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Those who have been to Paris, France

Original post by ChrissynRicky

Just curious to know what your experience was. MOH speaks fluent French and told me that I might not feel welcomed or enjoy myself b/c I don't speak French. Basically that I would have a rough go b/c the citizens aren't too friendly to non-French speakers...

stephanielyse Posted:

Re: Those who have been to Paris, France

I never head a problem when I was in Paris. I was with two friends and we spoke very little French. My suggestion would be to learn a few simple phrases and everyday words and learn how to say 'I don't speak French, do you speak English?' If you are respectful to people and aren't yelling loudly in English because they SHOULD understand (not that you would, but this is how some people act), you shouldn't have a problem. In all of my travels people loved to tell me how much they love NY and are happy to speak to a New Yorker.

july06bride Posted:

Re: Those who have been to Paris, France

I went as a teenager, I was an exchange student in the south of france, but visited paris for almost two weeks, I did not speak french- maybe a few words here and there...the family I stayed with spoke spanish and english...
anyway, I felt welcomed! Of course they appreciate when you try to speak french, but I did not have a problem! I really enjoyed it! there were a handful of rude people, but that will be anywhere...many of the people I met spoke english-
aliwnec10 Posted:

Re: Those who have been to Paris, France

Seriously... i was there last year and it was never a problem. No one was every rude! And in most tourist spots, everyone speaks english! I went to Paris like 10 years ago and on one spoke english. But more recently, it seemed like everyone does now and most i came into contact with, were helping me out with the pronounciations and all.

I loved it! I'd pack my things and move there in a second if i could!
JessicaM. Posted:

Re: Those who have been to Paris, France

OMG my french is HORRIBLE and I had a great time.

I find that no matter where you go, if you make and effort, and smile , people are generally happy to help...it's when YOU expect THEM to understand YOU in THEIR country that things get a little ugly...

I also believe in asking men for things. I don't care how it sounds...I always get a better response from men, so I go that route. sexist it may be, but I have yet to be mistreated.
MarcusGirl Posted:

Re: Those who have been to Paris, France

You will be absolutely fine. We were there in August (that is were FH proposed!) and I did not speak a lick of french. FH thought he did, but it turns out his high school french was not as good as he thought! Everyone there speaks english and I did not find all those rumors of the French being rude to Americans to be true. FH taught me a few choise phrases - do you speak english, where is the bathroom...and I think as long as they see you try, they are very helpful. I think some of them actually got a kick out of us trying. Please go there - it was one of my favorite places and we swear we'll go back for our 10 year anniversary. It is sooooo beautiful and so many things to see. FM me if you want some more info.

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