I often found in France that when I started speaking my traveler's French, they instantly replied in English--they wanted to practice their English! I wanted to practice my French, so the conversation continued with me, the foreigner, speaking French and they, the natives, replying in English. I dearly love France and miss it a lot, but I recommend you count your change carefully in bars, restaurants, etc. I think they don't think a little short-changing is "bad." Count your change when it is put in front of you and while the change-maker is still watching. This will eliminate problems.
French isn't the only language of France tho. There's indigenous minority languages like Breton, Alsatian, Occitan, Basque, etc. Unfortunately, because of the government's policies, only a minority speaks it, but I think it would still be very nice for the locals (for example in Alsace) if you tried to tell them some phrases in their local language.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Everytime i'm watching one of your great vids , i think in myself " Gosh , this guy has understood everything !" You have perfectly felt the french way of acting and living , and your kind words are like salted butter in my mouth , especially after considering the huuuuge ammount of french bashing seen on the net . Un grand merci de la part d'un amoureux des USA.
Yes! I agree with the comment below....we Americans expect other countries to speak English....that IS ridiculous! Now that being said, it is true that English is taught in most schools and it's usually the younger people who speak it best. But come on people lets have a little respect for other cultures and learn a little common words and niceties, so at least they see we're trying. That really goes a very long way.
I'd definitely advice learning English if you visit France, the one good thing is that France does have a big population of people who actually come from the UK or even America and so they do speak French. However this is only in certain areas of France and Paris is not one of them.Younger people probably will know more English, but for the most part it's Italian or German that are taught in schools as a second language instead of English. Though English is also taught in some areas, anyways it is very helpful if you know basic phrases.
I came to New York once,as french, people are really really rude if you don t prononce well all the words! Funny things, easy to speak to girls (and more lol) difficult to speak with man. Sorry for my English!
f t je suis américain, mais je m’acclime aux gens qui ne prononcent pas l’anglais correctement, par exemple les émigrants du Mexique qui parlent l’espagnol, ou de l’Inde ou Vietnam. Certains d’eux ne parlent pas l’anglais du tout. La plupart du temps je peux comprendre son anglais quand même, mais je connais un peu l’espagnol aussi et je l’utilise s’il le faut. Connaître les sons des autres langues est une grande aide en faisant cela !
I actually prefer the _leave the customers alone when they're eating_ restaurant service we have in Europe to the American thing of waiting staff constantly coming over when I'm eating, talking with whoever I'm out with - If I want more drinks or food or my bill, I can ask. American table service just comes across as pushy, you can't relax as easily. But I think that's a cultural thing - I think we Europeans spend _longer_ over dinner, especially in restaurants, than Americans.
+ohthepeppers I agree with you. I even think it is very unpolite to interrupt me while I am eating. I do not want someone talking on my plate, but as you say: it is a cultural thing - just a matter of what you are used to.
+ohthepeppers It isn't really a cultural thing: The reason for that is that in most states of the US, most of waiter's income is made up from tips. So they are trying to 'please' the customer by making some conversation, but it sometimes comes across as very awkward. I prefer the European system where the waiter basically leaves you alone during the meal.
americans get their roots from england, Ireland etc, if you know how the food is prepared there , it s no Wonder that they don t take good care of what they eat in usa , but i must say that they did a lot of progress as 30 years ago , eating in uk was really really bad, they put more secure rules that i m not sure are followed too strictly in France, so yes it s a cultural thing , eat fast and badly, the stomac use too be a blasphem to be mention in a conversation in uk,
Dangles, bro, your video is on point and you are so diplomatic the way you explained things. Europe can be different but you gave it a just yet honest coverage. Thumbs up, merci!
If you forget to validate your train ticket before boarding you can ask the staff inside to validate it, you just have to do it before they start checking. If you don't then you do get a fine, usually.
That you so much for all of your videos- my wife and I went to Paris/Normandy last November and I felt so "prepared" for the trip and enjoyed it so much! Since it was the off season, crowds were minimal and even the waiters were all unhurried and polite! And for those watching, don't underestimate knowing a little French: it goes a long way. I only learned about 12 phrases very well but it made the visit so much more enjoyable!
True about the curling iron. We rented an apartment in Paris and my curling iron didn't work. In fact it shorted out. Oddly enough I bought a cheap one the next year when visiting Provence and it was ok!! But still, good advice Walter, because some of us woman can spend over 100 hundred bucks or more on a curling iron and it's not worth the risk of loosing it. Also the advice about the check is SO true!!! We loved that we did not feel rushed out the door the moment you finish the last morsel off your plate. And the only way we could get our check was by asking for it. Such a difference from the United States.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Hey Mark, I've been watching your videos for literally years and on Christmas day, I'm finally traveling to Paris for the first time ever. Your videos have been instrumental in helping me plan my trip and learn more about cultures, etiquette, and expectations. Thanks so much for the work you do, it really does have an impact on your viewers.
Mark, happy Bastille Day! I would like to pass along my experience visiting France last month as it relates to your video. -Almost everyone in Paris that I spoke to speaks English. I did go into a bar in Reims and the man didn't speak English but a younger employee there did. -Everyone was great! They were friendly and polite, yes, even in Paris. -I bought a phone package (Verizon) for $10/day. I was able to send and receive phone calls and texts to and from phones in France and the US. -Don't buy Euros from your bank in the US. Mine wanted to charge me something like 7% over the exchange rate. I went to an ATM in Paris (outside the airport) and was only charged a small fee plus a small fee from my bank. -Try the pastries! They are nothing like what you will get anywhere else and they are delicious. -Have a baguette. They really are worth trying. If you get one that is not really that great have another one until you get one that is delicious. -Take a walking food tour. There are neighborhoods in Paris that are walk-able. The food is delicious! -Yes, there is a lot of walking. My friend and I used the Metro as often as we could but my pedometer counted about 20,000 steps per day. It would be possible to walk less so don't stress if that seems too much.
This video is really interesting!!! I really like learning our cultures differences :) As a French I completely agree with what you said! And thank you for saying that we doesn't hate Americans (in my High School there is a "club USA" ^^) I wish I could travel like you! :) I'm sorry if my English is bad >w
what ??? an american that like french people??? are your crazy?. It's good to see that people had fun in France and loved it and liked french people. Thanks for this vidéo it was very interesting. Bonne Journée from Lyon
+jaysorbet personally I have been surprised by this piece of news because I like American people and when I visited New York, a lot of people were nice to us and really happy and interested to know we were french. It was cool :)
Careful, what you're saying @7:55 may be misleading. You'll need more than a simple "socket adapter". USA electricity grid is 110V while EU is 220V. If you use passive adapter (that won't convert voltage) you WILL destroy your stuff. You need active adapter !
I lived in France until I was 5 (Normandy) and now I live in Canada but I have visited France many times and I love it there! If you are considering coming, please do! Super vidéo! Très utile pour les voyageurs débutants!
@@canada590 Nice! I hope you enjoy your time! I forgot about this comment though, now I live in the US😆 I loved Canada and France though, I do miss both of them🙃
I'd just like to say that yes, we do tip, mostly at restaurants and cafés and such. It's actually considered rude not to. Leaving just 1 or 2€ is what's expected (unless you spend hundreds or go to a big restaurant.)
In majority they do not put a service charge, I know this because I live in France 3months out the year. I have lived in the north and south. Even in Michelin starred places they do not add a charge. They appreciate a tip.
When I went to Paris in 2008, I found the people and service to be very helpful and friendly! I only had one instance of poor service mostly he was just rude), but like you said, that can happen anywhere. At one restaurant, I couldn't decide what I wanted and the waiter recommended a dish and it was the best meal I had while I was there!!! Also, the concierge at our hotel was super helpful!! And I was surprised at how many people spoke English.
Just got back from my first trip to France a few weeks ago and I had a great time! I did try to prepare a bit by watching a few videos (like yours) learn a few things. The following are a few lessons learned... 1. Learning a little French goes a long way, just the basic greetings etc... but, if you plan to travel more, invest in a universal translator device (~$200) 2. Your debit/credit cards won’t work at any autopay terminal that does not have a person working there... examples: pay parking ticket kiosk, closed gas stations w “24hr” credit only pay, etc. 3. Outside of major cities (i.e. Paris), most shopping stores seem to be closed on Sundays. 4. Odd hours of operation: even during the week, a lot of stores seem to close at 8pm (2000hrs, they use military time there). 5. A lot of restaurants seem to close for a few hours between breakfast/lunch/dinner. Also, a lot of night clubs (in Paris) seem to only be open on the weekends. 6. Uber is probably the best way to get around in Paris. That said, renting a car is a great experience if you’re gonna travel around the country. 7. Speaking of car rentals... make sure you get an International Driving Permit, if you’re gonna rent a car. Only costs $30 and you can get one in about 10-15 from any AAA store. 8. If you’re a smoker (or vaper), bring enough of your product to last the whole trip. If you have to buy tobacco products in France, they’re not as abundant like in the U.S. 9. Get Cash! Stop at your bank at least a week before you leave and order some Euros. 10. Bring a small adjustable “city bag” backpack for daily trips. They’re great for holding battery banks, drinks, souvenirs you pick up, etc. But I say adjustable, meaning ones you can adjust to slip around to your front etc. in case you’re in crowded places where they warn about pick pockets. 11. Lastly... this is 2 fold... A. Keep your passports with you at all times in a secure pocket on your person. B. Talk to your credit card company or a reputable travel agent to purchase “Actual” travel insurance (NOT to be confused w a ‘ticket protection’ option) actual travel insurance that will guarantee, with no hassle, up front, plane ticket replacement, regardless of which airline, in case your flight is delayed, canceled, or god forbid (like in our case) your airline goes bankrupt while your on vacation.
+Valou Les anglais un peu moins :D, ils ont brûlé Jeanne les cons :D. Pour les états-uniens, ils confondent le fait de détester leurs élites et gouvernements, et le peuple...
2:14 Thank you for saying that !!! The French are considered stingy when they are abroad because they do not leave tips, or leave little. Now you know why. For the French, it is totally absurd to pay once the restaurant owner, and once his staff. We pay once. If no one explains us the American system when we are in the USA, we can not guess it. If the French knew that the waiters are paid by the customers, you would be surprised at the tips they would leave, because the French have a very "democratic socialist" state of mind. They would be ashamed to be taken for exploiters of the little staff. The first time I paid in an American restaurant, I paid discreetly for everyone, as I would have done in France. Usually friends are surprised that everything is paid. The skill is to succeed in paying first, otherwise everyone is fighting to pay. In this case, the one who managed to pay first said to others: "you only have to tip". Fortunately there was a French expatriate among us who guessed that I had not left the tip ...
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
In Paris; Only one server we encountered wasn't very friendly. Luckily (as far as I know) no pick pockets. A LOT of ppl spoke English. I saw maybe two (at the most) homeless/beggers. Hardly any dog poop. A lot of people were super nice. I want to go back 😣
Great Video. I know a little French and it served me well while in Paris. A Beautiful City and you will never be bored. I actually sustained my food requirements by eating Fruits & Veggies from various street food vendors. I must say that the Fruits & Veggies were 100% fresh and very tasty. Way better than the USA and other countries I have visited. Also, I over indulged in drinking the various Wines. The French Wine is "AWESOME" and I never woke up with a hangover! Reason=No Preservatives in their Wine! I never knew that! As for the people of France, by and large they are very friendly. A few A-Holes here and there but that's to be expected. Don't ever hesitate to assert yourself if you paid for a service that failed to meet your expectations. They respond well to a kick in the A@@.
One very hot day in Paris, my husband and I escaped into a large café for a bite to eat and a glass of wine. I do speak French. I asked for a "blanc sec," which used to be street slang for a glass of white wine. The waiter returned with a glass of wine. There were bits of cork floating in it. I politely pointed this out to him, in French. He sneered at us. He returned with a large soup spoon and practically threw it on the table, sneered again, and rushed away. I did use the spoon. We finished our snack, left enough for the food and wine, MINUS the obligatory "pour boire", and ran out the door when he was not looking. Is the type of A@@hole you refer to, dave andrews?
With the petition thing I only lost €1 thankfully. My advice to getting good service is to say: merci, bonjour, au revoir, s’il vous plaît. I said them every time and sales people or at the restaurant they were polite as well. Also with the bill, mine was given to me shortly after I ordered and I took it to the front to pay for it. My daughter learned French at school so it was a good thing I paid attention.
Thanks for letting us know more about France. I will be going in January with my best friend for her birthday. First time there and really needed this info. We are fans of straightening irons, lol.
Look in forward to coming there next year...i still have to do a lot of research with plane fares etc...but awesome vid. Keep the the good work Sir!
5 ปีที่แล้ว +1
Several years ago, I discovered the Alsace. I fell in love with it and am dying to go again. Here's another tip: With some banks you can use your debit card to draw cash, but you must have a SIX digit pin. So if you are going to France and expecting to use your debit card, make sure you change your pin before you go.
great video and very accurate! I might send it to international student that come to my university :) But there is just a little thing, we never or very rarely charge a 50% tip or any percent tip in france. there is a 20% but it's TVA (VAT in english i guess). So we only tip if the service was very good and the waiter very nice!
I enjoy your videos, being English living in the states you give an accurate picture. I grew up watching rick steves, it was never accurate their advice always stood out as hay I'm an American!
The French are some of the nicest people and very helpful (but they are very formal), and you can get by with knowing only a few basic things in French, when you go into a shop just say "bonjour Madam" (Mrs.) or Monsieur (Mr.) to the shop keeper as that is polite, then do your best with "Franglais" it works fine. At restaurants slow service is seen as professional NOT rude, they do not rush you so take your time, the French take two or three hours to eat so if you want the bill you ask for it. A funny change in the last 20yrs is the Parisian waiters have become very US friendly as we tend to tip more than anyone (China) and we are now welcomed with open arms and even some smiles... If the bill is 18 Euros and you leave a 20 that is more than fine and very appreciated. If the service is outstanding I leave 5 to 10%.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
I don't know if you've already done, but you should visit my city, Marseille, in the south of France, it's one of the most beautiful cities in France and the second largest, so you won't have any problems with the transports... Come, my city is great !
j'ai vu ça il n'y a pas très longtemps . de toute façon ce n'est pas que Marseille mais toute la France.www.ouest-france.fr/terrorisme/etat-islamique/daesh-menace-marseille-les-habitants-de-la-cite-phoceenne-rispostent-4381783
Oh ça... Comme tu l'as dit, c'est pareil pour toute la France, et on sait très bien que ça va nous tomber dessus depuis l'attentat de Nice, mais les sites ultra-touristiques sont très bien protégés, il y a des militaires devant la Cathédrale et NDDG, et sur le port. Mais on est pas à l'abri de fusillades sur des terrasses ou des cafés dans le centre-ville... Quand ça arrivera, prions pour que nous n'y soyons pas à ce moment...
+Shromzs I never met anyone that ran into an issue from paying with €50 bills... I'm practically definitive when I say banks would not hand people counterfeit bills
+woltersworld Well you can PAY with 50 € notes that you got from an ATM. Just be careful if you receive one. And don't get offended if people check yours, that's all. The most counterfeit note is the 20€ one anyway, because it's more common and people usually don't check them. Also, there are new notes being put in use (5, 10 and 20) , so don't be alarmed if you see slightly different ones. And prefer the newer ones because they aren't yet massively counterfeit. You can tell the old ones from the new ones easily, the old ones have the word "Euro" in latin and greek alphabet only, the new ones are in latin, greek and cyrillic alphabet.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Wolter, you made a good comment about the TGV's needing reservations and costing a premium over Eurail. I had a 2 country pass France / Germany and had to take Thaly's from Norde, Brussels, Liege, Aachen to Cologne - they charged me for the premium high speed Thalys and for going into a country I did not previously include on my Eurail, which was of course - Belgium. Just something to keep in mind when traveling by rail. And, if you're traveling more than 100 miles that day, I recommend getting 1st Class tickets. Much, much more comfortable than 2.
Hi,As a French traveler (living next to Avignon for a few months) I have to tell you a few things :1st : Great video, congratulations !2nd : You are incredibly right : French people don't hate Americans (or British) it is all about cliché ! That said our cultures very different and we dislike a few points of your habits like you American probably dislike several points in ours3rd : I disagree on something ; about tips in restaurants, French people are not defining 50% higher prices, we are only applying a 20% tax and in France waiters are (sometimes well) paid every month that is the reason why we don't tip a lot but it is still appreciatedBy the way, it is really pleasant to see a traveler who really traveled in France (not only in Paris ...) you probably now quite well France now (I highly recommend you to visit Brittany)Go on ! Enjoy your trips around the world - all the best
+0kasey0 Personnaly i HATE english gouv from all they do during all century, and i hate all english who agree them shit comportement over the other nations. (North america, India, Australia, South Africa etc....) England first country of the world to put war every where.
I think that we're lucky as a country to attract such nice lads, I'm proud that you find our culture interesting. There are so many other wonderful countries but here you are
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Can't wait to move to France on the 18th! Some people can get annoyed if you don't at least try to speak French. Some menus are on the outside of the restaurants. So glad my mom's had the chip last time we went! But we are bringing one with a chip this time! I love/loved France. It is an amazing experience. I loved the walking in France. The police are very strict on the speed limit.
You are right. Service in French restaurants is normally very good. However, Once in Boulogne sur Mer, I've seen a waiter that got a little irritated when an American family orderd escargots and when they were served, they asked for ketchup. (No joke, I was a witness)
He wasn't even rude, he just slammed the ketchupbotlle with a litlle "bang" on the table so that all the other guests turned their head and saw what this "brady-bunch" with their baseball-caps on had ordered. It was great fun.
he could've seen it as them being rude for using condiments for food. it's seen as an insult to the chef like their food wasn't good enough that you have to put something else on it to make it edible lol
@chris brown They should kick you out in any restaurant, not only great restaurants. This waiter even tried to explain that adding ketchup wasn't a good idea and even een slight culinary crime. But when the Americans insisted to get ketchup he couldn't hide his anoyment (and nor could I)
just one thing about tipping, it is true that tipping is sorta included in the bill, but the staff in France , waiters, receptionist etc.. will never see the color of it, it's all for the owner of the hotel, café or restaurant, so lots of French ppl do small tip in these places, ( more depending on how much you pay and the quality of service ) but do not assume that the staff will get something if u do not tip at all, cos they will not. just to clarify.
I have noticed that if you try to learn and speak their language, you tend to get better service. This applies to other countries as well. Absorb the culture!
Don't know if it had been said or not, but usually train-tickets are, most of the times, pre-stamped from the moment you buy them. Of course, checking is necessary, but stamping them is usually unneeded today.
The bidet is actually mostly use for whasing the feet :) It is also practical to women (not giving details x) ) Oh and we also use the bidet to soak laundry if needed. It actually comes quiete handy in the end. ^^
I know a good amount of French but I love everything about France; food, culture, everything. I really want to move there after college. I hope I get the opportunity to.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Please do a couple of videos about Nice, I'm going there next month! Also it would be cool to see a video about using the Paris metro :) Thank you for your Super useful channel!
+Mary Dixon i dont know what north carolina weather is like so basically i would just like to know what the weather in just Paris is usually like in mid september
+MyEnime September in Paris is GENERALLY beautiful but cool (daily highs around mid-60s to mid-70s) with chance of light showers. Bring a light jacket and/or a snug sweater for the days and a slightly warmer jacket for the evenings (which will be much cooler: in the 50s), and have an umbrella handy; a heavy coat is unnecessary. Autumn in Paris is beautiful and very cool as it is in New England, U.S. in autumn. So basically, dress for autumn in New England or for the Pacific Northwest.
Using the B day is pretty simple. You just set down first while straddling the device, and then you turn on the water. People freak out because it is unfamiliar but it was not that tough to use at all.
Years ago the first time I was there I had to stop in to a local shoe store to buy some flats. Cobblestones and stilettos do not mix! In New York I have heals that I call my New York Walking shoes. They are comfortable heals that I can walk anywhere. Now I have French walking shoes...flats!
Bon soir, Thanks for great helpful enjoying illustration. I would like to have a French language course in France. Is there any guidance or recommendation s'il vous plait? Thanks,
+Abdulrahman Hummadi. That depend the kind of course you looking for. I think the cheaper solution would be find a student in bachelor or master LEA (foreign language) who can teach you french from your first language. Also you can find "real" teachers but that will be more expensive. What is your first language and where will you go ? Cela dépend du type de cours que vous cherchez. Je pense que la solution la moins chère serait de trouver un étudiant en licence ou master (LEA (langues étrangère appliquées) qui pourra vous apprendre le français en utilisant votre langue maternelle. Aussi vous pouvez trouver un "vrai" professeur mais cela sera plus cher. Quelle est votre langue maternelle et où irez-vous ?
I love the channel but I do think much of these things are common sense, however this channel does put the things you should know together! Btw im from the Netherlands so I do know what it is like to travel trough Europe ;)
You should visit the city of Nancy, not far from Strasbourg. It's a beautiful city and there is the "Place Stanislas", one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there is excellent specific food.
Very strange oddity when I was in Nice last month, so many places didn't like to make change! I'd give them a certain number of Euros (bills, coins, etc ... ) and they say "don't you have anything smaller"? At first I thought it was just one store but then it kept happening in different places. Perhaps because I was a tourist?
+KevinPDX1 No, it's because small store don't have the possibility to get change as easely as supermarket where they would have a reserve for that. So they always try to get as close as possible to the required amount. Specially in store like bakery where they mostly deal with small transaction not always rounded, so usually we do "l'appoint", for exemple if something is 1.30€, and you do not have 1€/2€ coins but you do have 30 cent, you would give a 5€ bill and 30 cent, to make it easier for the cashier. Or just try to have the right amount or very close., since you'll always end up with coins in one way or an other.
I thought it was just the store (which was fairly small) however I went to much larger stores in Nice and had the same experience. Very odd (for me at least) since stores in the states always give change unless it's something outlandish like giving the cashier a $100 bill for a pack of gum and wanting change.
i was just in europe this june paris being one of the places they were doing the clip board thing. It said it was for blind kids or something. my idiot husband signed it and gave her like 2 euros i got mad and gave her two coins she got pissed and didn't take it. We also watched a lady for hours begging for money for her sick baby, the baby never moved not even a little bit and she was moving fast like crazy never checked on the baby. She also was not carrying any kind of diaper bag it was awful that poor child was probably drugged.
I'm really sorry to hear that. I live in Paris and these types of people are everywhere! The child might be drugged or dead (yup, unbelievable but he's not the only one). These guys are scammers and thieves, don't believe them, they are not even here legally. I'm so angry about what's happening in Paris. It used to be a beautiful city and it stills a famous place to go, but not for long. Thieves are everywhere in here, and our president sucks.
+tootsies place Paris is the most visited city in the world. And because of this, some mafia groups started a real underground business in the streets of Paris. The beggars even use, dogs or children for their purpose. Some will ask you to sign useless papers while they steal your money. It can destroy your holidays in Paris, however, if you are aware of such possibilities, you wont have much troubles. :)
+Elisa Chea Thanks for being honest. Here in America if you say that liberals call you a racist, but the truth is the truth. Screw the governments for letting these people in. Most are not refugees. France I swear (and Germany and Sweden) is screwed. Still I love Europe. I have French heritage and my parents are going back to France this year.
i am french and what you say about the country is very clever. plus your french speaking is fine, without any accent. are you accustomed to speaking french?
+woltersworld i am glad you answered. your videos help me learn english while in the meantime i discover/rediscover several european places. very helpful
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
I have a question. Do we need to reserve hotels ahead of time or when we het there, we will not have. Problem getting a hotel?thank you for all the useful information.
Hi! My dad and I are planning on staying at the domaine de rochegude la barthelasse in Avignon, but it is a bit of a drive or bike from the nearest metro and sightseeing trips. How would you suggest transportation? Should I call an uber to the flat or should we rent a car?
I'm French and I totally approve this video! Great job mate, no cliches there except the "bidet" part, we use it to clean our hands not our butts (well at least for the last 150 years). Haha :D
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
c'est 01 effectivement pour la région parisienne mais aussi 09 sur tout le pays depuis l'avènement des box internet, le 09 n'est pas spécifique à paris. malgré ce détail c'est une vidéo très juste sur le tourisme en france je trouve.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer, Loïc: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Hi and thanks for all your videos. ---- You mentioned to get cell phone data before you go to France. Eould you please elaborate/recommend where to get it ftom?
I often found in France that when I started speaking my traveler's French, they instantly replied in English--they wanted to practice their English! I wanted to practice my French, so the conversation continued with me, the foreigner, speaking French and they, the natives, replying in English. I dearly love France and miss it a lot, but I recommend you count your change carefully in bars, restaurants, etc. I think they don't think a little short-changing is "bad." Count your change when it is put in front of you and while the change-maker is still watching. This will eliminate problems.
French isn't the only language of France tho. There's indigenous minority languages like Breton, Alsatian, Occitan, Basque, etc. Unfortunately, because of the government's policies, only a minority speaks it, but I think it would still be very nice for the locals (for example in Alsace) if you tried to tell them some phrases in their local language.
As a French, I can say that man is pretty right for everything he says :)
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Everytime i'm watching one of your great vids , i think in myself " Gosh , this guy has understood everything !"
You have perfectly felt the french way of acting and living , and your kind words are like salted butter in my mouth , especially after considering the huuuuge ammount of french bashing seen on the net .
Un grand merci de la part d'un amoureux des USA.
Yes! I agree with the comment below....we Americans expect other countries to speak English....that IS ridiculous! Now that being said, it is true that English is taught in most schools and it's usually the younger people who speak it best. But come on people lets have a little respect for other cultures and learn a little common words and niceties, so at least they see we're trying. That really goes a very long way.
I agree with you Jackie..I would love to learn French...I speak English and Spanish
I speak French, English and Spanish
I'd definitely advice learning English if you visit France, the one good thing is that France does have a big population of people who actually come from the UK or even America and so they do speak French. However this is only in certain areas of France and Paris is not one of them.Younger people probably will know more English, but for the most part it's Italian or German that are taught in schools as a second language instead of English. Though English is also taught in some areas, anyways it is very helpful if you know basic phrases.
I came to New York once,as french, people are really really rude if you don t prononce well all the words! Funny things, easy to speak to girls (and more lol) difficult to speak with man. Sorry for my English!
f t je suis américain, mais je m’acclime aux gens qui ne prononcent pas l’anglais correctement, par exemple les émigrants du Mexique qui parlent l’espagnol, ou de l’Inde ou Vietnam. Certains d’eux ne parlent pas l’anglais du tout. La plupart du temps je peux comprendre son anglais quand même, mais je connais un peu l’espagnol aussi et je l’utilise s’il le faut. Connaître les sons des autres langues est une grande aide en faisant cela !
I actually prefer the _leave the customers alone when they're eating_ restaurant service we have in Europe to the American thing of waiting staff constantly coming over when I'm eating, talking with whoever I'm out with - If I want more drinks or food or my bill, I can ask. American table service just comes across as pushy, you can't relax as easily. But I think that's a cultural thing - I think we Europeans spend _longer_ over dinner, especially in restaurants, than Americans.
+ohthepeppers I agree, the meal is enjoyed more in Europe as opposed to just "eaten" in many places
+ohthepeppers
I agree with you. I even think it is very unpolite to interrupt me while I am eating. I do not want someone talking on my plate, but as you say: it is a cultural thing - just a matter of what you are used to.
+ohthepeppers It isn't really a cultural thing: The reason for that is that in most states of the US, most of waiter's income is made up from tips. So they are trying to 'please' the customer by making some conversation, but it sometimes comes across as very awkward. I prefer the European system where the waiter basically leaves you alone during the meal.
americans get their roots from england, Ireland etc, if you know how the food is prepared there , it s no Wonder that they don t take good care of what they eat in usa , but i must say that they did a lot of progress as 30 years ago , eating in uk was really really bad, they put more secure rules that i m not sure are followed too strictly in France, so yes it s a cultural thing , eat fast and badly, the stomac use too be a blasphem to be mention in a conversation in uk,
I take it you've never had any difficulty trying to flag down a waiter then?
Dangles, bro, your video is on point and you are so diplomatic the way you explained things. Europe can be different but you gave it a just yet honest coverage. Thumbs up, merci!
If you want to take bus and especially if you"re alone at the stop, always wave to the driver
+Bender B. Rodriguez good to know. thanks bender!
woltersworld
yes, they might not stop otherwise
Also, in Paris, subway closes at night (23h to 5h if i remember) On occasions it can close at 01:00
+Plot Twist i'm french and the subway close at 00h30 the bus bus at 23h but you have nocturne bus
Mna I’m so happy I grew up in Quebec. I’m fluent in French and English. I’m going to France in 6 days and I’m so exited!!!
If you forget to validate your train ticket before boarding you can ask the staff inside to validate it, you just have to do it before they start checking. If you don't then you do get a fine, usually.
That you so much for all of your videos- my wife and I went to Paris/Normandy last November and I felt so "prepared" for the trip and enjoyed it so much! Since it was the off season, crowds were minimal and even the waiters were all unhurried and polite! And for those watching, don't underestimate knowing a little French: it goes a long way. I only learned about 12 phrases very well but it made the visit so much more enjoyable!
True about the curling iron. We rented an apartment in Paris and my curling iron didn't work. In fact it shorted out. Oddly enough I bought a cheap one the next year when visiting Provence and it was ok!! But still, good advice Walter, because some of us woman can spend over 100 hundred bucks or more on a curling iron and it's not worth the risk
of loosing it.
Also the advice about the check is SO true!!! We loved that we did not feel rushed out the door the moment you finish the last morsel off your plate. And the only way we could get our check was by asking for it. Such a difference from the United States.
I have lived and traveled in France and this is such a great quick run through for traveling to France. Bien fait !
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Hey Mark, I've been watching your videos for literally years and on Christmas day, I'm finally traveling to Paris for the first time ever. Your videos have been instrumental in helping me plan my trip and learn more about cultures, etiquette, and expectations. Thanks so much for the work you do, it really does have an impact on your viewers.
How did your trip go?
Mark, happy Bastille Day! I would like to pass along my experience visiting France last month as it relates to your video.
-Almost everyone in Paris that I spoke to speaks English. I did go into a bar in Reims and the man didn't speak English but a younger employee there did.
-Everyone was great! They were friendly and polite, yes, even in Paris.
-I bought a phone package (Verizon) for $10/day. I was able to send and receive phone calls and texts to and from phones in France and the US.
-Don't buy Euros from your bank in the US. Mine wanted to charge me something like 7% over the exchange rate. I went to an ATM in Paris (outside the airport) and was only charged a small fee plus a small fee from my bank.
-Try the pastries! They are nothing like what you will get anywhere else and they are delicious.
-Have a baguette. They really are worth trying. If you get one that is not really that great have another one until you get one that is delicious.
-Take a walking food tour. There are neighborhoods in Paris that are walk-able. The food is delicious!
-Yes, there is a lot of walking. My friend and I used the Metro as often as we could but my pedometer counted about 20,000 steps per day. It would be possible to walk less so don't stress if that seems too much.
Super comprehensive. Excellent video Mark.
+Tosh T Thanks Tosh!
Go to South Korea please😎
Btw, Wolters, ''le bidet'' is used to wash your feet, not your behind ^^'
@@woltersworld yeah as said al giz the " bidet " is for feet xP
VIVE LA FRANCE
+Kshiller :)
Fuck no
***** fuck yes
Kshiller Shut the hell up
***** u triggered fam france and america ftw best allies itw
This video is really interesting!!! I really like learning our cultures differences :) As a French I completely agree with what you said!
And thank you for saying that we doesn't hate Americans (in my High School there is a "club USA" ^^)
I wish I could travel like you! :)
I'm sorry if my English is bad >w
+Coco Pops your English is great! 1000000 times better than my French :)all the best to you and your travels!
Where in France are you from?
Just curious
what ??? an american that like french people??? are your crazy?. It's good to see that people had fun in France and loved it and liked french people. Thanks for this vidéo it was very interesting. Bonne Journée from Lyon
It's very funny. Americans and French both seem to think we all hate each other. But we secretly love each other and the cultures.
+jaysorbet personally I have been surprised by this piece of news because I like American people and when I visited New York, a lot of people were nice to us and really happy and interested to know we were french. It was cool :)
+jaysorbet i know americans love french but i thought the french hated us
+Dante0986 aww come on we love USA. There will alwaays have this love/hate relationship between our countries.
Thewam01 i think its just paris that does mostly
Careful, what you're saying @7:55 may be misleading. You'll need more than a simple "socket adapter". USA electricity grid is 110V while EU is 220V. If you use passive adapter (that won't convert voltage) you WILL destroy your stuff. You need active adapter !
In most places you'll need different portable outlets
I lived in France until I was 5 (Normandy) and now I live in Canada but I have visited France many times and I love it there! If you are considering coming, please do! Super vidéo! Très utile pour les voyageurs débutants!
I live in Canada! I’m going to France in a week
@@canada590 Nice! I hope you enjoy your time! I forgot about this comment though, now I live in the US😆 I loved Canada and France though, I do miss both of them🙃
interesting...
I'd just like to say that yes, we do tip, mostly at restaurants and cafés and such. It's actually considered rude not to.
Leaving just 1 or 2€ is what's expected (unless you spend hundreds or go to a big restaurant.)
+Papillon180 I've never seen anyone considering rude not to tip here. I'm french btw.
+Papillon180 I've never seen anyone considering rude not to tip here. I'm french btw.
Papillon180 tu ravines quoi toi?? In café a un Euro, tu kisses un Euro?? Bourgeois va..
In majority they do not put a service charge, I know this because I live in France 3months out the year. I have lived in the north and south. Even in Michelin starred places they do not add a charge. They appreciate a tip.
When I went to Paris in 2008, I found the people and service to be very helpful and friendly! I only had one instance of poor service mostly he was just rude), but like you said, that can happen anywhere. At one restaurant, I couldn't decide what I wanted and the waiter recommended a dish and it was the best meal I had while I was there!!! Also, the concierge at our hotel was super helpful!! And I was surprised at how many people spoke English.
And you had a chance because the Parisians are not the more open.
But tourism is a good financial market, yet happy that tourists are welcome.
We have our way to live! Yes sometimes we are rude but it means nothing! Parisians can t be super friendly during a first meeting
Just got back from my first trip to France a few weeks ago and I had a great time! I did try to prepare a bit by watching a few videos (like yours) learn a few things. The following are a few lessons learned...
1. Learning a little French goes a long way, just the basic greetings etc... but, if you plan to travel more, invest in a universal translator device (~$200)
2. Your debit/credit cards won’t work at any autopay terminal that does not have a person working there... examples: pay parking ticket kiosk, closed gas stations w “24hr” credit only pay, etc.
3. Outside of major cities (i.e. Paris), most shopping stores seem to be closed on Sundays.
4. Odd hours of operation: even during the week, a lot of stores seem to close at 8pm (2000hrs, they use military time there).
5. A lot of restaurants seem to close for a few hours between breakfast/lunch/dinner. Also, a lot of night clubs (in Paris) seem to only be open on the weekends.
6. Uber is probably the best way to get around in Paris. That said, renting a car is a great experience if you’re gonna travel around the country.
7. Speaking of car rentals... make sure you get an International Driving Permit, if you’re gonna rent a car. Only costs $30 and you can get one in about 10-15 from any AAA store.
8. If you’re a smoker (or vaper), bring enough of your product to last the whole trip. If you have to buy tobacco products in France, they’re not as abundant like in the U.S.
9. Get Cash! Stop at your bank at least a week before you leave and order some Euros.
10. Bring a small adjustable “city bag” backpack for daily trips. They’re great for holding battery banks, drinks, souvenirs you pick up, etc. But I say adjustable, meaning ones you can adjust to slip around to your front etc. in case you’re in crowded places where they warn about pick pockets.
11. Lastly... this is 2 fold...
A. Keep your passports with you at all times in a secure pocket on your person.
B. Talk to your credit card company or a reputable travel agent to purchase “Actual” travel insurance (NOT to be confused w a ‘ticket protection’ option) actual travel insurance that will guarantee, with no hassle, up front, plane ticket replacement, regardless of which airline, in case your flight is delayed, canceled, or god forbid (like in our case) your airline goes bankrupt while your on vacation.
stop with stereotypes !!! we love Americans and english people !!!! and excellent video ! ;)
+Valou Les anglais un peu moins :D, ils ont brûlé Jeanne les cons :D. Pour les états-uniens, ils confondent le fait de détester leurs élites et gouvernements, et le peuple...
Moondie oui mais l'amour n'est pas toujours réciproque xD
Moi je déteste les américains mais les anglais sa va
Moi je ne déteste personne.Mais je me méfie un peu des Anglais.
+Clash Addict Plus ou moins la meme chose. Les Etats Unis etaient fondes par des anglais.
2:14
Thank you for saying that !!!
The French are considered stingy when they are abroad because they do not leave tips, or leave little. Now you know why.
For the French, it is totally absurd to pay once the restaurant owner, and once his staff. We pay once.
If no one explains us the American system when we are in the USA, we can not guess it.
If the French knew that the waiters are paid by the customers, you would be surprised at the tips they would leave, because the French have a very "democratic socialist" state of mind. They would be ashamed to be taken for exploiters of the little staff.
The first time I paid in an American restaurant, I paid discreetly for everyone, as I would have done in France. Usually friends are surprised that everything is paid. The skill is to succeed in paying first, otherwise everyone is fighting to pay. In this case, the one who managed to pay first said to others: "you only have to tip".
Fortunately there was a French expatriate among us who guessed that I had not left the tip ...
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
In Paris;
Only one server we encountered wasn't very friendly.
Luckily (as far as I know) no pick pockets.
A LOT of ppl spoke English.
I saw maybe two (at the most) homeless/beggers.
Hardly any dog poop.
A lot of people were super nice.
I want to go back 😣
Man... Finaly a american youtuber understood that only people in paris are not sweet...
So much helpful information. Merci!
Great Video. I know a little French and it served me well while in Paris. A Beautiful City and you will never be bored. I actually sustained my food requirements by eating Fruits & Veggies from various street food vendors. I must say that the Fruits & Veggies were 100% fresh and very tasty. Way better than the USA and other countries I have visited. Also, I over indulged in drinking the various Wines. The French Wine is "AWESOME" and I never woke up with a hangover! Reason=No Preservatives in their Wine! I never knew that! As for the people of France, by and large they are very friendly. A few A-Holes here and there but that's to be expected. Don't ever hesitate to assert yourself if you paid for a service that failed to meet your expectations. They respond well to a kick in the A@@.
One very hot day in Paris, my husband and I escaped into a large café for a bite to eat and a glass of wine. I do speak French. I asked for a "blanc sec," which used to be street slang for a glass of white wine. The waiter returned with a glass of wine. There were bits of cork floating in it. I politely pointed this out to him, in French. He sneered at us. He returned with a large soup spoon and practically threw it on the table, sneered again, and rushed away. I did use the spoon. We finished our snack, left enough for the food and wine, MINUS the obligatory "pour boire", and ran out the door when he was not looking. Is the type of A@@hole you refer to, dave andrews?
Great video packed with good information !! Thanks Merci !!
Love your videos! Very informative and helpful. I'm visiting Paris for a couple weeks in August!
Hey Mark......just got home from France yesterday.....spent a couple of days in Avingnon......loved it. Can't wait to go back.
+Heather Smedley cool. I am hoping to have our top 10 Avignon and 5 love and hate of Avignon videos out in the next few weeks
With the petition thing I only lost €1 thankfully. My advice to getting good service is to say: merci, bonjour, au revoir, s’il vous plaît. I said them every time and sales people or at the restaurant they were polite as well. Also with the bill, mine was given to me shortly after I ordered and I took it to the front to pay for it. My daughter learned French at school so it was a good thing I paid attention.
3,4K 👍🏻thank you Prof.🤗🌏🌏🌏
Best wishes to you and yours from Krakow
Tom
You are quite right about the bill, it's even considered not cool to bring it before you've asked, because it might mean you should go.
Great tips! Will definitely keep these in mind!
The crack in between the bed is rare in France. Mostly common in Germany, just saying :)
In many hotels they ask what you prefer, one or two beds.
Thanks for letting us know more about France. I will be going in January with my best friend for her birthday. First time there and really needed this info. We are fans of straightening irons, lol.
+Marisa Zapata glad that we could help :) the straightening iron... make sure it is dual voltage or ZAPPO :) have a great trip!
From France, I love your video man. they are really nice !
Thank you
Look in forward to coming there next year...i still have to do a lot of research with plane fares etc...but awesome vid. Keep the the good work Sir!
Several years ago, I discovered the Alsace. I fell in love with it and am dying to go again.
Here's another tip: With some banks you can use your debit card to draw cash, but you must have a SIX digit pin. So if you are going to France and expecting to use your debit card, make sure you change your pin before you go.
great video and very accurate! I might send it to international student that come to my university :)
But there is just a little thing, we never or very rarely charge a 50% tip or any percent tip in france. there is a 20% but it's TVA (VAT in english i guess). So we only tip if the service was very good and the waiter very nice!
I enjoy your videos, being English living in the states you give an accurate picture. I grew up watching rick steves, it was never accurate their advice always stood out as hay I'm an American!
Big thanks, Mark.
Thank you Wolters World! My trip to Paris is in two weeks. I would love to ask you a few questions before going. Great video as always
Nice, fair, honest and useful video
The French are some of the nicest people and very helpful (but they are very formal), and you can get by with knowing only a few basic things in French, when you go into a shop just say "bonjour Madam" (Mrs.) or Monsieur (Mr.) to the shop keeper as that is polite, then do your best with "Franglais" it works fine. At restaurants slow service is seen as professional NOT rude, they do not rush you so take your time, the French take two or three hours to eat so if you want the bill you ask for it. A funny change in the last 20yrs is the Parisian waiters have become very US friendly as we tend to tip more than anyone (China) and we are now welcomed with open arms and even some smiles... If the bill is 18 Euros and you leave a 20 that is more than fine and very appreciated. If the service is outstanding I leave 5 to 10%.
thank you for the information very useful
Great video...I miss France, going again next year.
+Yorel Campos its an awesome place. you will have a great time. I am jealous. wish I was going back soon
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
I don't know if you've already done, but you should visit my city, Marseille, in the south of France, it's one of the most beautiful cities in France and the second largest, so you won't have any problems with the transports... Come, my city is great !
comment te dire Marseille n'est pas très bien réputée en ce moment ...
Duffy Vanessa
Et pourquoi donc ?
j'ai vu ça il n'y a pas très longtemps . de toute façon ce n'est pas que Marseille mais toute la France.www.ouest-france.fr/terrorisme/etat-islamique/daesh-menace-marseille-les-habitants-de-la-cite-phoceenne-rispostent-4381783
Oh ça... Comme tu l'as dit, c'est pareil pour toute la France, et on sait très bien que ça va nous tomber dessus depuis l'attentat de Nice, mais les sites ultra-touristiques sont très bien protégés, il y a des militaires devant la Cathédrale et NDDG, et sur le port. Mais on est pas à l'abri de fusillades sur des terrasses ou des cafés dans le centre-ville... Quand ça arrivera, prions pour que nous n'y soyons pas à ce moment...
Your city is filthy and full of thugs and criminals... that is if I am to stay politically correct. Marseille is truly disgusting! Use a KARCHER!!!
When ever I'm about to travel somewhere, I find a Wolters world video on it. xD Thanks for the advice!
Great info ,thanks so much
Don't pay in 50s as there's lots of counterfitting and that's the note usually counterfitted
+Shromzs Good to know. thanks!
+Shromzs This is totally wrong
+Thibz Madbar just something I was told while there could be bollox :)
+Shromzs I never met anyone that ran into an issue from paying with €50 bills... I'm practically definitive when I say banks would not hand people counterfeit bills
+woltersworld Well you can PAY with 50 € notes that you got from an ATM. Just be careful if you receive one. And don't get offended if people check yours, that's all.
The most counterfeit note is the 20€ one anyway, because it's more common and people usually don't check them.
Also, there are new notes being put in use (5, 10 and 20) , so don't be alarmed if you see slightly different ones. And prefer the newer ones because they aren't yet massively counterfeit.
You can tell the old ones from the new ones easily, the old ones have the word "Euro" in latin and greek alphabet only, the new ones are in latin, greek and cyrillic alphabet.
Really well done! Bravo from a French in London.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
I arrive in Paris on August 1st...can't hardly wait!
Great, helpful video!
Wolter, you made a good comment about the TGV's needing reservations and costing a premium over Eurail. I had a 2 country pass France / Germany and had to take Thaly's from Norde, Brussels, Liege, Aachen to Cologne - they charged me for the premium high speed Thalys and for going into a country I did not previously include on my Eurail, which was of course - Belgium. Just something to keep in mind when traveling by rail. And, if you're traveling more than 100 miles that day, I recommend getting 1st Class tickets. Much, much more comfortable than 2.
Hi,As a French traveler (living next to Avignon for a few months) I have to tell you a few things :1st : Great video, congratulations !2nd : You are incredibly right : French people don't hate Americans (or British) it is all about cliché ! That said our cultures very different and we dislike a few points of your habits like you American probably dislike several points in ours3rd : I disagree on something ; about tips in restaurants, French people are not defining 50% higher prices, we are only applying a 20% tax and in France waiters are (sometimes well) paid every month that is the reason why we don't tip a lot but it is still appreciatedBy the way, it is really pleasant to see a traveler who really traveled in France (not only in Paris ...) you probably now quite well France now (I highly recommend you to visit Brittany)Go on ! Enjoy your trips around the world - all the best
+0kasey0 He said 15% not 50 :P
+gushersboy Ow sorry I don't know why I thought of way more oO
+0kasey0 When Americans speak you can't really tell the difference between how they pronounce "fifteen" and "fifty"...I've had that issue too. haha
+Andres Lopez Ok that's the point haha :D
+0kasey0
Personnaly i HATE english gouv from all they do during all century, and i hate all english who agree them shit comportement over the other nations.
(North america, India, Australia, South Africa etc....)
England first country of the world to put war every where.
I think that we're lucky as a country to attract such nice lads, I'm proud that you find our culture interesting. There are so many other wonderful countries but here you are
Love From France =)
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Can't wait to move to France on the 18th!
Some people can get annoyed if you don't at least try to speak French.
Some menus are on the outside of the restaurants.
So glad my mom's had the chip last time we went! But we are bringing one with a chip this time!
I love/loved France. It is an amazing experience.
I loved the walking in France.
The police are very strict on the speed limit.
You are right. Service in French restaurants is normally very good. However, Once in Boulogne sur Mer, I've seen a waiter that got a little irritated when an American family orderd escargots and when they were served, they asked for ketchup. (No joke, I was a witness)
He wasn't even rude, he just slammed the ketchupbotlle with a litlle "bang" on the table so that all the other guests turned their head and saw what this "brady-bunch" with their baseball-caps on had ordered. It was great fun.
he could've seen it as them being rude for using condiments for food. it's seen as an insult to the chef like their food wasn't good enough that you have to put something else on it to make it edible lol
freonxkipper ahahah! That reminds me of an American tourist ordering an artichoke and starting eating it with his fork and his knife 😂
@chris brown They should kick you out in any restaurant, not only great restaurants. This waiter even tried to explain that adding ketchup wasn't a good idea and even een slight culinary crime. But when the Americans insisted to get ketchup he couldn't hide his anoyment (and nor could I)
1:43 actually it’s Bangkok, Thailand that’s the most visited city
Those were some nice views of Nice!
just one thing about tipping, it is true that tipping is sorta included in the bill, but the staff in France , waiters, receptionist etc.. will never see the color of it, it's all for the owner of the hotel, café or restaurant, so lots of French ppl do small tip in these places, ( more depending on how much you pay and the quality of service ) but do not assume that the staff will get something if u do not tip at all, cos they will not. just to clarify.
very useful, thanks
when visit germany the next time you have to visit Münster! a really nice place and it's quite easy to get there!
Nice video, informative 👏
Strasbourg \o/ nice vidéo , very true :)
I went to Amiens two years ago. So I am lost in memories while seeing this.
Amiens is one of my favorite cities in France. I was just there again this week!
I like your videos. You speak a clear English, I can understand you a little ^^
totally true..we visited Paris last week and I loved every minute of it !! should have watched this video first tho lol!
hmm i didn't find it dirty, i loved the atmosphere and everyone was extremely nice : ) ,,actually plan on going back maybe in the future
I have noticed that if you try to learn and speak their language, you tend to get better service. This applies to other countries as well. Absorb the culture!
Don't know if it had been said or not, but usually train-tickets are, most of the times, pre-stamped from the moment you buy them.
Of course, checking is necessary, but stamping them is usually unneeded today.
Thank you!
+1 for Strasbourg :)
Awesome tip Mark. Hey has anyone told you you look like Barry Gibb? That was my first take. Merci.
The bidet is actually mostly use for whasing the feet :) It is also practical to women (not giving details x) )
Oh and we also use the bidet to soak laundry if needed. It actually comes quiete handy in the end. ^^
Nice vid man
I know a good amount of French but I love everything about France; food, culture, everything. I really want to move there after college. I hope I get the opportunity to.
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Please do a couple of videos about Nice, I'm going there next month! Also it would be cool to see a video about using the Paris metro :) Thank you for your Super useful channel!
+Saga17 I will try to get my 5 love and hates up before you head there ;)
im going to paris for the first time. Middle of September. seems like you have been there alot, what is the weather like ?
+Mary Dixon i dont know what north carolina weather is like so basically i would just like to know what the weather in just Paris is usually like in mid september
+MyEnime you can google it. most likely 60s and cloudy and chilly
+tootsies place ive googled it. im just asking the guy since he is there alot and weather is unpredictable
I've been there twice in different seasons and both times the predicted weather was very accurate
+MyEnime
September in Paris is GENERALLY beautiful but cool (daily highs around mid-60s to mid-70s) with chance of light showers. Bring a light jacket and/or a snug sweater for the days and a slightly warmer jacket for the evenings (which will be much cooler: in the 50s), and have an umbrella handy; a heavy coat is unnecessary. Autumn in Paris is beautiful and very cool as it is in New England, U.S. in autumn. So basically, dress for autumn in New England or for the Pacific Northwest.
Using the B day is pretty simple.
You just set down first while straddling the device, and then you turn on the water.
People freak out because it is unfamiliar but it was not that tough to use at all.
Years ago the first time I was there I had to stop in to a local shoe store to buy some flats. Cobblestones and stilettos do not mix! In New York I have heals that I call my New York Walking shoes. They are comfortable heals that I can walk anywhere. Now I have French walking shoes...flats!
Sorry don't understand about curling irons not working with an adapter. Can you explain please?
when you visit germany the next time you have to get to Münster!
really nice place and it's quite easy to get there!
+Sheckmax one of my buddies studied there. went there and really was a fun unistadt :)
woltersworld he had a fun time for sure! Im studying there too!:)
Bon soir,
Thanks for great helpful enjoying illustration. I would like to have a French language course in France. Is there any guidance or recommendation s'il vous plait?
Thanks,
+Abdulrahman Hummadi.
That depend the kind of course you looking for. I think the cheaper solution would be find a student in bachelor or master LEA (foreign language) who can teach you french from your first language. Also you can find "real" teachers but that will be more expensive.
What is your first language and where will you go ?
Cela dépend du type de cours que vous cherchez. Je pense que la solution la moins chère serait de trouver un étudiant en licence ou master (LEA (langues étrangère appliquées) qui pourra vous apprendre le français en utilisant votre langue maternelle. Aussi vous pouvez trouver un "vrai" professeur mais cela sera plus cher.
Quelle est votre langue maternelle et où irez-vous ?
I love the channel but I do think much of these things are common sense, however this channel does put the things you should know together! Btw im from the Netherlands so I do know what it is like to travel trough Europe ;)
You should visit the city of Nancy, not far from Strasbourg. It's a beautiful city and there is the "Place Stanislas", one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there is excellent specific food.
For longer train rides how much do those cost?
Very strange oddity when I was in Nice last month, so many places didn't like to make change! I'd give them a certain number of Euros (bills, coins, etc ... ) and they say "don't you have anything smaller"? At first I thought it was just one store but then it kept happening in different places. Perhaps because I was a tourist?
+KevinPDX1 No, it's because small store don't have the possibility to get change as easely as supermarket where they would have a reserve for that. So they always try to get as close as possible to the required amount.
Specially in store like bakery where they mostly deal with small transaction not always rounded, so usually we do "l'appoint", for exemple if something is 1.30€, and you do not have 1€/2€ coins but you do have 30 cent, you would give a 5€ bill and 30 cent, to make it easier for the cashier. Or just try to have the right amount or very close., since you'll always end up with coins in one way or an other.
I thought it was just the store (which was fairly small) however I went to much larger stores in Nice and had the same experience. Very odd (for me at least) since stores in the states always give change unless it's something outlandish like giving the cashier a $100 bill for a pack of gum and wanting change.
i was just in europe this june paris being one of the places they were doing the clip board thing. It said it was for blind kids or something. my idiot husband signed it and gave her like 2 euros i got mad and gave her two coins she got pissed and didn't take it. We also watched a lady for hours begging for money for her sick baby, the baby never moved not even a little bit and she was moving fast like crazy never checked on the baby. She also was not carrying any kind of diaper bag it was awful that poor child was probably drugged.
I'm really sorry to hear that. I live in Paris and these types of people are everywhere! The child might be drugged or dead (yup, unbelievable but he's not the only one). These guys are scammers and thieves, don't believe them, they are not even here legally. I'm so angry about what's happening in Paris. It used to be a beautiful city and it stills a famous place to go, but not for long. Thieves are everywhere in here, and our president sucks.
+tootsies place Paris is the most visited city in the world. And because of this, some mafia groups started a real underground business in the streets of Paris.
The beggars even use, dogs or children for their purpose.
Some will ask you to sign useless papers while they steal your money.
It can destroy your holidays in Paris, however, if you are aware of such possibilities, you wont have much troubles. :)
+herezy92 Don't worry, most of the time when beggers have a baby it is just a doll. This is why they move fast so you have no time to see.
i looked at this boy closely he was leaking boogers and drooling
+Elisa Chea Thanks for being honest. Here in America if you say that liberals call you a racist, but the truth is the truth. Screw the governments for letting these people in. Most are not refugees. France I swear (and Germany and Sweden) is screwed. Still I love Europe. I have French heritage and my parents are going back to France this year.
i am french and what you say about the country is very clever. plus your french speaking is fine, without any accent. are you accustomed to speaking french?
+roucoupse I speak a little French. I hope enough to be a good tourist :)
+woltersworld i am glad you answered. your videos help me learn english while in the meantime i discover/rediscover several european places. very helpful
+roucoupse that is great to hear! thanks for watching. all the best on your learning and traveling :)
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
I have a question. Do we need to reserve hotels ahead of time or when we het there, we will not have. Problem getting a hotel?thank you for all the useful information.
Hi! My dad and I are planning on staying at the domaine de rochegude la barthelasse in Avignon, but it is a bit of a drive or bike from the nearest metro and sightseeing trips. How would you suggest transportation? Should I call an uber to the flat or should we rent a car?
I'm French and I totally approve this video! Great job mate, no cliches there except the "bidet" part, we use it to clean our hands not our butts (well at least for the last 150 years). Haha :D
Merci!
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
just a little mistake at 9:00, Paris is 01 for the beginning of the phone number, but good explanation of France ;)
c'est 01 effectivement pour la région parisienne mais aussi 09 sur tout le pays depuis l'avènement des box internet, le 09 n'est pas spécifique à paris. malgré ce détail c'est une vidéo très juste sur le tourisme en france je trouve.
+roucoupse effectivement même si le 05 pour les fixe reste le plus étendu
J'ai quelque chose pour toi que tu vas bien adorer, Loïc: th-cam.com/video/WJBClO1EPsk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=jean-claudeschwartz J'ai fais un vidéo sur la France
Hi and thanks for all your videos. ---- You mentioned to get cell phone data before you go to France. Eould you please elaborate/recommend where to get it ftom?