Can a person speaking no French survive in Paris for the day?
We are docking in Le Havre and would like to take the train to Paris and then tour for the day. We have done this in many cities using English or Spanish as our only languages. Is it feasible to do this in France? Any comments, advice or reassuring words would be greatly appreciated! Sandie
We are docking in Le Havre and would like to take the train to Paris and then tour for the day. We have done this in many cities using English or Spanish as our only languages. Is it feasible to do this in France? Any comments, advice or reassuring words would be greatly appreciated! Sandie
Ah, the French. You hear so many stories about how they don't like foreigners in their country, and they don't like people butchering their language. But then on the other hand you hear some people say that the French really like it if you at least try to speak their language, even if you get it wrong. Who knows which is closer to the truth.
I can tell you from my experiences in France (Paris, and all around the country) that they are for the most part really friendly and polite. I liked the French, and Paris is a beautiful place to visit. I ran into a few people that weren't so nice, but you can find that anywhere in the world, can't you.
Most people I met in France and especially in Paris can understand basic English enough to have a simple conversation, and many speak it fleuntly. I ran into a few people that I suspected actually spoke English but were pretending they didn't. Before I went there for the first time I learned to count to 10, how to ask "how much does that cost", and "where is the bathroom". I got by just fine with that and sign language for the few people I ran across that couldn't or wouldn't speak English.
I can tell you one thing...make sure you pronounce the 'a' in France with a vowel sound like the 'o' in POND. I got corrected every time I said France as if it rhymed with pants.
As long as you are polite, you shouldn't have a problem. When we were there we used a combination of English and simple sign language and didn't have any problems. Paris is a wonderful city, enjoy.
Mais oui! The most important is body language. A smile says so much. As someone said, be polite and I am sure you will be well received by MOST. There are always exceptions, everywhere. If you can get a phrase book, and learn a few key phrases, you will have fun trying to speak the language. Enjoy. I am so jealous!
I have found that if you know a few phrases and are at least making an attempt to speak their language, the people are usually a little more gracious to help you than if you don't. Smiles also work wonders as well.
We are docking in Le Havre and would like to take the train to Paris and then tour for the day. We have done this in many cities using English or Spanish as our only languages. Is it feasible to do this in France? Any comments, advice or reassuring words would be greatly appreciated! Sandie
You won't have a problem. Many people there speak english. I was in Paris with my sister who speaks both Spanish and French, and I could have made it if I was by myself.
We got along just fine in Paris for a day. As stated above, we found people to be very helpful. I do have a story, though. We were riding the Metro and couldn't figure out WHY we kept passing stops w/ the SAME name. I finally dawned on us that "Sortie" wasn't the name of the stop. . . it means "Exit"!!
I imagine that the Parisians sitting around us had a good story to tell when they got home!
We got along just fine in Paris for a day. As stated above, we found people to be very helpful. I do have a story, though. We were riding the Metro and couldn't figure out WHY we kept passing stops w/ the SAME name. I finally dawned on us that "Sortie" wasn't the name of the stop. . . it means "Exit"!!
I imagine that the Parisians sitting around us had a good story to tell when they got home!
Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers
-
Centrum Deck
-
Cruise Places
-
Europe
-
Mediterrean Ports
-
France
-
Can a person speaking no French survive in Paris for the day?
#
We are docking in Le Havre and would like to take the train to Paris and then tour for the day. We have done this in many cities using English or Spanish as our only languages. Is it feasible to do this in France? Any comments, advice or reassuring words would be greatly appreciated! Sandie
Linear Mode
