Re: That Parisian "Attitude"

I'd agree with all of this - and the Obama factor is the icing on the cake. (It's not just young people who are ready to try out their English either.) The last two years or so there's also been a movement by some Parisians to show visitors the friendly face of the city. Personally, I hope they don't lose that "non" attitude completely... (am I the only who finds it rather endearing?!)

Re: That Parisian "Attitude"

Hi, I agree the WWW has been a major influence on more French folks speaking more English, than in the past, especially among the young. In the late 70s and early 80s I visited Paris several times, and it was much harder back then. Then I went to Paris in 2000 with my family, and then again last May for two days following an art class in Provence.
I think Parisians were nice in 2000 because I was with my husband and two young girls, 9 and 15, plus my teen spoke good French. Parisians even complimented her on her French. I went shopping with my cute nine- year old, just the two of us, and we just knew a few words of French. People in the stores and shops loved her. Nothing like a cute kid as a companion for people to be extremely friendly and helpful, not just in Paris, but in other parts of Europe we visited. On this trip, a couple of times, someone (usually under 40) would see the four of us huddled on the street, looking at a map or something, and ask if he or she could help us.

Last May, I had no cute kids with me or a teen speaking good French, but I had learned a bit more "tourist French" from listening to tapes and did the best I could. If I walked into a shop or restaurant, I greeted the salespeople in French and did my best. Then I would ask in French if someone spoke English if I got in over my head. That was fine with them, and they usually answered in English, especially younger folks. It was never a problem I think, because I showed respect and courtesy, greeting them first in their own language. I think if more Americans did their research beforehand they would have a better time in Paris.

So... speak at least a little French, be courteous, and if you can, take an adorable, smiling little girl with you, and you will bypass a lot of the "traditional Parisian attitude."

Re: That Parisian "Attitude"

I agree. I visited France last summer for three weeks and found the French to be very accommodating, friendly and charming. Outside of Paris and other major French cities, the French are not always able to carry on a conversation in English. For example, in Ste. Malo, Liseaux, La Salette, and other places, I did not find many English speakers. On the buses and trains, I encountered many French only speakers. This did not prevent me from communicating with them. Throughout France, I managed by greeting them in French and apologizing for my limited French. Immediately, I found them willing to help me. In some cases, I found they were willing to speak English and some even tried to help me learn better French. A railroad clerk responded to my desperate plea for help with" I will speak English only for you Madame." In other cases, the conversation included a bit of French, a bit of English and lots of hand signs. My taxi driver in Normandy and I carried on a wonderful and animated conversation about the upcoming American elections in this manner. And on a steep bus trip down the Alps, a lovely grandmotherly French woman and I taught each other new words for the sights we were enjoying. I hope that the French continue to make us feel welcome in their country. I imagine this will continue as long as we realize we are guests in their country and show our good manners. On another note, travel is only enjoyable when we understand that its a different culture and open ourselves to new experiences. We can enjoy that culture only when we aren't expecting (or demanding) life as we know it at home. BUT I think I am preaching to the choir!

Re: That Parisian "Attitude"

We were last May in Paris for 10 days.My husband was very reluctant to go since he heard that Americans are not liked there and treated very rudely.To his surprise everybody was very accomondating and polite.Now he his looking forward to our next trip in May.We love Paris!!!