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Is France overrated?

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I use to want to take a trip to France, but whenver I ask people of there trip to France they always say it sucked. They say people were rude to them even calling them "fe$king Americans" and "go back to America", no waiter would serve at there table. Driving being insane like India. While in other places in Europe I usualy hear quite the opposite.

Travel Tips

First, let me tell that I'm french.
In our country, like in any other country in the world, there are idiots. So many french people behave as idiots in France, and I have to admit some are strange in Paris.
But do you really think someone in a restaurant or in a shop in France will refuse to serve or sell seomthing to a tourist??? That is a nonsense...
There are many places in France where americans are more than welcome. And let me tell you a story: I visited the US last year, and I was very welcome by the US... whereas many french people told me "Americans hate the french people!"
See the answers you got to your questions: some people say realistic things, other say "the French suck": that's just the way people are. But believe me: we in France love Americans, and no: we don't confuse the Americans and what the media tell us from your President
Just another example. people say the british HATE the french, and when you look at our history, it's even worst than with the american (after all, didn't the French help the Amerian durin ghte independance war, for example?) Still, english people by houses in France, in Paris, and are the 3rd country that sends most visitors in France.
So don't be afraid, and come ;)
Love and kisses

Others
France is my favourite country in the world (apart from my own of course). The French do have a stereotype of being quite arrogant and rude, but the fact is, they are very proud of their language and try to limit themselves when using English, which is fair enough. Personally, I don't think that's rude, but some may take it personally! I have no ever in my dozen times in France met a rude Frenchman or woman. They are not the most hospitable of people (except in the North, where they are very thankful to the Yanks, Brits and Canadians in aiding them in D-Day in WW2), but they are certainly not the rudest. The country is very beautiful especially the South (Cannes and Monaco for example) and Paris, which may be expensive, but a city like none other. I would go and see for yourself, rather than listening to others, as everyone has different tastes.
France is a hole in the ground and to be avoided by all
you cant be blamed for George W`s policies can you.
go to Greek Islands
Hey - stop!!! think!!!

If an Afghani cam up to you int he street and started speaking in Afghani, what would you think - that maybe they should TRY and speak a little English?? Damned right you would.

NOW put yourself in France... how many Americans actually try and speak French - very very few - I know I had a 300 year old farmhouse in Normandy, and heard lots of Americans in the local tourist city not trying a single word in French other than 'Garcon' shouted at a waiter (w)hich means 'BOY'.

Learn a little French, no matter how bad it is, and suddenly 'voila' they CAN understand you and speak English themselves, until you do they will pretend to speak no English, and frankly I do not blame them.

They are wonderful warm people, the type that if you break down, THEY will freely take you to a nearby repair shop, and arrange everything for you.

Although try and stay out of Paris ...lol, they are NOT French ... <bigger smile> the rest of France despises the Parisians.

As far as driving it is not insane, once you are out of the port towns and out of Paris, they are very good drivers, their insurance makes them that, in an accident there is only ONE right person and one wrong person, the wrong person pays for EVERYTHING, so a farmer in a beat up 2CV is likely to run into you on purpose if you pull out of a minor road without stopping to let him pass, and claim a car rebuild from you. DO NOT fail to give yield, and also allow enough space so that the driver on the major road does NOT have to slow down, if he runs into you - again it is your fault.
This may appear harsh but it works in reality, also if you see a road sign that suddenly reduces speed it is for a very good reason, normally a very sharp bend, or maybe a logging company that had 45 ton trucks turning round in the road...

But above all, enjoy the food, the wine, the country and the people. Try and be like them, and all will be well.
I think Paris is over rated. The south of France is not only beautiful but rich in culture. The people in Southern France are a lot nicer to Americans also.
No, not at all. I spent spring of last year studying there and i spent as much time as possible exploring the country. Theres so much there! Dont limit yourself to paris tho. I feel like there are almost as many american tourists there as there are french people. You have to explore it for more than the cheesy tourist attractions. You can only stare at the eiffel tour for so long.
It s a georgous country to visit and enjoy but I would not live there again. So many thinks to see, enjoy, experience and learn. You need to go and check it out for yourself. You will enjoy it. So much history, beautiful buildings and extraordinary patisseries and breads...lol