The Jetpacker

There’s three things you learn when you grow up: don’t put your finger in an electrical socket, don’t swim 30 minutes after eating, and don’t expect a French person to be nice.  I seriously thought that as soon as I stepped off the plane in Paris, a guy wearing a beret would flick his cigarette butt in my face.

Everyday I waited for it to happen.  Maybe a leggy French model-type would kick me in the shins with her high heels.  Maybe a waiter would spit in my food and say “bon apetit, stupid.”  Maybe a taxi driver would push us out of a moving car.

But it never happened.  We never encountered the stereotypical rude French person.  In fact, they were some of the kindest, most hospitable people we’ve ever met.  They offered us food of their plate.  They taught us how to eat escargot.  They helped us buy metro tickets when we looked lost and confused.  They volunteered to take our photographs when we didn’t ask.  And they didn’t even steal my camera!

Well, we think we know why.  Here are 7 tips that will help you stave off rude French people:

#1. Be polite. Say hello and goodbye, in French of couse, as you enter and leave their restaurants, shops and attractions. Don’t speak loudly if it’s quiet.  Open doors for people.  Make eye contact and smile when someone acknowledges you.  This is all basic stuff.

#2. Try to speak their language. You’re a visitor in their country. English isn’t the primary language.  And the French are very prideful of their language.  So learn the basics at least:  “please”, “thank you” and “good day”, and the saving-grace phrase: “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?).

#3. Be willing to make conversation. The French are way more open to talking to strangers than most closed-off Americans.  Be receptive to the idea and don’t be scared of making conversation, even in broken French.

#4. Respect their directness. The French are passionate people that hold nothing back.  They have strong opinions and they’re willing to share them… even without an invitation.  It can be jarring at first, but you’ve gotta admire how open they are.

#5. Dish out compliments (when applicable of course). A simple compliment can soften up even the biggest curmudgeon.

#6. Don’t act superior. Americans and Brits have a tendency to walk around with a cocky swagger and an unfounded sense of entitlement.  If you act that way, don’t be surprised to encounter a French person that’s willing to put you back in your place.

#7. Don’t judge the French until they give you a reason to judge them. Visit France with a blank slate.  Don’t assume they’ll be rude.  But also don’t expect them to accommodate you by speaking English. 

If you tried all that and still suffered the wrath of a stereotypical rude French person, let’s hear about it!