The LIES We Believed About France (and a few truths) 🇫🇷
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The American media and entertainment industries are really good at making other countries look really bad!
They create these stereotypes that we all think are true until we see it for ourselves and realize they’re only half-true or just outright lies.
So in this video, we take a look at the lies we believed about France, plus a few things that turned out to be true.
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Frenchman, here. People were friendly to you because you had the right polite attitude : Saying "Bonjour" to start any interaction and "parlez vous anglais ?" before speaking english.
If you don't, you are seen as very rude and you get the rude attitude.
Some French people don't like the US foreign policy but that does not mean they don't like or hate US citizens.
Ask the WWII veterans who came to Normandy for the 80th year celebration !
I'm an American and I also do not like the US foreign policy.
I love France and constantly work on my French. I do not like US foreign policies either, in fact, I hate them. Starting wars all over.
@@bibibachmd9995 cool tip if you want to improve your French. France Télévisions (French public TV channels) and Arte (a French-German cultural and arty TV channel) have fantastic apps and youtube channels where you can watch movies, series and documentaries totally for free.
Thanks! We always try to be polite 😊
no one like US politics, either way, Wokeness or supremacists, both will fail, because being a man or woman isn't only a "feeling" and on other way Americans are a patchworks or roots with freedom as the main value ;) merci mon pote
I moved to France from the U.S. 6 years ago, and it has been wonderful all the way. The people are lovely, warm, helpful, and patient, and things here just work. The public services are excellent, the healthcare system is still amazing to me as an American, and even the bureaucracy for immigration has been easy to handle. What you say is true-if you’re nice, say “Bonjour” to everyone, try a little French, and just let the charm of France work on you, it will be a beautiful experience. Vive la France!
You're living in an alternative reality.
@@olafrotkohl5898 Not exactly helpful
Vive la France et vive la Bretagne 😎
how diid you enter the USA ? This is my dream
@@ignidrakkos7546 France it's not only Paris. A frenchman
I don't think we French people "hate" Americans. But, generally, we do hate arrogance and condescending and braggart people. And some Americans do think that their country and therefore "themselves" are superior to others. If you're humble and show by your attitude that you don't believe yourself to be superior to others, then everything will be fine :)
American people are OK...
If politely said "bonjour" and "merci" with respect, they will be welcomed happily and give help.
American government and is extern politic, backstabbing of "allies" (or what they pretend call them), many war, forced and unfair trading politic, propaganda bashing and more ?
This part we hate it, yes.
As a french person owning a bakery, we do see tourists from time to time. And yes, I do speak english, but I hate it when people just assume you do speak english. Saying Bonjour is not complicated, so it's nice when people just start with that. But I must say that no one ever asked me if I spoke English or not. They just speak English right away. So nice to see two persons understanding how to start an interaction with us.
@@valerieniarfeix9519 I have almost opposite situation where foreigners just assume I don't speak English so they try their best to speak with sign and everything
@valerieniarfeix9519 we live in Chiangmai Thailand, a very cosmopolitan city. The Thais would never be offended if I spoke English first (or any other language). Your additude shows your entitlement. You ARE French, and it's France. So EVERYONE MUST SPEAK FRENCH 🤔 🙄 😕 . This additude is the foundation of France's rudeness.
Or ... someone (in your mind ) has been rude to you, so you are rude to them. This is how the French feel they are NOT rude. The world feels France IS rude. 🇫🇷 😢 GOOGLE IT . France is #1 rudest country in the world 🌎 😳 I think France feels justified. 🤔
@@valerieniarfeix9519 seen Americans assuming people speak English here in Germany too.
@korozif4140 ooh weird. Maybe it depends on your country. And i’m not talking about just Americans, it's tourists from all over the world.
@@valerieniarfeix9519 Y'a moyen que je sois juste trop enthousiaste à l'idée de pratiquer mon Anglais, mais je suis souvent celui qui initie la conversation en Anglais avec les touristes non-Anglophones (surtout les Hollandais et Brésiliens parcequ'en général ils ont un très bon niveau).
Et dès que je vois des Américains galérer j'aime bien leurs venir spontanément en aide, donc je suis sûrement biaisé.
En tout cas je suis sur le marché et souvent les touristes ne s'attendent vraiment pas du tout à ce que je parle Anglais couramment donc je les ai réellement jamais senti hautains ni quoi que ce soit, plutôt au contraire, resigner à ce que les gens ne savent pas parler Anglais en France,ça doit être écrit dans tous les guides depuis des décennies, ou alors c'est spécifiquement moi parce que j'ai une tête de mange cailloux
The French are NOT rude! Basically, visitors get back what they put out - if they are friendly and polite, generally they will have no trouble in ANY other country.
In America, a servant/slave is expected, in a “customer service relationship”. In France, they’re your equals acting as professionals in their jobs, and they’re there to counsel you. Many of my fellow “United Statesians”, don’t understand this, unless it’s taught to them.
So there's not one person in all of France who's rude. LMFAO
I agree! The French are generally more polite than Americans. I think Americans have a tendency to be rude to people in the service industry and still expect courtesy because they are the ones spending money as “the customer”. In France they are like - I don’t care who you are, if you are rude to me I will be rude back.
There can be a bit of cultural insensitivity on both sides, but if you’re in France a bit longer, and want to understand, and be understood, you take more time with people. Many don’t prepare, and have only a week in France. It’s unfortunate.
@@CafeLu BS it's known that Americans are the friendliest even to the chagrin of many people
I've lived in several countries. The French people I met who were also living there long-term made the best friends. Articulate, kind, reliable and funny. I look for French people wherever I go.
I feel betrayed !! What happened ? We as a nation have been working so hard for decades on building thé réputation that we are rude and lately people seem to believe we are actually nice. What went wrong ? 😂
@@almamater9566 🤣🤣🤣!
@@almamater9566 Gosh, anytime i feel like being prickly, turns out the person in front of me lashes back at me in perfect french... that's really a miss or miss kind of tough luck... ^^. Sucks for Ze Reput' yeah.
Its true we might be fun to foreigners cause we are more "crazy", we have some kind of crazyness that is a norm here.
@@almamater9566Shhh, don't let them know we also have a soft spot for funny and witty people, and are good at pranking morons. Just keep a dead pan face...
As a frenchman, I can say that there is a few things that really annoy us :
- not saying hello (bonjour)
- not saying goodbye (au revoir)
- not saying thank you (merci)
- speaking english like everyone around you should be speaking english.
- considering yourself more important than others (for whatever reason)
The first 3 are REALLY important in France and don't stop to the tourists either : french people also get met with hostility or rudeness if they do it.
This is a behavior we see everyday in bigger cities, and it comes in particular from (some) american tourists. If you don't get the correct politeness, we won't get friendly in return. Simple enough. You could even say hello/goobye/thank you in english and be met with friendliness. French people generally are a lot more reserved than in other countries, but if we see you make the first step (by being polite, making the effort speaking a little french ect) we will be friendly, warm and welcoming.
I'm shy about speaking foreign languages because I worry about mangling the words...but I will try my best as I've seen how lovely people are when you treat them with respect in their home. Merci!
I went to France twice (not just Paris but around the country too). The only rude people I encountered were OTHER american tourists. The kind who would stomp around, yapping at everyone in english, making zero effort to be part of the culture, applying american societal norms to French locals and getting annoyed when they don't get their way. The list goes on.
It's not that the French are rude. They just simply do things their way and you either get with the program or you get treated accordingly.
If you can't handle that then go back home. It's that simple. Nobody is forcing you to be there and you're certainly not gonna force the French to cater to your every whim like you're at Disneyland.
"applying american societal norms to French locals and getting annoyed when they don't get their way"
Ah yes.... Oh yes... This one would definitely piss me off.
I went also and met many rude Parisians
@@wwbuirkle Well, if so many people say that they didn't while you say that you met "many"... the normal reaction is probably to question how you behaved.
@@nox8730 Many people on here or many people in real life. Go ask an Englishman how the French treat them
@@wwbuirkle At the very least, i have never heard any complaint. Only on the internet. And most of the time by americans. And in most of these occurences i could dig into, it appeared that they were just paying the price for being rude first or simply behaving like they were at home and not reading the mood. Obviously, there is no absolute rule and one will find rude people everywhere. But one thing i know is that this is an extremely repetitive and tired trope about the french that the US TV loves to spread. American TV tends to be famously rude to anything not american, especially if french. I gave up trying to better my english by watching their TV because it was beyond unsufferable to me. And another thing i know is that the USA basically dictates everything in the anglosphere. Which is why we see much of the same things in others english speaking countries. Brits are pretty much americans at this point.
As for englishmen, i am personnally used to them being extremely obnoxious and arrogant anytime they get a chance to troll the french. Like when they put these massive boards during the world cup, with very condescending lines openly meant to rile us up and look down on us. Even after they lost to us, i have not seen anything comparable in France meant to get back at them. So, what i want to ask you is "Go ask a french how the englishmen treat them". Maybe? Oh, but i already answered that.
Honestly, to me this "the french are rude" thing will be 90% of the time the result of someone rude complaining that they got what they deserved. And then, there is the 10% of people that are unlucky and do meet rude people consistently.
Advice to American tourists. The bonjour greeting is not optional. Here it's described as a friendly thing. It is. But it is not optional. Don't ever approach someone or enter their space without saying bonjour. Bonjour to the bus driver, bonjour to the farmer at the market. Bonjour to the clerk in the store. Bonjour to everyone. Do not forget this.
chill
As a revert, I give the greeting to both Jews and Muslims. Jewish are reluctant, but the children are engaging. Muslims slightly bow and touch their hearts, only then do they gaze into your eyes, with a sign of pleasantry
Great advice!
@@AmeliaAndJP There's a french rap song called "bonjour", it's pretty, hum, not for every ears but it explains why you need to say "bonjour" (don't worry, there's an english translation in the left corner of the video)
Saying Bonjour and Merci is, along with tying your shoes, one of the first things we are taught as little children.
My son studied in Lyon, he returned a year or so later, to work in Paris, on a fellowship. There is an incredible woman, she was born in the 1920's, she rented rooms in her family chateau in Lyon, to international college students. I am so grateful to her, she served home cooked meals everyday to my son and the other students. She gave my son her first hand account of her experiences during occupation, which were not pleasant and I will not go into here.
The international students in Lyon hung out together, they made fast friends with the French youth, during travels around the country. Paris was not my son's favorite place. He was bewildered with how large and expensive Paris was to live in. He lived near the catacombs. He fell extremely ill with a stomach virus, he had the health insurance coverage that the fellowship required. The Paris doctor made a house call to my son in his room at a dorm. The cost was extremely reasonable and the insurance covered the whole thing. In short, the French people are WONDERFUL and I will forever be grateful to the people of France, for taking such good care of my son while he lived there.
I lived in France for 1.5 years and not only are the French lovely people, they’re even better in lesser known cities than Paris, etc. yes!!!! It’s a foodie paradise and soooo affordable, cheaper than Whole Foods or Kroger for sure! And quality? Try French butter w sea salt….it will change your life. Try the baguettes w butter and you will go to Heaven!!!🎉
OMG! The butter! WOW..... Normandy butter is the best butter in the entire world! Everytime I go there for a couple week.... I come home having gained 5 lbs! The butter, the incredible bread and don't get me started with the cheese, OH DEAR GOD!!
@@morganstubie baguette + half-salt butter and homemade jam => paradise for the morning.
To go with tea, coffee or even chocolate milk to drink, whatever is your jazz.
@@dominiqueroche4231 You didn't went in Bretagne, it's maybe the best region in France, you want to see a lovely and diverse horizons, go there, and also Vandea is cool.
If you go in Bretagne, i say to you that for Breton food and a very historic background, you need to go in the Finistère (Pen ar Bed in Breton, that means "The end of the World", not the End, like the finishing of the world, but more like the end of that line, the end of the World).
You want to see Menhirs, go in Carnac (DON'T STAND UP ON THE ROCKS IN THERE, IS NOT A COOL THING TO DO).
You want to see forrests, go in Broceliande.
You want to eat good dishes, go in Locronan.
You want CASTLES, go in Fougères
@@azrael-labs No I haven't, but would love to visit that part of the country. My father lived in Nantes, but never got over in that area.
My wife and I have travelled extensively in France, and I agree with everything you said, especially about the friendliness of people. I’m very happy that was your experience as well because my wife and I both speak French and I always wondered how much that changed our experience compared to other American tourists. I’m also very happy that you didn’t limit your trip to Paris. Most Americans that I know have no interest in other parts of France, and I think that’s equivalent to only visiting New York City when you visit the USA. Every region of France is beautiful and interesting.
A lot of French tourists also only visit NYC and think they know the USA.
Fake friendliness most of the time. The French love backstabbing.
@@gsbeakje n'ai jamais visité les usa mais jamais je ne penserai que new York est pareil que LA ou miami et encore moins que les gens vivant en province sont les même que ceux des grandes villes américaines.
C'est juste de la logique non ?
@@gsbeaki m french and i prefer Louisiana State and Oregon
@@pasdenom2381 Je suis d'accord, mais d'après mon expérience, de nombreux Américains pensent que Paris est la France.
With that openness and respectful attitude, it’s no wonder that you fit in well in France. You are the kind of tourists that any country is thrilled to welcome.
😊🇫🇷
Smoking is something that changed suddenly and radically in France around 15 years ago when they banned it in restaurants and public places. It was a huge relief for those of us who like to be able to smell the food in restaurants!
Well... it was 33 years ago, but that's right
@@noefillon1749 I believe you are correct that it was around d the 90’s but it didn’t go easy at first. I remember one trip after the implementation of the rule that restaurants must have a non smoking section. My wife and I were at the Closerie de Lilas and asked at check in to be seated in the non fume section and we were escorted to a table in the middle of the bar area with a sign that declared it the non smoking table. So funny, so French.
@@Americathebeautiful49 Ok, I knew the time the law was voted (at least approximately like early 90's, I looked it up on Google for the exact year) but not the intricacies of its practical implementation. Being born in 2002, I've always seen this rule being applied the way it is now. 15 years ago I was 7, I would have remembered, that's also why I responded.
@@noefillon1749 Actually, they've definitely banned smoking in bars, restaurants and public (closed) spaces in 2008. Before, it was just (like said in other comments) mandatory to have different area in restaurants, smoker/non smoker, but not in bars. It was a joke...
When I was a child (born in 66) it was allowed in trains! It was awful! But it was also allowed in airplans in the 60s, everywhere, including US. Imagine to be in this confined place that is a airplan with cigarets smokes!
@@victoriagossani8523 Oh really ! My bad
American here, I LOVED France. Everything you said is true. Just learn a few French words and use them, even if you feel foolish. Believe me, they'll hear your horrible American accent and instantly start speaking to you in English, even the ones who say they do not speak English! Same was true in Italy. I hope I can go back, someday.
and when we (i'm french) start speaking english u hear our horrible french accent too so there is no reason to feel foolish :D
@@arthapz French-accented English is like music!
@@jelsner5077 it’s ironic bc most of us are a bit ashamed of our accent.
A lot of French people make fun amongst themselves of really strong French accent in English especially at school.
Personally I find mine quite ugly to hear 😅
There’s a infamous speech of our former president Hollande speaking in broken English.
@@n0rmal953 Jelsner above is correct, to native English speakers, French-accented English sounds wonderful. I have a very strong American accent when I speak French (I am trying to improve my accent), but it's funny, most French people assume I'm from the UK, I guess it's the same-sounding accent in French for all native-English speakers?
@@RonRobertson-lafrance it depends on people exposure to English speakers. If you encounter only a few, you only hear what you recognize as vaguely English without identifying where it comes from.
And there’s a lot of British folks in France so most people assume that you’re one.
To my ear though I can definitely differentiate between English, Scottish, American and Aussie.
So my 2 choices to make living in America better is to Run for President or move to France...... guess I need to move to France.
well the political situation in France is a bit chaotic right now. Not as bad as in the US but close ;)
@@zorglub20770 I was going to say that about the rest of the world. It's a pretty tumultuous time to be alive. cheers to all and well wishes too.
Hello guys, I think your observations about France are quite accurate. I visited France dozen of times and I'm fluent in French. While visiting France 🇫🇷 I got caught few times in price gouging, aka " prix pour les touristes" .Always asked for the menu at the bar, bistro or restaurant before ordering. Be firm and do not buy their BS, like " we didn't have time to update our menu, blah, blah!". Lastly, when entering a restaurant try to spot the best table and firmly "ask for it". If they refuse simply walk out. Remember taxes and the tip are included. Some restaurants have a " magical" printer 🖨 adding the tip. This is a scam.
Run for president. There is a good chance that you will do a better job than any of the current candidates
Try for president. Advice: Donald is almost 80. Soon, his "sleepy Joe" joke will come back to bite him. Many americans will need someone to replace him. Run for office, applaud to every stupid thing he says and then throw the most ludicrous claims possible. Like when he explained how the "patriots took the airports". You can try saying BS like "if you live in a tent despite working, it is because you pay for the french not working". I am pretty sure something that insulting towards us will be popular in the USA. Like the "surrendering jokes" are. Make noise, create conflict, make your face known. Politics in the USA are a product. Shape it, sell it. You only need care about the packaging, like Hollywood. People do not care if what candidates say is clever. Many of them do not have the brains or analytical thinking necessary to appraise this properly anymore. They love "trash talks" better. So, you don't even need a plan. You need to be quick witted during debates, not to be pondered, and you need to find funny ways to insult each other in order to entertain the masses and make sure they won't ask important questions. Like in reality TV. Whoever manages to be the "next Donald" will live confortably for the rest of his life, without needing to be competent. This is the ultimate shape of the "american dream".
Our experience with France is that people are kind and generous. Over several decades, every visit has yielded stories about French hospitality and thoughtfulness. Glad you had a good experience too.
😂😂😂 " the grass is greener in Fwance"....I think you watched too many films like " Emily in Paris ". You know zilch about real Fwance, mon pote....
I have visited Paris a number of times starting in the mid 90s and I speak no French except the “polite words” and have always found the French to be very nice and helpful. A smile and the right attitude will go a long way everywhere in the world.
BAGUETTE. A majority of French people will buy their baguettes everyday because they want them freshly baked and crispy.
A good french baguette is a fresh baguette 😌
But it's also the case for many kinds of breads, we have a lot and personaly I prefer all of them to be fresh, as far as possible ^^
@@Kaze-no-Blast I would add that a good french baguette is a 'tradition'. It's really annoying to think that most tourist order a 'baguette' when they go in a bakery : it's REALLY NOT a good choice. Always ask at least for 'une tradition' or even better, for some special breads. But please stop to spread the word 'baguette' as the good french bread.
@@pubsapass1214A Baguette is just but one of an amazing variety of breads. I used to eat Poilane bread with butter from Bretagne. Heavenly!!!
ah yes! Fond memories!
I have a French Son-in-law. He and my daughter live in Mulhouse, France in the city center. I was there for a month in 2023 during Christmas. It was fairytale beautiful and I loved it. I would move there in an instance. It was also not expensive. They live in a two bedroom flat on the fourth floor and the rent was €680. a month. The total cost to live there for the month was $1500+/- including food. I am thinking hard about going back with my husband to live. America is broken.
Alsace in winter with all these christmas markets is just stunning !! Did you visite Strasbourg and Colmar too ? I highly recommend. Fun fact, the American Travel site Condé Nast elected Colmar as thé city with the most beautiful streets worldwide ! And it is very well deserved imho. And don't miss the wine route, a fantastic road trip among alsatian vineyards. That's a perfect trip for a nice sunny spring
Thanks for sharing!
@@almamater9566 yes Christmas was awesome.
@@AmeliaAndJP I watch all your videos and I have learned a lot. Thank you!
If you wrote this, that means the situation in the US is dire...
The French were t h e. nicest people to me when I spent a summer in Europe as age 20.
We spent May in Paris and have settled in Toulouse for the long haul. The people have been great, smoking is more rare than in many parts of the U.S. and yes, the cities are incredibly clean and well kept. We are learning French because we wish to be polite, efficient and respectful visitors in this beautiful country. Great videos, thank you.
That’s great! 🥳
Never forget, goods guys says "chocolatine" ;) (et surtout bienvenue en France)
@@vilraleurruelarliv3517 "chocolatine" is only used in the south west of France.
Everywhere else it's "pain au chocolat" !
“Smoking is more rare than in many parts of the US.”
My wife and I travel a lot in the US and just the other day we were asking each other, when is the last time we have encountered a single person smoking a cigarette. Neither one of us could remember. So I don’t know where you live/visit in the US but smoking seems non-existent.
Paris has become a shithole just watch recent YT videos.
Thank you for speaking the truth. I have lived in a few different countries and found France to be remarkably affordable, clean and stunningly beautiful. It is my happy place
Thank you so much, I'm French and it feels so good to get some LOVE 😊😊 As someone said in the comments, (in France) you receive what you put out, and I can tell you two are very gracious. All the best!
Thank you! 😊🇫🇷
I am in Strasbourg France now, you should put this on your list. French people are very kind when you are in France and EVERYONE says Bonjour when you enter a room. But one thing you must know each city is different than the other in style. The french in Strasbourg are very Casual dressing, mostly love flat shoes and jeans. Yes, they love their delicious bread.
I finally got to actually go to Strasbourg this year, what a wonderful city! Very friendly, too.
I have been to Strasbourg, and yes the people were very agreeable.
Good city but worst climate in France
@@papatango5085I have to agree, it has some of the worst weather in France, but in summer this is good because it rains off an on and it keeps the weather cooler. But it's not ideal if you like sunny warm days consistently.
@@teenatravelsabroad It is also very warm sometimes. Its not the best weather in France, but better than in Bretagne.
The French are not rude they are proud of their heritage so if you make the effort and are respectful they are wonderful people. One of the myths that are true is about the food. The best cuisine in the world!!!!
@@saga4646 we had the same experience a few months back. We didn’t encounter rudeness until we hit Chicago on our connection home!
and the Midewest is the friendlier part of theU.S. hahaha @@RobertSauders-el7bf
Frenchman here, about the food, I think top 3 best countries for food, in any order, doesn't matter who's 1st : France, Italy, Japan. There's some good stuff everywhere, but in no other countries you'll find much variety, refinement, quality of ingredients. These 3 countries have thousands of dishes, and 95% are good. So if food matters to you, you can't go wrong with one these 3.
French restaurant food is horrible.
Next to Italian and Spanish.
Great that you understand that French becomes very difficult to understand when not pronounced correctly. Even now, after 25 yrs of marriage my French spouse sometimes does not understand what I am saying.
I was in Paris for the first time two years ago on my own for a week. I was a nervous wreck trying to find my way around using the subway and walking throughout the city. No matter who I asked for help, they couldn't have been more gracious. While most spoke English (I only had a few basics of what is my favorite language), the few who didn't found for me someone who did. It was and is a memorable week!
As a parisian I find it refreshing when people ask for help or when I offer it myself.
instead of scammers or charities asking for our money 24/7.
(But of course some Parisian are grumpy and curt like other big cities)
But I must say I’m sometimes nervous to mess up and guide people to wrong place 😅
Many French people have learned English but are a little ashamed of their accent, speaking English is one of the only things I think is better off being a little drunk. For my part, I always appreciate when foreigners make the effort to speak in the language, come and take a look at Nancy, kisses from France
1980 in a restaurant in Paris the waiter became flabergasted with the fact that we didn't speak French. He walked away and then walked back past our table and threw an English menu at our table! Fast forward to about 2018. We landed at Orly airport and didn't know where and which train to get into Paris. Two older gentlemen came up to us and asked kindly if they could help. I told them that my wife's father had been in the Normandy landings on day 5 of D-day as a machine gunner. They both bowed deeply to my wife and told us they were retired airforce men. They guided us all the way into Paris and graciously thanked my wife for her dad's service. At least 6 times to France for us. Relatives in Strasbourg are overwhelmingly wonderful, relatives in Herblay are the same. GO TO FRANCE!!! Its the best vacation destination anywhere!
Great story! Thanks for sharing! 😊
Love your story. Thanks for telling us. Brought tears to my eyes. ❤
The granddad of a friend of mine emigrated from Austria to the US in the 1960ies. Decades later he made a trip to France with an American friend. The friend asked the French in English and non of them understood them. Than the Austrian guy asked them in German and they would respond, in a broken German, but still better than their English.
This infuriated the American guy, who was also a veteran of WWII. He said: we liberated you from the Boche and now you speak GERMAN and not English?
@@ekesandras1481 at school , we learn english as second language , then later we start learning a third one wich in most case is either Spanish, either German (some school propose more choice but they're often private school). Most people choose spanish due to the fact its well spread around the world, however, german is often the choice for people living along the frontier with them due to the utility for work.
No need to be upset, it was long time ago, the european union made nation forgive and help each other since and that for the best.
Humanity is already on a perilous road since some decade, no time for hating each other anymore if we want a better future
Well, we helped USA liberating themselves from the British. Do you hear French people shouting at americans for speaking ENGLISH?
I moved to France in 1992. My three children have enjoyed university education and are debt free! Graphic artist, architecture and fine arts degree. Taxes and social charges are high-GOOD!
Good to see someone who understands that it's ways better to live in a country with high taxes and social charges. That clearly means that this country is caring about it's citizens, and works well to get that. I lived in 10 different countries and by no means i would stay in a low taxes one. I know what it means....
As someone with dual US and French citizenship who's lived in both countries, I'm always glad to hear people dispel preconceived notions and myths about how incredibly rude, pretentious and hostile French people supposedly are. As other people have pointed out in the comments, greeting people with a simple "Bonjour" and not taking it for granted that people speak English generally goes a long way towards avoiding unpleasant exchanges.
Back in the 80's, I stayed in Dijon for a month taking French at the University, living in a dormitory for "the less young" (I was 40 or so). Cost with breakfast and lunch: $300 for the month!
The price included weekend bus tours throughout Burgundy's wine country, with visits to their stunning Romanesque cathedrals. Everyone from my fellow foreign students to the staff at the superb pastry shops was super kind and helpful.
Wonderful memories
😊🇺🇸💕🇫🇷
Great job. We moved here four years ago. Here are a couple of additions to your list from an expat family that has lived here for 4 years. Smoking: France's effort to reduce smoking is revealed in super scary photos on cigarette packs to discourage smoking; Healthcare myth: long waits - our experience has been the opposite - less waiting than U.S. and we love the quality (we love our primary care doctor); Did you mention the bad customer service myth? We have found customer service to be great. High taxes? Although our lifestyle is different here, our overall tax burden seems to be less than in U.S.; Education: high quality and inexpensive (even private schools are only about 1,500 euros / yr. Recreation: E.g., day pass skiing in a colorado or Utah resort will run $200 - $300; In Alps, 15 - 70 euros. We love it here.
Thanks for sharing! 😊
@adamsfamilyinfance: I am about to CRY. A lot of people don't know and cannot even IMAGINE how poorly the disabled, Single Mothers, and the elderly get treated here in the USA. The disabled and the elderly get mistreated and discriminated by EVERY landlord here in the USA, I know first hand. And Single mothers get ZERO Respect. In the USA, Criminals are more Respected and Protected than the Disabled and the elderly.
the United States has become such a DISGUSTING PLACE to "live"; Not the worst in the world, but DISGUSTING that GREED is Above human decency. I am SO UPSET. People have NO idea how those who have less money, Are disabled, are elderly, and Single mothers get treated here in the USA. People around the World, don't have an IDEA how the elderly, and especially the disabled is constantly Psychologically Abused, discriminated against, and manipulated here in the USA.
You should leave the US as quickly as possible
High tax , yes but you get back in health care and many others goodies
It seems American youtubers are more down on America than are foreigners. We just visited several countries in Europe and found people are people. Respect them and they respect you.
quite right, we recieve what we carry ;)
smiling and be polite is the best way :)
I was in France in 1990, it was clean and friendly at that time
@@ParisianThinkerNon, cela ne l'est pas, petit parigot, c'est mal de mentir ou de voter pour Hidalgo.
@@ignidrakkos7546 je peux comprendre en soit ils sont en touristes ils voient que le coeur de paris, donc pas les quartiers ou les seringues et les capottes usées jonchent le sol. Ou les dealers et les crackhead foutent le bordel toute la nuit. J'ai habité paris dans des quartiers pas fou parceque j'avais pas les moyens de mettre 1500 balles dans un 2 pièces c'était l'horreur.
Mais apparement Hidalgo a réussi à virer les SDF, les migrants et les cassos du centre c'est déjà pas mal pour ne pas passer pour des gros clochards auprès des autres nations pendant les jo's.
@@alexisdurouchet4021 je comprends pas comment vous pouvez toujours tout mettre sur le dos d'Hidalgo. Si un truc ne va pas à Paris, ce n'est pas forcément de son ressort. Par exemple, la police parisienne est connue pour être violente, c'est du ressort du préfet de police, nommé par le président de la république. Le périph est bloqué ou mal fichu ? C'est du ressort de la région donc Valérie Pécresse.
Courtesy given is courtesy received. I visited Normandy and Paris in 2018 and had a great time.
I had American tourist come up to me one time yelling "Live here ? English ? Castle ! Palace !" (I live in Versailles) and when i gave them directions I finished jokingly with a "Don't worry you'll see the castle, it's pretty big" and their response was a super rude (imo) "We know, we've been here before". And then they went away without a thank you or anything.
That's the American tourist we hate.
The ones that are nice, we have no problem with.
As an American, sorry about that...
Love your channel. Love this video! Im a Texan Francophile and have traveled to Dijon and Beaune on one of many trips. Have you been to the hospital museum in Beaune? Yikes! Anyway, thanks for spreading the word about the misconceptions about the French. To fellow Americans I must must say: its *you* not them!
Love from one Amelia to another❤
~Amelia S.
HA!
One major plus to retiring in France is there is a tax treaty that keeps any retirement income from being double taxed.
Very few of the Americans who say critical things about "the French" know the French people well. Most U.S. tourists never get out of Paris, and comedians are always looking for sharp zinger lines to provoke quick laughter, so they promote the most quickly recognized stereotypes.
I took an introductory French language class with a teacher who was from the Centre region of the country and she told us about the widely varying cultural styles of the French nation. Paris is just one part with its own style that is as different from the relaxed pace and friendly ways of Centre as Missouri is from New York City.
I would really like to explore Dijon and Lyon.
Absolutely correct. Americans are more familiar and versed in Italy, then France. To Americans, France is Paris or Cannes. They have little inkling in just how diverse and variegated the country is. France actually encapsulates Europe. Alsace is very Germanic. In the southwest, one can see bullfights. Nice, was once part of Italy, as was Corsica. Brittany has Celtic strains, and Normandy resembles parts of England. France IS Europe.
A lot of young American online told be "oh French hates American" : no idea where that comes from. One said "that is why they refuse to speak better English to us" hum... no guys, we are just bad... this isour best English, Englihs is not our mother language.
Part of these people even made me ashamed : I was speaking English to them because they speak no word of French, and yes, I have a thick accent. "You can't continue to speak English so bad" and one of them yelled at me ! But guys, we have our own language and you don't speak a word of French, and you make fun of me ???
They assume we HAVE to speak perfect English...
(But else, we will do our best to help you, even if you speak no French. Gestures, many ways :) )
What a lame excuse.
Go,to any Scandinavian country and 10 years old speak fluently and with almost no accent.
If you apply yourself to it there no reason why you shouldn’t be able to speak with little accent.
Personally…..I find the French accent ridiculous
@@Bruno-tm3xo you don't understand my point. You can find the French accent ridiculous if you want to, but making fun of a guy trying to communicate you in your own language because you speak no word of French is just rude.
(Also in those countries the mother language is so it is easier for them to speak English, but this is really not the point).
This is like you speaking French to me because I don't speak a word of English, and me insulting you about that... would you find it ok ? Do you speak any French ?
If this is so easy to be bilingual, then learn some French to communicate with French people instead of insulting them when they are the one speaking your language.
@@Bruno-tm3xo you are illustrating my point...
@@Bruno-tm3xo Toi tes con.
@@Bruno-tm3xo So you are one of those who think that speaking English is essential, and more, speaking a perfect english, without any mistake and without an accent. Spoiler alert, the planet does not revolve around USA, and most of people living on this earth do not speak, and will never speak, English (whether with a good or bad accent). Personally, I find the American accent ridiculous when they try to speak French ;) But that won't stop me from helping them if they ask me to do ... and even from talking with them in English (yes, with my bad English and my ridiculous accent).
Exactly! Laugh and have fun! I took myself way too seriously when I first went to France 39 years ago. Stiff. Paranoid. This year France was a total treasure from everyday interactions and situations. Laughed a lot and had loads of fun. The locals enjoyed us, too.
People saying that French people are rude are usually entitled and think that the world owes them to speak english. No one owes you anything. If you do not have proper manner, anywhere in the world , you will get ignored. I'm from Quebec and we're considered the ''friendly french people'' because tourists usually have manners. For some reason they lose all of it when traveling France? If you make an effort to say ''Bonjour'' or ''Excusez-moi'' before your english sentence, you will have a much better response.
In 2012 I first went to France to follow the Tour de France for two weeks in the Pyrenees stages, I had to take a train from Toulouse to Paris for the final stage on the Champs Elysees. They changed the track about 10 minutes before departure. It was a scramble to try and find the new concourse lugging a suitcase and not having any clue. A local station worker, spoke zero English, did her very best to get me in the right direction. I could not muster up ANY of the minimal French I had learned, and this was way before good Google Translate capabilities. But I did start blundering in some long-dormant Spanish out of frickin' nowhere (thanks, brain!), so the poor thing rattled off all the info in Spanish. We just stared at each other, both lost in our trying, but it all worked out. I made the train with 1 minute to spare...
That said, I am planning? plotting? my just-retired-May 31 next chapter exit to the Occitanie region for early next year. Your channel is so helpful, and fun! And yes, that plan to hop the pond was incubated on that way-back-then trip!
Bon voyages!
StorytellerSueW, If you are going to Carcassonne, my heart is bleeding green with envy! 💚 I have about another year to go myself. I am waiting out an elderly dog before I can leave the U.S. Vive la France!
@@deebee2603 I am so glad you mentioned Carcasonne - that is on my top five list!
You're very welcome in my home region, Occitanie ! :D
Be sure to check one of our traditional parties. It's really fun and authentic. Fanfares, that we call "bandas", play traditional South-West / Basque music in the streets while everyone enjoy a beer at the local bar or sing the songs the musicians are playing. You can find this kind of events in every town in the region during the whole summer. The biggest one is Bayonne festival (in Nouvelle Aquitaine region, near the Atlantic), but it may be too much for you if you're not a young lad xD, it's basically an obligatory pilgrimage for every young people in the whole South-Western part of France. I had the joy and privilege to play music there, and the atmosphere is crazy : you play one note and everyone is already chanting the songs :D
If you're the hiking type, there is also the Saint Jacques de Compostelle pilgrim road that crosses the whole region. The supposedly best sections of the track (and I agree they are indeed great) are in Aveyron and Lot departments. Check out Conques in Aveyron, or the Célé valley and Rocamadour in the Lot department. Of course, you can also visit all these places with a car, but these places are all on the path to Compostelle, if you feel like walking for a few days (not going all the way down to Spain of course) :)
the regional most iconic dish would be Cassoulet, with Castelnaudary being its birth place. We also got plenty of wine. Lot department has that small and round goat cheese named Cabécou. And of course, the Pyrenees mountains in the south are just gorgeous (and full of all kinds of cheese too lol). Be sure to check the Pont d'Espagne valley, Cirque de Gavarnie, town of Cauterets, Pic du Midi mountain (and the observatory at the top of it).
And so many beautiful places to visit there. Have fun :)
Hello, I am French and I live in Paris. I obviously appreciate your feedback on your experience in Paris and with the citizens here. Maybe you don't know it but many "Parisians" (citizens of Paris) themselves are always criticizing how dirty the city is, they don't like this or that, and maybe I am ( a little) like that sometimes 😋. Anyway, you seem like a very friendly and open-minded couple and I'm really not surprised that you've met some nice people here because although the French sometimes seems rude, I think that we have good hearts. But who really wants to be rude to nice and pleasant people? Isn't it ? Enjoy your life or your trip (I don't know) in France 🙏
Merci 😊🇫🇷
Le Parigot qui est dans le déni du statut de ville poubelle de sa propre ville.
@@ignidrakkos7546 Restez poli merci
@@ignidrakkos7546 La propreté de Paris est perfectible mais ville poubelle non, il y a bien pire ailleurs en France. (Et je ne suis pas parisien)
@@ignidrakkos7546je suis francilien et je m’attendais pas à être si choqué à Marseille par la propreté. C’est pas partout pareil mais une partie conséquente.
Pire qu’à Paris. Per contre ça c’est amélioré récemment
How sad to see American fast food junk poison food anywhere outside of America
And now it's a Westfield Mall at Les Halle's,not that id go there anyway. Even in the brief spell of years I've been visiting Paris it's more homogenised than on m first visit.
Don't worry, many french will still prefer a jambon beurre.
Yes and no.
The ensign is the same. The food, not at all. The Laws in France doesn't let even the biggest Corpos to sell poison food.
It's not the better, of course, but not the poison you find in US.
@@ombrepourpre7562 The main poison in the US is ROUND UP.
In 1984, pretty much everything in London, Paris, and Rome was native. Made it so much easier to experience the difference. Now, American brands are everywhere, crowding, diffusing the local culture. Such a shame.
Good to hear about your experience. I lived in France as a younger man (circa 1982 & 83) and I adore the French. Good attitude bring good things. Kudos to you both. I am almost afraid to retire there because how could it live up to my previous experiences. Thanks, now I must return.
You don't have to speak french when you are a tourist. But, yes, if you have been leaving in France for DECADES (like some brits do), and still are not able to answer very simple questions - because it's the other's reponsability to understand you - then yes you may be mocked
Love that beautiful European architecture. It makes a world of a difference.
Nothing like walking or biking in a city with great looking buildings.
I was thinking same thing
@@alexreax1230 Yeah. Americans could learn this from the Europeans. Make their cities more beautiful architecturally while adding more "green spaces" (e.g. trees, parks, ponds, etc.).
And don't forget the Art. And boulevards and fountains and parks! And all that rich history behind it all. I have been to Paris 5X. I love soaking it all up during the weeks leading up to the visit, in preparation, the experience itself, from early morning until after that long that nighttime meal, and all those wonderful memories...
@@izzytoons Absolutely. I agree.
It has been too many years since I was in France, Paris specifically. It was the year 2000 I think. But as my friend and I were walking down a side street in the Latin Quarter talking with each other in English, a guy popped out of a restaurant we were about to pass and said “Oh, you’re American. We LOVE Americans. Come. Come inside. I have a table just for you.” We were not hungry at that moment and were trying to find a specific place, so we politely declined and continued walking. When we got to the end of the street we turned left and continued walking and talking. Within a few minutes I felt someone touch my arm from behind and it was the guy from the restaurant. He said he had put together a table just for us and has it all ready for us. Since he politely chased us around a corner to get our business we followed him back and had a spectacular meal. So glad we stopped and we were treated very well in his restaurant. Really, we were treated very well everywhere and had the best experience. Thank you so much for this video and the others. I have just found your channel yesterday for the first time. Loving it. 🙏🏻
Great story! 😊
the Latin Quarter is a tourist trap. Not a single Parisian goes to dine there.
@@pobass007 We weren’t going there to dine either. We were on our way to find a specific shoe store and the Latin Quarter was the only location for it. A Parisian Restauranteur invited us in to dine there and treated us very well. It was not our intention at the moment to find a place where the Parisians dine.
@@coachaltagracia1746 Well he almost harassed you actually. You politely declined and went on your way but he chased after you and even grabbed your arm to drag you into his restaurant!!
We are thinking about a move, and spent 3 weeks last year across Southern Brittany. We had spent a little time learning about cultural norms and have been taking French classes. We tried our best, and I don't think I had a warmer or more welcoming experience. Busier tourist restaurant spots had servers that could be brief, but I can't fault them for that. In the country the people knew less English, but seemed to be nicer and extremely patient. I hope our upcoming 3 weeks in Burgundy/Alsace is as positive an experience. Sante!
Good taste ^^ hope you enjoyed the crêpes and fest noz and didn't miss the " golf du morbihan " ^^
French guy here. Regarding restaurants, they may be and are a bit more expensive in Paris and large cities, but around where I live, you can eat a 3 dish meal for 20 euros per person. Add wines, at around 4 to 5 euros a glass or 15/20 euros a 75cL bottle.
My friend and I had an excellent meal at a place in The Marais for just £40 euros each. That wont break the bank.
@@janebaker966The lgbt suburb, what a joke 😂
I'm about to Cry; life here in the USA has become SO unpleasant, the people here ARE SO TOXIC, especially neighbors, and people who misbehave seem to be more supported and protected than those who are doing NOTHING wrong, and it's the cycle of never-ending!!
It's not better in France, at all.
It's about the same feeling in France
it's really sad
Don't lose hope, just keep giving of your heart. And if you have the means, leave for Europe for a few months to reboot your mind.
@@benjamind2219 oui et non. ça devient pire mais on est clairement pas encore au niveau de division et de merde politique qu'ils ont aux USA.
If you like France, perhaps you should try the pilgrimage route from Le Puy en Velay to St Jean Pied de Port. It’s about 750km. I did this walk in May 2018. I appreciated France even more after this adventure.
Le Puy en Velay, is an amazing place, which is off the radar for most Americans. I was planning on visiting Conques, in honor of St.Foy, but Covidmania derailed that.
@@LUIS-ox1bv Le Puy is a nice countryside place but the people are so old and conservative there.
My dream is a trip to France. Now, in addition to Paris I want to take a trip to Dijon.....thanks to the both of you.
You can add a long list of cities to your list: Bordeaux, Colmar, Nice, Sarlat, Carcassonne, mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, aigues-morte, …
Just spent a month in France. Agree with you. It was great.
I had the pleasure of visiting France in 2005 and absolutely loved it! I found in Paris that people were polite, but busy. I also got down to Provence and fell in love with the area. While many people did not speak English there, they bent over backwards to try to figure out what I was asking for. I want to go back, and would love to move there permanently. Just the idea of being able to hop on a train and travel to other countries in just a few hours makes me excited!
2005.... France have changed a lot since that year and not in a good way at all.
Thank you immensely for creating this video and dispelling untruths about this magnificent country. To add to your video, I've been going to France since I was in my 20's. I'm in my 60's now and everything you said is accurate. If you're polite and friendly, they go out of their way to help. You get back the energy you put out. Being polite and manners go a long way, not just in France! As an aside, we were in France during the height of the pandemic. The American media was reporting countless ambulances moving thousands of bodies out of hospitals. Completely untrue!!! I stopped watching mainstream media long ago. In fact, we had to go to a hospital for a minor incident (not our first experience with French medical care) in Nice and it was practically empty. The cleanliness, service and level of professionalism was unlike anything we've ever experienced in the States. Never mind the cost. They would not accept payment on the spot. Instead we received a tiny bill (less than $100) months later, which we gladly paid immediately! Thank you again for reporting the truth. Your content is always accurate and greatly appreciated!!!
I was in France 40 years ago and it was clean.And everyone
was very helpful and nice.
Per the cost of living. New York is considerably more expensive than the rest of the U.S. and the same holds true for London and Paris. But looking at a comparison of Dijon in France with Orlando shows you need around $3800 a month to offer a lifestyle comparable to $6000 a month in Orlando. So considerably more affordable but looking at Kuching, Malaysia you only need $2200 a month compared to Orlando's $6000. What seems affordable to you is not so much for many of us on a tight budget. It comes down to whether you feel the quality of life is worth the extra money, and if you have the extra money. I'm more focused on the best quality of life for the least money. Doesn't have to be an absolute, just in the ballpark. Always many variables that affect what ultimately appeals to an individual or couple.
I love France and the French people. I spend ~3 months a year near Nice.
We have known to go out on the ground and see for ourselves and not blindly believe the media sources.
@@photopro100 I thank you very much to have enough faith to see by yourself how French people are. ❤️ from France
Have you seen the Les Frenchies vlog? They moved from the US and do great weekly videos. I highly recommend. They are very realistic. I too have recently been to France 3x in the last 5 years and count myself very lucky. I agree with your assessments. I love France and really enjoy you folks. Thanks for all you do. Barbara Hill
Indeed, they do a great job in providing info and tips, and don't dwell in sensationalism.
Thank you for visiting my beautiful region Burgundy, Dijon, Beaune.
We're very proud to see more and more tourists here.
There is no reason for tourists to be mistreated as long as they are polite and courteous, they will receive politeness and courtesy in return, and Americans are clearly not seen as rude people, you're among the best tourists and not because of the money but because of higher education and the real interest you have for our country.
I am a Night Auditor in a very touristic place in the alps. Basically as long as people say Bonjour, Bonsoir, Aurevoir, Merci, they instantly get more appreciation. Atleast they make an effort, despite knowing most hotel workers speak in english. And actually most of them know before hand that it is expected to say those formal sentences here in France. France is a very popular destination, and french people welcome anyone as long as they are respectful to the culture. 🇨🇵✌️
In the mid 70’s in France - post college, and broke - we lived on baguettes, tomatoe, and onion sandwiches. And when we felt a little rich we would add a hunk of cheese. 50 years later I’m still Jonesing. The best! Thankfully we have a bakery a block away that sells crunchy crust sourdough baguettes. Here in Cuenca!
What other French food did you eat?
@@roaldgrimson-d5w Breakfast was a croissant with French butter and marmalade and a coffee. Lunch was the sandwich. Diner was whatever was cheap, nothing special. As I said we were your young and broke.
Baguettes are easy to make yourself, so if you re ever in a place they dont have them.. Just do research on TH-cam youll find a good recipe 😊
@@friscoeddie3223 Nice. Thanks for the reply. French food sometimes seems so simple yet taste so good!
My experience aligns with alot of what you shared in your video. My wife and I have been to France 4 times in the last few years and both of us invested time in learning the language beforehand. We're both able to make ourselves understood in common situations you find yourself in as a traveler. My experience with the French has been positive, and alot of this I think relates to the fact that they understand that I've invested some time in understanding their language (and culture). I appreciate the somewhat formal nature of French society such as always greeting a shop owner when you enter the store and thanking them when you leave. To be clear, I do the same in comparable shops in the US. In any event, I've got a lot of respect for French culture and I think travelling in France is much easier when the French pick up on this appreciation. When I was younger (age 22), I visited France without knowing a lick of French, and it wasn't the same experience.
The fact that you were polite and made an effort in French had a big impact on your experience in France, I'm sure. Doing your best not to be the ugly American goes a long way in the reception you receive all over the world.
Hi guys great videos! I live just outside Cambridge, England and worked in France as a truck driver for a company in Metz, eastern France. It was the best job I've ever had and working with the French was an absolute pleasure! I travelled all over France and many parts of Europe enjoying every minute. Keep up the good work guys 👍👍
Frenchman here as well. We buy and therefore carry a baguette. because bread (I should say GOOD bread) is part of our breakfeast, lunch, teatime and dinner. Nothing better than a piece of stale(ish) baguette from yesterday, toasted, with farmhouse butter and proper cheese :) Thanks for the video, all American tourists aren't as polite and kind as you are. Remember this important fact: in France, we speak French.
While staying in Loire, Breakfast often consisted of fresh bread, and farm sourced butter, with coffee drunk from a bowl. Tres delicieuse!!!
Great review & thank you both for your honesty in blowing away some entrenched stereotypes that have existed for a long time! looking forward to your next comprehensive take in whichever country is next on your list!
Funnily enough about the cheese, is that a very difficult part living abroad as a french, especialy on a different continent, is the lack of cheese. Apparently aften people fail to realise how much they would miss cheese after moving, even if they weren't eating that much of it in the first place anyway. But the total lack of it is hard.
It was working at the Gourmet department of Neiman Marcus, in Chicago, that I began my appreciation of French cheeses. We carried a great selection. We also had Poilane Bread, flown in from Paris, and had French butters.
I just watched a TV show featuring some ladies looking for a vacation house, and they were dismissive of a bidet in one home, making fun of it. Clearly, they have never used a bidet. Once you do, there is no going back! 🤣
And it’s made to keep you fresh.
@@deebee2603 Bidet is typically italien, rather than french. French forgot it.
It was relevant in addition to a bathtub, but now that the shower exist, you don't really need a bidet anymore.🤨
Japanese toilet bowls are much better. All in one…..job done spiky span
Nice honest video like you always present….Thank You for sharing…..Alex 🇬🇷
Yes, as a french person myself, the very most important thing if visiting France is to try to speak french, this changes everything! You will experience much more willingness to help and people that do speak english will make the effort too. Most french people feel their english is terrible, so they don't try, but if you try speak french, then they will try to help and try to speak in english too
Just got back the day before yesterday from France visit. Really enjoyed Colmar, Metz, Nancy, Strassburg, Eguishcheim, Mulscheim, Mulhouse and several other cities/villages. Didn't have any issues with language, cleanliness or friendly people. Went in 2022 to Strassburg, Paris, Loire valley, Nantes, Angers, Mont St Michel, Normandy and Liles. Same positive experience. Saying BonJour is critical as a greeting everytime to everyone you meet or interact with. Great food, good prices and easy to get around by train, tram bus or car. I visited in the late 80s and it was dirtier then. The French do seem to smoke a lot more than in the US but similar to Germany.
Merci d'avoir visité la Lorraine. Les touristes l'oublient toujours !
It's my understanding that healthcare there is first rate and quite affordable too.
Great update on the truths that we don't get here in the u.s.
It is too general to say first rate. Some hospitals have poor management and some doctors here take zero interest in their patients' follow-up treatment.
I agree with another commenter. People are people and should not be lumped into one basket. We all have the same needs, variations. France is a large European country where the people can differ by region, rural v urban, age, upbringing, life experiences etc. I’ve found people in Europe and elsewhere like to help. All Americans aren’t alike so we shouldn’t expect that of anywhere else.
How about misconception/misperception vs. lie? Just thinking aloud.
Are you going to the south, southwest, Provence, etc.?
Best baked goods ever, wine, cooking great too. Eat as the locals do and avoid tourist traps.
Wish I was there!
Love you guys (I’m a fellow Chicagoan Amelia). 😊
met a couple of people from dijon while traveling in SE asia. they were the nicest people. we had a good laugh about our repective french/american stereotypes
I have friends in three different cities in France (Paris, Ansouis and Marseilles) and all three places are very different! But I still love France!
You're good vibes are contagious! And Amelia has a great French pronounciation too. Very nice video.
I traveled all over France in 1993 for a month, and I didn't think France was dirty at all. I thought it was wonderful. As I grew up in Nebraska, a gorgeous French University student showed me how to use the metro because I had no idea. Most people were nice, a few were rude. I loved it.
Hello. Excellent post. I have been going to Paris and france every year, sometimes twice a year usually traveling alone. You are absolutely correct. Helpful, friendly people and great prices especially for groceries and meals. Meal prices depend on the restaurant and location. Tourists areas might have higher prices but not always. I prefer the cafés and bistros. Streets are clean, people are normal and accommodating. Too many TH-camrs perpetuate the stereotypes around US citizens as obnoxiously loud, standing out like sore thumbs. Not true at all. Many TH-camrs receive favors from proprietors for touting their restaurants. Steer away from these places. Be adventurous and read the cart always made available in front of the restaurant. Many are optioned in English as many British and Australians etc visit paris etc.
Last year i spent 2 weeks in Paris arriving on January 3, 2023. I love the winter months in Paris, much less crowded and excellent food choices. I returned mid September for 5 weeks traveling alone, enjoying my adventure and interacting with people using my fractured French.
On that trip, i spent 5 nights in the Marais in a 4 floor walk up across from Pompidou museum. Next took SNCF to Saint Malo in Brittany with a side trip to Mount Saint Michael. Saint Malo is a stunning town, distinct food and lovely people. Next trained to Angers for 5 days and from there trained to Caen with a day trip to Honfleur. I used local buses and trains and walked carrying only my backpack. Stayed in all prearranged airbnb’s each having a cloth washer. The Caen World War two Memorial Museum is a must see as Caen was a jumping off town after the Normandy beach landings. I must admit i didn’t experience too much smoking except for Caen at outdoors cafe’s and pubs. Mostly young people. There is so much less smoking compared to 2001 when smoking was everywhere. From Caen, I trained to Gare Saint Lazare and the metro 12 line to Issy les Moulineaux, a town at the southern tip of the Paris 12 metro line. Loved it too. Finally I metroed to the Latin Quarter where I stayed at a fabulous airbnb just feet from metro stop Cardinal Lemoine.
I’ve been to Lyon and Nice but hands down I prefer Brittany and Normandy.
Thank you for your wonderful post. All best. Joe and Gigi, retired in Cape May.
Great! Thanks for sharing! 😊🇫🇷
I agree with most everything. I have been all over France and found people to be pleasant and accommodating. It is always a mistake to develop opinions about places based on movies and TV shows, since they tend to present stereotypes in every culture. The notion of not looking like a tourist is also a bit of a fallacy. Local folks always know who the tourists are. Just dress reasonably, be polite, learn a few words and you will likely be treated quite well. Great video. Thank you!
I do wonder about that not looking like a tourist thing. I have a number of times been approached by French people who ask for directions. Luckily, each time I happened to know where it was they were looking to go, so gave the directions. It's humorous seeing the slightly bemused expressions on their faces when they hear my highly accented French giving French people directions in France (and they were grateful for the directions). But, I guess I dress not too touristically, so I must pass for a local. I really love having spontaneous chats in French here, people are so sweet and interesting.
France is not dirty….I’ve lived north and south for 35 years.
Ben voyons... Paris est un trou à rats dégueulasse et beaucoup de grandes villes sont en aussi mauvais état.
In California I used to buy French Baguettes for 20 years while living there. Then surprise, French baguette for breakfast in Vientiane, Laos and Saigon (oops, Ho Chi Minh City ), and Phnom Penh.
French _Indochine_ legacy. Bánh mì sandwich bread is baguette.
Yes, remnants of the French colonization era of Indochine. They also play pétanque (Thaïland has currently won 3 times in a row the world title).
@@chucku00 Banh Mi is amazing, I just discovered this last year in Nice, strongly recommend :)
Thank you for being so open-minded !
Some Americans are cocky (arrogant) visiting France and French people are aware of it…
Cheers from France and thank you for this video !
Thank you so much Amelia and JP for this video! It's a relief to listen to you, because I read too much hatred and a lot of French bashing in most of the comment sections and into those short videos of tourists that just stay few days in Paris and experiments some bad experiences.
It seems that those last years it has become an International game to destroy the reputation of the Frenchs. One of the topic wich appears often, is French are dirty, they don't take shower every day, which in my experience is totally wrong. Also, that our cuisine is overrated. That we are rude (it's sometime true, but no more than other countries; it's human being). Also that we refuse to speak English because of our proudness (and in the same time, we are criticised to answer in English when the people make the effort to speak to us in French!) (like I've explain so many times, it's just because we know the difficulty for foreigners to learn French, so when a person speak us in French with a strong accent that let us thinking that the person is struggling, we answer back in English to help them...). I'm myself aware (and ashamed) of some Frenchs behaviour that are not friendly or arrogant, I've noticed it when abroad: we are most of the time the worst tourists, complaining too much for any little detail. BUT I don't recognise myself or my relatives in most of the critics that are usually made about Frenchs. For instance I am one of those person who always offer my help to the tourists that cross my path. And I always thanks them to do us the honor to visit us. So it hurts me to hear/read all those critics.
So really thank you "to place the church in the middle of the village" (meaning puting things in their right place).
And also thanks a lot to all the Americans in your comment section that have made so much positive comments.
(BTW, Emily in Paris is an excellent example of stereotypes existing about us! Good pick!)
Another great video! Thanks for sharing with us! ❤
Thanks!
I think you picked one of the best places in France to have an extended stay. There is another TH-cam channel I follow, French Country Life, and the creator (Marloes) lives just outside Beaune. I believe Beaune is within an hour's train ride of Dijon. You may enjoy her channel if you haven't seen it. I definitely want to visit Dijon when we make our trip to France! Merci!
Loved this video.
Thank you
The french people generally are friendly with polite foreigners. Unfortunately some American tourists (Chinese too) are extremely impolite and rude. Towards them: total rejection.
Thank you for your good feelings and explanations about our Country ❤
Another thing they scare you off here on TH-cam are scams and pickpockets. We didn’t experience either. We didn’t take Metro in Paris, just buses and we tried to avoid big crowds in touristy areas. Local people were nice and helpful with directions. The city vibe was relaxing with cafes in every corner. Also waiters were fast and polite. You just need to greet them in French. And yes-baguettes are really delicious!!! 🥖🥖🥖Now I’m curios about Dijon and their signature mustard. Thank you and safe travels to you both!
Then you were lucky! Maybe it’s because they’re close to the Olympics that they’ve cleared the pickpockets out. Because usually in Paris, there are large gangs of migrants hanging around tourist destinations trying to con tourists. When I was there visiting my son for the weekend, I nearly got my bag snatched outside a restaurant by two middle eastern men, who then went in to try to get into the back pack of a young woman on the other side of the road, but I shouted and warned her. They weren’t happy! And on the tube, there were again migrant gangs, that pick on a person. Surround them, then while they’re being distracted, the others go into their bags or pockets. Happened right in front of us, during our two day stay. My son says it goes on all the time.
Still, I’m glad you had a good holiday here.
I just don’t agree with many of the comments here. I’ve lived in France for 30 yrs. my husband is French. My kids are French. I’ve lived in the Lot-et-Garrone. The Landes. Arcachon. Boulogne-sur-mer. Lille. Perpignan. Nantes. The Alpes. My experiences over these 3 decades have indeed made my mind up, that the French are generally a rather grumpy lot, generally speaking.
Hello from Paris :). A part of my family also lives in Dijon, very nice town and region
Bidets were common in France before the WW2 but after YOU americans brought us the toilet paper , people stopped using bidets .
you only find them in old houses , that why you still find them in greece , spain ,etc were there are still many old houses , but modern ones don't always have them
So glad to hear French is cleaner and friendlier and less smokers than it was in the 70's when I was there!