Rude Parisians

[filthiestfis]

I am travelling to Paris on my own next week and my French isn't so good. I have been told that Parisians are particularly rude, so will it be difficult for me to buy tickets/order food in Paris? Will they shun me unless I speak their language?

[terambulan]

You must mix with very ignorant people to make such a comment. Not all Parisians speak English as vice versa. U obviously dont speak french. If u want to be understood then u will have to reach out to others.

I suggest you invest in a 'language translater' gadget; to make up for your lack in the language of Parisians.

[lajohn]

terambulan is right. take along a pocket French dictionary with you.

[filthiestfis]

No thanks. I dont feel like being patronised teram thank you very much. I suppose that you will deny that Parisians as a general rule are rude? Well you can't accuse Madridians (for example) of being rude though because generally they are not.

[filthiestfis]

By the way I have a sister who has lived in Paris for the last 15 years and another sister who is working her 10th year on Eurostar, plus my uncle is a designer and sometimes travels to Paris, ALL OF THEM are qualified to say that Parisians are rude.

[terambulan]

Well, you're hardly 'on ur own' as u already have family there.

I stand by my opinion of your ignorance due to your phrasing of your question and am hardly patronising you.....but if that's how u feel, then that's ur problem.

[bubbles4920]

i worked with a parisian and she was an absolute c*w, instead of asking her department to do things, she would demand it and when she couldnt get her own way she hated it. i know others including american friends who have found the same in paris, i know you cant tar everyone else with the same brush but it seems this attitude is quiet common in the good old capital of paree!!

[Tom Braider]

Parisians, like New Yorkers and Londoners, do have a reputation for rudeness and being unhelpful to non-Parisians (not necessarily just non French speakers) but when I was in Paris as a tourist a few weeks ago I had no difficulty with meals, tickets, etc. (And my French is hopeless!) People who sell things will not often make it too hard for you to part with your money! Generally speaking I've found that big-city dwellers everywhere are preoccupied with their own affairs and don't often reach out to the millions of visitors that get in their way. But that doesn't mean that they actually dislike you and wish to cause you trouble. Just go with an open mind and a knowledge that you're just one more customer.

[indieanna86]

My experience with Parisians was rather mixed. Some were absolutely lovely, and complimented me when I tried to speak french (including a lovely taxi driver, who then went on to ask how Paris compared to London). But as with most cities, there are the not so nice and I did come across rude people too, like another taxi driver who knew I didn't know Paris, and dropped us off about a mile from where we asked to go, claiming to be in the right place. I suppose if you make an effort to be nice and polite to people, whatever the country, you are more likely to be treated nicely in return.

One thing I will warn you about though is the standard of driving. Drivers tend to do whatever they want, I saw them ignore red lights and I got beeped at by many cars for crossing the road whilst my light was green!

[filthiestfis]

I do believe in making an effort in a foreign country and this means attempting to speak the spoken language in that country. It's not right of me or anyone to expect everyone to speak English. I'm the foreigner, so I should make an effort. Yes, my sister lives in Paris and I shall be staying at hers, but she will be working during the day, so all my travelling in the city will be done independantly, therefore I am on my own.
It's true that you can't tarnish everyone with the same brush but you certainly can generalise. Italians, for example, are known for their love of pasta and pizza (amongst other things like mopeds) but this doesnt mean that every Italian on earth loves these things.
Thanks to all for your thoughts, including terambulan.

[lajohn]

Filthiestfis, don't defend your opinion, we all are entitled to one. Terambulan sounds very French. I think she might be the French resident of here. lol

[Ethel]

You can't class everyone in a city as being the same.

People are different everywhere - there are good and bad in every community.

Don't forget the attitude you receive is very often a reflection of your own attitude.

A smile goes a very long way.

And if you can't even be bothered with a phrase book or translator, why should they be bothered to try and help you?

[lajohn]

Ethel - you are never rude and I always see your beautiful smile with pearly white teeth, bright eyes and dimpled cheeks. x

[filthiestfis]

I've not seen terambulan on AB before. Perhaps he/she is French!

[netibiza]

I have never felt intimidated by the French and I cannot speak their language, as long as you are pleasant and do not shout they'll be fine.

[code1]

The French are French and the British are British.

Wherever you go on this lonely planet be polite, honest and humble and you will win the day...

I have been around the world several times and met both rude and polite people in every country.

Think Positive - Be Positive and enjoy your trip.