<p>I was wondering if anyone knew anything about this topic, b/c I'm going on an exchange in P</p>
<p>Act too "american"? You mean materialistic and indulgent? Don't do that anywhere. If she means don't wear an american flag on your shirt everytime you go out, yea dont do that either.</p>
<p>We were there in '06 with a girl scout trip and did not have any problems. One thing to do is read up a little on the culture differences. For instance if you walk into a small store always say hello (bonjour) - it is considered rude not to. Learn at least a few basics in French - greetings etc. The French have a very different attitude to eating out - it is a leasurley process so the waiter will serve you and not return frequently (to them that is rude). </p>
<p>So just good manners, courtesy, and common sense. they go a long way.</p>
<p>Loud, brash, critical, complaining the menus etc are not in English - not the way to go.</p>
<p>These fears are totally overblown.</p>
<p>The French (generally) have a problem w/ the policies of the current admin and not w/ the American populace (except for maybe being dumbfounded by the portion of the US populace electing Dubya twice).</p>
<p>Being an American is still a plus in Europe (unless one acts like the stereotypical "ugly American").</p>
<p>"Being an American is still a plus in Europe (unless one acts like the stereotypical "ugly American")."</p>
<p>Being an American is not a plus. The French are not favorably disposed toward Americans. Nobody is violent over the matter but the French, especially in Paris, tend to look down their noses at Americans. Listen to your teacher, be respectful in manner, word, and dress, and have a good time!</p>
<p>^ Uhh, the French (particularly the Parisiens) look down upon everybody.</p>
<p>I have been to France and found the people in Paris to be cold and unfriendly. I was aware to be polite, make and attempt to greet them in their own language ( I speak no French ) My sister was on a school trip with her son several yrs ago. She was on a tour of a museum and accidentally turned the wrong way,seperating her from her group. They absolutely refused to help her in any way. leaving her literally in tears. She is in no way a person to provoke or offend. She is extremely friendly and kind.
And I had friends that were there a few yrs back and encountered signs in shop windows stating " we do not serve Americans "</p>
<p>I also have hosted French people in my home and while they say they do NOT dislike Americans, they are thoroughly offended if tourists make no attempt to speak French while in their country. This is the only country in Europe that I have visited that is not accomodating when it comes to tourists not knowing the language.</p>
<p>I believe that wherever you visit, you should be polite and respect local customs..even if you are in your own country. It is basic common courtesy that isn't reserved just for European travel.</p>
<p>I have been to Paris several times and have never ever seen a sign anywhere saying we do not serve americans.</p>
<p>
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Uhh, the French (particularly the Parisiens) look down upon everybody.
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</p>
<p>That's really true. </p>
<p>Okay. You shouldn't worry too much. It's not like you'll be murdered, or something. Just act normal and polite, and you'll be fine.</p>
<p>I was in France this summer. Greet people in the stores, learn some french and be polite. They want your elbows on the table and have good table manners. Tip is usually included in the meal. Say merci when needed. Tourists who act haughty are annoying. I saw a tourist who was soo rude to the worker, I was ready to slap him. So be polite. On the metro, give up your seat to old people and expecting mothers. Don't push and shove...yadda yadda.</p>
<p>They don't wear short shorts there. Tank tops are rare. Tight clothes are not flattering. So don't dress like a slut. Otherwise, you are fine. </p>
<p>As long as you are polite, it will work out. Most people will be fine.</p>
<p>There was one time where we were in a hurry to get our check. We had bed check at 10:30 and it was 10:10. I tried to flag over my server. He was soo rude to me and scolded me. He charged me extra for my salad and god, it was terrible. Those things you can't help and you just deal with it.</p>
<p>swimcatsmom, neither did I ....my friends did and emailed me the photo.</p>
<p>lje62 - it was hopefully something of an exception. After all there are some idiots everywhere. Freedom fries anyone? ;)</p>
<p>"I also have hosted French people in my home and while they say they do NOT dislike Americans, they are thoroughly offended if tourists make no attempt to speak French while in their country. This is the only country in Europe that I have visited that is not accomodating when it comes to tourists not knowing the language."</p>
<p>Here's a solution... learn some French. You'll be fine with "Bonjour" and "Ou est le metro?" (Yes, I know I'm missing the accents.)</p>
<p>Think about it. When tourists come here, they either speak English or try.</p>
<p>".. learn some French. You'll be fine with "Bonjour" and "Ou est le metro?""</p>
<p>Do you think any French person will limit their answer to, "la m</p>
<p>It's interesting that France is the only country in Europe like this. I don't know if I consider it a good thing (being prideful of their country and language) or bad (not accommodating for others and assuming people know their cultural tendencies)</p>
<p>I think it's pretty much the same as America doing it, personally - no different from that.</p>
<p>
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"Ou est le metro?"
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</p>
<p>No, actually, you're better off not asking that question. It's best to avoid [url=<a href="http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif%5Dthis%5B/url">http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif]this[/url</a>] at all costs. I salute you if you're able to get to where you want to go without getting lost. Numerous times.</p>
![http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif%5Dthis%5B/url">http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif]this[/url</a>](http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif%5Dthis%5B/url%22>http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif%5Dthis%5B/url</a>){kind=link}
<p>
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It's interesting that France is the only country in Europe like this.
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</p>
<p>I'm sure there are more countries just like France. Europeans in general are very proud of themselves. France is just a really exaggerated and popular example.</p>
<p>I was just trying to make a point, which was to make an effort, and you'll be respected much more than if you ask if anyone speaks "American".</p>
<p>Not everyone is anti-American. My family, which is in the minority of people in France, support Bush, Israel and America. Realize that there are French who think otherwise.</p>
<p>It's not hatred. It's just dislike for the obnoxious habits that Americans tend to do. Just do as people say and be polite. I doubt anyone will try to spit in your face for simply being American--and polite.</p>
<p>Read Rick Steves (spelling is correct) guides on visiting Paris and France. He breaks down things that Americans need to do to be considered courteous by French standards. Interestingly, French standards are similar to courtesy standards in the American south.</p>
<p>I've spent recent summers in Paris, including in 2002, and I used Steves' suggestions. I was treated very well by the French.</p>
<p>Americans whom I saw doing things like going up to ticket counters and loudly speaking in English to people without even giving a "hello" or "bonjour" were treated rudely. </p>
<p>The French have grown to understand that not everyone speaks French. In fact, a lot of French now speak English and are happy to use it. I was trying to learn French, but waiters, cashiers, etc. kept responding to me in English when I tried out my fledgling French.</p>
<p>However, yelling at people in English -- as if loudness will make them understand-- and not giving courtesies like "hello," "thank-you," are considered very rude and the French respond accordingly.</p>
<p>The French also are very good at telling the difference between the citizens of a country and the country's policies, something that Americans tend not to do.</p>
<p>In addition, my experience was that the French appreciated it when Americans visited because the French assumed that the Americans who were French haters due to France's opposition to the Iraq war, stayed at home.</p>