I found people to be open & friendly when I visited. On one visit to Paris several years ago, I was out looking for somewhere interesting to eat and ran into a large crowd of people headed for the Eiffel Tower. When I asked some people what was happening, they explained that there was a big Johnny Hallyday concert and invited me to join them. As the evening progressed, more and more people gathered in the Champs du Mars; there were around 400,000 people and lots of food stands. The people I was with offered to share their picnic and explained who Johnny Hallyday is and why he is important. Eventually, the sun went down right next to the Eifel Tower. As soon as the sunset cleared the horizon, fireworks erupted from the tower and the concert started. It was one of the best concerts I've ever seen and totally serendipitous. People often repeat the stereotype of the French being rude or unfriendly to Americans, but that has certainly never been my experience there.
At the age of 66, I have lived in three different European countries, and visited all the others except, Romania and Ireland.
My experience is that the difference is greater between rural and urban residents than from country to county. I have no problems with the French since my mother tongue is French, although I am a Norwegian citizen but, if you had problems say, visiting Paris, I suggest, next time in France, you visit a small village, perhaps in Gascogne, a region I like for its mild climate and food.
People act weird everywhere.
When we were in Paris people left us alone which is fine by me.
I did experience a bit of rudeness at the hotel where we stayed. They were indifferent to the fact that we booked a pricey room for 2 adults and one 12 year old. They gave us a room with only one double bed and wouldn't bother even looking for a fold out bed for our son. No biggie we are all thin so we slept together although my romantic dreams of Paris went down the shoot.Don't see why asking for a folding bed was such a big deal for them.
My husband lived in Paris for a year in the late 1960's. he said they were indifferent to foreigners from other parts of Europe as well as Americans. He loved living there but noticed that most of his fellow countrymen who moved there from Hungary were still treated like outsiders after being in France for years. He never thought he would get ahead living there so he left.
it is ok with me if people are indifferent as long as they are not openly rude.
That all depends where you are in France. I find the people in Lyon and in the South to be very friendly. People were also incredibly nice and friendly in Alsace
It depends from person to person in all over the world. We can't judge or say about anyone particular how open minded he/she is or not.
It depends on where you go and also on how you conduct yourself, to a significant extent. If you act like an ignorant tourist, they'll treat you like one.
