When I was in France a few years ago, I found that trying to say a few words in French opened the people right up. They appreciated the attempt, even if they were ultimately able to respond in English.
Indeed my friend. An english native speaker who tries speaking in french will get a completely different welcome when compared to one who just assume we lost the Hundred Years Wars to the English when we didn't :). To put it bluntly, many of us just don't like english speakers who just assume everyone in the world has to speak english. The better you speak french the better we will welcome you. Many french people are not interested in learning english, and definitely don't want to be forced to speak it in France. My friends are interested in Spanish or Russian, but will always say 'why the hell would i have to speak or learn english?' One of my theories to explain this is that France and the UK have been at war for 1 millenia and it still shows on the Rugby field.
@@towaritch I don't know. I will be perfectly honest with you. Me learning english is basically wasted efforts at this point. English is definitely not necessary here, not in the slightest. Even films and series are all dubbed and you will have a hard time finding anything that is subtitled. I never even have the opportunity to ever use english. To the point where i can't work on my listening and speaking at all. Last time i met an english native speaker was in 2016, and she spoke french. Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic would be much more usefull where i live (South West France). Plus, english is not particularly fun or interesting as a language, so it is a pain in the ass for those who would rather spend time learning a language they find beautiful (like Russian. Gosh Russian is beautiful indeed). Even on TH-cam, i ended up on english speaking channels merely because i learned some english. My friends do the same with channels in spanish. Lastly, the countries me or my friends would like to travel to are even worse with english than we are. So, english is pretty much useless there too, and even professionally wise, i have no use for it right now. So, which language is more usefull is relative. It may be english for you, but not for a few billions people on this Earth. So, you calling my friends snobs because they are not interested in english, is making you look like the snob actually ^^.
When I was in Mexico, I would try to say something in Spanish, but it came out in French. I'm hoping the same doesn't happen when I finally make it to France.
TY Diane. Great advice for new travelers!! I'm going to Paris in Sept for 2 weeks. I've been so many times and so glad to get back. Keep up your great work!
@@towaritch ne faites une généralité s’il vous plait. Quand je visite un pays je mets toujours un point d’honneur à apprendre les phrases clés de la langue parlée : bonjour, s’il vous plaît, au revoir et merci. C’est du respect.
Bonjour Dianne..Hi from New Zealand. I really love your videos! All full of such practical advice. We cycled in the Loire Valley in 2019 and yes..a little French language is such a good thing..almost necessity in thosr little villages ( we were based near Parçay Les Pins).Hoping to get back to France but not sure now if that will happen! Anyway..love love your chanel!
@@OuiInFrance We went with Loire Life Cycling..organised by a British couple who live in the Loire Valley. Every day we had a different route and map to follow..exploring so many little villages and returning to base late every afternoon.
Hahaha I had a colleague from Parsay Les Pins, a poor guy ( psychological illness). One day he stopped going to work and didn't open his door anymore. A few months later firemen found his dried-up body.
@@hervedupont6955 Bonjour Herve. La vie en Nouvelle-zélande, c'est bon, mais il y a un petit problèm avec le covid19 à Auckland et environs, donc maintenant on a restrictions. Ici à Christchurch, la vie est presque à normal ..mais on ne peut pas rendezvous en groupes plus que 100. Malheursement J'ai un expo d'art qui est annulé à cause de ça (?). J'espère que vous pouvez comprendre mon mauvais français-)
For emergency numbers, I would advice to stick to 112. Or even 911 (because, yes, in the European Union, on cellphone networks (not on landlines, from what I heard) dialing 911 will route you to 112) because 112 will redirect you to an emergency call center with people speaking several languages. Calling the 15/17/18 will route you to a local French call center which may or may not have someone able to speak English (or any other language). Plus, if you are in an emergency, will you remember what is 15, 17 and 18 for? So unless you speak French reasonably well, stick to 112 :)
I particularly like your advice about eating. Americans are not known for being adventurous eaters, but France offers a great opportunity to get out of your food comfort zone and try some of the best food in the world. My advice for most Americans is to pick something off the menu and give it a try (and maybe don't ask what it is). That said, I still can't get my wife to try abats or andouille.
Thank you for this!! I’m finally going for the first time (during spring break with my french classes at my high school!) I’m so excited. For the first 4 1/2 days, we’re staying with a french family!!
@@OuiInFrance the families are in Montpellier, and as a school group we are touring different areas of Paris! Really excited to go to Angelina’s haha 😋
When I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, a buddy and I were having lunch in a cafe. A man came to my side of the table and made a fuss about my bag. While we were distracted, a second guy came up and snatched my friend’s cell phone right off the table. Like you said, they are masters at what they do. Thank goodness it didn’t happen when I was in Paris, although I did encounter the “sign the petition” people at the Eiffel Tower. I quickly ditched them when they started to ask for money.
im going to bordeaux early september... im trying to see arachon and then begles - plage du lac in the 2 days after arriving. is it possible? does the airport have a phone sim place? any essential travel tips?
I have been watching Chateau Diaries. Love them. Y ou however are very Practical. I just came across you. In Virginia there is a Lidel and we have Aldi here in North Carolina. Every time I go to Israel I have an 8 hr lay over in Paris. I think next trip I will change it and spend a few days. Do yoh have any suggestions for cities not from the train stations that would be good to visit?
Bonjour, pouvez-vous m'aider, il y a quelque chose que je veux vraiment savoir. Puisque vous vivez dans la vallée de la Loire, vous ou votre mari connaissez peut-être la réponse. Pourquoi Amboise est-elle si animée pendant le 14 juillet ? J'ai visité la région deux fois et il y a toujours eu beaucoup de monde et presque impossible de réserver un hôtel ! Y a-t-il des célébrations spéciales à Amboise, ou est-ce juste typique du 14 juillet dans les villes françaises ? Merci d'avance!
Yes, it works. One night on a highway we had a car in front of ours really swerving from left to right. We called 112 , they told us no way should be try to overtake it, but if we oculd just get nearer to see the car number. We did it. And kept staying behind, as well as all the other cars. Obviously the driver was completely drunk. Only 10 minutes later, there wre flashing lights behind us and the gendamerie managed to at last stop that crazy chap.
i have been wanting to go to France for a few months now. But with covid is that still possible at this time ?? especially with all the guidelines needed now
Technically it's possible but the virus is still quite prevalent here, masks are required indoors everywhere, and we now have a health pass required to go certain places. So just depends on if you're looking to see regular French life. I personally wouldn't travel internationally to France right now for tourism but everyone has a different risk tolerance and reasons. Just be sure to check official sources on requirements to be on the safe side. Thanks for watching!
Strawberries are incredible? I remember that we had patches of wild strawberries in our garden. Wild strawberries are extremely little, less than 1 centimeter in diameter. You won't have much to eat every year. But these are indeed incredible. But those big ones you buy in shops are the opposite of being incredible. Really. Try the wilds strawberries if you ever have the chance. You will get what i mean.
@@kit-kat3356 I don't know this one. But yeah, i am used to the "fraise des bois", so it looks like the mara is a middle ground between the 2 maybe. Which may imply that the one i talked about may be even better. But now, the taste is like tasting 2 different fruits. To me the "gariguette" is the equivalent to an unripe winter peer, while the "fraise des bois" is the ripe summer peer. I have to try the mara to know where it stands.
Dress code: if you want to avoid standing out as an American tourist wearing sportswear (e.g. athletic shoes), it's very easy, wear cheap sportswear bought from e.g. Decathlon. Nobody's going to think you're an American tourist if you wear that.
There are yes that have english subtitles. Not sure for french/french. Some other channels do that too: -Unintentionnaly frenchified -Transatlantic Living There are more too, but i forgot the names. If you want french/french, better look for french channels and use the automated subtitles.
Great advice. I would add one thing other caution related to dress. The French, like other Europeans and for that matter, all other G7 countries, are not "Hey how'ya doin' buddy?!" So don't go to Ladurée in sneakers, shorts and a tank top because you will make other people uncomfortable. If in doubt, find a TH-cam video and see what other people are doing.
Diane, I love your videos. While I a 100% fluent (read, write and speak French because although I am American-born I did not speak English until I started grade school in Louisiana. I lived in France and have traveled to France almost every year since 1979. I hate when dumb first-time tourists complain that French people do not speak English In 1979 the only person that would speak decent English in Paris was the concierge of a five-star hotel. I ask the stupid tourist where are they from and they say something like Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky (yes it does exist!) and then I say if I am a French tourist and go into a restaurant in MK, KY will the waiter speak French? He can probably just get by in 3rd grade English much less French! Mon Dieu! BTW I have been living in Brazil for over 25 years and love the life of a long-time expat retiree. Salut!
OMG... Yeah, those tourists who complain french people don't speak english will get a warm welcome here lol. First and foremost, if i hear an english speaker say that, i will stick to french whatever happens. He can be lost and have to sleep in the wilds, not my problem. France is the country where people speak french. Those who don't like that can very well never come here, for all i care. That is exactly what we hate the most: english speakers who assume the whole world should learn their language so that they can feel free to barge in any country in the world without making the slightest effort. I hate that so, so, so, so much. What is more, english is useless where i live, in South West France. Spanish is usefull, arabic may be useful, but not english. I meet an english native speaker once every 4 years on average. Tourists here are from Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, sometimes South America, but not from the UK, and even less from the USA. To be blunt, i learned a mostly useless language here. Makes me even more crazy angry when english speakers complain we don't speak english. Generally, British people don't complain. From what i hear, it is ALWAYS Americans, and exclusively Americans from the USA.
Many people around the world are not obsessed with work, enjoy life, dine late, etc. Your video is really targeted to American tourists. Be non-judgemental. I mean, this one is really for tourists, not for traveller.
I do love the farmer's markets but no to a lot of the food. I'm vegan so no cheese or dairy based sauces. Thankfully, veganism is alive and prospering in France.
Yeah, it is. But still, vegans often have the reputation to be annoying for us ^^. I will leave the reasons for that to your understanding of my country.
Get my eGuide "75 BEGINNER FRANCE TIPS for a STANDOUT TRIP" here: bit.ly/3gzSWY5
When I was in France a few years ago, I found that trying to say a few words in French opened the people right up. They appreciated the attempt, even if they were ultimately able to respond in English.
Absolutely, a few magic words are all that's needed
Indeed my friend. An english native speaker who tries speaking in french will get a completely different welcome when compared to one who just assume we lost the Hundred Years Wars to the English when we didn't :). To put it bluntly, many of us just don't like english speakers who just assume everyone in the world has to speak english. The better you speak french the better we will welcome you. Many french people are not interested in learning english, and definitely don't want to be forced to speak it in France. My friends are interested in Spanish or Russian, but will always say 'why the hell would i have to speak or learn english?' One of my theories to explain this is that France and the UK have been at war for 1 millenia and it still shows on the Rugby field.
@@nox8730 your friends are snobs. EN is much more useful than Russian and even Spanish.
@@towaritch I don't know. I will be perfectly honest with you. Me learning english is basically wasted efforts at this point. English is definitely not necessary here, not in the slightest. Even films and series are all dubbed and you will have a hard time finding anything that is subtitled. I never even have the opportunity to ever use english. To the point where i can't work on my listening and speaking at all. Last time i met an english native speaker was in 2016, and she spoke french. Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic would be much more usefull where i live (South West France). Plus, english is not particularly fun or interesting as a language, so it is a pain in the ass for those who would rather spend time learning a language they find beautiful (like Russian. Gosh Russian is beautiful indeed). Even on TH-cam, i ended up on english speaking channels merely because i learned some english. My friends do the same with channels in spanish. Lastly, the countries me or my friends would like to travel to are even worse with english than we are. So, english is pretty much useless there too, and even professionally wise, i have no use for it right now.
So, which language is more usefull is relative. It may be english for you, but not for a few billions people on this Earth. So, you calling my friends snobs because they are not interested in english, is making you look like the snob actually ^^.
When I was in Mexico, I would try to say something in Spanish, but it came out in French. I'm hoping the same doesn't happen when I finally make it to France.
I am going to france this summer and i find this very helpfull thank you
You’re welcome 😊
Me too! 😄
TY Diane. Great advice for new travelers!! I'm going to Paris in Sept for 2 weeks. I've been so many times and so glad to get back. Keep up your great work!
Glad it was helpful! Merci! And enjoy your trip!
Ce sont d'excellents conseils, Diane ! Je pense qu'il est respectueux d'apprendre au moins quelques phrases françaises en tant que touriste.
L inverse est vrai quand vous etes a l etrangers et la...😂
@@towaritch ne faites une généralité s’il vous plait. Quand je visite un pays je mets toujours un point d’honneur à apprendre les phrases clés de la langue parlée : bonjour, s’il vous plaît, au revoir et merci. C’est du respect.
My college French teacher, a long time ago, said to understand when to use “ça va” as it is used a lot in conversation.
Thank you Diana!. I'd like a video on how to prepare for a definitive relocation. Thank you
We leave tomorrow! Buying your guide :)
Bonjour Dianne..Hi from New Zealand. I really love your videos! All full of such practical advice. We cycled in the Loire Valley in 2019 and yes..a little French language is such a good thing..almost necessity in thosr little villages ( we were based near Parçay Les Pins).Hoping to get back to France but not sure now if that will happen! Anyway..love love your chanel!
Oh excellent, Sandie! Did you cycle on your own or do an organized tour? So fun!!
So glad you enjoy my content!
@@OuiInFrance We went with Loire Life Cycling..organised by a British couple who live in the Loire Valley. Every day we had a different route and map to follow..exploring so many little villages and returning to base late every afternoon.
Hahaha I had a colleague from Parsay Les Pins, a poor guy ( psychological illness). One day he stopped going to work and didn't open his door anymore. A few months later firemen found his dried-up body.
Je suis curieux quel est votre vie en Nouvelle-Zélande 🤔🤔🤔
@@hervedupont6955 Bonjour Herve. La vie en Nouvelle-zélande, c'est bon, mais il y a un petit problèm avec le covid19 à Auckland et environs, donc maintenant on a restrictions. Ici à Christchurch, la vie est presque à normal ..mais on ne peut pas rendezvous en groupes plus que 100.
Malheursement J'ai un expo d'art qui est annulé à cause de ça (?).
J'espère que vous pouvez comprendre mon mauvais français-)
For emergency numbers, I would advice to stick to 112. Or even 911 (because, yes, in the European Union, on cellphone networks (not on landlines, from what I heard) dialing 911 will route you to 112) because 112 will redirect you to an emergency call center with people speaking several languages. Calling the 15/17/18 will route you to a local French call center which may or may not have someone able to speak English (or any other language). Plus, if you are in an emergency, will you remember what is 15, 17 and 18 for?
So unless you speak French reasonably well, stick to 112 :)
Another good video-thanks! As I am getting more French guests in my gîte I do see the relaxed attitude while on holiday.
I particularly like your advice about eating. Americans are not known for being adventurous eaters, but France offers a great opportunity to get out of your food comfort zone and try some of the best food in the world. My advice for most Americans is to pick something off the menu and give it a try (and maybe don't ask what it is). That said, I still can't get my wife to try abats or andouille.
One time is enough for me when it comes to andouille!!
Thx as always for watching, David!
Try 🐸 and 🐌.😁
Thank you for this!! I’m finally going for the first time (during spring break with my french classes at my high school!) I’m so excited. For the first 4 1/2 days, we’re staying with a french family!!
Oh wow, so fun!!! What area(s) will you be visiting? ENJOY!! xx
@@OuiInFrance the families are in Montpellier, and as a school group we are touring different areas of Paris! Really excited to go to Angelina’s haha 😋
When I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, a buddy and I were having lunch in a cafe. A man came to my side of the table and made a fuss about my bag. While we were distracted, a second guy came up and snatched my friend’s cell phone right off the table. Like you said, they are masters at what they do. Thank goodness it didn’t happen when I was in Paris, although I did encounter the “sign the petition” people at the Eiffel Tower. I quickly ditched them when they started to ask for money.
Okay.
We are subscribed. we are looking to visit 2024
im going to bordeaux early september... im trying to see arachon and then begles - plage du lac
in the 2 days after arriving.
is it possible? does the airport have a phone sim place? any essential travel tips?
I have been watching Chateau Diaries. Love them. Y ou however are very Practical. I just came across you. In Virginia there is a Lidel and we have Aldi here in North Carolina. Every time I go to Israel I have an 8 hr lay over in Paris. I think next trip I will change it and spend a few days. Do yoh have any suggestions for cities not from the train stations that would be good to visit?
How do you find local foods though ?
I want to travel to France, and I am living in Australia. It must be a long haul flight.
Bonjour, pouvez-vous m'aider, il y a quelque chose que je veux vraiment savoir. Puisque vous vivez dans la vallée de la Loire, vous ou votre mari connaissez peut-être la réponse.
Pourquoi Amboise est-elle si animée pendant le 14 juillet ?
J'ai visité la région deux fois et il y a toujours eu beaucoup de monde et presque impossible de réserver un hôtel !
Y a-t-il des célébrations spéciales à Amboise, ou est-ce juste typique du 14 juillet dans les villes françaises ?
Merci d'avance!
@Oui In France do you live in France or where are you located?
Loire Valley since 2012
I'm french and I never heard of 112 :) Has anyone tried it, and does it work well ?
Yes, it works. One night on a highway we had a car in front of ours really swerving from left to right. We called 112 , they told us no way should be try to overtake it, but if we oculd just get nearer to see the car number. We did it. And kept staying behind, as well as all the other cars. Obviously the driver was completely drunk. Only 10 minutes later, there wre flashing lights behind us and the gendamerie managed to at last stop that crazy chap.
i have been wanting to go to France for a few months now. But with covid is that still possible at this time ?? especially with all the guidelines needed now
Technically it's possible but the virus is still quite prevalent here, masks are required indoors everywhere, and we now have a health pass required to go certain places. So just depends on if you're looking to see regular French life. I personally wouldn't travel internationally to France right now for tourism but everyone has a different risk tolerance and reasons. Just be sure to check official sources on requirements to be on the safe side.
Thanks for watching!
Bonjour Madame / Bonjour Monsieur
Strawberries are incredible? I remember that we had patches of wild strawberries in our garden. Wild strawberries are extremely little, less than 1 centimeter in diameter. You won't have much to eat every year. But these are indeed incredible. But those big ones you buy in shops are the opposite of being incredible. Really. Try the wilds strawberries if you ever have the chance. You will get what i mean.
I like the Gariguette variety and others that are grown locally and sold at the market ;-)
@@OuiInFrance Yes, i know what you mean. But seriously, these can't compare with the "fraise des bois" :) They are a world apart.
@@nox8730 Try the ‘’Mara des bois’’ and you will compare, trust me!
@@kit-kat3356 I don't know this one. But yeah, i am used to the "fraise des bois", so it looks like the mara is a middle ground between the 2 maybe. Which may imply that the one i talked about may be even better. But now, the taste is like tasting 2 different fruits. To me the "gariguette" is the equivalent to an unripe winter peer, while the "fraise des bois" is the ripe summer peer. I have to try the mara to know where it stands.
@@nox8730 You sure have to try those :) Mara des bois tastes like fraises des bois but 10 times tastier :)
Dress code: if you want to avoid standing out as an American tourist wearing sportswear (e.g. athletic shoes), it's very easy, wear cheap sportswear bought from e.g. Decathlon. Nobody's going to think you're an American tourist if you wear that.
Are things open in France on October? I have heard that some cities or town close down for their own holidays in certain months.
Do you put out TH-cam vids in French with French subtitles? This would help me learning the language. I am a new subscriber.
There are yes that have english subtitles. Not sure for french/french. Some other channels do that too:
-Unintentionnaly frenchified
-Transatlantic Living
There are more too, but i forgot the names. If you want french/french, better look for french channels and use the automated subtitles.
Great advice. I would add one thing other caution related to dress. The French, like other Europeans and for that matter, all other G7 countries, are not "Hey how'ya doin' buddy?!" So don't go to Ladurée in sneakers, shorts and a tank top because you will make other people uncomfortable. If in doubt, find a TH-cam video and see what other people are doing.
True, the context is important. Same about the opera, fancy restaurants.
Diane, I love your videos. While I a 100% fluent (read, write and speak French because although I am American-born I did not speak English until I started grade school in Louisiana. I lived in France and have traveled to France almost every year since 1979. I hate when dumb first-time tourists complain that French people do not speak English In 1979 the only person that would speak decent English in Paris was the concierge of a five-star hotel. I ask the stupid tourist where are they from and they say something like Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky (yes it does exist!) and then I say if I am a French tourist and go into a restaurant in MK, KY will the waiter speak French? He can probably just get by in 3rd grade English much less French! Mon Dieu! BTW I have been living in Brazil for over 25 years and love the life of a long-time expat retiree. Salut!
OMG... Yeah, those tourists who complain french people don't speak english will get a warm welcome here lol. First and foremost, if i hear an english speaker say that, i will stick to french whatever happens. He can be lost and have to sleep in the wilds, not my problem. France is the country where people speak french. Those who don't like that can very well never come here, for all i care. That is exactly what we hate the most: english speakers who assume the whole world should learn their language so that they can feel free to barge in any country in the world without making the slightest effort. I hate that so, so, so, so much. What is more, english is useless where i live, in South West France. Spanish is usefull, arabic may be useful, but not english. I meet an english native speaker once every 4 years on average. Tourists here are from Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, sometimes South America, but not from the UK, and even less from the USA. To be blunt, i learned a mostly useless language here. Makes me even more crazy angry when english speakers complain we don't speak english. Generally, British people don't complain. From what i hear, it is ALWAYS Americans, and exclusively Americans from the USA.
I hear you've picked up the guttural r? (Is that the correct term)? I like it.
Yes, French uses a guttural r so I do my best to pronounce things properly ;-) Thanks for watching!
7 FRANCE TRAVEL TIPS for American tourists would be a better title.
Learn french
Always best to learn a few words for sure!
Yikes! Definitely need to be respectful! Lol. I thought that was common sense!
Many people around the world are not obsessed with work, enjoy life, dine late, etc. Your video is really targeted to American tourists. Be non-judgemental. I mean, this one is really for tourists, not for traveller.
Hi there, the video was aimed at tourists and most of my travel content is for an American audience, yes! Thanks for watching ;-)
Must Know tips :
Nice is not “ the south of France “ it’s the north of Italy .
Paris is the biggest dump in France
😂😂😂😂😂 Nice in Italy?!!!!?? One word: geography... 😂😂😂🤦
I do love the farmer's markets but no to a lot of the food. I'm vegan so no cheese or dairy based sauces. Thankfully, veganism is alive and prospering in France.
Yes it's definitely become more mainstream in the time I've lived in France!
Yeah, it is. But still, vegans often have the reputation to be annoying for us ^^. I will leave the reasons for that to your understanding of my country.