest thing for tourists, especially American tourists, is that since we are a very "smile at people, say hi to strangers" country, we are surprised to see places where that's not the case. Also, Paris sees millions of tourists a year so you, as a tourist, aren't different/special. You're a part of their daily life so most folks will be indifferent towards you and not go out of their way to help you. But! If you need help and say "Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais?" and ask, people are very kind and will help.
I took my Russian language students to France, when we couldnt get into Russia during a political issue. I gave them French lessons before we went, told them to dress nicely and be respectful.
They had the best time, and wanted to back again.
My family came to America from Europe when I was born, but we always traveled back.
Just try to understand the culture, learn a few sentences, be groomed and kind.
Goes a long way .......anywhere.
I'd wish I could say: you are right. I really do!😢
The Stereotype from movies etc is still wrong though because there they still interact with you (not super polite but at least a little bit)
My friends and I learned french in school for around 4 years and rarly had any positiv interaktions, if ever. Lots of my spanish friends spesk french quite fluend and get the same reactions for decades now. We just stoped going there and meet anywhere else thoughout europe.
French coming to Poland speak fluent English.
French coming to UK speak fluent english.
But when you come to France OH NO, NOBODY SPEAKS!!
"We are in France, we speak French !" - Sébastien Chabal
@@MrSbpool the ones who travel are educated enough in languages to make it. When you come you are more likely to meet the one uneducated in languages 👋
We’ve visited France several times now. In my experience, it’s the Swiss that are rude, not the French!😁
À lot of Waiters of Paris are rude and cold.
I particular on touristic area.
Even with French natives 😂.
And I would had CdG airport crews and store have a lot of rude employees.
But please don't take them as a reference 😂
Merci beaucoup 😚 and you're perfectly right about the waiters in Paris so also visit athor cities on France there are so many beautiful 👍
Explore outside of Paris
No they are even more rude
Yes they are rude. More if you are american. Been there and experienced.
Loves Paris, got robbed though. All good though.
Mark, do they have you tied down there by the legs right now? Can you blink twice at us if they're not looking ? 😅
I'm married to a French woman and my step kids are French, and we live in Québec. Like a lot of French people here the only thing she misses from France is her home bakery, and warmer winters. The French are like Americans - many are shocking, but many are great. You have to get deep into it to find out who is which sometimes.
Merci Marc! 🙏🏼🫶🏼
Sabrina 🇫🇷🇬🇧
But it's really the country, with the least knowledge of english troughout europe.
I love your vids you always have so much respect :)
How do you travel so much ? Are you in the tourist industry ?
It's not that they're rude.....they just don't care.
Which is rude.
It depends. Years ago, while my mother was at Charles DeGaul, they were telling her wrong gate numbers on purpose and laughing at the "dumb foreigner". She was speaking perfect French, just not Parisian French. Now this was nearly 30 years ago. She also said Southern France was just happy to have people spending money there
Just like in London, New York, Rome etc the people of Paris can be grumpy, they don't have time to be nice to their fellow countrymen so you've no chance. Most other places in France OK by me.