What are some good tips as far as getting around in Paris? How do the French respond to foreigners? Is it a fact or myth of them being rude? And what are must see sites?

smalls, I can only tell you what my experiences have been regarding French people and rudeness..neither I nor my husband have ever been treated rudely in Paris, although I have seen a couple of rude Americans and one very rude German I think back in the 50's and 60's the French were truly very rude to Americans. I think, as the world has gotten smaller, they have come to accept their fate -Americans are going to go to France, so they are getting used to it. <BR>Do a text search, there are many posts regarding restaurants, shopping, what to do and see.<BR>Do you know where you will be staying? <BR>We stay on the Left Bank, on the rue Jacob. We always take the Metro except at night sometimes a taxi. Of course, the best mode of transportation is walking, you will want to walk all over Paris! <BR>You must have some knowledge of Paris, what are the sights you want to see?<BR>

We found the people of Paris to be the same as people in other large cities. They are going about their business in a city that is full of people. But if you need help we have found that people in New York or London or Paris will try their best to help.

Getting around in Paris: The metro is one of the best in the world. The bus system is also excellent.<BR><BR>French rudeness: They are so rude we bought a second home there so we could be around French people as often as possible.<BR><BR>Must-see sites: Surely you can do some basic research on &quot;must-see&quot; sites in Paris. Bookstores, libraries, the internet, and this website all have loads of information if you just search for it.

I am going to Paris next month and have been perusing this board for the last 3-4 months. <BR><BR>Do a search of &quot;Paris&quot; and you will find a lot of great recommendations for itineraries for 3-4 days. Then, pick and chose where YOU want to go and what YOU want to see.<BR><BR>There are also some great restaurant recommendations along with web sites. I've already booked my reservations for 4 of them.

I am an American living in Paris. The best way is to see the city via foot. walk everywhere and when you get tired of walking, hop on the bus. If you take the metro, you will find that it is one of the most efficient and effective forms of public transportation in the world. In fact, the Parisian public transportation system, all around is such.<BR><BR>If you know some French, use it. The French prefer that but in many tourist locations, once they hear your accent, they might speak to you in English. They are not being rude, they just want to practice their English language skills.<BR><BR>Always respond to shopkeepers by Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur ou Au revoir Madame/Monsieur. If you don't it's a bit impolite on your part.<BR><BR>

Hi smalls,<BR> Just chiming in to say I agree with the above. <BR> My last trip to Paris (2000) I found the folks to be very friendly and helpful.

We never feel unwelcomed in Paris. I agree with the previous posters. People are people and Paris is no different: you can find rude people anywhere.

We also really enjoyed our trip to Paris ('99) and never really experienced any rudeness, although we'd been warned about it by all our friends beforehand. We found the Parisians to be very helpful.<BR><BR>I think that it depends on how we, as foreigners, approach travel situations in any country. We have to adjust to the way of life where we go, and not expect things to be the same as at home.<BR><BR>I also agree that it helps to at least attempt the language of the country you are visiting.<BR><BR>

We too heard about the rude French before we went to Paris. But we were pleasantly surprised. I took French all through high school years ago but that did not help in regular conversation. Just be sure to say Bonjour, Merci, Monsieur, Madame and try to learn a few key phrases. I practiced, J'essaye parler francais mais je ne parle pas bien... Translation: I will try to speak French but I do not speak well. Every time I said that, I was greeted with a huge smile and an effort to help me by speaking slowly or using their best English. It's only right that we attempt their language while in their country!!!

Go to www.ratp.fr where you'll find everything imaginable regarding the metro, buses, RER, L'Opentour, along with beautiful maps you can download and print to fold up and carry in your pocket.<BR><BR>It's helpful to read the &quot;getting around&quot; chapter in a tour guide or two so you'll know such things as to HOLD ON to your bus/metro ticket or that the bus will not stop at the bus stop unless you wave (or someone happens to be getting off).<BR><BR>There are any number of magnificent tour guides and websites which list and describe all the sites. The &quot;must see&quot; sites will be those you find most appealing and have the time for during your visit.<BR><BR>I'd say how the French will respond to you will depend entirely upon how you present yourself.

I'm w/StCirq (or I wish I was) we're returning in March w/our infant. (Last time we were there she was in utero). It is our favorite city &amp; outside one interesting experience w/a waiter we have never experienced the rudeness. As I have mentioned before, that comment usually comes from those who have not done their homework &amp; who demands that people speak English. The French just like it if you at least make an attempt. If the tables were turned how would Americans react ? (&amp; yes I am one). There are many threads on here but many people who voice their opinions on things often lack first hand knowledge...so I suggest you go &amp; form your own opinion &amp; perhaps you will have something in common w/StCirq, myself &amp; many others in regards to their love for Paris.