Paris

[TM]

JazzBaby,

Yes, it is certainly funny. But, it is the attempt that matters. My experience is that if you make the attempt to communicate in the language of the country you are visiting, you will be rewarded. Perhaps not by a harried waiter. Also, I think that most Parisians can speak some English, but they are offended by the assumption that they speak English.

Tony

 

[JazzBaby]

JazzBaby,

Yes, it is certainly funny. But, it is the attempt that matters. My experience is that if you make the attempt to communicate in the language of the country you are visiting, you will be rewarded. Perhaps not by a harried waiter. Also, I think that most Parisians can speak some English, but they are offended by the assumption that they speak English.

Tony

I agree. They have a right to be offended. It does display a little arrogance on the tourists part to assume that everyone does (or should) speak English.

 

[Harp]

JazzBaby,
Also, I think that most Parisians can speak some English, but they are offended by the assumption that they speak English.

Tony

und ein peu Deutsch.

 

[Spitfire]

The least the tourist can do, is to ask: "Do you speak english?" before they start blabbering on and expects the locals to understand.
If the locals do not speak english - try the local language. You come a long way with a try and smile....also in France! Even in Paris.

 

[catspyjamas]

Oh, I forgot something else !!!

This is a MUST-DO for vintage dance afficionados. Go to a guinguette on a saturday or sunday afternoon. Have lunch, listen to accordeon music and then dance dance dance. Edith Piaf used to sing in guinguettes - some of them have still kept a vintage-y feel.

Guinguettes are tea/dance salons on the river in small towns bordering Paris. Fairly easy to get to by RER and apparently also by boat from the Bastille.

http://www.linternaute.com/restaurant/guide/guinguettes/joinville-le-pont-94340/

 

[Viola]

I agree. They have a right to be offended. It does display a little arrogance on the tourists part to assume that everyone does (or should) speak English.

I manage to be polite to people who come up to me and go off in entire sentences in Russian. Confused, often useless, but polite.

-Viola

 

[Spitfire]

Viola - if that happens in Russia, there is no need to be confused.
And if it happens in your city, they obviously needs help.

 

[Viola]

Viola - if that happens in Russia, there is no need to be confused.
And if it happens in your city, they obviously needs help.

Oh, I meant here. My point was simply that being polite to lost/confused non-local language speakers is not that big a deal and doesn't take any longer than being cold.

I wouldn't dream of being short or rude with someone for being here and unable to handle English, whether they're tourists or just moved here. I don't see anything reasonable in copping an attitude, and that goes for me, and that goes for Pierre.

-Viola

 

[Jack Scorpion]

Well, in Russia, you ain't likely to run into someone who speaks English, so I never tried speaking English or asking if they did. I did, however, run into folk who were offended by my bad Russian at least once a day. Patience for that kind of stuff is a little low over there.

In Paris, since I don't speak a wink of the language, I'd probably put on my Don't Hate Me I Don't Know What I am Doing face as I ask, in English, where to find a good patet sandwich. I'd ask la belles, not la betes, of course.

 

[Stormy]

Paris is indeed a wonderful place! I went to Paris every year from 2001-2008. My best friend and I spent the summer there in '05. We plan to take another group of students next spring. Paris is just one of the most vintage places on Earth a moi.

 

[Mojito]

I think it's rather arrogant to approach someone where another language is the norm and just begin speaking in your own language and expect them to understand. I know a great many Australians wouldn't take it kindly if a Parisian walked up to them in Darling Harbour and just launched into a request for directions in French, as if assuming that they MUST speak the language. While I would try to be polite, I can understand why some people take offence. I work in a tourist-frequented area of Sydney and spend a lot of time trying to assist people with directions, some of whom do not have English as a first language. Almost invariably, they are polite and don't just assume I'm going to understand their language.

As for the Parisian French, they are absolutely wonderful - I've travelled all over the world, from Micronesia to Canada, and while I'd be hard-pressed to choose a favourite city I think I'd possibly nominate Paris. Every visit there has been magic. Show a little courtesy to them, and you'll Parisians are helpful, polite, and charming. I've been chatting with a friend about the menu in a bistro and had Parisians at the next table offer (unprompted) to help translate any terms I had difficulty with. People have walked up to me when I was looking at a Metro map to ask if I needed directions and offer to help (this has happened a few times). On one occasion I was with an American friend who wasn't being cautious with her belongings on the Metro - a charming elderly gentleman warned her that there were pickpockets targeting the area, and advised her to hold her bag more securely...he was doing his bit to look out for the tourists.

I get a bit irritated with the sterotypes about the arrogant, snobbish French (just as I do about, say, "Ugly Americans"). I studied a bit of the language, but have been there with people who speak virtually nothing of it and if they make even the slightest effort with a phrase book, the locals are beautifully mannered, however you butcher the language. One of the things I find so delightful about the French is that they do you the courtesy of responding in French when you try to converse in that language, but if you show any hesitancy of confusion, they politely switch to English (and invariably their English is much better than my French!). Try to learn a bit about local etiquette - the French, for example, tend to be more formal in stores and don't just walk in and begin pawing the merchandise...ask to look at a dress, don't just grab it.

You might still meet the odd narky waiter or brusque individual who doesn't have time to assist you...you'll find that in any big city in the world. But by and large, not only do I find Parisians well-mannered (even if they must be hugely entertained by a rambling Australian babbling about Delacroix or Hugo in a butchered version of their language), they enjoy sharing their culture with anyone who has genuine enthusiasm. I love French art, literature and history, and had fascinating discussions with locals on everything from second-wave French Romanticism to which French Revolution books to buy in the Musée Carnavalet's bookshop (I can never walk out of that bookshop without an armful of volumes). They were more than willing to meet me half-way on the language issue.

I think it will take a lifetime just to get through all the museums in Paris I want to see - they even have one dedicated to fans!

 

[harty]

When I have traveled to France I try to put to use my limited French skills. Usually the people will quickly assess how much I am able to communicate in French and respond accordingly. Like somebody else said, if someone sees you are stuck and they speak english they are more than willing to switch. If they don't speak English (I don't recall anyone in particular that I met in Paris that didn't, but outside of Paris I did) they are very patient.

Also, when traveling, even if I have been having a conversation in English, I have made an effort to always use the native language (so far French, Spanish, Italian) words for hello, goodbye, please, and thank you.

Two off the beaten path sights I would recommend in Paris--tours of the old Parisian sewer system and the catacombs. Both very weird when you think about it, but very interesting.

I was in Paris once during the final day of the Tour de France. Very exciting! I belive it was one of the years that Miguel Indurain won.

 

[Lenore]

My goodness. How did I miss this thread? Paris is my favorite place to be in this world. My first and last trip was when I was 17, and it felt so oddly familiar, it felt like home. Everyday since I've had a longing to return, but sadly, it has not been possible. I, too, danced across the star in front of Notre Dame. Perhaps I'll return soon.

 

[MikePotts]

In 1976, 3 friends and I spent April in Paris ( no really!) on our return trip from Africa. We were at the time well funded but still chose to live in the city at night and sleep in the Bois during the day as we planned to spend the rest of the year on the South coast.
We inspected all the seamier parts of town and soon learned where to eat and drink cheaply, mostly around Les Abbatoirs if I remember correctly.
There had been some political assasinations concerning Neo/Extant South American Nazis? at the time so we spent a lot of time talking to the gendarmes in the wee small hours explaining our presence.
We spent the rest of the year, after watching the Monaco Grand Prix from a very high vantage point! until October, being beach bums in Cap d'Antibes - My Favourite Year.

MP

 

[Steven180]

Paris...it's not a place, it's an experience.

In good company here with the majority of Paris lovers. As a long time francophile I suspect that many navigate the dichotomy between the french people, culture and society, and its politics. Nonetheless, France and the U.S. will always be relatives in the end.

Ditto on the recommendations here on this thread. The Rodin museum, Musee D'Orsay, The Invalides, Versailles, the Cafe's all are must see's. But also recommend just adding a couple of day's to walk and explore Paris. Find those places outside of the well traveled way, that's where you'll find the hidden Bohemian influence and those genuine stores and cafes you always hear about. Lastly, experience a Nutella crepe on a sunny day. I recommend the cart to the north west corner of Notre Dame, have yet to be disappointed there.

Hope those who had not made it Paris have by now, and that includes JazzBaby. Mojito, very well stated and I completely agree with your opinion and observations, thanks. Best to all, and thanks for sharing.
M.

 

[TM]

I agree with Steven180. Just walk! There is just so much to see - everywhere. Take the Metro to the far way places (I wouldn't want to walk to the Pere Lachaise cemetery from anywhere). Also, don't attempt to see it all. It's fun to choose an area and just hang out there.

Tony

 

[kyboots]

One of my favorite cities. You are very fortunate to have an upcoming trip. I was last there in 2010 and want to be back in 2012 if the dollar would find some footing and the European Banks get their act together. One of my favorite times was a three hour dinner in a small cafe with my son keeping him from accidentally ordering "chicken livers" when we both don't speak French and our waitress clearly did not speak English. It was a trip, had a great fun time and many a great meal. The best museum D'Orsay (by far in my world) and they always ran me out at closing time. More impressionistic art in one room than most museums have! I am envious; the hotel makes no difference so save some money ( ouch! you will need it ) you won't be in the room. Have fun.---John

 

[Tomasso]

accidentally ordering "chicken livers" when we both don't speak French

Don't worry about it, in America I once watched a Frenchman ask for an order of "fish dicks"....

 

[kyboots]

It takes so many to make a meal!

 

[Stormy]

"Drop me off in Paris!" I love everything about Paris, except the locals. But I don't even let them keep me from visiting every year. I have most enjoyed the times that I got to sing and play at a couple of soirees. I will go in March, and I hope to play some cafes along the way ...