Are french people rude?

[bika]

One of my friend had tussle with the french lady. I tried to be mediator and wanted to solve the problem but each time I tried she misbehaved me. She didnt show any interest to solve the problem. I dont know many french but also my impression is they are rude. Does any one can tell how french people sound?

[Jewel]

I think it's common sense that there will rude people in every country, as well as polite people. It depends on the person, not on where they are from. I know that a lot of people have similar misconceptions, but really, it's ignorant to think that one person is representative of an entire country or culture.

[M_Mullins]

I have found the French to be very nice, I've never had a problem with them

[club_house_dog]

i think it's not right to come up with the conclusion that all french people are rude just because of an unpleasant encounter with one. please avoid generalizing.

[leyana28]

I am French and i have to say that like other countrys you have people from every kind, but i have to agree to the fact that french people may be rude to tourist...
don t ask me why , to me I try to be always friendly ..........
a good thing , ask before the person if they speak english , starting to speak in english directly is seen as rude.....
Bon voyage ! :-)

[krity]

i think it's 100% Wrong rumour spreaded by some psyco people,how can anyone can come up with the conclusion that all french people are rude.
i totally disagree with that.

[jimyerman]

Every person has a distinct characteristics. We became rude in different ways. Thus, if one french lady rude you its not right to say in general that all french people are rude. Haven't you ever rude someone before?

[Manne]

Not sure if it's just bad luck, but all the French people I meet seem to be really rude.

[Vivian]

Re: Are french people rude?

I am also partially French, and have traveled somewhat in Europe. I found that Parisians Were Extremely rude. People that live in the country or in the outskirts were very nice; those on the Rivera were Fantastic. I believe that most countries are rude to Americans period. As an American we get the back-lash of our political and Economic position in the world. Not so good..
I eventually adopted an english accent under my french/german and i observed people treating me differently. Its not that they are rude, they just really cautious. You can't blame them though, I have seen some really obnoxious Americans making scenes and being extremely disrespectful.

[melkart]

No,at least ı dont think so.

[sylvester]

Funny - good point

Hi I am French and had some similar experiences. Here is my thoughts on this.
French people aren't really rude, but they have a different way of life than the anglo saxons. There are many more "rules of behaviour" in France and if you stick to them the people are really nice. If you go too direct they will get rude. Not just to tourists to anyone.

Here are two examples:
1. One night me and my girlfriend who is German went to a bar at about 22:00 and tried to by cigarettes, they don't sell them and there were no open shops. When approaching the waiter I politely approached him "Mister, good evening, I am looking for a place to buy cigarettes. Is there any chance I could buy them here... etc etc." The waiter apologized that he could not sell them to me and then went out of the bar on the street almost crossed to the other side to show me where I could get some smokes. He told me how to ask and what I could get.
My girlfriend who also thought all French are rude was shocked to see how friendly and helpful the man was. I didn't think much about it as I have often seen them do things like that.

2. One day I was buying something in a hardware store. I came with my stuff to the counter and the lady on the other side frankly could not care less about me. I was upset about that as I had my hands full and wanted to buy. I.e. it is people like me that give her her pay! How the hell is it that she almost thinks I am bothering her (and I speak perfect french BTW).
My colleague who was with me stepped in as I was obviously about to get upset about this. And she just smiled and got really polite with the lady, the lady then cheered up and became really friendly.

Conclusion:
If you really are friendly with them and humble, they normally are extremely friendly back. It's weird as when one lives in the US one is used to being smiled at from the moment one steps in a store. It's something the French are working on learning - but let me guarantee you they are great people.

Voila - hope you managed to read all this.

[Tourismzone]

Interesting post Sylvester:

I guess there are many ways of learning a culture such as the french and I mean the more you know the easier it gets.

Knowing some actual french phrases while out shopping will also be seen as a positive thing.

[travelgeek]

really ? they are rude ?

i thought french language are the most romantic language in the world !

[2d0k]

i think we cannot generalize one race as rude.. we cannot say that french people are rude, because naturally there are kind people in every country, continent or wherever place it may be.. the safe answer is that "that young french lady you had an argument with is a rude lady." nothing more..

[stelon]

I think it's common sense that there will rude people in every country, as well as polite people. It depends on the person, not on where they are from. I know that a lot of people have similar misconceptions, but really, it's ignorant to think that one person is representative of an entire country or culture.

Yes, I agree with you. Although I haven't been to France, I have met many Frenchmen. They are friendly and helpful.