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The French have plenty of reasons not to be hospitable to American tourists. Think about your own experience with tourists. If you are one, you don't really notice but when you are an employee in a tourist town or simply a local citizen, then I'm sure you are completely familiar with the pestering effect of these visitors.

And American tourists in foreign countries are by far the worst. The French have certain customs that many Americans are unaware of and make no effort to discover. No matter who you are, you should begin any interaction with some politesse. Say hello, how are you doing today? Don't just demand something - even if you are a customer in a shop or restaurant. Your waitress or cashier sees your demands as rude and will respond as such. You may not see it as rude because that is how most things happen in America. You tell the box what you want then drive up and get it. In France, life is not so quick. Just as they take three or four hours to dine, they are also accustomed to taking time in their personal relations even if you are a complete stranger.

Of course the worst crime that American tourists have inflicted on the French is the inability to even attempt speaking their language. Imagine trying to give service to someone in the United States and having the customer go on and on to you in Japanese. It would be very frustrating and you may even consider it rude and ignorant. The person should at least try to speak the language of the country they are in. Study up on the words you will need to use on your trip. The French will be much more hospitable to you if they feel you are actively trying.

It is no surprise that the French have developed the rude American' stereotype. Although there are some tourists who are capable of acting as true citizens, the majority have no idea. Don't just think that if you know merci' and bonjour' that you will be all set. The French want to see you fit into their definition of courteous, not the American definition. Don't go into the country assuming that they will be rude to you. Make an attempt to impress. Don't let this negative stereotype live on.

So maybe the French are not very hospitable to American tourists. They have plenty of reasons not to be. Next time you find yourself visiting this country, just remember that their customs differ greatly from ours and respect that. You'll quickly find out that the French can be very friendly assuming you are friendly towards them.

Learn more about this author, Samantha Macdonald.
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