What is the World's Perception of France (live, club)

[JBoughton]

Originally Posted by histmaj

After just leaving Paris a few days ago, my views of France are nearly the same. The people are rude, the ones I encountered (and yes, I spoke French). But I will say the food and the culture of more down time, at cafes and restaurants was nice. And I definitely think the American view of France would be different if more people would visit the country.

I've been to Paris twice and have NEVER found this to be true.

[cmptrwlt]

The best cuisine in the world, excellent wines, great culture. I have only been to Southern France. The people I encountered were far from rude and unpolite. Maybe major cities like Paris are different...?

[ABQConvict]

Most Americans make broad assumptions about French culture and behaviour based on their experience in Paris which is like Europeans who know everything about the United States because they went to NYC or LA once.

Me? I like France but I don't like Paris much (besides the fact that it is an attractive city).


ABQConvict

[grmike]

what do people in France think of Quebec ?

[Mooseketeer]

Originally Posted by grmike

what do people in France think of Quebec ?

Most French people love Quebec and the Quebecois and many go there on Holidays but the accent is seen as rather difficult to comprehend . Which it is.

Quebecois French is nothing like French , with some completely different terms (some a lot more like 18th Century French) , Anglicisations and a really undecipherable accents.

But relations between Quebec and France are extremely cordial, with a big exchange in terms of artists, writers etc... There is a definite sense of "fraternity" , the Quebecois as seen as far away North American "brothers" or "cousins" . Quebecois music is also really popular .

[RobE]

I've dealt with a lot of French people during the course of work and have yet to find a more haughty, rude and ethnocentric bunch anywhere (and I have lived in hyperpatriotic Korea!). Oh, and here's some advice for you French folks out there: don't jump into hotel swimming pools with your shoes on! Gross!

It's not that I think your average American is particularly cosmopolitan when it comes to the rest of the world and God only knows we have a lot of boors here, but the French, c'mon, you guys really need to dial the arrogance back a few notches.

I know a lot of people who have traveled to France, including some college professors I've had, and almost to a man they were angry about how they were treated there. It just seems like they really don't want Americans there at all.

[ako]

I have never been to France, but most of the French people I know are really nice.

[Neutre]

Originally Posted by NJ Chutzpah

What is the world's perception of France?

Here in the states, they are sort of the butt of lots of jokes because they have a stereotype of not being able to win wars

A perfect example would be a skit from Conan OBrien when the insult comic dog goes to french canada and harrasses people

I personally have no stereotype against the french

but I want to know what other countries think of france

I love the French language, yet I can't help to think that French seem to be a bit sex-obsessed. Probably they are not more so than other nations, but if you see French movies or media in general, there seems to be a lot of sex, sensuality, "amour" going on there. I guess they're more open about such things..

[Julian/SWE]

Actually there are swedes complaning about the weather being to hot in the summer time in France... But I guess that doesn't answer your question...

[Mathguy]

Never been there so I have no opinion about the people etc. I am going to assume that since it's a large country that it will have the same regional variations in behavior etc. that we find in the US. (Meaning NYers act differently than people that live in Iowa.)

As for the country, I basically think they have a stagnant, overly-socialized system that prevents progress as various special interest groups hold the country hostage. Any type of farming reform, union changes etc. I hear about them clogging the main roads with vehicles, tractors etc. until they get their way.

There needs to be a healthy balance but it seems like they have gone a little overboard and recognize that given their political changes....but it's hard to fight the entrenched interests.