Try to speak a few words of French. Don't be the 'ugly American' who refuses to try. Many French people know some English, but if you try to speak their language, then the Parisians will warm up to you.
'Parlez-vous anglais'--Do you speak English?
If all else fails, and you're in trouble, say 'Ou est la toilette?' Where is the toilet?
Take a phrase book along!!!! Another good book to take is Rick Steves' Paris. I took this book along, and it guided me around Paris, even through the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay. Good book!

