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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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!!!🎉

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

BAGUETTE. A majority of French people will buy their baguettes everyday because they want them freshly baked and crispy.

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.

The French were t h e. nicest people to me when I spent a summer in Europe as age 20.

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!

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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 :) )

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 😊🇺🇸💕🇫🇷

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.

I was in France in 1990, it was clean and friendly at that time

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!

Courtesy given is courtesy received. I visited Normandy and Paris in 2018 and had a great time.

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.

How sad to see American fast food junk poison food anywhere outside of America

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!

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.

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.

Love that beautiful European architecture. It makes a world of a difference. Nothing like walking or biking in a city with great looking buildings.

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. 🙏🏻

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 🙏

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.

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.

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 both look more relaxed and healthier since you’ve been in Europe.

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.

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!

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!!

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!

Just to remind foreigners from english speaking country that you have a french word wich is ETIQUETTE that is still in use in france. Greetings and thanks are mandatory in our country (its the same for netherland spain italy germany switzerland portugal and on and on) just because english and american people thought not welcoming anyone was normal doesnt mean it is

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!

I was in France 40 years ago and it was clean.And everyone was very helpful and nice.

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.

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.

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! 🤣

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

France is not dirty….I’ve lived north and south for 35 years.

Just spent a month in France. Agree with you. It was great.

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 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). 😊

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!!!

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.

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 KZfaqrs perpetuate the stereotypes around US citizens as obnoxiously loud, standing out like sore thumbs. Not true at all. Many KZfaqrs 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.

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

We have known to go out on the ground and see for ourselves and not blindly believe the media sources.

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

I love France and the French people. I spend ~3 months a year near Nice.

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!

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.

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.

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. 🇨🇵✌️

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.

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!

French person here living outside of France - I find it universal to greet people when you come into a place, public space. This is common sense, if you come round friendly, people will be friendly with you (albeit some regions people will stare at you as if you're a weirdo saying Bonjour to strangers with a smile 😅). I always make an effort to at least speak the local greetings and everyday phrases plus try to brush up on the do's and don'ts for each place I visit I am not from. It is called being respectful.

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.

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

Bravo! Thanks for calling out the American Media! Much needed. I say, move, live and enjoy life! Fully Ignore what you see in the US Media. We moved about 18 months ago to Europe and couldn't be happier. We are also healthier, wealthier, more friends, better food , better medical insurance and so much more! Have to go back later this year to my Sons wedding and the costs associated with everything involved are astronomical. I've become one of your active followers due to your honesty and clarity of presentation! Continue being Amazing!

You're good vibes are contagious! And Amelia has a great French pronounciation too. Very nice video.

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.

I've been to France several times since I was in college in the 70s. France has changed. Much more modern, less smoking and far less dog poop on the sidewalks than years ago. The food in the markets is higher quality and far less expensive than in the U.S. Restaurant food is comparably priced, but I found alcohol to be expensive compared to the U.S. I suspect that's because the French will sit over a glass of wine in a cafe for hours after work with friends (at least in the Paris neighborhood where I usually stay) so they have to charge for that. I have very limited French language skills and have had no problems, although maybe that would not be the case in the less touristic areas. And from my point of view, the French got their act together to do the right thing in the last election, which makes France even more attractive to me. Hoping to spend more time in France in the future.

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!)

French person here. I think we don't dislike american, especialy when they tried to speak french. It's just that we don't like the US political system (no healthcare, stuff like that) American people are generaly nice, the only downside if that they sometime speak too loudly : ) Also studies show that french people smoke and drink less and less nowadays. PS: What i like about france is that each french region have his own cheese/vin/meal

About smocking restrictions it has been created in 2007, forbidden to smoke within buildings as restaurants or public areas :) thank you for your kind videos ! As a French it means a lot to me to have your feelings and honest feedbacks about my country. All those stereotypes are so toxics ! Thank you and all my love from France ❤

Nice honest video like you always present….Thank You for sharing…..Alex 🇬🇷

Agree USA is expensive! Don’t forget to add sales tax and tip on everything. About 28-30 percent. I visited Paris last September. Agree totally with your impressions. Loved it 🥰. The only thing that was super expensive was the airbnb in the Latin quarter. Ouch. Paid about $500 per night. It was very nice and excellent location but made me expect everything was going to be expensive. Not true. Prices were not bad. Actually it was less expensive than Atlanta

The French do appreciate visitors who try to speak French, as you said. If I'm struggling with something in French, the French person often switches to English and says, "Actually, I do speak some English." They may not have confidence in their English skills, but once they hear how bad my French is, they realize their English is better than they thought!😂Some of the stereotypes may have been true 30+ years ago but aren't any longer (I did not encounter much friendliness in Paris in the 80's, but they weren't rude either). I visit my cousins in Paris every 2 years and I've learned a few things, such as when you walk into a shop, it is polite to scan for an employee who is watching the entrance. It's nice to say "Bonjour" to them, then to say "bonne journée" (have a good day) to them as you leave. Manners are important when you travel anywhere, it's a matter of respect.

Another thing they scare you off here on KZfaq 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!

I have friends who have visited France and they told me that the negative stereotypes about the French tend to be truer in Paris than anywhere else in France. Once you get away from Paris, the French people are kind, friendly and much more approachable than in Paris.

A real issue with the many tourists visiting France is that the only visit Paris and just assume it’s everywhere exactly the same. It’s cool you did visited other places ❤️ Paris can be dirty, no point do deny it. And Parisiens are not known to be the nicest. But as you mentioned as long as you act nice, people are most likely going to be nice with you as well.

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.

I think you picked one of the best places in France to have an extended stay. There is another KZfaq 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!