Frenchman, here. People were friendly to you because you had the right polite attitude : Saying "Bonjour" to start any interaction and "parlez vous anglais ?" before speaking english. If you don't, you are seen as very rude and you get the rude attitude. Some French people don't like the US foreign policy but that does not mean they don't like or hate US citizens. Ask the WWII veterans who came to Normandy for the 80th year celebration !

@PINE1berry

17 күн бұрын

I'm an American and I also do not like the US foreign policy.

@bibibachmd9995

17 күн бұрын

I love France and constantly work on my French. I do not like US foreign policies either, in fact, I hate them. Starting wars all over.

@almamater9566

17 күн бұрын

@@bibibachmd9995 cool tip if you want to improve your French. France Télévisions (French public TV channels) and Arte (a French-German cultural and arty TV channel) have fantastic apps and youtube channels where you can watch movies, series and documentaries totally for free.

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Thanks! We always try to be polite 😊

@RaySqw785

17 күн бұрын

no one like US politics, either way, Wokeness or supremacists, both will fail, because being a man or woman isn't only a "feeling" and on other way Americans are a patchworks or roots with freedom as the main value ;) merci mon pote

As a french person owning a bakery, we do see tourists from time to time. And yes, I do speak english, but I hate it when people just assume you do speak english. Saying Bonjour is not complicated, so it's nice when people just start with that. But I must say that no one ever asked me if I spoke English or not. They just speak English right away. So nice to see two persons understanding how to start an interaction with us.

@korozif4140

11 күн бұрын

@@valerieniarfeix9519 I have almost opposite situation where foreigners just assume I don't speak English so they try their best to speak with sign and everything

@DavidWilliams-qr5yj

11 күн бұрын

@valerieniarfeix9519 we live in Chiangmai Thailand, a very cosmopolitan city. The Thais would never be offended if I spoke English first (or any other language). Your additude shows your entitlement. You ARE French, and it's France. So EVERYONE MUST SPEAK FRENCH 🤔 🙄 😕 . This additude is the foundation of France's rudeness. Or ... someone (in your mind ) has been rude to you, so you are rude to them. This is how the French feel they are NOT rude. The world feels France IS rude. 🇫🇷 😢 GOOGLE IT . France is #1 rudest country in the world 🌎 😳 I think France feels justified. 🤔

@scarba

11 күн бұрын

@@valerieniarfeix9519 seen Americans assuming people speak English here in Germany too.

@valerieniarfeix9519

10 күн бұрын

@korozif4140 ooh weird. Maybe it depends on your country. And i’m not talking about just Americans, it's tourists from all over the world.

@korozif4140

9 күн бұрын

@@valerieniarfeix9519 Y'a moyen que je sois juste trop enthousiaste à l'idée de pratiquer mon Anglais, mais je suis souvent celui qui initie la conversation en Anglais avec les touristes non-Anglophones (surtout les Hollandais et Brésiliens parcequ'en général ils ont un très bon niveau). Et dès que je vois des Américains galérer j'aime bien leurs venir spontanément en aide, donc je suis sûrement biaisé. En tout cas je suis sur le marché et souvent les touristes ne s'attendent vraiment pas du tout à ce que je parle Anglais couramment donc je les ai réellement jamais senti hautains ni quoi que ce soit, plutôt au contraire, resigner à ce que les gens ne savent pas parler Anglais en France,ça doit être écrit dans tous les guides depuis des décennies, ou alors c'est spécifiquement moi parce que j'ai une tête de mange cailloux

I moved to France from the U.S. 6 years ago, and it has been wonderful all the way. The people are lovely, warm, helpful, and patient, and things here just work. The public services are excellent, the healthcare system is still amazing to me as an American, and even the bureaucracy for immigration has been easy to handle. What you say is true-if you’re nice, say “Bonjour” to everyone, try a little French, and just let the charm of France work on you, it will be a beautiful experience. Vive la France!

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

You're living in an alternative reality.

@christophermichaelclarence6003

13 күн бұрын

@@olafrotkohl5898 Not exactly helpful

@elplatypus1584

13 күн бұрын

Vive la France et vive la Bretagne 😎

@ok-pp8fp

12 күн бұрын

how diid you enter the USA ? This is my dream

@_Hap.

12 күн бұрын

@@ignidrakkos7546 France it's not only Paris. A frenchman

The French are NOT rude! Basically, visitors get back what they put out - if they are friendly and polite, generally they will have no trouble in ANY other country.

@Nubianette

15 күн бұрын

In America, a servant/slave is expected, in a “customer service relationship”. In France, they’re your equals acting as professionals in their jobs, and they’re there to counsel you. Many of my fellow “United Statesians”, don’t understand this, unless it’s taught to them.

@wwbuirkle

15 күн бұрын

So there's not one person in all of France who's rude. LMFAO

@CafeLu

15 күн бұрын

I agree! The French are generally more polite than Americans. I think Americans have a tendency to be rude to people in the service industry and still expect courtesy because they are the ones spending money as “the customer”. In France they are like - I don’t care who you are, if you are rude to me I will be rude back.

@Nubianette

15 күн бұрын

There can be a bit of cultural insensitivity on both sides, but if you’re in France a bit longer, and want to understand, and be understood, you take more time with people. Many don’t prepare, and have only a week in France. It’s unfortunate.

@wwbuirkle

14 күн бұрын

@@CafeLu BS it's known that Americans are the friendliest even to the chagrin of many people

I've lived in several countries. The French people I met who were also living there long-term made the best friends. Articulate, kind, reliable and funny. I look for French people wherever I go.

@almamater9566

17 күн бұрын

I feel betrayed !! What happened ? We as a nation have been working so hard for decades on building thé réputation that we are rude and lately people seem to believe we are actually nice. What went wrong ? 😂

@victoriagossani8523

17 күн бұрын

@@almamater9566 🤣🤣🤣!

@nox8730

17 күн бұрын

@@almamater9566 Gosh, anytime i feel like being prickly, turns out the person in front of me lashes back at me in perfect french... that's really a miss or miss kind of tough luck... ^^. Sucks for Ze Reput' yeah.

@thomaslacornette1282

15 күн бұрын

Its true we might be fun to foreigners cause we are more "crazy", we have some kind of crazyness that is a norm here.

@issey1456

13 күн бұрын

​@@almamater9566Shhh, don't let them know we also have a soft spot for funny and witty people, and are good at pranking morons. Just keep a dead pan face...

I went to France twice (not just Paris but around the country too). The only rude people I encountered were OTHER american tourists. The kind who would stomp around, yapping at everyone in english, making zero effort to be part of the culture, applying american societal norms to French locals and getting annoyed when they don't get their way. The list goes on. It's not that the French are rude. They just simply do things their way and you either get with the program or you get treated accordingly. If you can't handle that then go back home. It's that simple. Nobody is forcing you to be there and you're certainly not gonna force the French to cater to your every whim like you're at Disneyland.

@nox8730

17 күн бұрын

"applying american societal norms to French locals and getting annoyed when they don't get their way" Ah yes.... Oh yes... This one would definitely piss me off.

@wwbuirkle

16 күн бұрын

I went also and met many rude Parisians

@nox8730

16 күн бұрын

@@wwbuirkle Well, if so many people say that they didn't while you say that you met "many"... the normal reaction is probably to question how you behaved.

@wwbuirkle

16 күн бұрын

@@nox8730 Many people on here or many people in real life. Go ask an Englishman how the French treat them

@nox8730

15 күн бұрын

@@wwbuirkle At the very least, i have never heard any complaint. Only on the internet. And most of the time by americans. And in most of these occurences i could dig into, it appeared that they were just paying the price for being rude first or simply behaving like they were at home and not reading the mood. Obviously, there is no absolute rule and one will find rude people everywhere. But one thing i know is that this is an extremely repetitive and tired trope about the french that the US TV loves to spread. American TV tends to be famously rude to anything not american, especially if french. I gave up trying to better my english by watching their TV because it was beyond unsufferable to me. And another thing i know is that the USA basically dictates everything in the anglosphere. Which is why we see much of the same things in others english speaking countries. Brits are pretty much americans at this point. As for englishmen, i am personnally used to them being extremely obnoxious and arrogant anytime they get a chance to troll the french. Like when they put these massive boards during the world cup, with very condescending lines openly meant to rile us up and look down on us. Even after they lost to us, i have not seen anything comparable in France meant to get back at them. So, what i want to ask you is "Go ask a french how the englishmen treat them". Maybe? Oh, but i already answered that. Honestly, to me this "the french are rude" thing will be 90% of the time the result of someone rude complaining that they got what they deserved. And then, there is the 10% of people that are unlucky and do meet rude people consistently.

Advice to American tourists. The bonjour greeting is not optional. Here it's described as a friendly thing. It is. But it is not optional. Don't ever approach someone or enter their space without saying bonjour. Bonjour to the bus driver, bonjour to the farmer at the market. Bonjour to the clerk in the store. Bonjour to everyone. Do not forget this.

@user-yr1tj9cm1w

17 күн бұрын

chill

@originalandrewmark

17 күн бұрын

As a revert, I give the greeting to both Jews and Muslims. Jewish are reluctant, but the children are engaging. Muslims slightly bow and touch their hearts, only then do they gaze into your eyes, with a sign of pleasantry

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Great advice!

@SonOfBaraki359

14 күн бұрын

@@AmeliaAndJP There's a french rap song called "bonjour", it's pretty, hum, not for every ears but it explains why you need to say "bonjour" (don't worry, there's an english translation in the left corner of the video)

@christophe77700

14 күн бұрын

Saying Bonjour and Merci is, along with tying your shoes, one of the first things we are taught as little children.

Smoking is something that changed suddenly and radically in France around 15 years ago when they banned it in restaurants and public places. It was a huge relief for those of us who like to be able to smell the food in restaurants!

@noefillon1749

18 күн бұрын

Well... it was 33 years ago, but that's right

@Americathebeautiful49

17 күн бұрын

@@noefillon1749 I believe you are correct that it was around d the 90’s but it didn’t go easy at first. I remember one trip after the implementation of the rule that restaurants must have a non smoking section. My wife and I were at the Closerie de Lilas and asked at check in to be seated in the non fume section and we were escorted to a table in the middle of the bar area with a sign that declared it the non smoking table. So funny, so French.

@noefillon1749

17 күн бұрын

@@Americathebeautiful49 Ok, I knew the time the law was voted (at least approximately like early 90's, I looked it up on Google for the exact year) but not the intricacies of its practical implementation. Being born in 2002, I've always seen this rule being applied the way it is now. 15 years ago I was 7, I would have remembered, that's also why I responded.

@victoriagossani8523

17 күн бұрын

@@noefillon1749 Actually, they've definitely banned smoking in bars, restaurants and public (closed) spaces in 2008. Before, it was just (like said in other comments) mandatory to have different area in restaurants, smoker/non smoker, but not in bars. It was a joke... When I was a child (born in 66) it was allowed in trains! It was awful! But it was also allowed in airplans in the 60s, everywhere, including US. Imagine to be in this confined place that is a airplan with cigarets smokes!

@noefillon1749

17 күн бұрын

@@victoriagossani8523 Oh really ! My bad

I lived in France for 1.5 years and not only are the French lovely people, they’re even better in lesser known cities than Paris, etc. yes!!!! It’s a foodie paradise and soooo affordable, cheaper than Whole Foods or Kroger for sure! And quality? Try French butter w sea salt….it will change your life. Try the baguettes w butter and you will go to Heaven!!!🎉

@dominiqueroche4231

7 күн бұрын

OMG! The butter! WOW..... Normandy butter is the best butter in the entire world! Everytime I go there for a couple week.... I come home having gained 5 lbs! The butter, the incredible bread and don't get me started with the cheese, OH DEAR GOD!!

@ombrepourpre7562

5 күн бұрын

@@morganstubie baguette + half-salt butter and homemade jam => paradise for the morning. To go with tea, coffee or even chocolate milk to drink, whatever is your jazz.

@azrael-labs

3 күн бұрын

@@dominiqueroche4231 You didn't went in Bretagne, it's maybe the best region in France, you want to see a lovely and diverse horizons, go there, and also Vandea is cool. If you go in Bretagne, i say to you that for Breton food and a very historic background, you need to go in the Finistère (Pen ar Bed in Breton, that means "The end of the World", not the End, like the finishing of the world, but more like the end of that line, the end of the World). You want to see Menhirs, go in Carnac (DON'T STAND UP ON THE ROCKS IN THERE, IS NOT A COOL THING TO DO). You want to see forrests, go in Broceliande. You want to eat good dishes, go in Locronan. You want CASTLES, go in Fougères

@dominiqueroche4231

2 күн бұрын

@@azrael-labs No I haven't, but would love to visit that part of the country. My father lived in Nantes, but never got over in that area.

With that openness and respectful attitude, it’s no wonder that you fit in well in France. You are the kind of tourists that any country is thrilled to welcome.

@AmeliaAndJP

16 күн бұрын

😊🇫🇷

My son studied in Lyon, he returned a year or so later, to work in Paris, on a fellowship. There is an incredible woman, she was born in the 1920's, she rented rooms in her family chateau in Lyon, to international college students. I am so grateful to her, she served home cooked meals everyday to my son and the other students. She gave my son her first hand account of her experiences during occupation, which were not pleasant and I will not go into here. The international students in Lyon hung out together, they made fast friends with the French youth, during travels around the country. Paris was not my son's favorite place. He was bewildered with how large and expensive Paris was to live in. He lived near the catacombs. He fell extremely ill with a stomach virus, he had the health insurance coverage that the fellowship required. The Paris doctor made a house call to my son in his room at a dorm. The cost was extremely reasonable and the insurance covered the whole thing. In short, the French people are WONDERFUL and I will forever be grateful to the people of France, for taking such good care of my son while he lived there.

@ParisianThinker

4 күн бұрын

I was the caregiver of my husband who stayed at home with me. When he would need to go the hospital, the doctors could care less about him. They said we do not care what happens to my elderly husband. Maybe this is how it is in the world. My husband died from a botched operation. No one called me. I went to the hospital the next day and he wasn't in his room. I waited for several hours before a doctor showed up and told me my husband was dead. This is France.

My wife and I have travelled extensively in France, and I agree with everything you said, especially about the friendliness of people. I’m very happy that was your experience as well because my wife and I both speak French and I always wondered how much that changed our experience compared to other American tourists. I’m also very happy that you didn’t limit your trip to Paris. Most Americans that I know have no interest in other parts of France, and I think that’s equivalent to only visiting New York City when you visit the USA. Every region of France is beautiful and interesting.

@gsbeak

18 күн бұрын

A lot of French tourists also only visit NYC and think they know the USA.

@lioneldemun6033

17 күн бұрын

Fake friendliness most of the time. The French love backstabbing.

@pasdenom2381

2 күн бұрын

​@@gsbeakje n'ai jamais visité les usa mais jamais je ne penserai que new York est pareil que LA ou miami et encore moins que les gens vivant en province sont les même que ceux des grandes villes américaines. C'est juste de la logique non ?

I don't think we French people "hate" Americans. But, generally, we do hate arrogance and condescending and braggart people. And some Americans do think that their country and therefore "themselves" are superior to others. If you're humble and show by your attitude that you don't believe yourself to be superior to others, then everything will be fine :)

@ombrepourpre7562

5 күн бұрын

American people are OK... If politely said "bonjour" and "merci" with respect, they will be welcomed happily and give help. American government and is extern politic, backstabbing of "allies" (or what they pretend call them), many war, forced and unfair trading politic, propaganda bashing and more ? This part we hate it, yes.

Our experience with France is that people are kind and generous. Over several decades, every visit has yielded stories about French hospitality and thoughtfulness. Glad you had a good experience too.

@lioneldemun6033

17 күн бұрын

😂😂😂 " the grass is greener in Fwance"....I think you watched too many films like " Emily in Paris ". You know zilch about real Fwance, mon pote....

American here, I LOVED France. Everything you said is true. Just learn a few French words and use them, even if you feel foolish. Believe me, they'll hear your horrible American accent and instantly start speaking to you in English, even the ones who say they do not speak English! Same was true in Italy. I hope I can go back, someday.

@arthapz

12 күн бұрын

and when we (i'm french) start speaking english u hear our horrible french accent too so there is no reason to feel foolish :D

@jelsner5077

12 күн бұрын

@@arthapz French-accented English is like music!

@n0rmal953

12 күн бұрын

@@jelsner5077 it’s ironic bc most of us are a bit ashamed of our accent. A lot of French people make fun amongst themselves of really strong French accent in English especially at school. Personally I find mine quite ugly to hear 😅 There’s a infamous speech of our former president Hollande speaking in broken English.

@RonRobertson-lafrance

12 күн бұрын

@@n0rmal953 Jelsner above is correct, to native English speakers, French-accented English sounds wonderful. I have a very strong American accent when I speak French (I am trying to improve my accent), but it's funny, most French people assume I'm from the UK, I guess it's the same-sounding accent in French for all native-English speakers?

@n0rmal953

12 күн бұрын

@@RonRobertson-lafrance it depends on people exposure to English speakers. If you encounter only a few, you only hear what you recognize as vaguely English without identifying where it comes from. And there’s a lot of British folks in France so most people assume that you’re one. To my ear though I can definitely differentiate between English, Scottish, American and Aussie.

The French are not rude they are proud of their heritage so if you make the effort and are respectful they are wonderful people. One of the myths that are true is about the food. The best cuisine in the world!!!!

@ParisianThinker

18 күн бұрын

Very true about the wonderful food here without GMO and other poisons.

@RobertSauders-el7bf

18 күн бұрын

@@saga4646 we had the same experience a few months back. We didn’t encounter rudeness until we hit Chicago on our connection home!

@saga4646

18 күн бұрын

and the Midewest is the friendlier part of theU.S. hahaha ​@@RobertSauders-el7bf

@SPT1

18 күн бұрын

Frenchman here, about the food, I think top 3 best countries for food, in any order, doesn't matter who's 1st : France, Italy, Japan. There's some good stuff everywhere, but in no other countries you'll find much variety, refinement, quality of ingredients. These 3 countries have thousands of dishes, and 95% are good. So if food matters to you, you can't go wrong with one these 3.

@pinkiepinkster8395

17 күн бұрын

French restaurant food is horrible.

I am in Strasbourg France now, you should put this on your list. French people are very kind when you are in France and EVERYONE says Bonjour when you enter a room. But one thing you must know each city is different than the other in style. The french in Strasbourg are very Casual dressing, mostly love flat shoes and jeans. Yes, they love their delicious bread.

@RonRobertson-lafrance

12 күн бұрын

I finally got to actually go to Strasbourg this year, what a wonderful city! Very friendly, too.

@LUIS-ox1bv

8 күн бұрын

I have been to Strasbourg, and yes the people were very agreeable.

I have a French Son-in-law. He and my daughter live in Mulhouse, France in the city center. I was there for a month in 2023 during Christmas. It was fairytale beautiful and I loved it. I would move there in an instance. It was also not expensive. They live in a two bedroom flat on the fourth floor and the rent was €680. a month. The total cost to live there for the month was $1500+/- including food. I am thinking hard about going back with my husband to live. America is broken.

@almamater9566

17 күн бұрын

Alsace in winter with all these christmas markets is just stunning !! Did you visite Strasbourg and Colmar too ? I highly recommend. Fun fact, the American Travel site Condé Nast elected Colmar as thé city with the most beautiful streets worldwide ! And it is very well deserved imho. And don't miss the wine route, a fantastic road trip among alsatian vineyards. That's a perfect trip for a nice sunny spring

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@p220096g

17 күн бұрын

@@almamater9566 yes Christmas was awesome.

@p220096g

17 күн бұрын

@@AmeliaAndJP I watch all your videos and I have learned a lot. Thank you!

@FreedomPartisan

17 күн бұрын

If you wrote this, that means the situation in the US is dire...

So my 2 choices to make living in America better is to Run for President or move to France...... guess I need to move to France.

@ParisianThinker

18 күн бұрын

Welcome to France. Apply for a visa to live here. First learn French.

@zorglub20770

17 күн бұрын

well the political situation in France is a bit chaotic right now. Not as bad as in the US but close ;)

@dcore64

17 күн бұрын

@@zorglub20770 I was going to say that about the rest of the world. It's a pretty tumultuous time to be alive. cheers to all and well wishes too.

@alainbergeron4520

17 күн бұрын

Hello guys, I think your observations about France are quite accurate. I visited France dozen of times and I'm fluent in French. While visiting France 🇫🇷 I got caught few times in price gouging, aka " prix pour les touristes" .Always asked for the menu at the bar, bistro or restaurant before ordering. Be firm and do not buy their BS, like " we didn't have time to update our menu, blah, blah!". Lastly, when entering a restaurant try to spot the best table and firmly "ask for it". If they refuse simply walk out. Remember taxes and the tip are included. Some restaurants have a " magical" printer 🖨 adding the tip. This is a scam.

@Maria-js9ou

17 күн бұрын

Run for president. There is a good chance that you will do a better job than any of the current candidates

We spent May in Paris and have settled in Toulouse for the long haul. The people have been great, smoking is more rare than in many parts of the U.S. and yes, the cities are incredibly clean and well kept. We are learning French because we wish to be polite, efficient and respectful visitors in this beautiful country. Great videos, thank you.

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

That’s great! 🥳

@vilraleurruelarliv3517

17 күн бұрын

Never forget, goods guys says "chocolatine" ;) (et surtout bienvenue en France)

@kapok2731

17 күн бұрын

@@vilraleurruelarliv3517 "chocolatine" is only used in the south west of France. Everywhere else it's "pain au chocolat" !

@rjm7166

17 күн бұрын

“Smoking is more rare than in many parts of the US.” My wife and I travel a lot in the US and just the other day we were asking each other, when is the last time we have encountered a single person smoking a cigarette. Neither one of us could remember. So I don’t know where you live/visit in the US but smoking seems non-existent.

@lioneldemun6033

17 күн бұрын

Paris has become a shithole just watch recent YT videos.

I have visited Paris a number of times starting in the mid 90s and I speak no French except the “polite words” and have always found the French to be very nice and helpful. A smile and the right attitude will go a long way everywhere in the world.

1980 in a restaurant in Paris the waiter became flabergasted with the fact that we didn't speak French. He walked away and then walked back past our table and threw an English menu at our table! Fast forward to about 2018. We landed at Orly airport and didn't know where and which train to get into Paris. Two older gentlemen came up to us and asked kindly if they could help. I told them that my wife's father had been in the Normandy landings on day 5 of D-day as a machine gunner. They both bowed deeply to my wife and told us they were retired airforce men. They guided us all the way into Paris and graciously thanked my wife for her dad's service. At least 6 times to France for us. Relatives in Strasbourg are overwhelmingly wonderful, relatives in Herblay are the same. GO TO FRANCE!!! Its the best vacation destination anywhere!

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Great story! Thanks for sharing! 😊

@amelias.2509

16 күн бұрын

Love your story. Thanks for telling us. Brought tears to my eyes. ❤

@ekesandras1481

13 күн бұрын

The granddad of a friend of mine emigrated from Austria to the US in the 1960ies. Decades later he made a trip to France with an American friend. The friend asked the French in English and non of them understood them. Than the Austrian guy asked them in German and they would respond, in a broken German, but still better than their English. This infuriated the American guy, who was also a veteran of WWII. He said: we liberated you from the Boche and now you speak GERMAN and not English?

@shaezbreizh86

10 күн бұрын

@@ekesandras1481 at school , we learn english as second language , then later we start learning a third one wich in most case is either Spanish, either German (some school propose more choice but they're often private school). Most people choose spanish due to the fact its well spread around the world, however, german is often the choice for people living along the frontier with them due to the utility for work. No need to be upset, it was long time ago, the european union made nation forgive and help each other since and that for the best. Humanity is already on a perilous road since some decade, no time for hating each other anymore if we want a better future

@padriandusk7107

9 күн бұрын

Well, we helped USA liberating themselves from the British. Do you hear French people shouting at americans for speaking ENGLISH?

I was in Paris for the first time two years ago on my own for a week. I was a nervous wreck trying to find my way around using the subway and walking throughout the city. No matter who I asked for help, they couldn't have been more gracious. While most spoke English (I only had a few basics of what is my favorite language), the few who didn't found for me someone who did. It was and is a memorable week!

@n0rmal953

12 күн бұрын

As a parisian I find it refreshing when people ask for help or when I offer it myself. instead of scammers or charities asking for our money 24/7. (But of course some Parisian are grumpy and curt like other big cities) But I must say I’m sometimes nervous to mess up and guide people to wrong place 😅

The French were t h e. nicest people to me when I spent a summer in Europe as age 20.

Thank you for speaking the truth. I have lived in a few different countries and found France to be remarkably affordable, clean and stunningly beautiful. It is my happy place

A lot of young American online told be "oh French hates American" : no idea where that comes from. One said "that is why they refuse to speak better English to us" hum... no guys, we are just bad... this isour best English, Englihs is not our mother language. Part of these people even made me ashamed : I was speaking English to them because they speak no word of French, and yes, I have a thick accent. "You can't continue to speak English so bad" and one of them yelled at me ! But guys, we have our own language and you don't speak a word of French, and you make fun of me ??? They assume we HAVE to speak perfect English... (But else, we will do our best to help you, even if you speak no French. Gestures, many ways :) )

BAGUETTE. A majority of French people will buy their baguettes everyday because they want them freshly baked and crispy.

@Kaze-no-Blast

12 күн бұрын

A good french baguette is a fresh baguette 😌 But it's also the case for many kinds of breads, we have a lot and personaly I prefer all of them to be fresh, as far as possible ^^

@pubsapass1214

11 күн бұрын

@@Kaze-no-Blast I would add that a good french baguette is a 'tradition'. It's really annoying to think that most tourist order a 'baguette' when they go in a bakery : it's REALLY NOT a good choice. Always ask at least for 'une tradition' or even better, for some special breads. But please stop to spread the word 'baguette' as the good french bread.

@LUIS-ox1bv

8 күн бұрын

​@@pubsapass1214A Baguette is just but one of an amazing variety of breads. I used to eat Poilane bread with butter from Bretagne. Heavenly!!!

@dominiqueroche4231

7 күн бұрын

ah yes! Fond memories!

Great job. We moved here four years ago. Here are a couple of additions to your list from an expat family that has lived here for 4 years. Smoking: France's effort to reduce smoking is revealed in super scary photos on cigarette packs to discourage smoking; Healthcare myth: long waits - our experience has been the opposite - less waiting than U.S. and we love the quality (we love our primary care doctor); Did you mention the bad customer service myth? We have found customer service to be great. High taxes? Although our lifestyle is different here, our overall tax burden seems to be less than in U.S.; Education: high quality and inexpensive (even private schools are only about 1,500 euros / yr. Recreation: E.g., day pass skiing in a colorado or Utah resort will run $200 - $300; In Alps, 15 - 70 euros. We love it here.

@AmeliaAndJP

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing! 😊

@12567NoYouCannot

18 күн бұрын

@adamsfamilyinfance: I am about to CRY. A lot of people don't know and cannot even IMAGINE how poorly the disabled, Single Mothers, and the elderly get treated here in the USA. The disabled and the elderly get mistreated and discriminated by EVERY landlord here in the USA, I know first hand. And Single mothers get ZERO Respect. In the USA, Criminals are more Respected and Protected than the Disabled and the elderly.

@12567NoYouCannot

18 күн бұрын

the United States has become such a DISGUSTING PLACE to "live"; Not the worst in the world, but DISGUSTING that GREED is Above human decency. I am SO UPSET. People have NO idea how those who have less money, Are disabled, are elderly, and Single mothers get treated here in the USA. People around the World, don't have an IDEA how the elderly, and especially the disabled is constantly Psychologically Abused, discriminated against, and manipulated here in the USA.

@michaelalfred4176

15 күн бұрын

You should leave the US as quickly as possible

@francocanuck

15 күн бұрын

High tax , yes but you get back in health care and many others goodies

Love your channel. Love this video! Im a Texan Francophile and have traveled to Dijon and Beaune on one of many trips. Have you been to the hospital museum in Beaune? Yikes! Anyway, thanks for spreading the word about the misconceptions about the French. To fellow Americans I must must say: its *you* not them! Love from one Amelia to another❤ ~Amelia S.

@CafeLu

13 күн бұрын

HA!

Many French people have learned English but are a little ashamed of their accent, speaking English is one of the only things I think is better off being a little drunk. For my part, I always appreciate when foreigners make the effort to speak in the language, come and take a look at Nancy, kisses from France

It seems American youtubers are more down on America than are foreigners. We just visited several countries in Europe and found people are people. Respect them and they respect you.

I was in France in 1990, it was clean and friendly at that time

@ParisianThinker

18 күн бұрын

It still is. I have lived here for 18 years.

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

​@@ParisianThinkerNon, cela ne l'est pas, petit parigot, c'est mal de mentir ou de voter pour Hidalgo.

@alexisdurouchet4021

11 күн бұрын

@@ignidrakkos7546 je peux comprendre en soit ils sont en touristes ils voient que le coeur de paris, donc pas les quartiers ou les seringues et les capottes usées jonchent le sol. Ou les dealers et les crackhead foutent le bordel toute la nuit. J'ai habité paris dans des quartiers pas fou parceque j'avais pas les moyens de mettre 1500 balles dans un 2 pièces c'était l'horreur. Mais apparement Hidalgo a réussi à virer les SDF, les migrants et les cassos du centre c'est déjà pas mal pour ne pas passer pour des gros clochards auprès des autres nations pendant les jo's.

@matthiasdarrington3271

3 күн бұрын

@@alexisdurouchet4021 je comprends pas comment vous pouvez toujours tout mettre sur le dos d'Hidalgo. Si un truc ne va pas à Paris, ce n'est pas forcément de son ressort. Par exemple, la police parisienne est connue pour être violente, c'est du ressort du préfet de police, nommé par le président de la république. Le périph est bloqué ou mal fichu ? C'est du ressort de la région donc Valérie Pécresse.

Back in the 80's, I stayed in Dijon for a month taking French at the University, living in a dormitory for "the less young" (I was 40 or so). Cost with breakfast and lunch: $300 for the month! The price included weekend bus tours throughout Burgundy's wine country, with visits to their stunning Romanesque cathedrals. Everyone from my fellow foreign students to the staff at the superb pastry shops was super kind and helpful. Wonderful memories 😊🇺🇸💕🇫🇷

You both look more relaxed and healthier since you’ve been in Europe.

In 2012 I first went to France to follow the Tour de France for two weeks in the Pyrenees stages, I had to take a train from Toulouse to Paris for the final stage on the Champs Elysees. They changed the track about 10 minutes before departure. It was a scramble to try and find the new concourse lugging a suitcase and not having any clue. A local station worker, spoke zero English, did her very best to get me in the right direction. I could not muster up ANY of the minimal French I had learned, and this was way before good Google Translate capabilities. But I did start blundering in some long-dormant Spanish out of frickin' nowhere (thanks, brain!), so the poor thing rattled off all the info in Spanish. We just stared at each other, both lost in our trying, but it all worked out. I made the train with 1 minute to spare... That said, I am planning? plotting? my just-retired-May 31 next chapter exit to the Occitanie region for early next year. Your channel is so helpful, and fun! And yes, that plan to hop the pond was incubated on that way-back-then trip! Bon voyages!

@deebee2603

17 күн бұрын

StorytellerSueW, If you are going to Carcassonne, my heart is bleeding green with envy! 💚 I have about another year to go myself. I am waiting out an elderly dog before I can leave the U.S. Vive la France!

@StorytellerSueW

17 күн бұрын

@@deebee2603 I am so glad you mentioned Carcasonne - that is on my top five list!

@mythicdawn9574

14 күн бұрын

You're very welcome in my home region, Occitanie ! :D Be sure to check one of our traditional parties. It's really fun and authentic. Fanfares, that we call "bandas", play traditional South-West / Basque music in the streets while everyone enjoy a beer at the local bar or sing the songs the musicians are playing. You can find this kind of events in every town in the region during the whole summer. The biggest one is Bayonne festival (in Nouvelle Aquitaine region, near the Atlantic), but it may be too much for you if you're not a young lad xD, it's basically an obligatory pilgrimage for every young people in the whole South-Western part of France. I had the joy and privilege to play music there, and the atmosphere is crazy : you play one note and everyone is already chanting the songs :D If you're the hiking type, there is also the Saint Jacques de Compostelle pilgrim road that crosses the whole region. The supposedly best sections of the track (and I agree they are indeed great) are in Aveyron and Lot departments. Check out Conques in Aveyron, or the Célé valley and Rocamadour in the Lot department. Of course, you can also visit all these places with a car, but these places are all on the path to Compostelle, if you feel like walking for a few days (not going all the way down to Spain of course) :) the regional most iconic dish would be Cassoulet, with Castelnaudary being its birth place. We also got plenty of wine. Lot department has that small and round goat cheese named Cabécou. And of course, the Pyrenees mountains in the south are just gorgeous (and full of all kinds of cheese too lol). Be sure to check the Pont d'Espagne valley, Cirque de Gavarnie, town of Cauterets, Pic du Midi mountain (and the observatory at the top of it). And so many beautiful places to visit there. Have fun :)

How sad to see American fast food junk poison food anywhere outside of America

@janebaker966

16 күн бұрын

And now it's a Westfield Mall at Les Halle's,not that id go there anyway. Even in the brief spell of years I've been visiting Paris it's more homogenised than on m first visit.

@thomaslacornette1282

15 күн бұрын

Don't worry, many french will still prefer a jambon beurre.

@ombrepourpre7562

5 күн бұрын

Yes and no. The ensign is the same. The food, not at all. The Laws in France doesn't let even the biggest Corpos to sell poison food. It's not the better, of course, but not the poison you find in US.

@ZONEPRESSLLC

5 күн бұрын

@@ombrepourpre7562 The main poison in the US is ROUND UP.

Great that you understand that French becomes very difficult to understand when not pronounced correctly. Even now, after 25 yrs of marriage my French spouse sometimes does not understand what I am saying.

One major plus to retiring in France is there is a tax treaty that keeps any retirement income from being double taxed.

Thank you so much, I'm French and it feels so good to get some LOVE 😊😊 As someone said in the comments, (in France) you receive what you put out, and I can tell you two are very gracious. All the best!

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Thank you! 😊🇫🇷

If you like France, perhaps you should try the pilgrimage route from Le Puy en Velay to St Jean Pied de Port. It’s about 750km. I did this walk in May 2018. I appreciated France even more after this adventure.

@LUIS-ox1bv

8 күн бұрын

Le Puy en Velay, is an amazing place, which is off the radar for most Americans. I was planning on visiting Conques, in honor of St.Foy, but Covidmania derailed that.

@matthiasdarrington3271

3 күн бұрын

@@LUIS-ox1bv Le Puy is a nice countryside place but the people are so old and conservative there.

As someone with dual US and French citizenship who's lived in both countries, I'm always glad to hear people dispel preconceived notions and myths about how incredibly rude, pretentious and hostile French people supposedly are. As other people have pointed out in the comments, greeting people with a simple "Bonjour" and not taking it for granted that people speak English generally goes a long way towards avoiding unpleasant exchanges.

I just watched a TV show featuring some ladies looking for a vacation house, and they were dismissive of a bidet in one home, making fun of it. Clearly, they have never used a bidet. Once you do, there is no going back! 🤣

@melaniezette886

17 күн бұрын

And it’s made to keep you fresh.

@HenriBourjade

13 күн бұрын

@@deebee2603 Bidet is typically italien, rather than french. French forgot it.

@j.m.3038

4 күн бұрын

It was relevant in addition to a bathtub, but now that the shower exist, you don't really need a bidet anymore.🤨

Courtesy given is courtesy received. I visited Normandy and Paris in 2018 and had a great time.

Love that beautiful European architecture. It makes a world of a difference. Nothing like walking or biking in a city with great looking buildings.

@alexreax1230

18 күн бұрын

I was thinking same thing

@user-wk8mw6to2g

13 күн бұрын

@@alexreax1230 Yeah. Americans could learn this from the Europeans. Make their cities more beautiful architecturally while adding more "green spaces" (e.g. trees, parks, ponds, etc.).

Very few of the Americans who say critical things about "the French" know the French people well. Most U.S. tourists never get out of Paris, and comedians are always looking for sharp zinger lines to provoke quick laughter, so they promote the most quickly recognized stereotypes. I took an introductory French language class with a teacher who was from the Centre region of the country and she told us about the widely varying cultural styles of the French nation. Paris is just one part with its own style that is as different from the relaxed pace and friendly ways of Centre as Missouri is from New York City. I would really like to explore Dijon and Lyon.

@LUIS-ox1bv

8 күн бұрын

Absolutely correct. Americans are more familiar and versed in Italy, then France. To Americans, France is Paris or Cannes. They have little inkling in just how diverse and variegated the country is. France actually encapsulates Europe. Alsace is very Germanic. In the southwest, one can see bullfights. Nice, was once part of Italy, as was Corsica. Brittany has Celtic strains, and Normandy resembles parts of England. France IS Europe.

In the mid 70’s in France - post college, and broke - we lived on baguettes, tomatoe, and onion sandwiches. And when we felt a little rich we would add a hunk of cheese. 50 years later I’m still Jonesing. The best! Thankfully we have a bakery a block away that sells crunchy crust sourdough baguettes. Here in Cuenca!

@user-wk8mw6to2g

18 күн бұрын

What other French food did you eat?

@friscoeddie3223

17 күн бұрын

@@user-wk8mw6to2g Breakfast was a croissant with French butter and marmalade and a coffee. Lunch was the sandwich. Diner was whatever was cheap, nothing special. As I said we were your young and broke.

@therockrules69

17 күн бұрын

Baguettes are easy to make yourself, so if you re ever in a place they dont have them.. Just do research on KZread youll find a good recipe 😊

@user-wk8mw6to2g

13 күн бұрын

@@friscoeddie3223 Nice. Thanks for the reply. French food sometimes seems so simple yet taste so good!

We have known to go out on the ground and see for ourselves and not blindly believe the media sources.

@chrystelelacroix4681

17 күн бұрын

@@photopro100 I thank you very much to have enough faith to see by yourself how French people are. ❤️ from France

People saying that French people are rude are usually entitled and think that the world owes them to speak english. No one owes you anything. If you do not have proper manner, anywhere in the world , you will get ignored. I'm from Quebec and we're considered the ''friendly french people'' because tourists usually have manners. For some reason they lose all of it when traveling France? If you make an effort to say ''Bonjour'' or ''Excusez-moi'' before your english sentence, you will have a much better response.

@antoinecogny6307

3 күн бұрын

I suppose it is from the war in Irak and all the crap usa put in there tv shows to create a english style frenchbashing. But other than that the key différence between us citizens and frenche people comes from the "franc parlé" i have found a lot of us people really not honest on what they think or like witch is not ok in France but still is in Québec wich is why in my opinion we cant behave with one another

I'm about to Cry; life here in the USA has become SO unpleasant, the people here ARE SO TOXIC, especially neighbors, and people who misbehave seem to be more supported and protected than those who are doing NOTHING wrong, and it's the cycle of never-ending!!

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

It's not better in France, at all.

@benjamind2219

12 күн бұрын

It's about the same feeling in France

@michaelsix9684

12 күн бұрын

it's really sad

@dominiqueroche4231

7 күн бұрын

Don't lose hope, just keep giving of your heart. And if you have the means, leave for Europe for a few months to reboot your mind.

@matthiasdarrington3271

3 күн бұрын

@@benjamind2219 oui et non. ça devient pire mais on est clairement pas encore au niveau de division et de merde politique qu'ils ont aux USA.

Hello, I am French and I live in Paris. I obviously appreciate your feedback on your experience in Paris and with the citizens here. Maybe you don't know it but many "Parisians" (citizens of Paris) themselves are always criticizing how dirty the city is, they don't like this or that, and maybe I am ( a little) like that sometimes 😋. Anyway, you seem like a very friendly and open-minded couple and I'm really not surprised that you've met some nice people here because although the French sometimes seems rude, I think that we have good hearts. But who really wants to be rude to nice and pleasant people? Isn't it ? Enjoy your life or your trip (I don't know) in France 🙏

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Merci 😊🇫🇷

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

Le Parigot qui est dans le déni du statut de ville poubelle de sa propre ville.

@lungjj2758

13 күн бұрын

@@ignidrakkos7546 Restez poli merci

@chercheurdemensonges6729

13 күн бұрын

@@ignidrakkos7546 La propreté de Paris est perfectible mais ville poubelle non, il y a bien pire ailleurs en France. (Et je ne suis pas parisien)

@n0rmal953

12 күн бұрын

@@ignidrakkos7546je suis francilien et je m’attendais pas à être si choqué à Marseille par la propreté. C’est pas partout pareil mais une partie conséquente. Pire qu’à Paris. Per contre ça c’est amélioré récemment

Good to hear about your experience. I lived in France as a younger man (circa 1982 & 83) and I adore the French. Good attitude bring good things. Kudos to you both. I am almost afraid to retire there because how could it live up to my previous experiences. Thanks, now I must return.

French guy here. Regarding restaurants, they may be and are a bit more expensive in Paris and large cities, but around where I live, you can eat a 3 dish meal for 20 euros per person. Add wines, at around 4 to 5 euros a glass or 15/20 euros a 75cL bottle.

@janebaker966

16 күн бұрын

My friend and I had an excellent meal at a place in The Marais for just £40 euros each. That wont break the bank.

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

​@@janebaker966The lgbt suburb, what a joke 😂

I had the pleasure of visiting France in 2005 and absolutely loved it! I found in Paris that people were polite, but busy. I also got down to Provence and fell in love with the area. While many people did not speak English there, they bent over backwards to try to figure out what I was asking for. I want to go back, and would love to move there permanently. Just the idea of being able to hop on a train and travel to other countries in just a few hours makes me excited!

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

2005.... France have changed a lot since that year and not in a good way at all.

Just spent a month in France. Agree with you. It was great.

It has been too many years since I was in France, Paris specifically. It was the year 2000 I think. But as my friend and I were walking down a side street in the Latin Quarter talking with each other in English, a guy popped out of a restaurant we were about to pass and said “Oh, you’re American. We LOVE Americans. Come. Come inside. I have a table just for you.” We were not hungry at that moment and were trying to find a specific place, so we politely declined and continued walking. When we got to the end of the street we turned left and continued walking and talking. Within a few minutes I felt someone touch my arm from behind and it was the guy from the restaurant. He said he had put together a table just for us and has it all ready for us. Since he politely chased us around a corner to get our business we followed him back and had a spectacular meal. So glad we stopped and we were treated very well in his restaurant. Really, we were treated very well everywhere and had the best experience. Thank you so much for this video and the others. I have just found your channel yesterday for the first time. Loving it. 🙏🏻

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Great story! 😊

@pobass007

16 күн бұрын

the Latin Quarter is a tourist trap. Not a single Parisian goes to dine there.

@coachaltagracia1746

16 күн бұрын

@@pobass007 We weren’t going there to dine either. We were on our way to find a specific shoe store and the Latin Quarter was the only location for it. A Parisian Restauranteur invited us in to dine there and treated us very well. It was not our intention at the moment to find a place where the Parisians dine.

@bast874

14 күн бұрын

@@coachaltagracia1746 Well he almost harassed you actually. You politely declined and went on your way but he chased after you and even grabbed your arm to drag you into his restaurant!!

Funnily enough about the cheese, is that a very difficult part living abroad as a french, especialy on a different continent, is the lack of cheese. Apparently aften people fail to realise how much they would miss cheese after moving, even if they weren't eating that much of it in the first place anyway. But the total lack of it is hard.

@LUIS-ox1bv

8 күн бұрын

It was working at the Gourmet department of Neiman Marcus, in Chicago, that I began my appreciation of French cheeses. We carried a great selection. We also had Poilane Bread, flown in from Paris, and had French butters.

Have you seen the Les Frenchies vlog? They moved from the US and do great weekly videos. I highly recommend. They are very realistic. I too have recently been to France 3x in the last 5 years and count myself very lucky. I agree with your assessments. I love France and really enjoy you folks. Thanks for all you do. Barbara Hill

@LUIS-ox1bv

8 күн бұрын

Indeed, they do a great job in providing info and tips, and don't dwell in sensationalism.

met a couple of people from dijon while traveling in SE asia. they were the nicest people. we had a good laugh about our repective french/american stereotypes

My dream is a trip to France. Now, in addition to Paris I want to take a trip to Dijon.....thanks to the both of you.

@pobass007

16 күн бұрын

You can add a long list of cities to your list: Bordeaux, Colmar, Nice, Sarlat, Carcassonne, mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, aigues-morte, …

@antoinecogny6307

3 күн бұрын

If you want flash wow cities you need to visit strasbourg lile toulon bayonne and the most beautiful of all Saint jean de luz

Yes, as a french person myself, the very most important thing if visiting France is to try to speak french, this changes everything! You will experience much more willingness to help and people that do speak english will make the effort too. Most french people feel their english is terrible, so they don't try, but if you try speak french, then they will try to help and try to speak in english too

Great review & thank you both for your honesty in blowing away some entrenched stereotypes that have existed for a long time! looking forward to your next comprehensive take in whichever country is next on your list!

The fact that you were polite and made an effort in French had a big impact on your experience in France, I'm sure. Doing your best not to be the ugly American goes a long way in the reception you receive all over the world.

We are thinking about a move, and spent 3 weeks last year across Southern Brittany. We had spent a little time learning about cultural norms and have been taking French classes. We tried our best, and I don't think I had a warmer or more welcoming experience. Busier tourist restaurant spots had servers that could be brief, but I can't fault them for that. In the country the people knew less English, but seemed to be nicer and extremely patient. I hope our upcoming 3 weeks in Burgundy/Alsace is as positive an experience. Sante!

@shaezbreizh86

10 күн бұрын

Good taste ^^ hope you enjoyed the crêpes and fest noz and didn't miss the " golf du morbihan " ^^

Nice honest video like you always present….Thank You for sharing…..Alex 🇬🇷

I agree with another commenter. People are people and should not be lumped into one basket. We all have the same needs, variations. France is a large European country where the people can differ by region, rural v urban, age, upbringing, life experiences etc. I’ve found people in Europe and elsewhere like to help. All Americans aren’t alike so we shouldn’t expect that of anywhere else. How about misconception/misperception vs. lie? Just thinking aloud. Are you going to the south, southwest, Provence, etc.? Best baked goods ever, wine, cooking great too. Eat as the locals do and avoid tourist traps. Wish I was there! Love you guys (I’m a fellow Chicagoan Amelia). 😊

France is not dirty….I’ve lived north and south for 35 years.

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

Ben voyons... Paris est un trou à rats dégueulasse et beaucoup de grandes villes sont en aussi mauvais état.

Just got back the day before yesterday from France visit. Really enjoyed Colmar, Metz, Nancy, Strassburg, Eguishcheim, Mulscheim, Mulhouse and several other cities/villages. Didn't have any issues with language, cleanliness or friendly people. Went in 2022 to Strassburg, Paris, Loire valley, Nantes, Angers, Mont St Michel, Normandy and Liles. Same positive experience. Saying BonJour is critical as a greeting everytime to everyone you meet or interact with. Great food, good prices and easy to get around by train, tram bus or car. I visited in the late 80s and it was dirtier then. The French do seem to smoke a lot more than in the US but similar to Germany.

@YvBernard

17 күн бұрын

Merci d'avoir visité la Lorraine. Les touristes l'oublient toujours !

Thank you for visiting my beautiful region Burgundy, Dijon, Beaune. We're very proud to see more and more tourists here. There is no reason for tourists to be mistreated as long as they are polite and courteous, they will receive politeness and courtesy in return, and Americans are clearly not seen as rude people, you're among the best tourists and not because of the money but because of higher education and the real interest you have for our country.

In California I used to buy French Baguettes for 20 years while living there. Then surprise, French baguette for breakfast in Vientiane, Laos and Saigon (oops, Ho Chi Minh City ), and Phnom Penh.

@chucku00

14 күн бұрын

French _Indochine_ legacy. Bánh mì sandwich bread is baguette.

@yannsalmon2988

14 күн бұрын

Yes, remnants of the French colonization era of Indochine. They also play pétanque (Thaïland has currently won 3 times in a row the world title).

@dju1999

13 күн бұрын

@@chucku00 Banh Mi is amazing, I just discovered this last year in Nice, strongly recommend :)

Per the cost of living. New York is considerably more expensive than the rest of the U.S. and the same holds true for London and Paris. But looking at a comparison of Dijon in France with Orlando shows you need around $3800 a month to offer a lifestyle comparable to $6000 a month in Orlando. So considerably more affordable but looking at Kuching, Malaysia you only need $2200 a month compared to Orlando's $6000. What seems affordable to you is not so much for many of us on a tight budget. It comes down to whether you feel the quality of life is worth the extra money, and if you have the extra money. I'm more focused on the best quality of life for the least money. Doesn't have to be an absolute, just in the ballpark. Always many variables that affect what ultimately appeals to an individual or couple.

Another great video! Thanks for sharing with us! ❤

@AmeliaAndJP

18 күн бұрын

Thanks!

Wow! A couple’s travel channel that I can actually watch and enjoy! Thank you. 🙏 😊

I was in France 40 years ago and it was clean.And everyone was very helpful and nice.

Thank you immensely for creating this video and dispelling untruths about this magnificent country. To add to your video, I've been going to France since I was in my 20's. I'm in my 60's now and everything you said is accurate. If you're polite and friendly, they go out of their way to help. You get back the energy you put out. Being polite and manners go a long way, not just in France! As an aside, we were in France during the height of the pandemic. The American media was reporting countless ambulances moving thousands of bodies out of hospitals. Completely untrue!!! I stopped watching mainstream media long ago. In fact, we had to go to a hospital for a minor incident (not our first experience with French medical care) in Nice and it was practically empty. The cleanliness, service and level of professionalism was unlike anything we've ever experienced in the States. Never mind the cost. They would not accept payment on the spot. Instead we received a tiny bill (less than $100) months later, which we gladly paid immediately! Thank you again for reporting the truth. Your content is always accurate and greatly appreciated!!!

Frenchman here as well. We buy and therefore carry a baguette. because bread (I should say GOOD bread) is part of our breakfeast, lunch, teatime and dinner. Nothing better than a piece of stale(ish) baguette from yesterday, toasted, with farmhouse butter and proper cheese :) Thanks for the video, all American tourists aren't as polite and kind as you are. Remember this important fact: in France, we speak French.

@LUIS-ox1bv

8 күн бұрын

While staying in Loire, Breakfast often consisted of fresh bread, and farm sourced butter, with coffee drunk from a bowl. Tres delicieuse!!!

My experience aligns with alot of what you shared in your video. My wife and I have been to France 4 times in the last few years and both of us invested time in learning the language beforehand. We're both able to make ourselves understood in common situations you find yourself in as a traveler. My experience with the French has been positive, and alot of this I think relates to the fact that they understand that I've invested some time in understanding their language (and culture). I appreciate the somewhat formal nature of French society such as always greeting a shop owner when you enter the store and thanking them when you leave. To be clear, I do the same in comparable shops in the US. In any event, I've got a lot of respect for French culture and I think travelling in France is much easier when the French pick up on this appreciation. When I was younger (age 22), I visited France without knowing a lick of French, and it wasn't the same experience.

I agree with most everything. I have been all over France and found people to be pleasant and accommodating. It is always a mistake to develop opinions about places based on movies and TV shows, since they tend to present stereotypes in every culture. The notion of not looking like a tourist is also a bit of a fallacy. Local folks always know who the tourists are. Just dress reasonably, be polite, learn a few words and you will likely be treated quite well. Great video. Thank you!

@RonRobertson-lafrance

12 күн бұрын

I do wonder about that not looking like a tourist thing. I have a number of times been approached by French people who ask for directions. Luckily, each time I happened to know where it was they were looking to go, so gave the directions. It's humorous seeing the slightly bemused expressions on their faces when they hear my highly accented French giving French people directions in France (and they were grateful for the directions). But, I guess I dress not too touristically, so I must pass for a local. I really love having spontaneous chats in French here, people are so sweet and interesting.

Hello. Excellent post. I have been going to Paris and france every year, sometimes twice a year usually traveling alone. You are absolutely correct. Helpful, friendly people and great prices especially for groceries and meals. Meal prices depend on the restaurant and location. Tourists areas might have higher prices but not always. I prefer the cafés and bistros. Streets are clean, people are normal and accommodating. Too many KZreadrs perpetuate the stereotypes around US citizens as obnoxiously loud, standing out like sore thumbs. Not true at all. Many KZreadrs receive favors from proprietors for touting their restaurants. Steer away from these places. Be adventurous and read the cart always made available in front of the restaurant. Many are optioned in English as many British and Australians etc visit paris etc. Last year i spent 2 weeks in Paris arriving on January 3, 2023. I love the winter months in Paris, much less crowded and excellent food choices. I returned mid September for 5 weeks traveling alone, enjoying my adventure and interacting with people using my fractured French. On that trip, i spent 5 nights in the Marais in a 4 floor walk up across from Pompidou museum. Next took SNCF to Saint Malo in Brittany with a side trip to Mount Saint Michael. Saint Malo is a stunning town, distinct food and lovely people. Next trained to Angers for 5 days and from there trained to Caen with a day trip to Honfleur. I used local buses and trains and walked carrying only my backpack. Stayed in all prearranged airbnb’s each having a cloth washer. The Caen World War two Memorial Museum is a must see as Caen was a jumping off town after the Normandy beach landings. I must admit i didn’t experience too much smoking except for Caen at outdoors cafe’s and pubs. Mostly young people. There is so much less smoking compared to 2001 when smoking was everywhere. From Caen, I trained to Gare Saint Lazare and the metro 12 line to Issy les Moulineaux, a town at the southern tip of the Paris 12 metro line. Loved it too. Finally I metroed to the Latin Quarter where I stayed at a fabulous airbnb just feet from metro stop Cardinal Lemoine. I’ve been to Lyon and Nice but hands down I prefer Brittany and Normandy. Thank you for your wonderful post. All best. Joe and Gigi, retired in Cape May.

@AmeliaAndJP

17 күн бұрын

Great! Thanks for sharing! 😊🇫🇷

Are you two ever going back to Ecuador? Seems like you guys are having a great time exploring new places!!

About dog poop, it’s actually forbidden and you can be fined if the police catches you doing it. Some people still do it in some places but I lived in a neighborhood where the city gave free bags to collect your dog poop. So we had really clean streets there.

@vzmax

13 күн бұрын

A vrai dire, les clébards ne devraient rien avoir à foutre sur le domaine public.

I love France and the French people. I spend ~3 months a year near Nice.

Bravo! Thanks for calling out the American Media! Much needed. I say, move, live and enjoy life! Fully Ignore what you see in the US Media. We moved about 18 months ago to Europe and couldn't be happier. We are also healthier, wealthier, more friends, better food , better medical insurance and so much more! Have to go back later this year to my Sons wedding and the costs associated with everything involved are astronomical. I've become one of your active followers due to your honesty and clarity of presentation! Continue being Amazing!

You're good vibes are contagious! And Amelia has a great French pronounciation too. Very nice video.

Exactly! Laugh and have fun! I took myself way too seriously when I first went to France 39 years ago. Stiff. Paranoid. This year France was a total treasure from everyday interactions and situations. Laughed a lot and had loads of fun. The locals enjoyed us, too.

It's my understanding that healthcare there is first rate and quite affordable too. Great update on the truths that we don't get here in the u.s.

@juliaward1127

14 сағат бұрын

It is too general to say first rate. Some hospitals have poor management and some doctors here take zero interest in their patients' follow-up treatment.

I've been to France several times since I was in college in the 70s. France has changed. Much more modern, less smoking and far less dog poop on the sidewalks than years ago. The food in the markets is higher quality and far less expensive than in the U.S. Restaurant food is comparably priced, but I found alcohol to be expensive compared to the U.S. I suspect that's because the French will sit over a glass of wine in a cafe for hours after work with friends (at least in the Paris neighborhood where I usually stay) so they have to charge for that. I have very limited French language skills and have had no problems, although maybe that would not be the case in the less touristic areas. And from my point of view, the French got their act together to do the right thing in the last election, which makes France even more attractive to me. Hoping to spend more time in France in the future.

@Americathebeautiful49

17 күн бұрын

Vive la France. I have been traveling there since the 70’s and have seen a remarkable transformation. In the early days there was that residual post war disdain for the ugly Americans and I must say some of it was deserved. By the 90’s those famous surly Parisian waiters were actually wishing one a bonne weekend. How American.

@mandichang

17 күн бұрын

L'alcool en France est soumis à une taxe supplémentaire qui est censée dissuader de consommer ce produit dangereux pour la santé.

@lioneldemun6033

17 күн бұрын

The French do this....the French do that....stop the stereotypes. I'm French and never sit in cafés, speak perfect EN ( and DE ) don't smoke drink little wine am a law abiding driver never say " bonjour" to people I don't know etc . And I m fed up of Americans thinking that the " grass is greener " here as most of you have a far higher standard of living as the average Frenchie.

@morzhed-hoqh732

17 күн бұрын

L’histoire dira que c’était le mauvais choix…

@ignidrakkos7546

14 күн бұрын

​@@lioneldemun6033C'est exactement cela.

Great video, great insights! Thanks! 👍

Really happy you've passed good time in my country. It was so many things to see in this country. It was many beautiful region to see. So many food to try too.

Agree USA is expensive! Don’t forget to add sales tax and tip on everything. About 28-30 percent. I visited Paris last September. Agree totally with your impressions. Loved it 🥰. The only thing that was super expensive was the airbnb in the Latin quarter. Ouch. Paid about $500 per night. It was very nice and excellent location but made me expect everything was going to be expensive. Not true. Prices were not bad. Actually it was less expensive than Atlanta

Another thing they scare you off here on KZread are scams and pickpockets. We didn’t experience either. We didn’t take Metro in Paris, just buses and we tried to avoid big crowds in touristy areas. Local people were nice and helpful with directions. The city vibe was relaxing with cafes in every corner. Also waiters were fast and polite. You just need to greet them in French. And yes-baguettes are really delicious!!! 🥖🥖🥖Now I’m curios about Dijon and their signature mustard. Thank you and safe travels to you both!

@Madoldcatlady

12 күн бұрын

Then you were lucky! Maybe it’s because they’re close to the Olympics that they’ve cleared the pickpockets out. Because usually in Paris, there are large gangs of migrants hanging around tourist destinations trying to con tourists. When I was there visiting my son for the weekend, I nearly got my bag snatched outside a restaurant by two middle eastern men, who then went in to try to get into the back pack of a young woman on the other side of the road, but I shouted and warned her. They weren’t happy! And on the tube, there were again migrant gangs, that pick on a person. Surround them, then while they’re being distracted, the others go into their bags or pockets. Happened right in front of us, during our two day stay. My son says it goes on all the time. Still, I’m glad you had a good holiday here. I just don’t agree with many of the comments here. I’ve lived in France for 30 yrs. my husband is French. My kids are French. I’ve lived in the Lot-et-Garrone. The Landes. Arcachon. Boulogne-sur-mer. Lille. Perpignan. Nantes. The Alpes. My experiences over these 3 decades have indeed made my mind up, that the French are generally a rather grumpy lot, generally speaking.

@antoinecogny6307

3 күн бұрын

Asking people not to be grumpy is such a disrespectful american way of thinking. We are being ouselves and politeness suffice for the everyday talk.

Great video. They're all great but I really liked this one.

great video, thanks for posting, so helpful, can't beat Fr. Food

Another great video! I had a short vacation in Paris and loved it. But I just did the typical American-tourist things and never got out of the city. Please let us know more of the great things to do outside of Paris. Look forward to your next videos!

@bernardbesson9909

11 күн бұрын

Hello, try the Côte d'Azur. You have direct flies to Nice from NY with Delta, or from Philly with AA . Splendid places, complete infrastructure and transportation, large choice of hotels... Côte d'Azur, tourism since 1824 !

I have friends in three different cities in France (Paris, Ansouis and Marseilles) and all three places are very different! But I still love France!

Nice video, glad you enjoyed your trip in France! Please come back anytime we love respectful people like you guys!

@AmeliaAndJP

11 күн бұрын

Merci! 😊🇫🇷

Very informative nicely done 🙂

Funny, of all the French people I’ve known over the past 35 years, I’ve only known 2 smokers. Your video is spot on! I have twin French nephews, who were born and raised in Talant, a suburb of Dijon. So, I’ve spent as much time in Dijon, as Paris over the years. However, my new favorite French city is Marseille!

Se le persone fumano o non fumano in Italia o in Francia non è un affare che riguarda gli americani

@antoinecogny6307

3 күн бұрын

Esattamente ! Sono fastidiosi e vogliono che tutto sia sempre perfetto a casa!

We arrived Montpellier yesterday, so far have been very happy with our interactions with locals, in both English and French.

It's always interesting to hear what foreign people think about my country and our culture. Thank you for your kindness and wow what a beautiful and elegant American lady ❤

@AmeliaAndJP

15 күн бұрын

Merci beaucoup 😊🇫🇷

@Messervy151060

15 күн бұрын

You're welcome ​@@AmeliaAndJP