What do you British people think of the French?
Posted by CocoTyg@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 352 comments
Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well!
So I’m French and I’d like to know what you British people think of us. Do you like the French or not at all? Personally I have nothing against the British, especially since you have my favourite actor. I’d also like to know if, in general, French people who come to England behave well according to you? I’m coming to Bath in August, what a beautiful place! I spoke to ChatGPT who was shocked because I told him I’d probably have breakfast at The Ivy and that I’m used to clearing my table and putting my cup at the bar. He told me that’s frowned upon because it’s like saying to the waiter “I don’t need you”, whereas for me it’s a sign of respect. Same for the doormats in some shops – I thought wiping your feet was respectful to help the cleaner, but apparently that’s not the case. I’m a bit lost on this one. So tell me… I’m practising my English but I’m not very good, so I hope you’ll be patient when I try to speak your language. Anyway, I love you British people, and you?
Jakeyboy5460@reddit
We love the French really. When we have a pop at them it's all just fun because you're our near neighbours.
No-Dinner-3715@reddit
Personally I love you but a few rules.
In a pub, always take your empty glasses back to the bar when leaving.
Restaurants like the Ivy and in general, leave the clearing to the staff.
Wipe your feet on the way in and in some pubs and bars on the way out as well.
Contrary to popular belief most people in this world aren’t arseholes, just the keyboard warriors.
Be polite ask if unsure and you don’t go wrong.
Enjoy your trip, Bath is lovely.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, je t'aime aussi et si a Ivy machinalement je débarrasse je serai mal vu ? Car c'est franchement mon habitude mais je ferai au mieux merci pour vos conseils 😉🥰🙏
jimbobsqrpants@reddit
Have you never been to a proper restaurant?
Or is "clear the table" getting lost in translation?
If you were at le cinq, en Paris. The waiter would take away your plates and glasses.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Dans un restaurant je sais qu'on ne débarrasse pas on range la table pour que le serveur puisse débarrasser plus simplement c'est surtout pour le petit-déjeuner que je parle ou quand je vais prendre un coca ou autres
FearlessPressure3@reddit
Setting the table up so it can be cleared more easily isn’t necessary in a high end restaurant but wouldn’t be looked down upon. At a more middle of the road restaurant it would be positively welcomed.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Fibro-Mite@reddit
Some wait staff love when you stack your plates etc, others hate it because it ruins their own method of stacking things so they can carry it easily and so then they have to either waste time restacking, risk dropping things, or make multiple trips. I only worked for a few months in a friend's cafe, over the lunch period (to help out when she first started), not in a restaurant, but absolutely hated it when people "helpfully" stacked their crockery - half the time they were stacking things on top of food left on the plates, too.
jimbobsqrpants@reddit
That makes more sense
Yeah, if you are in a bar, they would normally Appreciate you returning glasses
Enjoy your self
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
FragileRunner@reddit
I’d also say in counter service cafes, especially if they are busy, the staff generally appreciate you taking your cup back to the counter but it’s not expected.
Specialist-Guest60@reddit
Pub on the way out sometimes more necessary than on the way in 🤣
No-Dinner-3715@reddit
Won’t go wrong
KnittyMossBadger@reddit
Great food and an even better attitude towards a work life balance. Smoke too much.
Aloogobi786@reddit
I love France, beautiful country with lovely people. I admire your willingness to protest and kick off.
It's fun to poke fun at you guys though.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Les français maintenant râle plus qu'il réagisse
aaaafffyyyy@reddit
french people in the uk seem fine to me but it’s when you’re in france, my god i hate it
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Donc vous n'aimez pas la France mais les français en général ça va ?
Lanky-Big4705@reddit
C’est du banter
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Banter ?
Labyrinth2_718@reddit
I love Paris, the romantic side of it.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je ne suis pas une grande fan de Paris c'est sale et les gens sont pas forcément agréable
Labyrinth2_718@reddit
Let us reserve a place for Escapism through the mythology of cinema ,and art too!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui pas faux
Labyrinth2_718@reddit
Let us reserve a place for escapism through the mythology of cinema , and art too!
FunGuyHan@reddit
I love the seedy underbelly of Paris.
Beautiful-Only@reddit
Trust me, if you knew what that meant I don't think you would
FunGuyHan@reddit
Hehe. You’d be surprised!
aaaafffyyyy@reddit
french people outside of france : ok french people inside of france : no
LegolasleChat@reddit
Hard disagree. I've spent a lot of time in France and found French people to be generally decent, especially if you make some effort to speak French or observe common courtesies.
Xenozip3371Alpha@reddit
So the problem with the French is France.
cymruaj@reddit
No, the problem with France is the French 😂
Independent-Try4352@reddit
Nonsense. In Paris you do get a few arrogant people, just like any capital city.
Outside Paris they're great.
BG3restart@reddit
There are some pretty awful people in Brittany. Even other French people don't like them.
TheFirstGlugOfWine@reddit
I only ever see people complaining about the French online. We go to France at least once a year, usually more, and I’ve only ever encountered delightful French people, which makes me think this issue is often the tourist. Even in Paris, where most people seem to have an issue, everyone has been so lovely. It’s my favourite country to visit and if I lived closer, I’d be there much more often.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
smellyfeet25@reddit
I hope you enjoy England .Have you been here before? Devon and Cornwall are well worth seeing .
Feeling-Information4@reddit
I hate French people, but only when it's funny.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Et c'est souvent drôle ? 😅
Nice_Raspberry_8757@reddit
I hear France is a lovely place but its full of French people 😔
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Mais les français peuvent être charmant aussi 😅
Nice_Raspberry_8757@reddit
But French people ??? charming also 😅 ? Did it get that right im not the best at French ur language is weired (ik english weireder but im british so understand it better) also ik one of the nicest ppl ive ever met was Jean Philipe Meteta who is super fantastique amd i just like history which you know 1600s...
Specific_Club_7640@reddit
I love that French people use work unions & rather than moan, they get up & protest about inadequate work policies.
thefreeDaves@reddit
Came here to say this. We British moan into our beer about the state of play, the French set fire to sheep in protest! That said their wine and cheese are overrated ( save for a good champagne) but their croissants, coffee and bread are superb. They are hugely ignorant when abroad, refusing to try and speak the language of the country they’re visiting, but also refuse foreigners to speak their native tongue when visiting France, so I suppose there’s a form of consistency there.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Moi c'est ce que j'aime dans le fait d'aller dans un pays c'est essayer de m'adapter en apprenants un peu la langue car je suis pas tres douée là je commence l'apprentissage
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Les français en ont perdu à ce niveau
Wingnut2468@reddit
Middle France and South are lovely. Any encounter with someone from northern France has always been crap. Very arrogant.
Emotional-Brief3666@reddit
It's like a national sport but not reality.
ShameSuperb7099@reddit
I love the French.
It’s a bit of a joke here almost about “hating the French” but it’s just a long running thing. Nothing personal imo.
PM_ME_VEG_PICS@reddit
Yes! We joke about French people but it is definitely friendly ribbing rather than nasty. I've known quite a few French people and for the most part all have been lovely. I did work with a French lady who I didn't really get on with but that wasn't because she was French, she just wasn't very nice!
I also like France, and hope to go again this year as I've not been for quite a while and there are a lot of parts I've never been to.
lucky_nugget@reddit
I always think of the British relationship with the French as a bit like a sibling relationship. We fought a lot when we were younger but we largely get on now and have decent sibling banter. We might say we hate each other but if someone were to come for either of us the other would stick up for them.
ssh_condor@reddit
England/UK and France were geopolitical rivals for around 850 years, and then spent the next 100 odd years annoying each other despite being allies.
Queen_of_London@reddit
Yes, very much so. French people call us Les Rosbif (which I always find amusing, because roast beef is not a bad thing...) and we call them frogs, but it's not meant seriously at all, and is very much equal.
8BitPleb@reddit
And teasing as a love language can be a very British thing. The French are our neighbours, damn fine ones at that. I feel like these jokes are made because we have such a long history together as countries, it's like siblings or old friends that do nothing but insult or play pranks on each other. We do it because we love you all so much.
BocaSeniorsWsM@reddit
I love the fact you still fight for workers rights, pay and conditions. We're a bit beaten down our side of the water.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, j'aime les anglais aussi 😉🥰
Educational_Cow111@reddit
❤️❤️
UmaUmaNeigh@reddit
Exactly this, as much as I may joke about the French I actually have huge respect for them that only increases with age. I wish our society was half as effective as the French at demanding what we want.
BertBlenkinsop@reddit
I've no problem with any nationality just Trump and AI. They both tell lies.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Entièrement d'accord 😉🥰
BertBlenkinsop@reddit
Merci
Ned-Nedley@reddit
Love the French but I’d never tell them that.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
D'accord alors je ferais comme si je n'avais pas lu ton commentaire 😜😅😂😉🥰
Bringmesunshine33@reddit
We don’t
Queen_of_London@reddit
Ignore ChatGPT - shockingly, it's wrong! English people do those things all the time.
It depends on the venue, of course. At the Ivy it'd be a bit odd because of the price range and the fact that you wouldn't even know where to take your glass to. But the staff wouldn't be *offended.*
Shop staff most definitely appreciate it when people wipe their feet before entering. No cleaner is sitting there going woe is me, I am out of a job due to this considerate French person!
Anyway, we like the French, despite occasional mild banter. Like someone else said below, that's more like siblings taking the mick than anything serious.
And your English is probably better than the French skills of almost everyone you encounter. Though if you really needed to, it wouldn't be hard to find someone who spoke at least some French.
Have fun! Bath is lovely. If you like the water I *heartily* recommend the Roman Baths. You won't get a lot of laps in or anything, but you will paddle around in a warm and clean pool with views of the rooftops, and know that people were doing something very similar in the same location (plus or minus a few metres) in Roman times.
BuzzAllWin@reddit
Always had good friends and lovers that were french… though the buggers would always insist on speaking English to me, when i was trying to learn the language.
I alos love your ability to protest
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
BuzzAllWin@reddit
De rien!
Alarming_Doughnut365@reddit
Génial c'est une chance de pratiquer mon français 😆
Il y a une historie très longue et compliquée entre les français et les anglais. Les personnes âgées ont des idées des français un peu démodés, quelquefois.
Mais tout va bien. Mon conseil: Parle lentement et il faut dire "please" et "thank you" beaucoup! Les anglais aiment les bonnes manières 😆
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui je m'entraîne j'ai télécharger des applications pour apprendre l'anglais
TaffWaffler@reddit
if we're joking? Snobby people who only allow coffee to be made a certain way and look down their noses at us at any opportunity they have. Also rioting.
in seriousness? ditto to the above but understanding thats just some people and by and large don't really have an opinion one way or the other
420Journey@reddit
The joke of "hating the French" is self-deprecating humour. We only became independent countries recently. For most of history we've both owned parts or all of each others countries.
Infamous_Side_9827@reddit
I am a Francophile. I think there’s a big difference between French people and Parisians. Parisians, especially service staff who deal with British tourists, are rude. French people in Normandie, Bretagne, Auvergne etc are kind and friendly.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Entièrement d'accord 😉🥰 et je suis de Normandie
Puzzled-Horse279@reddit
Theres like love hate relationship between the UK and France. We like to fight with eachbither as much as fuck with each other (in every sense of the word).
Im pretty sure its no coincidences that some if the UK babies like Canada and the US have a random south east region of French speakers (Quebec and Cajuns)
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Impeachcordial@reddit
I like the French, they're awesome. Suspiciously sexy though.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Impeachcordial@reddit
Pas de problème mon ami
actualinsomnia531@reddit
First of all, chatGPT is talking nonsense. You absolutely don't need to clear anything at a restaurant and you'll just get odd looks because it's unusual, it won't be an insult. If you're in a small cafe or a pub, especially when it's quiet, then taking your stuff up to the bar is appreciated by the staff normally.
Now, French people. Sports teams aside (always ignore sports banter), I love France and the French. I have a distressing history of allowing myself to be wrapped around the little finger of sultry french women in my younger days, so I may be biased.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
penfoldspenfold@reddit
I love France, love the French people, the French language, French food. All of it. Je - fucking - l'aime :)
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
penfoldspenfold@reddit
De rien :) I hope you enjoy your time in the UK. Bath is a beautiful city.
Curious_Remove2648@reddit
If you are in London nobody cares and all is welcoming. Smaller cities more eyebrow raised, further up north you go even more eyebrows...
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je loue à Bath pour 8 jours et j'irai à Londres visiter
awkwardandroid@reddit
Forever taken aback by how rude French people are either abroad or in France. Meet them in England though and they’re nice? My actually French teacher told me he came to England bc among other reasons he hated the racism. He was white btw
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui c'est dommage cette réputation mais promis moi je serais sage et tres respectueuse
Savings-Ad-9747@reddit
Bait.
"Hello what do you broadly think of 10's millions of people you've never met?"
alicatpow@reddit
To be honest, the French are the only people I dislike as a rule. Not to say that there aren't exceptions mind you, but if I know someone is French I am going in expecting the worst.
I play a lot of online games and it is very rare that players with French names won't start flaming at the first minor setback. This makes them seem angry and emotionally unregulated. It really happens SO OFTEN.
Also, when I travelled in France as a vegan the servers at restaurants were very hostile and cooks constantly tried to slip non-vegan ingredients in my food a lot. I felt this was arrogant and rude.
I know government does not equal people, but I also didn't like how in certain parts of Paris there were SO MANY homeless people. And I'm not talking individuals, I saw entire families with young children sleeping on the street. Shameful for the capital of a wealthy nation to not be able to house literal children.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
La France ne fait rien pour les personnes sans domicile quand je vivais dehors je n'avais le droit à rien et il y avait des foyers d'accueil d'urgence mais seulement pour les hommes et je suis une femme donc j'allais sous un pont ou dans un immeuble ouvert et parfois une tante
MrSchpund@reddit
France is close to my heart, as are the French. I really should be living in a Normandy cottage.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je suis de Normandie vous aimeriez allez où en Normandie ?
MrSchpund@reddit
Lovely! Whereabouts are you? I’ve driven over from Dover a lot, and my favourite spot is a place in Montfreville - a chateau that has incredible camping. I think about it often …
Mysterious_Fox99@reddit
I was brought up being told we don't like the French and Parisians are rude blaa blaa, as I've got older I now know it's mostly a bored stereotype.
Even Parisians being rude is over exaggerated to me, I've been to Paris 10+ times for work and sure there was the odd rude person, but no more than London, most people were perfectly pleasant, even on the metro.
I worked for a French company for a while, I had 3 French people on my team and I loved all 3, I always remember thinking they're the only other nation I've experienced that truly match the dryness off our humour.
Wrong_Duty7043@reddit
I like them, I admire their dedication to not take and BS lying down (like the riots when the govt tried to increase the pension age).
MM_4D@reddit
I love the French. I’ve always found them warm and welcoming, especially the late Jean-Claude and his 2.5 missing fingers, due to an unspecified event involving dynamite, who lived in the same village as my parents.
I think Parisians are a bit off, but I don’t think that’s any more so than any other major European city.
FoodByCourts@reddit
They're nice in our country, but rude in their own. Very arrogant about food, but very understandable because French cuisine is levels above most.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Exfatty2347@reddit
The only time that I have met French people who were remotely unfriendly was in Paris - but I think that's just city-living. I hope you have a lovely trip!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci oui les parisiens sont pas forcément des plus agréables
CrustyHumdinger@reddit
I generally like the French. Parisians can be a bit much, but many Londoners are assholes, so it must be a capital thing. I certainly love France as a country.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
One_Complex6429@reddit
Lots of English are Norman French imports from 1066.😂 We can hardly complain about the French.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
😂😂😂😂
Uncle_Zardoz@reddit
I spent a few years living in Francve thru my dad's job when I was a teenager so I have a lot of fond memories and also a lot of love and respect for the country and its people. Everything from movies to metal bands, there's a French entry in my top 10! Usually in my top 5,,,,
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Mon acteur préféré et anglais Anthony Stewart Head
Uncle_Zardoz@reddit
Moi j'adore Peter Cushing, mais je suis vieux af et obsedee avec l'horreur.
J'aime les vieux films noir et blanc, mon favourit Francais est probablement Les diaboliques ou peu etre Rififi chez les hommes lol
Albannach02@reddit
My problem with you is that you took away our right to French citizenship just when we needed it: as ever, we in Scotland are getting our resources bled dry, but our oldest ally doesn't want to know.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Ça c'est pas nous mais les politiciens qui ne respectent rien ni personne
nineteenthly@reddit
I think of the majority of people living in Northwest Europe as being culturally very similar to each other and basically forming a single unit, including the French. I disagree with the idea of taking the cup/glass back to the bar being rude. I usually do that if I have time.
I'm from Canterbury but now live in Scotland. You are aware of the Auld Alliance?
Mjukplister@reddit
Good food , like a strike , good scenery . What’s not to love
TurbulentEffect99@reddit
We joke about hating them, but I get on with french people just as well as English people, and most people are the same. Similar to how you would make jokes about your brother, but you love them really.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
pinkgeck0@reddit
There are two things i dislike, stereotypes and the French! 🐌
felineworship148@reddit
I admire the French for getting out into the streets when provoked e.g. when the government threatened pension reform. We Brits were too quiet about that!
Minky_Dave_the_Giant@reddit
I married a French person and lived there for three years so I must like it to some extent!
I will say, however, that the French attitude of "this is the way we do it and it is obviously the best way because this is the way we do it" absolutely drives me up the wall. Also the general dismissiveness or disregard for British things is frustrating at best.
So my only advice is to keep an open mind and give things a try! All my French friends who have done so have ended up loving most British things I've shown/served them!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui c'est le but de mon voyage, découvrir et m'adapter
Queen_bee85@reddit
I’m English and my boyfriend is French..I love the French,lovely people and such a beautiful country!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Sad_Cardiologist5388@reddit
We joke that we hate the French, but we dont really give a shit. Don't worry about it
zentimo2@reddit
Love the French! Always had a great time there.
As a country, I think we like to make fun of the French, but in a teasing brotherly kind of way.
CreativeAdeptness477@reddit
Didn't even censor Fr*nch. Just typed it all out bold as brass. Ballsy. Respect.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Désolé j'ai pas compris
Busy_Fudge4897@reddit
I love French people and I admire French culture too
Significant-Leg5769@reddit
I love the French. I'm jealous of everything about France and the French
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Pourtant il y a pas de quoi 😉🥰
Outrageous-Arm1945@reddit
You're cool, love your food and rugby culture. I'm still disgusted by Brexit, as I genuinely feel closer to France than Wales, Scotland or Norn Ireland
Unusual_residue@reddit
Good people
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Mostly-Painting@reddit
Love France and the French. Had many holidays there. Never had any issues at all. This England vs France nonsense is gutter press driven and really twists my melons.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui car en vrai on s'aime bien 😉🥰
LordLuscius@reddit
J'aim le Francais. Tu n'es pa's mal!
Cincerly a Welsh person trying to remember their school French lessons
FarterTed@reddit
Parisians when you’re visiting Paris are insufferable pricks. Especially if you can speak French. They take it as an offence.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Les français en général ont du mal avec les parisiens perso je vis en Normandie à 1h30 de Paris et je n'y suis aller que 3 fous en 42 ans
HMSWarspite03@reddit
I love Normandy, I've been lots of times, I'm hoping to be there next year, staying in Caen, visiting the memorials but also Liseux and it's wonderful zoo, we also like the good food, the great cider and the lovely local people.
thesaharadesert@reddit
I had some of the most incredible food in and around Liseux. Lovely countryside too.
HMSWarspite03@reddit
I worked in the general area for a few weeks every year, i just love the whole package, the people are very welcoming, the food is wonderful and the scenery is beautiful.
efan78@reddit
To be fair there's a similar opinion of South-Easterners (Londoners in particular) elsewhere in the country. I have a feeling that might be more of a "Capital City" opinion than a Paris or London one. 😉
Is_it_really_though@reddit
I know what you mean, but Parisians are a different level. Im from North West England and Ive never felt actively hated in London, never meant to feel like I shouldn't be there. Londoners are at least friendly and helpful when you try to talk to them. Paris....no. None of that. And I say that as a bilingual French speaker who's lived all over France (Lille, Montpellier, Bergerac, Brittany), so I've usually been there for work not just tourist stuff.
sokorsognarf@reddit
I keep hearing this from people and I’m baffled, because it hasn’t been my experience at all when visiting Paris. I was there a few weeks ago and everyone was lovely. But don’t forget to ‘bonjour’
loranlily@reddit
I speak fluent French, and I had some snobby old women behind me in the queue in a bakery bitching about tourists who won’t speak French and who just point at things. I presumed they were talking about my sister and I, because we were speaking to each other in English. They were taken aback when we both ordered in French.
bife_de_lomo@reddit
My parents moved to France permanently in the early 00's to a Burgundian village. All their friends and neighbours are French.
I think what most people see as the stereotypical "French attitude" is really just a Parisian superiority complex, and the rest of the French hate it too!
Personally, the French people I know are just like Brits: make an effort and it will be reciprocated. Culturally there is plenty of overlap, the biggest differences to me seem to be i) if you are invited over for any reason you must immediately orgsnise a reciprocal invitation, ii) regardless of social standing, a €40 gateau is appropriate, and iii) their pronunciation of any word (even your own English name) is correct, and any departures are immediately corrected (even if they can't correctly pronounce your name...)
I have a Belgian colleague whose opinion is that of King Edward in Braveheart, to paraphrase "the problem with France is that it's full of French", which I think is just an issue of proximity and being a junior party to a more culturally important neighbour (sorry Belgium, I love you too!)
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui les parisiens sont à part 😅
friendlypelican@reddit
Well we all know de Gaulle was right
TooHot1639@reddit
I think there are 3 types of French person.
There's the authorities who generally seem to like annoying the Brits, but they also like annoying the French so at least that's fair I guess.
There's Parisians, who well, let's not go there.
Then there's the rest of the French people who I think the Brits admire because they walk through life doing much as they please with two fingers to authority - something we Brits would like to do as well, but we're far too proper so instead of donning les gilets jaunes, we write a strongly worded letter to the Times and have another cup of tea.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Si ça peut te rassurer j'ai fait les gilets jaune un peu mais au final tous retournez bosser la semaine donc ça n'avait pas beaucoup d'intérêt
motific@reddit
I've worked with French people, I have some French friends, I live in London which is often full of tourists from all over the world. The town I come from had hundreds of French students every year. I at no point am likely to think to myself "oh shit, French people."
As countries we share a similar outlook and values, but with enough differences to make life interesting.
ChatGPT is responding with a very american view on service and culture. You'll work it out pretty quick once you get here. Usually if you're being served, any plates would be cleared before you left your seat but if you're at a café and happen to take your plate to the counter the staff will appreciate the mutual respect.
Don't worry about your english, as a conversation I had with a German colleague who pointed out that in western europe "everyone" learns english, a lot of business is done in english, they see/hear a lot of english, but if you're in Britain and you want to learn another language there's no obvious choice.
BraveLordWilloughby@reddit
In most cases, the joshing and insults are just a bit of fun. Though in my personal experience, they can sometimes seem to take themselves a bit too seriously.
My experience only comes from a week at Frenchtek, a massive French illegal festival, so maybe mot illustrative of France as a whole but - The Brits at the festival (and basically everyone else who wasn't French) were there for a bloody good time, that was it.
Many of the French attendees, they seemed to think they were actually at some sort of militant political gathering, and not just an excuse to get fucked up in a field. I noticed thos and had a couple of French party-goers say the exact same thing to me. They were mostly dressed like 1970s Marxist militants, and were all rather dour, in a way. It also seemed that being "cool" (in a 1970s Marxist militant kinda way) was more important than having a laugh.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui certains veulent représenter plutôt que profiter
BraveLordWilloughby@reddit
Think that's a good way of putt8ng it
fpuk69@reddit
Attractive. Sophisticated. Nice food.
FancyAd3942@reddit
I don’t know what Chatgpt had been telling you but wiping your feet is kind of standard so don’t worry about that. As for clearing your table, some places you are supposed to Ussually things like cafes but most restaurants/ pubs the staff do it- just neaten your stuff up: stack plates, cutlery on top, clear away napkins, etc. now for French people- I love you guys you have such an awesome country. I want to live there for a few months, I live the vibes and the lifestyle, you have beautiful cities. I think as a general rule no one has anything against French people i mean we learn French at school I don’t see that being a thing if most people didn’t like French people Enjoy your trip🙂
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci j'avoue que j'aimerais passer aussi plusieurs mois en Angleterre, hâte d'être chez vous 😉🥰
CalumH91@reddit
As a Scot, I have no problems with French people, The Auld Alliance and all that. Big fan of your language, I live in Canada now, picked up a lot more French than I ever did at school and my daughter is in French immersion kindergarten, I thought we could maybe learn French at the same pace, but shes miles ahead. And yes, she's taught standard Canadian French and but whatever Quebecois is!
Agnes_Nutter2020@reddit
Don't use Chat GPT. It's usually wrong, horrible for the environment, and steals real people's work.
Otherwise, one of my best friends who lived with my husband and I for several years is French living in the UK. I speak French poorly and love the country.
Putting your glass at the bar is normal and wiping your feet is also a standard thing to do. I repeat, don't listen to AI
WonderfulCamera5043@reddit
Never met anyone from France that hasn’t been pleasant, love you guys. Hope you have a great time :)
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰🙏
TattieMafia@reddit
We like you and admire your protesting skills. When my family went to France, I remember the French being kind and helping us when our car broke down. A nice hotel owner let us stay in an empty staff room when they had no vacancies because my parents had three small children.
LordJebusVII@reddit
Us Brits will often make jokes about the French but it's all in good humour, I've never met anyone who actually had any negative feelings towards you guys but I would expect a few Monty Python quotes once people hear your accent, just out of fondness and a bit of banter.
Clearing your own table is fine at a bar or in a small hotel or something, but if you are being waited on then it will probably come off as being impatient. As for doormats, that's what they're there for but if your shoes are muddy then clean them outside. I'm sure the etiquette is the same in France in that regard.
onlyoneofmetoday@reddit
I honestly don't think about the french or any other much at all. Nothing against any of you, I'm sure you are all wonderful counties filled with wonderful people. But I don't see people as where they are from, no matter their language or country. If people are nice then that's all I need to know.
Euphoric_Reindeer675@reddit
Well I go to lots of different parts of France every year for holidays and I always tell people how extremely helpful the french people are. I think Parisians are a different matter entirely so I have heard.
afcote1@reddit
I like the French and greatly respect the culture.
dreadlockholmes@reddit
Love the french, long live the auld alliance. Been to a few places in France that folk have always been friendly despite my terrible french. Bordeaux, the Basque country, Brittany, Chamonix, Marseille. Even in Paris when I've been folk have been generally friendly and helpful.
phuzee@reddit
Nothing against you personally but my experience with french whenever I've visited has been they were rude and dismissive
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Vous avez visité Paris ? OK c'est juste que j'ai tellement l'habitude que du coup je me dit si je le fais machinalement est-ce-que je vais être mal vu ?
phuzee@reddit
I'm not sure if something is getting lost in translation but what do you mean by clearing your table?
If you mean stacking your plates then that's fine, noone will notice.
But if you mean taking your plates somewhere it just isn't possible. The Ivy is a relatively up market table service restaurant, so there isn't a place for you to take your dishes. If this is what you mean then yes it would be very weird in my opinion.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Non je parle pour le café ou petit-déjeuner après pour le midi je range sur la table mais ne débarrasse pas
MarchLow7576@reddit
You do you. Don’t listen to people who say you can’t. There is nothing weird about it. You’re just doing what you want. People are so fucking square, I swear. Is it just a Reddit thing, or are they all bots??
phuzee@reddit
Okay, you said you wanted to do it at the ivy which is why everyone is confused
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Bah un restaurant et un café c'est pas pareil et oublié pas les français sont des râleurs 😅😜🥰
phuzee@reddit
Your post says The Ivy?
MarchLow7576@reddit
So what, the Ivy is nothing special…
phuzee@reddit
It's not a cafe though is it
loranlily@reddit
Ouais, il ne faut pas le faire dans un restaurant comme ça. Je te conseille d’observer comment faire les autres clients et faire comme eux.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Dans un restaurant non mais dans un bar le matin après avoir finit mon petit-déjeuner ?
MarchLow7576@reddit
You do whatever you want! If you want to take your plate to the bar, you can. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you otherwise! And as for the French. Your a good bunch, mostly :)
eastkent@reddit
It's better to be over-polite than under-polite, I think.
MarchLow7576@reddit
lol. Said with such conviction and confidence. I used to wait tables, and would respect anyone who did that at the end of their meal. Just because it’s not the norm, does not mean it’ll offend anyone…
loranlily@reddit
I didn’t say it would offend anyone.
MarchLow7576@reddit
Like The Ivy. When did you last go to the Ivy, and why do you think it’s special?
minty_tarsier@reddit
I've visited Paris many times and they've always cleared the plates... they're usually taking them back to the kitchen, and customers can't go in there. I think what you're describing is a bit strange, but I could be wrong!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je parle pour le matin quand je prend un café pas le midi quand je mange
minty_tarsier@reddit
Ah oui! Je comprends! Je suis desolé, mon français est très mal 😢
TheoryPretend9912@reddit
When in Rome do as the Romans do. Simples.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Entièrement d'accord
Affectionate_Grab902@reddit
Why are you replying in Fr**ch to everyone?
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Car je suis française et je débute tout juste les cours d'anglais avec une application en clair pour le moment je ne parle pas anglais mon poste je l'avais fait traduire par Chatgpt
daddy-dj@reddit
Because the Reddit app translates everyone's English messages into French for them.
Karcossa@reddit
I’ve never had a bad experience with a French person.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
R0gu3tr4d3r@reddit
Same, I've been to Paris 10 or more times and never had a problem. I speak a little to get by but not much. People were a bit rude 40 years ago but it's improved immeasurably over the years.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Idem là j'apprends l'anglais pour m'adapter
R0gu3tr4d3r@reddit
C'est toujours apprecie
Practical_Drink8676@reddit
We don't
Suspicious_Steak_696@reddit
Strange question. The same as I think of anyone else. Ie as a person not the country they live in. On a case by case basis.
France itself is beautiful though.
Glittering-Round7082@reddit
We liked fighting the French so much we had a Hundred Years' War. 😂
These days we pretend to hate them but actually love them because they are so similar to us.
sausagemouse@reddit
Like brother who bicker
We'll take the piss out of each other all day long but if americs tries to join in we'll unite against them
TheShakyHandsMan@reddit
As long as you don’t fart in our general direction you’ll be fine.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
😂😂 Merci du conseil
colin_staples@reddit
That’s a reference to this scene from Monty Python
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je connaissais pas 😅😂
Odd_Common2677@reddit
Your mother was a hamster and your father smells of elderberries
Opening_Sandwich242@reddit
I studied French at Uni, lived in France for a year and had the time of my life there! I loved the French, the language, the food and the countryside, but found the relationships between the sexes a little odd.
Women were supposed to make a big display of being jealous and possessive, or their boyfriend would think they didn’t care, which was absolutely the opposite of how girls were back in the UK back then, we were all quite chilled. So I was told e.g. that I should have made more of a fuss by a date when he spoke to a girl, when all I thought was “great, he has mates, that’s a good sign”. Or dumped by a long term boyfriend when I didn’t have a tantrum because he introduced me to his ex when we ran into her in a bar.
Strangely the guys were almost expected to play around, although where I lived there were no girls willing to cheat, so they actually played around with other guys. I don’t think I had a boyfriend from France who hadn’t (willingly!) had sex with another man at some point.
So yeah, France. Gorgeous country, great cuisine, beautiful language, spoke it fluently, didn’t understand the people.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Ouais il y a toujours des gens bizarre, perso j'estime que dans un couple il y a un règlement ainsi moins de prise de tête mais devoir montrer qu'on est jalouse je trouve ça débile 😅
Frequent_Dig_1997@reddit
I’ve always loved the French, and France. It might just be the ones I’ve met but they always remind me of Londoners - they take no crap and say it as it is, and I respect that.
TooHot1639@reddit
I would stop asking ChatGPT these questions - your computer has clearly been hacked by an American trying to start a war between France and the UK.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je suis non violente et j'ai hâte de venir découvrir votre beau pays donc je vais laisser l'Amérique faire sa guerre seule 😅😂
Potential-Mousse-152@reddit
I love the French and everything about French culture and history. I also like making fun of the French and their culture and history. I imagine this is normal for neighbours with so much shared history that have been rivals at certain points in time and close allies in others. Don’t take advice from ChatGPT! You’ll find service in shops and restaurants far more laisez faire than in France.
StressSavings7916@reddit
Taking your empty glasses up to the bar in the pub is good form, but a bit weird if you’re in a place with a waiter. No one will notice if you do/don’t wipe your feet unless they’re muddy! Enjoy Bath!
colin_staples@reddit
Lovely people, fantastic culture, amazing food.
The fact that the baguette is such a crucial part of your culture that you wrote a law or protect it, I really appreciate that. And your cheese is incredible.
Oh, and the Citroen DS… wow.
🇫🇷
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
WoodenEggplant4624@reddit
I loved my trips to France, Brittany, the Dordogne, the Pyrenees, and hope to return.
I don't understand why English people complain that the French are rude, that is not my experience. I liked that when we went to a bakery or patisserie it was polite to greet the staff and other customers. I think it was the English visitors who did not conform to local norms who were rude. I found that if I was polite and made an effort that it was rewarded.
I loved the supermarkets, the salads!, the pool with live crabs or lobsters!, the cheese!
Also the well maintained, quiet roads and great motorway services and aire de repos.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
C'est vrai que la Bretagne est magnifique moi je suis en Normandie
Quinn_XXVII@reddit
Step away from ChatGPT (& other AI)
Speak to people in as much English as possible
I personally take everyone (regardless of nationality) on face value
Pleasant, polite & respectful
There’s nothing wrong with wiping your feet on a shop/hotel/restaurant doormat - it’s why they’re there for (unless there’s a queue of people trying to gain access in the rush/rain etc )
Wins the day
Keep your phone/money/jewellery to a minimum (out of sight)
Pay with card, be careful, smile & say please & thank you
& enjoy our beautiful nation!
If you ever end up in Derbyshire, Yorkshire & further north
Expect people to say hello & smile
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci pour tout ces conseils j'ai hâte de venir chez vous découvrir votre magnifique pays 😉🥰
Quinn_XXVII@reddit
À Dieu vit!
Practical-March-6989@reddit
I worked in the French Alps for a few seasons many years ago. It was brill, the French took the piss big time, but so did we, perfect!
Roast Beef!!
I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit
We make a lot of jokes about the French and how you guys suck, but it's all just humour stemming from a thousand years of rivalry. Anyone who genuinely hates the French would be roundly criticised.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, qui aime bien châtie bien 😉🥰
iamBASKone@reddit
I tend to treat the French the same as I treat everyone else where I don't really give a shit where anyone is from as long as they're not being a prick.
Stacking plates on your table is generally ok, but, clearing the table as a whole is generally seen as weird/an insult to the servers.
Wiping feet is no big deal and no one will bat an eye unless you hold up the flow of foot traffic while doing it.
Bath is beautiful, hope you have a great time.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, j'ai trop hâte quand je dit débarrasser c'est le petit-déjeuner pas le midi
shh70@reddit
Like any people from any other country, I always go into things very warm and open, and my experience of French people has been largely positive. Lots of lovely French people, and the occasional snooty one.
MidnightMist26@reddit
Who is your favourite actor? I didn't know there was an issue about doormats in shops, I always try to wipe my shoes if it's been raining outside.
We generally think you guys are good looking, sexier than us, more cultured but possibly hard to please regarding food and wine.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Anthony Stewart Head. C'est Chatgpt qui m'a dit tout et n'importe quoi.
eastkent@reddit
Every French person I've ever met (not a tremendously high number admittedly) has been lovely. Quite a few in this country and a small number in France when I went there. Everyone I spoke to was pleasant and helpful.
sossighead@reddit
Beyond a bit of light hearted ‘banter’ we really like you.
I’ve never once heard of French tourists being any trouble in this country. I’ve had several interactions, all positive. Last one being a family in Liverpool whose young daughters came and played with my little daughter in a cafe.
Clearing your plates in a restaurant would be considered odd I think but not necessarily offensive. In a bar taking your glasses back to the bar would be welcomed. Some do it, some don’t. Either way is normal.
Extra-Bite2324@reddit
I’d be more worried about the Irish opinions on France. They still get raging angry about Thierry Henry lol
shinydoctor@reddit
I have a tonne of french friends. I don't know why, but at this point I think I'm flypaper for french people. I'm their English friend. We all live in Kent in England and none of them knew each other before they met me and I introduced them 🤣
SensitiveElephant501@reddit
Fantastique.
What other country is great enough for us to have been at war with for 600 years!
Plus my favourite ice cream in the world is from a shop on the Place du Tertres in Montmartre.
And the armagnac is very nice.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Key_Seaworthiness827@reddit
❤️
Wasps_are_bastards@reddit
Also, I was in Bath the other week and it’s absolutely stunning, the Roman baths are a must
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
J'ai tellement hâte d'y être
sgst@reddit
Love France and love the French.
There's a historic rivalry that some Brits take too seriously, but I think most people like France and the French.
Personally I have a deep respect of how you guys just don't put up with any shit - don't like some new policy? Get out and protest. Much better than our apathetic ways.
Beautiful country too, and lovely people. I think I've been to all the regions in France - some a number of times. I'd love to move to the French Alps (Haute-Savoie) if I could.
Sjthjs357@reddit
French seem to come across as arrogant, and see themselves as just generally better than anyone else
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Alors je ne suis pas française, merci pour votre réponse 😉🥰
Mikey463@reddit
I was in South America 13 years ago for 9 months. I travelled with this French girl for a good few months. She was from Paris and swore all the time! Still to this day if I drop something, stub by toe, anything like that I shout Merde!! It just comes out. Skied in France a few times and always have good time with the locals. There were these two young French lads in this pub I go to and they were fucking cunts I have to say but I am not putting them down to them being French.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui on a tendance à juré et merci pour votre mentalité 😉🥰
Mikey463@reddit
Pas de soucis :)
Mrs_Lockwood@reddit
I adore the French! Your culture, food, language, your country is full of wonders!
Never had issues with French people visiting the UK or vice versa.
For you, here is my only French/English joke I know! 😃
A French cat and British cat were best friends.
The British cat was called one, two, three, the French cat un, deux, trois.
They decided to go swimming, but it didn’t go well for the French cat, as un, deux, trois, cat sank.
🤦♀️
Awful, I know! 😆
FunEconomy6147@reddit
We are like twin brothers - fierce rivals who argue about everything, from food to music to our sense of style, but who would, under torture, admit huge admirarion and affection for the other.
Real23Phil@reddit
My favourite manager and player are French, I have no issues with them.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉
andyone100@reddit
I think you’ll find that there are plenty of Francophiles in the U.K., ones who enjoy the food and visit France regularly. There is a degree of French bashing (similar with Germans and Italians), but it’s mainly in jest and nothing to be taken too seriously. The general consensus IMO is good, so you should have a great time.😊
joshiewoshieboi@reddit
They're dirty, dirty people
Nah I'm joking 😂, I like the French. Cultured people, great food (except for snails haha), beautiful cities and nature, plus I'm a bit of a history nerd and you guys have Napoleon and all that
Bigbanghead@reddit
Watch an episode of Allo Allo. You'll learn a lot.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je peux regarder ça où svp ?
Bigbanghead@reddit
Watch on You Tube. The policeman speaks French
Wasps_are_bastards@reddit
I have no problem with the French. They were all lovely when I went there, even though my French is abysmal.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci moi je travaille mon anglais car je suis vraiment nul 😅
htrix@reddit
Welsh person here. Seriously, what’s not to love about the French? They’re stylish, they’re sexy and they had the French Revolution, pretty much inventing the idea of democracy as we know it today. The French are awesome.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Tout comme les anglais, merci 😉🥰
Strangest-Smell@reddit
I love the French people generally. Every nationality has its arseholes of course, but there’s good people there.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 🥰
Strangest-Smell@reddit
Pas de quoi!
Grant_S_90@reddit
In general British people don’t have anything against the French other than a bit of harmless rivalry.
There’s maybe a bit of a view that French people aren’t the friendliest. My personal experience is that people in Paris can be rude (probably why some people think the French can be rude, as it’s the place Brits are most likely to have been), but outside of Paris I’ve found French people to be very friendly.
In England, the general rule is that putting your beer / wine glass back at the bar is polite (but optional) at places where you go to the bar to be served. If it’s table service (ie at the Ivy) just leave your empty glasses on the table for the staff to clear.
I don’t think anyone would have a problem with you quickly wiping your feet on the doormat, if it was raining. If you were somewhere nice (like the Ivy) and wiped your feet on the doormat on a dry day, I would think it a little odd (and would probably think to myself - this is a nice restaurant, have you arrived with dirty shoes?)
Try your best with English. We generally appreciate people trying and wouldn’t judge someone for struggling or making mistakes.
Hope you have a great trip!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci oui c'est une habitude même si j'ai les pieds propres je les essuie mais je ferai attention 😉🥰
la_vida_yoda@reddit
The French are cool. They preserved more of their culture and individuality in the face of American dominance. The UK has experienced much greater acculturation. US music, TV, film, fast food coffee, tech, etc, have all virtually taken over the UK. I'd much prefer a more diverse and Eurocentric culture.
LeTrolleur@reddit
I have no problem with the French, in fact I admire many things about them, including your ability to protest.
Orange_Codex@reddit
Your national stereotypes are good food, attractive accents, and burning barricades in front of parliament. Life's three finest things.
accordionshoes@reddit
I'm a big fan of France and most of the French people I've met.
However for comedic purposes you are often ridiculed.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Pourquoi j'aimerais bien savoir 😅
accordionshoes@reddit
Des ennemis qui sont maintenant amis font de bonnes victimes pour plaisanter
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui pas faux 😅😂
Total_Rules@reddit
We hate the French until someone else comes along and badmouths them and then we’ll defend them to the death because you’re ours alone to hate.
We love you really.
Labyrinth2_718@reddit
French Romantic Art Cinema May be the ambient music of the cinema realm. I love it , and I love France because of it.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Fabulous-Part-1125@reddit
We joke about hating the French.
The French joke about hating us.
But when someone threatens one of us, the other is there straight away to defend them.
We are a normal if somewhat dysfunctional family.
FearlessPressure3@reddit
Pretending to hate the French is a bit of a national pastime but generally there isn’t actually anything of substance behind it. I’ve found myself on the end of some rude behaviour when I’ve been to France as a tourist which is uncomfortable and not something I’ve experienced in other European countries, but that’s the extent of it. The French government’s insistence on derailing attempted deals or agreements with the EU in order to demand access to our fishing waters is somewhat more of a problem for me though. It’s not something which makes me dislike the French, but it is something which is starting to make me dislike France, if the distinction makes sense.
Free_Ad7415@reddit
I only mind them in queues for ski lifts
MrMikeJJ@reddit
Every French person I have met has been really nice.
There is the whole "hate the French" banter as part of our heritage, but that is all it is, banter. Nobody means anything by it.
The French politicians seem to actually hate us though.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Et les français détestent les politiciens français
Ok-Direction-8257@reddit
I've just spent 4 days in Paris with my wife for her 40th. I honestly love France and the French - everyone we dealt with was great, really friendly, and accommodating of our limited ability to speak French. The language is beautiful, the food is excellent, and I envy your national anthem (sounds amazing at the rugby).
I've also got several friends from France and they're wonderful people. The only French person I've met whom I dislike is my cousin's wife, and she's half-English anyway.
I really like our two countries' relationship - I think there's a sibling type rivalry going on - we love each other but its also great fun to insult each other. 😆
Have a great time in Bath, its a beautiful city with a lot of cultural heritage and plenty to do. But yeah, don't feel you have to clear your table at The Ivy, it'd probably confuse the waiters more than anything else! And I always use doormats to wipe my feet if I need to... I don't know what else you'd use it for.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Moi je vous envie d'avoir mon acteur préféré Anthony Stewart Head et j'envie votre campagne anglaise qui est magnifique 😉🥰
Bex1775@reddit
I've never met a French person I didn't like, I adore your country, so beautiful, and I literally count down the days til I can visit again. I wish more French people came to the UK on holiday, I'd love to have an excuse to chat in French. Come to Hereford next time, I'll take you on a hike in the Black Mountains 😍
Turbulent_Pace_2388@reddit
The French in my opinion are very similar to the British. Obviously they have their subtle differences but not that much.
For the most part I’ve had great experiences going to France and I love the people. I’ve visited France more than any other country, I must’ve had at least 30+ trips. Mostly fuelled for my love of ski trips. I do attempt to speak basic French but it’s really quite comical.
I do (like many brits) dream of retiring to a beautiful rural French retreat, ideally within a couple of hrs drive to decent skiing.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Actuellement j'essaie d'apprendre l'anglais et je suis pas tres douée et je vous souhaites de pouvoir vous installer en France
CatDadLi@reddit
Honestly, I've met quite a few French people over the years and they've all been lovely aside from those in Paris who have been rude and borderline aggressive just because they hear you're English
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Ils sont aussi agressif avec les français qui ne sont pas parisiens c'est une espèce à part
CatDadLi@reddit
I'm glad it's not just my experience then
ElegantOliver@reddit
I for one love our neighbouring cheese-eating surrender monkeys. They're just great.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci pas aussi géniaux que les anglais avec leurs classes naturelles 😉🥰
truly-dread@reddit
I don’t hate the French or think about them often. Would never wish them harm.
But fuck the French
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😂 Moi aussi je t'aime 😉🥰
truly-dread@reddit
❤️
prustage@reddit
There is an ongoing traditional joke that the French and the British don't like each other. In practice though this is not true at all. Lots of British people (including me) take their holidays in France and love every minute of it. And French people are always welcome over here. We get lots of international visitors but the French are pretty rare.
On social media you might come across people complaining about France - but they are usually the kind of people that complain about everything that isnt exactly the same as they have at home. There are also a lot of bots around that are trying to disrupt Europe for political reasons - ignore those.
As for your questions: British waiters tend to clear tables much faster than happens in France and if you start clearing yourself it can be interpreted as a subtle comment on poor service. But there is no problem with using a doormat the way it was intended.
Hope you enjoy your stay - Bath is a great place - I used to live there. Try and make a trip to Wells if you can, it has a beautiful cathedral. And Castle Combe is not far away and is one of the prettiest villages in the country.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, j'ai tellement hâte d'arriver et si j'adore je reviendrais en octobre
coldvisionsdgsbe@reddit
People will joke around with you about being enemies but it’s just a joke, the English are like that. No one here genuinely hates the French.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Et idem je ne déteste pas les anglais vous êtes bien trop classe pour ça j'ai trop hâte d'arriver
Expensive-Candidate4@reddit
Some of it is generational from WWII when the French were considered Nazi appeasers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vel'_d'Hiv_roundup
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui c'est horrible après moi j'ai tendance à ne pas juger car je n'ai pas vécu ça et ma famille juif à dû subir
Macrihanishautomatic@reddit
I have a great respect for the way they advocate for their rights.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Vous savez ils ne défendent plus grand-chose. Ils râlent le week-end et retourne bosser la semaine dommage car fut un temps les français savaient remettre l'état à sa place
Cheesebob44@reddit
Love French food!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Guilty_Nebula5446@reddit
I love the French , I think Parisians sometimes suck but that’s true of people in most big cities
I am a Francophile , I consider the food to be the best in the world bar none , I did live in France for a number of years in both Paris and Poitiers so my opinion is not based on rumours or stereotypes
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Entièrement d'accord et merci pour votre réponse 😉🥰
MidasToad@reddit
There are stereotypes that exist: e.g. that Parisians are rude and standoffish, the French are cowardly, that they smell of onions, that they are always rioting, that they expect very fancy food, that they drink a lot of wine.
These are jokes for the most part, but some people will believe some of these things.
I personally have no strong feelings about French people.
The AI has given you examples that maybe posh British people would judge you for; I would ignore it. In most establishments, you absolutely should wipe your feet and clearing your plate is polite.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉
FunGuyHan@reddit
I think that the French are great. I honeymooned in Paris years ago and the people there were amazing.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Super ça 😉🥰
AnnualMarzipan@reddit
Love the French so much I moved to France and it’s fabulous!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Ravie que ça vous plaise et votre pays ne vous manque pas trop ?
GUBEvision@reddit
have toured through France several times as a musician and they're the best, the absolute best, not a shred of rudeness or any stereotype.
maybe if I travelled as a regular Joe it would be different but also it wasn't?
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
Ramsputee@reddit
Indifferent
Alicam123@reddit
Nothing really, the French do good food and that’s about it, as long as you’re not a d#ck American you will get on just fine with us Brits.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉
fartinavacuumm@reddit
I worked in France for a few months and found that French people in villages are friendly and nice to be around. I found French people in the cities to be rude and arrogant. Not to dissimilar to a lot of countries tbh.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui hélas certains sont détestable
frankbowles1962@reddit
Je suis écossais… honestly we hate the English far more 😂
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Perso je les trouve classe 🥰
_billyRubin@reddit
Love the French.
Also don’t trust anything ChatGPT writes; that info you received is not true... Putting your cup at the bar and wiping your feet is very much appreciated here.
I love the English language but envy how soft and elegant your language sounds in comparison.
Can’t say I’ve met another French person except for my French teacher who was really lovely. She described how after learning English for a few years, at one point while dreaming everyone including her spoke in English, and after that she knew she was basically fluent. Love the different idioms you guys have. Ours are also very strange.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, j'ai hâte de venir chez vous 🥰
Agitated_Ad_361@reddit
On a human level, you’re human beings, therefore some of you are awful, some lovely, some in between. On a cultural level, yes, I love France.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci on est d'accord 😉🥰
Agitated_Ad_361@reddit
Le piscine de la gare mon amis!
Which_Specific9891@reddit
I have no problem with French people, never had any issues either in France or anywhere else with French people. I've only met one French person I hated-- she was a racist, cruel, horrible person. But I think she was just a racist, cruel, horrible person who happened to be French.
rhh92@reddit
Was it Marine Le Pen?
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui hélas il y en a 🥲
Upbeat_Branch_4231@reddit
Love the French people. I have visited Paris a few times, and always try to respect the locals by saying "Bonjour!" upon encountering them, eg when buying a train ticket or entering a shop/cafe. I try to speak French in France, though my French is very poor - its only polite.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, j'ai télécharger des applications pour apprendre l'anglais et pouvoir m'adapter mais je ne suis pas très douée 😅
Charming-Ostrich2524@reddit
French are great. France is great. The French tourists here tend to be some of the more respectful and courteous. Many Brits joke about not liking the French but they’re often the Brits who walked into the boulangerie and ordered in English.
The things you talk about for respect like wiping your feet and clearing plates are just as respectful here. Taking glasses back to the bar is a nice touch if you go to a pub. I’d probably just let the waiter do it in the Ivy though, it’s a bit more upmarket.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, vive les anglais 😉🥰
BongoHunter@reddit
Ah - The Old Foe
Your all alright by me - excluding anyone who works in a café or restaurant in Paris - they all seem to be incredibly rude.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Les parisiens c'est une espèce à part. Je suis normande et perso Paris ne m'intéresse pas
SethPollard@reddit
I think the French people are very intelligent and don’t take shit from their government.
I think their government is a fucking joke, letting illegals pass over to us as if it’s our problem they’re able to enter in to France! Paying the IRGC a toll was another show of how petty they are, bcos Trump called his Mrs a bloke lol.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Je suis entièrement d'accord avec vous et si j'avais les moyens je pense que j'aimerais quitter la France ou bien voyager souvent pour pas voir le désastre
MercuryJellyfish@reddit
You're fine. You're the only other people who understand cheese.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Le fromage c'est trop bon 😉
Xenozip3371Alpha@reddit
We joke a lot with the whole "fuck the French" thing, but you're our close neighbours, and we appreciate you.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci, je vous apprécie aussi 😉🥰
loranlily@reddit
Moi, personellement, je les aime beaucoup. Je parle presque couramment le français, alors j’adore la langue et la culture française. Il me semble qu’il existe toujours les stéréotypes négatifs vers les gens français, mais quand j’habitais en France, j’ai trouvé la même chose vers les anglais!
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Vous parlez anglais et français super vous pourrez peut-être m'aider à apprendre l'anglais
Puzzledandhangry@reddit
Ermmmmm I’m part French so I’m allowed to say it but we hate the French.
We don’t really hate you, it’s like a love to hate kinda thing. The stereotypical French people come off as stuck up and rude. But I’ve met loads of lovely French people.
Yeah, do not help your waiter, that’s odd. But it’s like that anywhere in the world if you visit a fancy restaurant. I’m not sure why you can’t wipe your feet, I’ve never heard that before. This is all just my own experience btw.
We all hate the Parisians though, right? 😉
My Spanish best friend married a Parisian. He was a total douchebag. And I hated the French wedding! After 27 courses and the groom dancing naked we’d had enough lol
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Oui les parisiens ne sont pas tres appréciés même par les français 😅
Puzzledandhangry@reddit
Many French people have said the same!
myblackandwhitecat@reddit
I went to Paris several times many years ago, and the vast majority of French people I met there were friendly. Maybe the fact I speak French had something to do with this. I love your language, your food, some of your literature, your country and the people.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
High-Tom-Titty@reddit
They're like an annoying sibling. We may have arguments, but we'll always help them if we can.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci 😉🥰
motoringeek@reddit
France is beautiful.
Unfortunately, it's full of French people.
/s
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
J'adore votre commentaire 😂😂😂😂
ihavetakenthebiscuit@reddit
I think with the french, they are the original rival, you rip on each other when you can but, we have each other's backs so you know you're ripping on them out of love.
Cousins across the channel.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci pour la réponse 😉🥰
MacDougall_Barra@reddit
The British but especially the English consider themselves superior to all other nationalities.
I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit
As do the French.
GnaphaliumUliginosum@reddit
Hence the centuries of animosity on a scale ranging from a disapproving 'tut' to wars lasting multiple generations.
CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
J'en ai pas l'impression je pense que c'est plus une question de personnalité que d'origine
qualityvote2@reddit
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CocoTyg@reddit (OP)
Merci pour l'accueil 😉🥰