Parlez vous francais?, Paris

In general, it is not easy to meet people in Paris. People in Paris, like people in any big city, tend to be in a bit of a rush. Here's the tip: if you can speak French, you should definitely try to start a conversation with the OLDER people you might run into in a boulangerie, cafe, or park. They are a wealth of information of about the history of Paris and tend to have more time to talk than the younger people (who are busy pursuing their careers, caring for their children, or hanging out with their friends). In the last two days, I've had long conversations with two wonderful older Parisians - a man and a woman. (One conversation started when he offered to help me find my way, the other when she mentioned that she was looking for particular type of veal at the supermarket. )The man turned out to be a French teacher and offered me a few grammar tips. We discussed literature and travel and all sorts of topics. The woman and I discussed the cuisine of France, Salvador Dali's art, the Elgin Marbles, and the placement of the Victory of Samothrace in the Louvre. And she talked a bit about the French occupation which she had actually lived through. Don't worry if your French isn't perfect, as long as you can understand French fairly well you will learn a lot.

Yea I can defo see the arrogance there. And no worries about the language barrier as long as u know merci beaucoup. Lol! People say the French hate it when people speak ne other language other than French to them but that is absolutely bollox. I find them more willing to help! Thank you my Frenchies!

If you would like to learn a little French before you arrive, check out the BBC website,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/languages/french/

They offer an easy, interactive tutorial to learn travel French, and it's free!

A few phrases in French will help you navigate the city better. Most people are friendly enough to help, but it is very rude to expect someone to know your language when you are the visitor. English is a widely known and spoken language, but most Parisians appreciate foreigners to be polite and at least try to say a few important phrases. Jot them down on a piece of paper and use them as needed. On the many visits that I have paid Paris I have never come across any rudeness or unfriendly people, on the contrary, they have all been very helpful.

As suspected, local people don't speak English. They speak only French. At least, their opening words are French. Why? Who knows? But if you once show them trying to speak French even a little, they will kindly try to understand what you are going to say and help you well.
I stayed in 19e where a lot of Asian people are living so some people didn't think I am a traveller. Such things often happend. Learn your host's language.

Not to worry, if you are English speaking, a lot of Parisien will respond to you in English after seeing you struggle in French.
Imagine... they often switch to English when I speak to them in French too. LOL
Or they tell me : 'Ho, vous êtes Québécois!!'
They manage to insert more English words in a sentence than me.

French are an interesting and helpful people, but DO try to speak some French if you go to Paris. Even though most of them understand English, they must be as embarrased to speak it, as you may be to speak French. And if you cannot communicate in their language, try to go with someone who can :-)

Everyone starts with "Bonjour'no Mossieur" and means "Hello Mister". So start with that while talking with anyone. I used to first ask "Parle vous Anglais" means "Do you know English". Most don't so, they wont be able to understand what you are trying to say and no communication will happen. Try and ignore people who are rude to you when they know you donot know french. Thats a part and parcel of the country I guess.