Why is it that the French hate Americans? I mean, when I was getting ready for my trip the most overwhelming “fact” people shared with me was the utter hatred that the French have with us from the States. Why though did they feel that way? I didn’t know, but prepared myself to have to deal with a bunch of snobbish French people on my trip. Boy, was everyone wrong. Let me tell you that I have nothing but good things to say about the people in France. In my entire trip I only ran into two people I would consider rude. One was at the airport on arrival, which made me think I was in store for much more eye rolling. The second was in a bakery after we changed our order, so the girl had justification. I know I was due an eye rolling on that one. Other than that, everyone was quite pleasant. So what is it that made our trip so different than other people?

1. Learn some French. Look, I know people are busy in this world so learning a new language is not something you can just pick up sitting on the toilet, unless it’s a pretty impressive/frightening bowel movement. It really isn’t that difficult to pick up a few things to help make the frustration from the language barrier a little less hair-pulling. Imagine you are working somewhere like a restaurant or clothing store and someone comes in speaking an entire other language. Then imagine how better you would feel if that person spoke a little of your language. It’s the You Tube-age, you can learn French right on your phone. Check out Alexa Polidoro on You Tube which is how I learned the basic greetings, when to use them, how to pronounce them and even numbers. If you do it good enough you may get mistaken for a local Parisian At least for a few brief seconds until you totally blow it. If you show effort to speak their language, they will respect that. A lot of the waiters were able to speak enough English to get by anyway but it’s nice to show you are trying especially with the reputation Americans have of thinking the world revolves around us.

2. Restaurants run differently that in America. The servers are very laid back and not as attentive as here in America. Reason being is that in France all the taxes and tips are included in the bill. That does not mean you shouldn’t tip on top of that though. There were a few times that I tipped a little extra when I felt the service was deserving. It was weird not to have the waiter constantly visiting the table asking if everything is fine. They don’t even ask you if you want the check, you usually have to request it. It’s not rude or snobbish, it’s just a different way of doing things than we’re used to here in America so don’t take it as a slap in the face, it’s just how it is in Paris so get with the program.
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3. Do a little research on the cultural differences. It’s just a different place with different customs. For instance, in Paris it’s considered rude to bite into a piece of bread. You are not supposed to expose your teeth when you eat as it is considered rude. You’re supposed to tear a piece of bread off and discreetly shove it into your mouth. Another thing is when walking into a store or restaurant make sure to greet them with a polite “bonjour”. Every time I walked into a new place, or an employee passed me, they looked at me and said bonjour. I read how Americans just don’t care to say hello. It’s an easy way to start on the right foot and if you fumble on the first impression then you shouldn’t be surprised if they think you’re actually the rude one. Oh, and prepare to see lots of smoking. Seriously, it was everywhere. Every waiter took breaks to smoke a cigarette. Women smoked like chimneys. It’s a way of their lives so don’t be shocked.

4. Don’t be obnoxious. This should be a simple one but it’s surprising how obnoxious Americans can be compared to the French. Everywhere I went, the French were very subdued and calm and spoke at respectable volumes. Americans on the other hand are the type to speak in a tone like they were speaking to an entire room. Try to restrain yourself from talking loudly. Just keep it calm and cool.

These are just a few simple tips that should help you in having a great trip to France and avoid any rudeness from the locals.