What I Love (and DON'T) About Life in France - My Experience Living Abroad as an American
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 тра 2024
- 🇫🇷 » Read about my expat life abroad in France on my blog - helenawoods.com/category/life...
🇫🇷 » Want to Move to France? Ebook on how to move and settle in France here » helenawoods.com/shop
// COME SAY HI! 💕
💭 Instagram: / mshelenawoods
📖 my blog - helenawoods.com/blog
☀️ website - helenawoods.com
💝 my shop - helenawoods.com/shop
👩💻FB group - / 453531592288947
✨ Discord community - / discord
CONNECT WITH ME PRIVATELY 1:1
Book a private coaching or astrology reading with me here: helenawoodsreading.as.me/sche...
MY SHOP
// 📓 » Grab my guided meditations, Slow Living eBook & Journal - helenawoods.com/shop
// 🇫🇷 » Want to Move to France? Ebook on how to move and settle in France here » helenawoods.com/shop
Support My Journey
❤️ PATREON - / helenawoods
🐌 Send me a donation - paypal.me/helenawoods
☕️ Buy Me a Coffee - ko-fi.com/helenawoods
💝 My Shop - helenawoods.com/shop
📸 Buy My Photos of France - society6.com/helenawoods
// 🌱 FREE Slow Living downloads I made for you!
» Download my Simple Living guide "Live Simply with Authenticity" - bit.ly/3gfQb2h
» My Slow Living Journal Prompts - bit.ly/3Vd42Fs
» My Guided Meditations - bit.ly/3ggf266
☀️ THINGS I LOVE
// 📚 » My Favorite Books - helenawoods.com/favorites
// 🛍 » Favorite Lifestyle Things - www.amazon.com/shop/simplejoys
NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links, but I never recommend products that I don’t love and use myself! :)
Hello kindred spirit! Thank you so much for tuning in! I create videos on slow living and my life in France! If you're curious to see more of my content, check out my blog! As a writer, I have a full archive of posts written from the past 5 years on my blog about how to find more joy in your life as well as slow and joyful living and presence. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did me making it. Have a magical day, lovely ☀️
What I Love (and Don't!) About Living in France - Life Abroad as an American
Question for ya! What assumptions have you had about the French in the past? Have you experienced any of the things I mentioned?
Hello friends! ❤ I hope you're having a beautiful day! I'm currently in the U.K. traveling solo and am excited to fill you in on my adventures here in the next vlog! Here's a casual chatty video just sharing about my experience living in France 🤗
I have always heard the French are rude but every French person that I've rver met just seemed reserved. Ithink its an American stereotype Americans are not reserved 😑
Yes I have. It’s been like this for decades. Nothing new. Plus ça change, plus c’est La même chose. ~Voltaire ❤ (See my comments below.)
Wish you a magical time in the U.K. ✨❤
Are you still in the UK? I'm in Scotland if you make it up this way. Spirituality in the Basque region and lots of ex-pats? What town is that if you don't mind me asking. I am looking for a few months' adventure with my little dog.
But they *are* rude and snobbish !
As a french person I think that we are often perceived as rude because politeness is actually incredibly important to us. In order to be perfectly polite you need to obey a very specific set of rules and the moment you don't abide to those rules you will then be perceived as rude. People can be very offended if you're not being polite and will in turn talk to you like shit because you were ''rude'' first. For example when a tourist walks into a shop and asks for something directly without saying hello or without waiting for their interlocutor to say it back it can be perceived as very rude and condescending by a french person which is why -in some cases- they might react badly. I feel like french people should cut foreigners some slack because being polite looks different in every country but I don't think we're inherently rude either.
Agree. Rude American's perceive negative reaction to their ignorant behavior as snobbery when it's not. Heaven forbid they have to conduct themselves in a non narcissistic, civilized fashion.
Interesting! I will keep that in mind. I guess in a customer service oriented culture, the customer gets all the attention and expects being the one to be greeted first. In the US it’s usually “hi what can I help you with?” So maybe if you’re used to that and don’t get greeted when you walk into a shop, you wait and think wow the store clerk is being rude in ignoring you. Then you make an effort to state your needs and get met with someone who just appears to be in a bad mood. Maybe… I did meet a few rude French people who just kind of had that arrogant abrasive news about them that pushed me away, but I also met quiet a few friendly ones. I have yet to travel to France and look forward to it still.
I want to move to a European country. France is on the list of possibilities.
@@leonab545You're reading it all wrong. Hence your misconception.
Any shop vendor will tell you hello in France. However you're talking about another type of thing. In the self service industry (people get their things by themselves) the French hate it when some shop clerk is rushing on them and ask them what as soon as they step a foot in the store. Same in restaurants, waiters have to be discreet and are to show up only when asked. The robotic service like in the US is maybe what the Americans like, but that's everything the French don't like. It's seen as pushy and very intrusive. People prefer to be by themselves, and IF they need something they will tell the shop clerk that they need something. As simple as that. So you weren't being ignored but your personal space was being respected. That's for most shops. Then there are some shops for instance in luxury or trying to sell more expensive stuff or concept stores where the staff will automatically offer their service but will approach you in a more "gentle" way those are "specials shops" with a specific concept. So that's tolerated by the customers because they know what to expect.
Perfectly said! I wish all visitors could understand this. I'm French and I approve this message 😊
I’ve been to France 5 times and my only problem every single time that I went, was leaving.
When I was in Paris 23 years ago, a French man approached me to ask me the time. "Im sorry, but I don't understand French," I responded. Then he said in English, "How can a woman be in France and don't speak any French?" I thought he was rude, so I said, "How can a French man live in France, and don't have a watch?!" He then said, "I want to marry you!!!"
This is so, so, so funny 😂😉 Congratulations ! (I am French). You have been perfect ! 😉 This is the start for a vey good romcom 🙂
@@heliedecastanet1882 I was dating at the time an American man in California, so I just took a picture with him, which I still have😄. He handed me a note with his email address, which I lost. Now Im divorced and wonder what happened to him🤔🤭. Im thinking of learning French, in case the universe takes me there one day, and I just happen to run into him again😄
@@viridianacarreon7203 With some words of French and a brand new watch, everything will be fine, then 🙂
Happy New Year, Viridiana, and all my best for you !
@@viridianacarreon7203 EXCELLENT EXCELLENT ⌚ ainsi va la vie nous avons un proverbe il y a que les montagnes qui ne se rencontrent pas.
@@viridianacarreon7203 😂Bonjour, décidément vous avez beaucoup d'humour je vous AIME déjà 😘
I'm listening to this right now and I hear you say that you have a big laugh and you trying to work on that. HELENA!! I LOVE YOUR LAUGHTER and it's so insane hy. I was literally listening to some of your videos in the morning and I was like... How I love her laughter😅😅😅. Crazy I know but yeah.... Lol. Love love your channel. Love from SOUTH AFRICA 🥺❤️❣️❣️❣️. Keep them coming 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Loved this video! I went to Paris when I was 10 (I’m American) and I also perceived them to be rude. What I’m realizing is that they were just more reserved and respectful. Being a reserved person myself, people often think of me as rude or standoffish. I’d love to visit France again. America has never really felt like home to me.
People in big cities are not as welcoming as they should. Parisians do have bad reputation for that inside France too. The city attracts a lot of tourists but tourism makes up a small part of Paris’economy, so people don’t really « need » tourists (apart those working in tourism industry).
I went to Paris a few years ago. Stayed a week with a friend who lived there. I too, was told the French were rude. I didn't find them rude, I found that they were indifferent. They weren't gossipy and in your face like Americans are. I found them very helpful as I only have HS French, so they were very accommodating when I asked questions in broken French/ with English. I thought they were lovely people.
💯 agree😊 I don't see where the rude part came from. I have only been in Paris and Lyon, but I always felt welcome every time. ❤
Wow! This is eye opening. Thank you.
I have been back and forward from Australia to France to try and tie up a house sale. I too was told about how arrogant and rude the French are but when over there I could not find one fault with them. I had many french people trying their darnest to help me out. My only gripe are the banks ! To open up a simple account I had to have triplet of everything e.g Payslips, electricity bills, rates then I have to make a appointment which in my case was a Friday, three days later. This was the day of the signing of the house sale contracts. Then the bank will take 2-3 days to approve the bank account then I have to make another appointment to finalise my account. Because of all this stuffing around the sale got pushed back one month in advanced. So I came back to Australia and went to my bank and paid for the house within 20mins argggghh !!! But in the long run,it's worth it because now I can retire and tour Europe knowing I have a home in France to come back to :) But to repeat the French people are now my friends :)
Rudeness: really depends on where. Lille I found serious attitudes and Lyon, the South is so warm.
Paris is such a mix for me.
I was very surprised about your comments on the school life in France and have to disagree.
I am Franco-American. I am currently teaching K-12 in the US. I went to school in the US, but would spend my whole summers in France between 0 and 22 years of age to visit my mom's family (she's French). I then taught English in France as an adult, and of course have my teacher friends and my relatives (both parents and students) to refer to for this and....
French kids spend way, WAY less time in school than American kids. Most French schools either have a half day on Wednesdays or NO school on Wednesday. Most French schools also have at least one hour for lunch and 30 minutes of recess, usually as an incentive for parents to spend their lunch break eating with their children before both groups go back to work. French children are also given additional shorter recesses (2x 15min, usually) throughout the day. Additionally, every two months French schools are required to have 1-2 weeks of vacation (government holidays) for students. Most workers take 2-4 weeks off during the summer months to spend actual time with their children, too. The French value quality personal/family growth over grinding day in and day out.
Compare this to the 20 minutes of lunch Americans students get now with usually 15-20min for recess, the months on end of grinding 7/8am-3/4pm, M-F, before they get a few days for Thanksgiving, two weeks max for Christmas, and one week max for Spring Break. I have never heard of American parents being given enough of a break at work to be able to have lunch with their children, or schools allowing children to do this either.
It's true that French schools drill more traditional academics, such as learning cursive, poem memorisation, etc, that I frankly have not seen in American schools since I was in elementary school. N0w, American students can hardly write, even in high school, typing everything and technically not being corrected for spelling until 7th grade in many areas.
You said French mothers are saying students are in school too much and don't have as much time for extra-curriculars, but I'm guessing that this is simply people who only know what they know in their country and are wanting to progress even more (as is their right and as they should). But compared to American students, French students learn more substance while also being given way more time to grow themselves as people with way more downtime and family time.
I love your content by the way! I also disagree that French people are reserved (I'm wondering if you speak French), but I've written enough haha.
Otherwise the rest of your observations are so spot on that it made me smile and miss what I consider my home
Beautiful, thoughtful assessment. Thank you.
AND THE 'LUNCHES' THAT ARE SERVED IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS ARE GASTRONOMICALLY DISGUSTING. NO NUTRITONAL VALUE AT ALL AND FULL OF CHEMICALS.
I was going to add to her comments about France . Children in France spend time with their families, not bolting from one after school activity to another. Also, although one would not guess it from outside, the life in France is still orientated around the life of The Church. If one doesn't know it is Ascenson Day, etc. then one will be shocked to find minimal opening hours at the store. The same goes for all the other holidays. They will be marked on the calendar that one got with a donation to The Pompiers after Christmas!
I still find it weird that Americans make a big deal out of being able to write in cursive, going to school in the UK we didn't even call it cursive, we just called it handwriting and you learned this before going to highschool. If you don't write in cursive, it's called writing in print , reserved for filling out forms and the like ( forms will say 'print your name' or 'write in print' )
@@Chris-uh7cwexactly! Same in France
Bonjour Helena!
I lived in the French countryside for 10 years and loved every moment! The people were reserved at first but never rude/arrogant and always polite and welcoming. We made incredible friendships that have lasted decades and I admire so much about the French people and France in general. I now have a home in Italy as it’s my own cultural background and I love it as well. 🥰♥️🦋
I thought the rude and snobbery comments about the French stemmed from the tourist spots in France (primarily Paris) when entitled Americans were visiting and expecting everyone to speak English. My husband was stationed in Germany years ago and travelled extensively through Europe.
And he said the Parisian’s were warm and friendly as long as you attempted to communicate in their language and were respectful. He found them gracious and would quickly put you at ease to speak English if they could after he attempted to speak and understand French. They appreciated the effort. As Americans we are less travelled and global in our outlook. Many Americans can’t be bothered with what is going on in our government or country let alone what is happening internationally. Although I do prefer an international outlook in my news. My mother is British and I was raised a little different with that influence in my life.
Thanks Helena 😊 for sharing what it's like for you there in France
Very Real and Informative break down of living in France. Thanks for the great insights 🙂
you have an great clear bright voice, nice vid and good info
I have lived in the US for 43 of my 47 years of life. I recently returned to England 🇬🇧 and I have to say my whole life in the US I felt like I didn't belong and the moment I touched the UK, I felt peace. I was so at home with the reserved and quiet lifestyle there. All that to say, I agree with what you said about the life in France. US is just so different than Europe
Interesting. I am also in the US since a young age, and never quiet felt at home. I am looking back to Europe but maybe a different country than where I first grew up. I do appreciate a lot about the US, including meeting people from all over here, learning a new language, etc… but I just never quiet felt fully myself here.
I want to move to Europe. I feel this exact same way at the moment. I'm hoping it will be within the next 5 years maximum.
German here. In Germany french people also have the reputation to be very rude. In my experience, the french are very nice. Maybe it's sometimes also a case of as you are treated you treat others? You expect them to be rude and you behave like it.
A few years ago I've been to a bakery in Chamonix. There was an eldery couple in line in front of me. They did not say good morning or please or thank you and the seller was responding somewhat rude.
But then it was my turn and I said bonjour and un baguette sil vous plait and that I'm sorry for my horrible french and he was the sweetest man really!
I really love this sit down video style hearing your perspective on life in France. The way you describe the French as very quiet, polite and reserved sounds a lot like me 😊 However, I love to see the difference in people's personalities and interests and I value self expression so much! ✨️ I think it would be hard for me to be in a society where no one is expressing themselves.. The smoking in Europe astounded me when we traveled there a few years ago. My husband had quit smoking for an entire year before we went and within 1 week of being in Europe he picked it up again. The temptation was so great because Everyone was smoking Everywhere, including indoors!
Glad you are happy. Glad you explore, besides the US;)
I am British and have been living in the Pyrenees for the last 19 years - wild horses wouldn't be able to drag me back to the UK! I find the French to be very polite and also considerate, all in all I love living in France!
A wonderful video, I visited France as a child and teenager. I haven't got a bad word to say from my memories. I plan to retire there and cannot wait. Thanks
I feel the same way about respect, consideration and just living a quiet life. As a 6'2" man....I learned a long time ago that I can be imposing to smaller built people....I've always tried to talk softly and be polite....beyond what is often expected. So tired of loud and rude Americans. So sick of it. Thank you for this.
I absolutely have an idea why people say that the French are rude. So many people go to France and do not know that it is really a huge faux pas not to say hello and and thank you and good bye as you walk into a shop and leave a shop or in other situations. I always did this in French but I think even if you did it in English or really bad French it would be accepted. (I am not French). It is almost like a slap in the face when you do not acknowledge people, it is extremely bad manners. Those three words - bonjour, merci, au revoir - there would be no strange looks. This is in Paris 30 years ago btw. I lived there and travelled there for a year and everyone was extremely polite and sweet the whole time in every area I went to.
When I am at my little house in France tere are many people who pass by in the street. Everyone greets everyone..with the exception of the Anglos; Brits and Americans who have houses there . I always greet them and if you are very lucky (!) you will get a mumbled something in reply, head down in embarrasment as they hasten by . I suppose they have never splurged on a French/ English dictionary ! I am far from fluent and struggle when French people stop and chat.. but they are so kind and I try to look intelligent!
Love your video. I am Cajun French and would love to be immersed in real French culture. I have been nervous about acceptance from locals upon relocation after retirement.
You exude kindness~ people will give it back. I find anywhere if you have attitude, it sours the situation. I have been to France, everyone was lovely and helpful particularly because I attempted to speak a little French. I butchered it lol--but everyone was nice about it. Thank you. Lovely video. Much love. :)
You hit the nail spot on, so to speak, about France! This is why I live it here!
Loved this Helena! x 🎅 🎄
Thank you for this!
Another great video. I enjoyed listening to your take on this subject. I can attest that when I lived in Italy for two years it took forever to get things done. Otherwise, I loved living there and the people were incredibly nice. I’d live there again! ❤
Same feeling, I really like the European attitudes and kindness :)
We’ve spent time in Paris and I’ve only met very kind helpful people.
I love France 24 & DW News Live! It’s how I get a fresh perspective!
SO DO I AND HAVE DONE SO FOR YEARS. BEING AMERICAN I HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR FRANCE 24 AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY REPORT MUCH NEEDED NEWS.
I live in Michigan and have never been to France, and I only have a statistic of one, but had an experience relative to what you are sharing has to do with one of my very best friends I met here when she had moved from Alsace, where she was from, with her husband who got an engineering job here. We became very close friends, and her daughter was best friends with my daughter at that time. She LOVED.....loved.... the U.S. She said she felt more at home here than anywhere she'd ever been. She said that her biggest complaint about France was the pessimistic attitude, as well as the bureaucracy. She ended up having to go back because of a divorce and tried so hard to get citizenship here. It was heartbreaking, 2 friends actually said they would marry her just so she could stay, but she had too much integrity to do that. She said that the U.S. felt like "home" to her and that France felt stifled and unwelcoming. Canada is reserved compared the U.S., and Ontario, which is closest to me, as a strong French heritage. I think really everywhere is more reserved than the U.S. There are plenty of problems here, but at the end of the day, American's are generally pretty open and welcoming of all cultures. But people are people everywhere. Yes, indeed, human beings do have a belief that the grass is greener somewhere else. Well, in Hawaii it probably is. 😂
@shalombodyandsoulwellness Michigan is my home state and I dearly miss it. Have a Happy New Year!
@@wickedartist1451 You too! Blessings!
Yes American are open, friendly, optimistic, inspiring, gutsy, but I am not a fan of the fake niceness, superficial connections, small talk, gossip, and two-faced behavior that often leads to backstabbing.
@@leonab545tbh, the fake niceness is more of being polite and professional (putting on a smile/happy face in work settings) But yeah it still is perceived as fake. I guarantee you though that there's lots of us Americans that express sincerity. 😊❤️🇺🇲
Lol she was from Alsace, the most Germanic part of France. Protestant stiffness. She should have moved to the Latin part of France. About everywhere else but Alsace.
That inconsistency with business hours and total failure to communicate changes or events is exactly the same in Germany. Any time we do anything here we know it's a dice roll of whether we actually get to do it. And there have been so many events we missed because nothing was posted until after its over, even when we are specifically researching it
As an European living in the US for the last 20 yrs everything you mentioned is so spot on! Went to Paris this past summer, even with my broken French as it's been so long since I've spoken, everyone was very polite and i did not mind anyone correcting me. Had such an amazing time and when I came back it hit me hard how rude, loud and most of all entitled people are in the US :(( Needless to say now in my 40's i am craving it all back and already made plans to go back to France this upcoming summer. xoxo
You’re lucky I don’t even have the luxury to go 😢
@@ssg9officalYou can very easily move to Europe if you really want to. Maybe not France but there are a lot of nice countries in Europe keeping their door wide open.
Calling the USA rude compared to France is mental. Do enlighten where have located in the US for 20 years so we can on guard for rude people?
@@TheMVCoho And it's mental because?
Helena, I’m American, but my family is from Spain and Cuba so my upbringing was not typical and more international. I developed a love of French language and culture early on. I went to study in Grenoble in the mid 1970s. I was excited and also a bit concerned given the French reputation for being snobby. However, I discovered the opposite to be true. Sure, they may not be as friendly as the Italian or Spanish, but they are kind and helpful. They appreciate it when people speak at least a bit of French and mind their manners. I believe it comes down to the fact that they don’t care what other countries think and they’re not interested in promoting themselves or their “brand”. So don’t worry about it. 😉
I'm so glad I found you. I am on the other side of life in that I am retiring to France. As an American I am simply done with us. I've gone to France since 1868 when I went to see where my father lived while stationed there in the post war Marshall Plan deployment. 20 years ago as I embarked on the most difficult work of my career I promised I would retire in France. The time is here. My French is okay and gets better every day. I've made friends and met amazing people expats and locals. This summer I'm buying a house in a small village. I never thought I would have a sense of fleeing but the US has become so violent and dangerous it's the right time. Thank you for your work here. I'll sub.
Forgive me, but wasn’t 1868 Reconstruction? I think Marshall Plan was a century later. ;-)
In 1968 there was no Americans soldiers in France as De Gaulle has expelled them in 1968. And the Marshall plan was post war ( 1946/ 1956). But the reconstruction lapsus was funny .
In 1966 not 1968 the US were expelled.
Don't lose who you are. Keep your warm hearty laugh. Your enthusiasm and warmth is contagious. Don't force yourself to be quieter.
I absolutely LOVE your videos, and content. Thank you sooooo much! 🙏💕
My paternal grandmother died of lung cancer, and never smoked in her life 💔
omg it's the worst 😩 I'm so sorry to hear that Claudia. I know of so many women who were so healthy and never smoked and died suddenly in their 40s. Not many people talk about how often women non-smokers get it. I am actually REALLY passionate about it and spend a lot of time researching studies on lung cancer. Someday I really hope to start a fund or charity to raise awareness for research. It's one of the worst cancers 😭 my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
@@helenawoods that is so sad… I hope to find a place with the least amount of smokers 😊
Hi Helena, brand new subscriber here :) I have stumbled upon your channel and I am really enjoying your videos. I know I am late to the party with this video, but what you said in this video reminded me of what an older french friend of mine used to say - to paraphrase, it was that people can do as they please provided that doesn't impede upon another's right to do as they please. If that makes sense. Keep up the great videos!
My daughter was 24 as well when she moved to France. And she was married too. I'm going to visit her soon for the first time after 7 years she's been living there.
Love your perspective and attitude. Are you living there in a Visa? If so what type and duration of your visa?
“Terminé!!!” Aaeghhhhhhhhhh
her vocabulary 🙇🏻♀️
Hello Helena. My daughter Florence, eight years, would like to say some things, so I'm writing her words here. "I really appreciated you talking about what you love about France and not. I have had very bad thoughts about France. This really helped me realize it isn't as bad as I thought. I thought it was more strict than it is. And harsh. I'm much more kind of a louder person and I thought they would make me quiet. I think about France because my mom likes France, she lived there for a while. Thank you for reading. Love from Florence. Bye!"
Almost 70k bb!
Yes! Just a few more subbies until we get there ❤️🦋 Thanks for your support
Thanks for your insights & life experience!
I have been wanting to visit France since I was a kid. I was busy chasing the rat race here in the USA. I am finally making plans to slow down & travel to Europe next year.
Blunt for sure. No sugar coating things. Some people like that, some people aren’t used to it.
Thanks
It is beautyfull city and place
hi helena, i wondered what had happended to you; but luckily i found this vid todayxx
I’m applying now--starting it. My wife is French. I am very excited. Have to improve my French a bit more than the interview and paperwork stuff. Which is endless it seems!
What drove me absolutely bonkers when I began living in France (Cannes) several decades ago (I am a dual Canadian and Dutch citizen) was the 'impossible bureaucratic triangle': I needed 1. an apartment rental contract to get both a job and a residency permit, I needed 2. a job to get an apartment and a residency permit, and, 3. I needed a residency permit to get an apartment and a job. I was at last forced to fib in order to break the barrier, but aside from the insane bureaucracy, I think personally France is the most wonderful place on earth to live.
Bureaucracy is a real madness in France, even for french which i am. I hate "fonctionnaires".
One single thing is missing and you can get back home after hours waiting. Grrrrr....
@@didzz4275 Indeed! And the salt in the wound was that officially there were E.U. regulations that guaranteed my rights, even then already. It is just that the bureaucrats were apparently not up to speed, nor did they care.
I am a naturally reserved person and felt very comfortable in the French culture
that's so great to hear! 💕
People in the US have become incredibly inconsiderate on every level.
agreed.
@@helenawoods I am an American and l agree as well. The inconsideration, entitlement/rudeness and racism is beyond appalling.
@@valerieneal2747 Stop with the racist nonsense
The question is why? Hw do you explain it ?
@@claude_1c74 I have an idea about why it is so, but I'm not going to say it here. So many are easily offended.
I like your insight, Helena. That's true about lower school education or early years, long study hours, I think this happens in many other countries in Europe. That was my childhood too. I now live in England and I am pleased with the school system here, my children are happy and engage in lots of co-curricular activities enjoying their childhood. 😊 great channel
Wonderful Vid! Thank you. What city are you in?
I am italian and living in England and I think these things are more an European thing than French. We are not that focused only on our country, no loud music to respect others (in italy we shout chatting everywhere though), a lot of people pay a lot of time thinking about what to dress but the problem with that is that people are scared to express themselves for the fear to be judged and this is about everything not just fashion and that is what I don't like about italy...
You have to remember that France is so close to many other countries, so I'm sure that's part of the reason they give you news from all over. I also think that is why so many more languages are spoken. As to the rudeness, I think it might depend on what part of the U.S. you are living in and whether or not it's a big city, small city, small town, etc. We moved from a big city to a small one and there are many more friendly people here. I have never lived anywhere else, but I have visited all over France and absolutely love it. I always tell people here that most French people are not rude and are polite. I am with you on the video watching, music listening group, however, I find it to be mostly younger people that seem to do this. My husband and I are seniors and don't encounter this with people our age. We were in Paris in October and I have to say, everyone was really nice, but we did have a waiter that was not, a couple of Uber drivers and a lady in the gift area of the Arc de Triomphe who told me that I couldn't use the bathroom facilities even though it was open! I even spoke to her in French (fairly good) and she practically yelled at me. But, I do love Paris, and the parts of France I've been to, and hope to go back!
News aren't given about a particular country because that country is nearby but because something important or of interest is happening there. There aren't more news about the Netherlands in France than say, China. Then the French like culture and discover about other cultures so all day on every channel and in the daily news you'll also find documentaries about other cultures from all around the world.
Nobody learns a language because some country is nearby. People learn languages they believe will be useful to them in the future For that reason the French students are encouraged to study languages like Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Hindi, Japanese... Or they simply choose a language they like. The most common languages students choose to learn in French schools are English because of America and Spanish because of Latin America. That's business oriented. Then they can choose about all main languages in this world if they want but not all the schools teach them or they can study that language through the homeschooling programme.
As far as administration in France is concerned, it is a very complicated problem. France is a traditionally elitist country (a reminiscence of its monarchical past), with very selective "grandes écoles" which form the country's "elites". These “elites” form a caste which believes itself to be very superior to the others and consider that public officials in contact with people are necessarily incompetent. So they spend their time developing complex procedures to supervise the agents as much as possible and leave them no initiative. Moreover, 90% of the work of the French government and parliament consists of developing complex procedures for all aspects of public life in France.
At the same time, there is a populist and demagogic political tradition in France which consists of constantly denigrating civil servants saying that they cost too much and are of little use.
Therefore, administration personnel are always caught between a hierarchy which considers them incompetent in principle and a political expression which despises them. So they are rarely happy in their work and this is felt by users.
Love France! Including St Barth and Bora Bora.... I'd move to Nice tomorrow if I could!! xoxo
Oui je regarde une vidéo qui parle de là où j'habite depuis toujours et où je suis né mais tout vas bien 🙃
Paris is a huge city like New York and everyone is busy but if you attempt to speak French , they are much more amenable and if your French is faulty, a French person who speaks English will spare you and speak English. Just make the effort to speak the native language of ANY country you visit.There is an arrogant attitude in the U S that portrays the French unfairly but as a Swedish American i appreciate the tremendous contributions the French have made to the world in the areas of literature, music, film and painting( to name a few).
My wife and I vacationed in Paris a few years ago and we found the French absolutely charming, warm, friendly and helpful. So I don't get the rude snobby stereotype either.
people just went attention
So funny how you spoke about how the French don’t cut in line. I have found it to be the exact opposite here in the South of France. I noticed if you don’t stand closely behind the person then you’ll lose your spot. That was one of the things I disliked when I first arrived, the lack of personal space but now here I am standing directly behind people so no one goes ahead of me. Another beautiful video Helena, love how you shared the downside of things too.
I found the same thing! Especially waiting for the public transport - there are no lines haha
I noticed this after living in the South as well, we often found at the market that people would just saunter in front of you and I spoke to my mother about it and apparently it is very common. haha. But overall we had a pretty awesome time when we were in France.
The French cut in line whenever and whereever possible. Only when they have no other choice they'll wait in line and if this takes longer than they are willing to tolerate they will make sure everyone around them understands how annoyed they are.
many have probably heard that the french are rude and i can tell you when you really get to know the people in france the french people are the most lovely and friendly people i ever meet and iam European. Nice video you make love from Switzerland
First time viewer from Canada 🇨🇦 👋🏼 . My boyfriend is French and we currently live in Canada. I would say that he tends to be “snobby” about typical French food here in Canada. The breads, croissants, charcuterie, cheese ect. always disappoint him and he comments negatively on. I would see how they have an international reputation of being snobby when they travel but in their own country they are supper lovely.
I’m not sure I would blame them though. When we were in France I was served maple syrup that was definitely not PURE maple syrup and I could tell the difference 😅.
I never experienced rudeness in France; however, the place I experienced it most was here in the good ole USofA….New York City.
A big misunderstanding between Anglo-Saxons and French people concerns the French accent in English. I have often read that Anglo-Saxons find the French accent in English charming and sexy, but to a French ear, the French accent in English is just horrible! As soon as a politician speaks English with a French accent, he is immediately ridiculed in the French media.
So the French are often afraid and ashamed of speaking English with a French accent, and this gives the impression that the French make no effort to speak English when an English-speaking visitor asks them something. Personally, although I understand English quite well, I hate hearing myself speak English...
I agree, I would like to know where that assumption of rudeness comes from. I was traveling all over France and didn’t have any kind of experience like that at all.
Instant subscribe to your channel! Thank you.
You are wonderful. As a 44 yo European man in Canada I now have second thoughts about continuing to stay here or should I move back to Europe… Big question mark.
Your channel is a breath of Fresh Air
Last year I went to Paris for one week. My Internet doesn't work outside then I need to ask a thousand piece of information to French people in Paris in the streets. Most of them, doesn't speak a fluent English but they were so kind helping and often checking in their mobile directions for me. I suppose I talked with 20 people in the Paris' streets. Once I was heading to an unknown place and the information on Google translation wasn't accurate then a guy helped me for about 20 minutes. Inside the bus I didn't have a card or cash to pay, then the driver just let me go without paying. My only unpleasant experience was at the underground station because the employee doesn't speak English, she said but I didn't believe it, although a black woman helped me as well. She told me French people are prejudiced and she and her husband suffer for it. I know they have serious problems with emigration, must be very difficult for all. Another thing is that the bus station in Paris (UK-Paris Gard du nor) is rubbish. I suppose countryside must be much better but who can resist Paris?
Hello! Great video! I love France and found the people to be wonderful during my visits there. I don't know where the misconception about them being rude came from but it definitely predates Emily in Paris. I remember hearing that many years prior to my first visit there in 2018. One of the only things that I can guess at - as an American who likes to smile and say hello to people I pass on the street, and having observed that that's not really a thing in Paris - maybe that is part of it? I don't find it rude I just find it very different from how I am, and I suppose I'm more conscious of it when I'm out there because of the fact that I feel it puts a "tourist spotlight" on me.🤣 But I too am curious how that misconception originally came to be.
Don't change to fit in; you are such a bright sunshine just the way you are and I would imagine the French greatly enjoy la difference! 😊
Love your speech welcome to the most reserved people but when you make a friend in France it’s forever oui… cheers from Montpellier
I have many French friends and I have to say they are very expressive they certainly don’t walk on eggshells - they get to the point and don’t wax it lyrics like Americans do
❤❤❤❤
Your man is lucky
Regarding the school system, there are less integrated extra-curriculars into school, but it is up to the parents to find the activities and get them involved. Personally, the school days aren't necessarily longer - it depends on the parents who have longer hours in France. It is great that you like the American system of education, but there are also great things that they learn as part of the French education like swimming, how to be polite and other languages like English, Spanish or German. Do you have any children? If so, then I'm surprised by your comment. If not, then wait until you do.
What does bother me is the Wednesdays. I don't understand why some schools have Wednesday class and some don't.
Your skin looks good today
thank you!! TONER! It's a game-changer. I have really dry skin and tend to get flakey patches and toner has eliminated that!
I’m really starting to love you 😍
I think you answered your own question regarding Americans (who are entitled) considering the French being rude (when the American entitlement is not acknowledged). It was entertaining to hear your perspective on your “dislikes” which all stem from an American point of view and how we do things in America: efficient admin (usually), stores staying open until the posted hours, etc. But it seems what you like about the French culture is also what creates the environment where a restaurant may decide the weather is nice and will close rather than stay open for 1 or 2 patrons. It’s a give and take to appreciate how cultures came to be how they are and what norms exist for them. The “French paradox” regarding food consumption and longevity includes how day-to-day life is approached not just what is eaten. And this flexible attitude, including no obligation to communicate to potential patrons, is part of that. I recall visiting France in a pre-internet era with all of the frustrations you mentioned but without any expectation of seeing a posted online change to hours, for example. Unfortunately, we all have become used to the idea that social media should be updated real time to reflect reality when in fact, there is no rule saying that is the case. Finally, consider the history of France, Versailles and the language. France is a proud country and our longest ally (allowing us to beat the British). When English became the language of commerce, science, aviation, etc, one can imagine some pushback when your country’s heritage is no longer the default. Imagine if that happened to America and how Americans would act! I hope you continue to enjoy France and all it has to offer! What an amazing opportunity. Thank you for the video.
People put way too much emphasis on language. Its about politics, not language.
Our rude reputation probably come from Paris. A lot of foreigners (especially Americans & Asians) who come in France only visit Paris, so they probably think that every French are like that, I guess. But Paris is very different than the rest of France 😅
I second that. See my comment above : "Paris is NOT France".
i've been wanting to live, or at least visit europe for so long. everything looks so much more beautiful there than in the us. i always hear about how much more polite and happy and healthy people are who live there. i love nature, and i'm a very reserved person. i never have felt at home here in the states. people are too loud, and things are too dirty here. as i get older, and now that i'm completely independent, i desperately want to leave this country. i've never felt like i belonged here. i have a plan to visit some countries in the next few years to get a feel for them, then i'll make my decision on moving once i know what to expect.
i know that there are cons to any country though. but i'm almost certain i'll be so much happier if i weren't here. my only concern is leaving my family and friends behind
Good information. Why the ASMR whispering narration?
Nice
Very well said. I live in France for more than 13 years, and I cannot agree more. I love France, but the admin is a nightmare. Waiting one year for something that should take a few days is not unusual, happened to me too. They just push the responsibility to another person, and this person will do the same.... Another thing I do not like is the school system. Schools are excellent from an academic perspective, but extremely rigid, old fashioned and too competitive. I therefore sent my daughter to a British private school, and I never regreted this. I also find the French very complicated in their way of thinking. They never go from A to B to C, but seem to jump from side to side in a conversation. That all said, I find them extremely sincere, warm and empathetic, especially in a social way. I also appreciate that they do not interfere in your life, as long as you do not do something really bad. Sometimes I have been shocked by their directness, which was meant in a helpful way, but I found rude, like people would say, I have gained weight, or look tired, etc, which was followed by advices of help, but was something I had to get used to. What I absolutely love about the French, is that money or business does not come first, but rather health and life. Also their immense cultural sense. And I admire their way of fighting for their rights. I wish I would do that more for myself :-)
I have traveled in France both North and South and I perceived the French to be similar to people in all countries. I met rude and unpleasant demeanor and warm and friendly as well. I live in the US and have experienced French people acting rude here in the US. They were derogatory to the US and made unpleasant comments about our culture. In my experience, I would not say they are the friendliest people. It is great that you have had great experiences. I am an artist and enjoyed the art for sure.
As an Egyptian, Americans playing youtube in the plane without headphones is crazy to me lmao
I like this video! Thanks to the author of the channel for this fascinating video! It is interesting to see how people live in other countries! It is very important to know foreign languages on such trips. I would like to recommend to all travelers a practical guide to learning foreign languages by Yuriy Ivantsiv "Polyglot Notes. Practical tips for learning foreign languages". This book contains a lot of useful tips on how to learn a foreign language for tourists, students, entrepreneurs and anyone who needs a foreign language in life. There are a lot of good tips on how to solve problems with the language from beginner to advanced level of language learning. It turns out that the traveler only needs to know a few dialogues and you can easily travel around the world! You don't have to spend a lot of time to fully learn a foreign language, you just need to learn what you can use when you travel. I wish everyone exciting travels!
😍
wonderful, kind, considerate, lovely, gracious people, be it paris, a tiny village, other french cities - they are the best - and i've been all over. NO idea where this assumption of rudeness comes from - gggrrrrr...
Since has not improved when it comes to bureaucracy. We moved to Paris in 1989, my husband went to medical school and he passed all his exams on the 8 spot of 149 students, They promised only that the first 10 will pass for the second year. When we went back for him to signed for the second year they told him that they will take only the first five. We could not believe it , changed at the last minute and never told anyone. When we asked what we were supposed to do, they told us re do the first year….. my husband just insult them and we came back .
Never been to France but would like to visit. I think I would have trouble with the shops/cafe’s closing at random times with no notice. In US everything is very time based and keeps to those times which we take for granted after living here for awhile
Cafés shops etc don't close at random times with no notice. That may happen in some village in the country side but definitely not in cities.
They live to live, that’s why they close but look at on the bright side, go experience another coffee shop, meet people, and have fun
Wher in France do you live?
Never give money to no government corruption,,, put an end to this games
You can also see it as, why would they let you in the store if they want to close up. Who are you to say, keep it open for me. Its there store and there lifes.. They want to go home asap. 😊 I don't mean it in a mean way, just a way you can look at it! Thanks for the vid!
2 cents on (at least Americans) perspectives about the French being ‘rude’ or ‘abrupt’…I’ve visited France half a dozen times & we plan to move to the SE in ~ 6 mos time… I’ve typically visited Paris (as most quick travelers do). Our latest trip took us many places other than Paris. I recall how I’ve responded throughout my life as a Texan to people who arrive in my state and want to speak only Spanish to me ~ I bristle & expect them to at least TRY to speak a little English. I resolve that again on this trip I will speak ONLY French. (I’ve done this on previous trips to Paris but am often met with responses in English…) What I found was this: across the country when I told people I speak french, but slowly - they were helpful & patient yet eager to practice their English w/me as well if they know it. I also find most French folks to be genuine and authentic as opposed to, well you-know. Bottom line: I think most people who visit experience Paris. So would it be fair to evaluate every American by visiting NY city? As an Austinite I would say no.
Hi Helena, I have been following you for a while. Prior to the pandemic I had started doing research on buying a house in France and making the move abroad. Interesting point you brought about the news in the US versus news one watches in Europe. Not sure exactly the reason for that, perhaps is a way to control how we think? At the end of the day that makes us ignorants regarding world politics and current events throughout the planet. For one I have lived in three different countries, most of my life here in the US. Have been here for 35 years with a sense of not fitting in or belonging, so I hear you. Going to France in 2023 to start looking into towns and drive around. At first I thought about the Alsace region, then for about two years I thought Aquitaine it is, and now looking into the Center Loire valley. I am confused. Any suggestions? After you said that you get to hear Spanish, English and Euskera I'm thinking, maybe I should look back into the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Looking for a simple life, no big cities, I'm done with that.