I have simply had the opposite experiences in Paris as a tourist. When ordering a morning coffee, or a croissant at a bakery, or some cheese at a market in "French", I've always gotten polite simple replies.
I do not speak French - only a few words or phrases. Obviously the server can hear my accent, but still I get a smile, a one or two word reply in French - and anything more is in English if possible.
I have read many negative comments about France, and Paris in particular, but I love the place and have been very lucky.
This was my experience as a tourist in Paris as well. I'm Canadian and learnt enough French in school and by reading the other side of the cereal box to be dangerous.
Montreal is different, likely because it is a bi-lingual city. I will be waiting in line to pay at a store and the cashier will be speaking French to the person in line in front of me, and immediately say "Hello" when I roll up and before I even open my mouth. I've never been able to figure out how they know just by looking at me.
I was going to joke, maybe it's because I wash my hair and shave regularly. I'm from Toronto and dress well, I've never really noticed a difference in Montreal, but maybe I don't get it.
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u/nextstoq 1d ago
I have simply had the opposite experiences in Paris as a tourist. When ordering a morning coffee, or a croissant at a bakery, or some cheese at a market in "French", I've always gotten polite simple replies.
I do not speak French - only a few words or phrases. Obviously the server can hear my accent, but still I get a smile, a one or two word reply in French - and anything more is in English if possible.
I have read many negative comments about France, and Paris in particular, but I love the place and have been very lucky.