France - 10 Culture Shocks Tourists Have When They Visit France

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Visit France - 10 Things That Will SHOCK You About Visiting France on Holiday.
Culture Shock France: If you are heading to France, whether it be to Paris or the Riviera there are a few things that might shock the average tourist. Here is our list of 12 things that will shock you about visiting France.
1. The Amount of People Who Smoke
2. How Friendly the People Are
3. Business Hours
4. Look but don't touch parks and markets
5. Dog Poop... Lots of Dog Poop...
6. Topless beaches
7. You need to speak a little French
8. How Restaurants Close in the afternoon
9. How Fantastic the Food is
10. The Free Range Children
11. France is More Than Just Paris
12. The Amount of Beggars You See (and pickpockets)
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[@arya9731]

thank you so much to say that France is not only Paris

[@princeicio]

Any country is not just the capital

[@feartheghus]

Lady Kiss France isn't just Paris... it's also the Eiffel Tower

[@luxeproultimate360]

Except for Singapore

[@slawero]

No it's not only Paris, it's also London and more people speak English there than in Paris :)

[@shaquebrazil7503]

Rest of France is a craphole.

[@NinjaMamut]

I'm french and i approve this video! I have a few bonus tips for you from my perspective : 1 - Be overly polite. Don't be afraid to tell the waiter things like "c'était très bien merci" or say hello to everyone when entering a small shop. We value communication in shops and restaurants and even in the street so don't hesitate to talk with strangers. And when in doubt start sentences with an apology. 2 - Don't talk too much about how much you love Paris unless you're in Paris. 3 - If you go to Marseille check your pockets because every kid can be David Copperfield. 4 - Fancy places are very very snobby and embarrassing sometimes. Better avoid them unless you're rich, this isnt real France and this is where you'll find stereotypes about our rudeness. 5 - Regional peculiarities : North West has the most welcoming and warm people. In South East people yell and touch you all the time but don't be afraid (this is me) . South west food will blow your mind, you're not even mentally prepared for it. North east is multicultural and a great place to get contacts and continue your travels through Europe. Corsica is paradise but they hate everyone else. There's only trees and cows in the middle. Have fun if you come! 🇨🇵🇺🇲🥰

[@Invicti_]

Overly Concerned Comments The north north, french Flanders is verry..... special. They speak a weird dialect (French Flemish or something) and just dont like foreigners at all

[@killua9460]

mdr tt le mode c des voleurs a marseille

[@hofame8562]

AHAHAHAHA that thing about Corsica is the same for Sardinia. Guess it's because of their insular environment

[@ZiGouji]

« there’s only trees and cows in the middle » ?!? WTF ?!!! C’est quoi ces conneries ? C’est comme si je disais qu’il y a avait que des cons à Paris, bonjour les clichés pourris ! Déjà c’est quoi « the middle” ?

[@teddyroon]

Re 3, I think you're referring to the Artful Dodger from Oliver Twist.

[@ellis1034]

In France it's very important to say hello and thank you

[@bugattiincroyable]

Mais il y a tellement de gens qui ne disent jamais ni bonjour ni merci ...

[@totalcrash5006]

+Chloé Eleonore like in every corner of the world

[@ellis1034]

+Richard Winters not really, I live in Antwerp at the moment and people don't really say it and it doesn't really bother them if you don't say it. At least in the big cities it's no big deal. In France even in Paris it's expected of you that you say it.

[@totalcrash5006]

Chloé Eleonore hmm, interesting, i didn't know that.

[@dranokvrav4790]

+Chloé Eleonore si tu dis bonjour, on va te prendre pour un fou!

[@gonzalle]

That is true that if you walk in any shop and start to speak english,salesperson will be rude with you. but if you say the magic word ."bonjour" everything will be better. And magically if you say "excuse me i don't speak french" , suddenly much more people will speak english.

[@kawaibakaneko]

If you don't say "hello" or "bonjour" to us, we'll think you're an asshole who treats people like dogs, because in France you need to acknowledge the people, it's really disrespectful to not do it. Since you're rude (by not saying hello) we won't help you, we are proud after all

[@daughterofgod1086]

I said "the magic word", they treated me like crap anyways. They are rude by nature. They are embarrassing people.

[@MrIcecolddd]

Clement Gonzalez haha true and saying Bonjour and Bonsoir

[@tonydelat2322]

It happened to me when i first arrived in Paris i reached to the hotel and i arrived very early so my room was not ready. The hostess was french so i started speaking in french (my level is A1 or A2). I asked her if she could keep my luggage there at the hotel while i went to Musee d'Orsay and then i would do the check-in when i returned l.... at some point i ran out of french vocabulary and she wouldnt get me so I asked "ahmmm, do you speak english?" And she said "non".... "ok, ¿español?" "Non" so i managed to explain what i needed, went to the museum, returned 4 hrs later, the lady was there and sees me and goes "oh, it's you! Welcome back!" In english...... hahahahaha so a couple of times it happened ti me like this: some people do speak english but don't want to unless they see you making an effort in french and failing hehehehehe

[@LeSarthois]

It's a bit more complex than that. About 20 years ago, French medias were all about how we French suck at English and that we should be able to speak it, etc... In the meantime, most English teachers we have are (were, hopefully) giving kids lists of words and phonemes to leanr, but never devoted many time to actually speak. Basically, about 15 years back, we learned how to read and write english, but not really how English sounds, and even less how to have a simple chatting in English. All the while being scolded for having an accent and bad pronunciation. So actually many French people DO know English, they are just extremely shameful about how poor and bad-sounding it is, so they prefer to pass as ignorant than to appears poorly educated.

[@xRaphou]

When I watched the video I was expecting to disagree about all and get angry... but actually, no. Everything is true and nothing is disrespectful against my country, that's great. I'm glad to hear that french people are not that unfriendly. Good video.

[@woltersworld]

Raphaëlle Warin Thanks Raphaelle. We really enjoy France and glad you liked the video. Glad it didn't offend. All the best!

[@StuffGong]

woltersworld I was about to post almost the same comment ! Nice video :)

[@girodleo31]

woltersworld Yep pretty much the same, what you described is very accurate and not disrespectful in any kind. That's just facts ! (and god i hate that dog poop....) I really want to stress your #11's point, YES France is not just Paris, there are so many places to go, so many different landscapes to see, sleeping volcanoes in Auvergne, cliffs of Bretagne, sunny beaches in La Cote d'Azur, rainy beaches in Normandie (we still love you guys up north!), Snowy mountains in Les Alpes... I could go on and on for hours, there's just too much to see!

[@StuffGong]

Girod Léo Yup and even maaaaany french people don't even know well the country. So much things to see, even for us

[@girodleo31]

Oh yeah, and i include myself too in these "maaaaaany french" you are talking about...

[@merc340sr]

I am from Canada and speak French. When I went to Paris, I had blast! Extraordinarily friendly! I was shocked after having heard so many horror stories about Parisians. Mes cousins français, je vous aime!

[@stephen10.]

merc340sr Si tu es gentil avec eux , ils seront gentil avec toi . Tu auras juste un peu de moquerie (pas méchante ) si tu as un accent québécois très prononcé . Tu les laisses se moquer un peu et puis ça va leur passer très vite . C est comme les français qui vont au québec ,on a un drôle d'accent pour eux aussi ! ils doivent s'adapter aux québécois .

[@TrakTv]

+merc340sr Et oui, même si des idiots on en trouve partout il ne faut jamais écouter les clichés :)

[@MrErendira69]

+merc340sr les québécois sont très appréciés en France. D'abord nous sommes fiers que notre langue soit parlée outre Atlantique, ensuite vous avez la réputation d'avoir hérité de quelques unes des qualités de vos cousins américains: un esprit positif et une simplicité dans les relations.

[@susannedienst4739]

+merc340sr discutable, tu sais parler francais...on ne remarque pas vite que tu es Canadien. Quand je commence parler francais a l accent du midi, ca va, mais apres, qu on a remarque que je suis boche...

[@Aryetis]

As a french, "France is more than Paris" ... YES !!! A hundred times yes !!! Asks locals outside of Paris, they will all tell you how rude parisians are compared to others, how the streets are dirty, how many pickpockets there is, etc... Only Parisians can deal with Paris. It's really nice to see someone wandering elsewhere than Paris And about the ammound of english speakers ... I guess it's kinda the same in every country, when you're a native english speaker you don't realise how much foreign language are important because english is "the international language" but everywhere else in the world it's just a foreign language, it's not a necessity. With that said, I'd say around 8/10 french understand basic english, and 1/2 are able to speak fluently (thank games/series/movies and piracy for that)

[@Zuriki_]

+RyuhasNERV I'm french too, I live in Paris, and I just want to say that Paris can look very rude when you don't know anybody, but the everyday life as a parisian is actually very nice, you always do a lot of things with your friends, you don't stop to discover new places every week, and you meet a lot of foreigners because it's an international city. So let's not stick to stereotypes about Paris, even thought some parisian are rude and some streets are dirty ;)

[@shaquebrazil7503]

Outside of Paris it's bad.

[@afisto6647]

@@shaquebrazil7503 Inside this is a another country.

[@tomastrain1898]

Shaque Brazil *as a french,* no, i bet you didnt even go to france

[@KyrstOak]

'Ammound'?

[@romainrisso2438]

I'm french and you're very aware bout how France works, that's cool! ;)

[@woltersworld]

+Romain Risso merci romain!

[@romainrisso2438]

Of course we say pickpockets ;) french people use plenty of English words :)

[@romainrisso2438]

Actually we use many english words. Few of them are used for centuries such as clown or gentleman, but many others are used since the second half of the 20th century: pickpockets,parking, marketing, managment, striptease,weekend, chewing-gum, shopping, babysitter, boycott, freelance, kidnapping, pressing, self-control, show, yacht, etc... and much much more ;)

[@romainrisso2438]

+Denis Yes the influence of American political power from the WW2 and the multimedia economy from the Silicon Valley.

[@ririhope2672]

Why don't the French pick up their dog's shit? Does it smell bad there too>. just dirty..

[@cooperwey]

Oh Americans, you make hilarious tourists. I am Australian and I went to Paris for a couple of weeks a couple of years ago, and some of my fondest memories is of listening to Americans. From thinking cream cheese is yoghurt to saying 'Noter Daim'. Also listening to some stereotypical Californian girls who say 'like' every 5 seconds. Good times.

[@Sophie.S..]

***** Agree. They can be very entertaining!

[@zer0cx110]

***** lol im americam and u got it! that sounds just like us lololol hahaha. although, some of us americans aren't like that lol. usually, young ppl act like that.

[@jreiling1969]

Joshua Carter Yes, some aren't like that. Those who use text shortcuts in replies and "lol" constantly

[@jeylful]

***** I am a south american living in Australia and I find that your comment is just another generalisation. I've travelled a fair bit and I've seen Australians drunk doing inappropriate things too (A group of guys getting drunk in a flight to Bali, or like other English speakers reluctant to learn at least few words of the host country's language eg. Hi, thank you...). That doesn't mean that all Australians are like that just like not all Americans fit your criticism. By the way, I found the guy doing the video very receptive/aware of the French culture

[@cooperwey]

jeylful I know it's a generalisation, I'm sure most Americans are not like what I said, it was just that the Americans I can remember were the ones I mentioned. I know Australians can be loud obnoxious idiots (especially in Bali it seems), but as you said most Australians aren't like that.

[@diannewang371]

They are friendly when you say merci, s’il vous plaît, bonjour/bonsoir and au revoir. I found the French extremely polite and helpful when using those words.

[@jcarlovitch]

Something the French might find interesting about the US is there are more statues of the Frenchman Lafayette than any other person in the US.

[@reinac5756]

Well, he is America's favorite fighting Frenchman.

[@twoheartsoff3255]

@@reinac5756 I think it's related to the fact that Lafayette helped them for the independence war.

[@viktorplatson4121]

Spot on. Every time I visit France - I am reminded how friendly French people are, especially if you try to speak French... And yes - French food is amazing.

[@MrLAntrim]

"10 Things That Will SHOCK You About France" - Lists 12 things. #FirstWorldAnarchist

[@kennethfeatley5015]

I can confirm a little french helps. Please and thank you are essential, so is hello and goodbye; but learn some other phrases as well.

[@maximeganter6385]

***** I can't see how you can use this sentence in an actual conversation.

[@maximeganter6385]

***** I can't see how you can use this sentence in an actual conversation.

[@TwoFistsOneHalleluja]

***** Camarade is the french equivalent of the russian Tovaritch, meaning that is was mainly used by the Communist parti members in the 50-80s. People don't actually use that word to engage a conversation with a stranger.

[@gj2532]

When i worked in France i was suprised that anyone coming into the office shaked hands very friendly - im Brit and found the French very cordial

[@aryastark6649]

From a French girl, France loves you back. Thanks for this honest and Kind video. I go out of my way to help tourists when I CAN so that they leave with a good impression of 🇫🇷 France 🇫🇷

[@cecelight]

About the " don't touch fruits " in fact it's just in Paris, in the South of France, you can.

[@SlyTheSly]

cecelight I live near Paris and shop there, we can pick fruits (in supermarket, grocery stores, etc. even in markets sometimes) so I did not really understand why this is mentioned in the video to be honest O_o

[@cecelight]

Dans certaines épiceries je peux t'assurer qu'ils veulent pas que tu touches pas les légumes, même si je pense que ça disparait de plus en plus mais en plein centre de Paris oui.

[@SlyTheSly]

Wow OK O_o Comme quoi on en apprend tous les jours :p Effectivement ça n'est plus très répandu.

[@cecelight]

Ah ouais...Quand même..

[@AlloSaturna]

cecelight Dans la plupart des grands magasins, tu auras le droit de tâter les fruits ou les légumes que tu veux, de toute façon personne ne surveille vraiment. C'est dans les petits marchés avec les producteurs sur place qu'il faut y aller au cas par cas. Certains invitent les clients à toucher, à sentir ou à goûter, et d'autres ne voudront pas qu'on touche, that's all. \o

[@NaomiOff]

I'm french, and there are a lot of things he said, that I've never noticed before... I was watching the video like "oh gosh that's so true, I've never noticed it !!!" And I thought girls in topless are not only in France... okay, now I know that in august in L.A I couldn't be topless :') Well, I know that when people think about France they think about Paris, but here are two places in France where you should go : Corse and Bretagne. It's very far away from Paris, but honestly, it's very very beautiful places !

[@neoDarkSquall]

NaomiOff Indeed it's not so far from Paris compared to tourists going from California to Florida :p

[@NaomiOff]

neoDarkSquall lmfaoo that's true that for you, France is an island :p USA is soooooo big !

[@neoDarkSquall]

Indeed I'm French, just writing in (poor) English because it's an English video so everyone should be able to read the comments.

[@NaomiOff]

neoDarkSquall ok je comprends tqt :p Ok I understand don't worry ! :p :')

[@CTJusticeofthePeace]

NaomiOff your comment is so funny and cute. Yes, we American's are uptight! :P. My one time at a nude beach (when I was in perfect shape) I wore my brassier and panties! :)~. I'm heading to France in Sept. This has been a life long dream...we start in Paris and go to Apernay...THIS TRIP....My dream as a young child was to parachute into the French country side and become one with the people. :) Cest' la vive! :) I'm thrilled to be going.

[@Dubois_tada]

I absolutely love his enthusiasm and positive energy! It makes me wanna press replay lol

[@StamfordBridge]

I agree, Deja!

[@sonicpainter2329]

Damn, I love those people and this country and their culture. I could easily live in France. Salutes from Greece

[@wazson3178]

you could live in france ... if you weren't in debt. I'm sorry, I had to do it

[@artygoldfish2746]

des escargots :') arretez avec ça les us, personne n aime les escargots ou les cuisses de grenouilles Snails :') stop with that the U.S. Anybody liked snails or frog legs in France

[@travelvideos1231]

Artygoldfish oui c'est vrai mdr j'ai encore jamais gouté aucun des deux x)

[@PrOxima.27]

I like snails, but only in a good restaurant

[@Guiguy]

J aime bien les cuisses de grenouille bien cuites

[@magicBV1998]

Artygoldfish J aime les 2 moi surtout les escargots

[@mcos7617]

Moi perso j'adore les cuisses de grenouilles

[@deedou07]

pure clean air!! in a big city!! seriously? even if no one smoked the air would still be disgusting... cigarettes are certainly not the biggest issue if you're looking for pure clean air in a city

[@TheArtObsessed]

deedou07 Well to be fair not everyone who comes to France is coming from a big city.

[@deedou07]

Quarty that has nothing to do with the topic, he said that french people smoke a lot so if you like pure clean air you won't find it here... even if absolutely no one smoked the air wouldn't be clean cause it's a big city. why does he even mention the quality of the air, it's irrelevant

[@TheArtObsessed]

deedou07 Sorry misunderstood what you were saying.

[@heallarant8608]

deedou07 People don't smoke only in big cities, he said that because for exemple in Montpellier (where I live) there are some places that are not that polluted and if I want to stay here to relax, maybe some smokers will come and ruin that xD But in places where the nature is almost all alone, there's only people who do footing or cycling :) Smokers are really a problem in cities (because they are a lot, even teens) if you do not like the odor.

[@Baamthe25th]

Raytoku Not really. Cars are the major causes of pollution in cities.

[@krixxset2214]

Yep. The French are incredibly friendly and probably my favorite people of Europe! Absolutely love that country. The French will forever have a friend in me!

[@boycompass]

You forgot one important dining rule- If you ask for a "menu" you will get the daily combination serving each place offers. You ask for "La carte": the list of individual food items. Also, it's important to explain the differences between cafes, bistros, brasserie, salon and restaurante.

[@pierresauvage4445]

I'm French, I found this little video funny. But speaking of "shocking" things. I was very shocked by your advice: "stop giving money to poor people because it encourages them". They are litterally dying in the street. They don't need your approvals, they need food. So yes, always giving is just not possible. But never ? Really ? Do you love your coins so much ?

[@woltersworld]

Pierre Sauvage I am talking about the beggars that run a racket, not actual poor people. there is a difference.

[@AltruosMultigaming]

woltersworld "Beggars" like you say are normal in France, in the metro, etc. People come to you, beg you some money, if you don't want you say no, if you want you say yes.

[@TheDeathToday]

Pierre Sauvage I think he's talking about the gypsies, you know... My parents always told me not to give them money, too. They are the ones who drug their babies to stop them from crying and hurt them to make people feel empathy.

[@Kelbourg]

Pierre Sauvage Oui, offrir c'est encourager. Et c'est une inclinaison parfaitement naturelle des choses. C'est la nature même d'un animal bien connu qu'est le chat : il ne demeure que là où l'on lui donne. Evidemment il faut faire la part des choses entre le malheureux qui en a effectivement bavé et qui est à la rue sans qu'il ne le mérite, et qui lui est dans un réel besoin, dans une situation d'abandon, tant social que sanitaire. Mais il faut écarter ce qui relève et de la tentative de fraude, et de la pure avarice, car oui, elle est bien omniprésente dans ce milieu. Je crois qu'on connaît tous ici un faux clochard qui ratiboise la même zone jour après jour mais qui a bien un chez lui de derrière les fagots. Le cas relevé par notre youtuber est celui de la tentative de fraude, ou en tous les cas, de la suspicion de tentative de fraude, de vol : et à Paris, c'est pas inhabituel, notamment envers les touristes. Les roumains voleurs de portables, c'est culturel, quasiment. Le mieux, pour un touriste, reste de ne pas donner. Déjà car ce n'est pas au touriste d'assumer une telle charge sociale, ensuite car c'est un risque que ce dernier prend. Et autant un français arnaqué a des chances de pouvoir arranger une situation pareille, autant un touriste qui se fait piquer un portable ou ses papiers, c'est juste la fin des haricots pour lui, il peut y renoncer et déjà réfléchir à tous les papiers qu'il aura à remplir lorsqu'il sera rentré au bercail. Bref : c'est à la France de s'occuper des malheureux français, pas à un invité. Et la France doit s'occuper de ses malheureux, pas des voleurs qui abusent eux-mêmes d'une situation désastreuse et bien omniprésente dans le paysage urbain.

[@aernoudtsjean4543]

Pierre Sauvage tfacon j ai rien compris...

[@hamapatch]

I'm french and I was smoking when I watch this video :p l really like the description of France :-) Thanks for not spreading the clichés ^^ I travelled around US and you have a wonderful country as well (but I'm sure you know it already)

[@CTJusticeofthePeace]

hamapatch Happy to show you around beautiful quaint Mystic, CT. We're in the ne region of the USA. :) (AND can tell you great places to go and visit :) )

[@odyssey.studios]

+hamapatch I'm French but I only smoke dope

[@michhotwheel]

+Dr Random lol

[@davenilaya]

I watched a couple of your videos where you say people from here and there are friendly... I think you have a good attitude and are open to people, so people are friendly because you're a nice guy. That's the way to travel :) Thanks for sharing your experience buddy. All the best!

[@liquidpebbles7475]

Just subscribed, your videos have kinda have a cozy feeling to them :)

[@dopenoodle3052]

OMG YOU DIDNT MENTION, APERO!!!! APERO APERO!!! the French are VERY particular about having APERO before the meal and not having Apero is considered weird, (alcohol and an appetizer) & Bread and Cheese and Yogurt is considered a Dessert

[@woltersworld]

Dope Noodle very true. very true

[@MS-us9jv]

Dope Noodle (not everywhere though)

[@dopenoodle3052]

the places I went Lyon, Strasbourg and South of France

[@MS-us9jv]

Dope Noodle I live near strasbourg but not every1 eats apero, I mean maybe only when they have time or they are invited (most of the time ppl work and dont have enough time for it)

[@dopenoodle3052]

Ok well Apero is very important for me and Im not even French, but if you decide to have apero sometime, please invite me over =) Good English you got there btw ;)

[@eglantineboulard5554]

I really enjoyed how you point out what things may shock tourists but without being negative about it. It is rare to have videos that keep a positive attitude when talking about culture clash, i.e. instead of saying the restaurant service sucks in France you say that it is just the way the french people like it. I think it shows how open mind and ready for travelling you and your family are! Inspiring!

[@crystalfumes4915]

Thank you man, every single point you talked about was accurate :)

[@woltersworld]

Thanks!

[@kor_di]

+Elisa Gautimbert Indeed. +woltersworld Me myself I was suprised coming to France x time after almost 10 year break. I remembered French as a rude, bad and unpleasant people who only spoke neither English nor other language, only French. But since last vacation I have VERY GOOD memories from France, my opinion about French turned 180 degree and I could totally see the beauty of France. When you mentioned your favourite places in France - Mark; I thought I'd add at least three more places that RE AWESOME as well: Telepherique du Aguille du Midi, Vers Pont du Gard and Mt. St. Michel. And yes, boulangerie et patiserie are the heaven for those you enjoy tasting sth really good ;)

[@gibsoncallaway9922]

Ah France such a beautiful country to live in! 🇫🇷😃

[@Niia27600]

I could've said "naah" to the first statement but actually I was smoking a cigarette while watching this... fml...

[@woltersworld]

Ludivine Moonkind you rock :)

[@Niia27600]

woltersworld I'm just a regular french girl who's likely going to have cancer, actually ahah

[@POLKADOTLIPSbeauty]

Ludivine Moonkind pareil pour moi haha

[@Niia27600]

POLKADOTLIPS | beauty Bon voilà on confirme le cliché xD

[@yoandez300]

+Ludivine Moonkind You're everywhere :'(

Thank you very much for your video ! Everything you've said is "god damn" true :D You passed though clichés and shit that people who never came in France say. Thank you again hope you guys will take theses advices if you want to visit us (and not just Paris !!) Good bye people :) Gark

[@alexandremerel]

+Clément Trichon (“Gark”) Je comprend pas pourquoi des français confirment alors que c'est plein de méprises et d'amalgames. On fume beaucoup, tout le temps et partout? On a plus le droit de fumer nul part, même la cigarette électronique est interdite dans les espaces publics, même dans la plupart des gares ouvertes. On est le 4ème pays d'Europe où le tabac est le plus taxé Les crottes de chiens c'est le cliché parisien, pas français. Je vois jamais de crottes de chiens sur les trottoirs chez moi en province. Même à paris ça dépend des quartiers, ça se passe majoritairement dans les quartiers bourgeois où les gens comptent sur les services de nettoyage plutôt que de se baisser pour ramasser. Les parents qui laissent leur gamins sans surveillance ça me choque aussi, c'est pas un truc français, c'est un truc de parent insouciants. Les français amicaux? ça dépend où et ça dépend qui comme partout, déjà qu'entre français y a pas beaucoup d'entraide. Des pickpockets ailleurs qu'à paris j'en ai jamais vu.

je suis moi Ah ouais t'habites où en province ? J'habite en Haute Savoie (Cluses) qui est un département riche et pourtant je retrouve les mêmes problèmes que décrits dans la vidéo après je viens d'un monde où français = surrender, vous ne vous lavez jamais, les filles ne se rasent pas et omelette du fromage. Du coup désolé si d'avoir confirmer ce qu'il raconte (depuis Paris mais il a visiter le sud aussi et je doute qu'il ne l'ai pas pris en considération dans sa vidéo) mais j'encourage vivement les étrangers à venir voir la vraie France. ps: Nous les enfants (surtout à Annecy) c'est normal qu'ils jouent dans le parc seuls, c'est un grand espace vert ou il fait bon vivre de profiter de la pelouse par de belles journées d'été, les parents ne sont jamais bien loin mais ils ne sont pas sur leur dos.

[@alexandremerel]

Je viens de haute Normandie mais je suis actuellement dans le 91 et je me rend ou je traverse Paris tous les jours pour aller bosser et y a pas plus de crotte de chiens sur les trottoirs de mon trajet que chez moi en Normandie. Ca arrive parce que t'as toujours des gens qui se foutent des autres mais ça reste assez rare. J'ai arrêté de fumer y a deux ans en passant à la cigarette électronique, et même si j'ai plus de nicotine j'ai le droit de vapoter uniquement là où les fumeurs ont le droit de fumer et vu le prix du tabac je doute qu'on soit les plus gros fumeurs d'Europe. Encore des clichés. Pour ce qui est des enfants qui jouent dans les parcs, évidemment, les américains aussi emmènent leurs enfants au parc et les laissent jouer mais c'est pas de ça qu'il parle dans la vidéo.

[@nathanalbrezhon8563]

Moi marseille bouh

[@alexandremerel]

bobduvar C'est quoi l'intérêt de poster un commentaire raciste sur une vidéo qui n'a absolument rien à voir?

[@laetitiarenoux5328]

I'm french and that is... so true !! Thank you for being that positive and speaking so nicely about us, it is so sad to see how much strangers think about french people through stereotypes. So thank you and I hope you will enjoy your visit here ! 😉

[@PoeCommunicateATL]

Love this video because you are sharing your honest observations. I support a French person doing the same about the U.S.! Also, so glad you mentioned that French are polite. The "rude" stereotype is just wrong. Here's the deal: People in large cities are always rude when on the metro, rushing to work, haggled by tourists, panhandlers, cars honking at them, etc. I'm living in Crecy-la-Chapelle (suburban Paris) for three months right now. I lived in Chicago for seven years and a summer in New York and it was exactly the same. Nice people, one on one, rude folks trying to navigate the city. It's a function of big cities. Thanks for sharing!

[@Polored1066]

Do not touch fruits? I grab melons all the time to check if they're mature enough...

[@MrTomtomtest]

+Pablo Blo In a supermarket you very well can as no one is going to pick them up for you. At the market, and possibly some fruit stores, you shouldn't.

[@poundpuppyblue9353]

that sounds soo inappropriate lol

[@felix25ize]

+Iamtop A private little shop owner will not be happy if you do that .In a supermarket,it is generally different,cause sellers are employes not directly concerned by that action,unless they got strict orders from the direction.

[@MrTomtomtest]

+felix25ize A "private shop owner" isn't considered a supermarket so I don't know what your point was.

[@felix25ize]

Iamtop Excuse my bad english.I meaned that a litlle shop-owner will most often not admitt that.But it can be rather different in a big supermarket were sellers are employees not directly concerned by the benefits,and often few numerous.

[@jeanroure4138]

I am French and I have to say that your POV and the way you describe France is really really reaaaaaally objective! Props to you dude, loved this video, it shows that you like our country!

[@yvesd_fr1810]

Being french and having lived in US for 2 over years, I understand your position and found the 10 points you raised pretty much true and well-balanced, far away from the stereotypes... Wish you pleasant trips in the future... Bons voyages!

[@6falconsue]

On my first visit to Paris, I made the mistake of asking the waiter at the first cafe I went to if he spoke English ('parlez-vous anglais, monsieur?") Of course he said "Non". So I subjected him to my not-so-great French, which soon had both of us laughing. After that, I simply started speaking in French to waitpersons and they inevitably responded in English, so as not to hear me further butcher their language. "L'addition s'il vous plait" is indeed a very useful phrase. Btw, the only place I've seen dog poo in Paris is on the metro :-( Merci pour tout les videos!

[@knockeledup]

6falconsue I lived in Limoges for a while, visited many smaller towns in the region, plus Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc and there is dog poop everywhere. It’s hazardous.

[@laetitiagp1775]

Thank you to give a good image of my country :) Just a little thing you maybe couldn't see : the shops are mainly close the Sunday but it's depends the city. If you're in a tourist city it's open the Sunday, like in mine, but close the Monday.

[@DrSanketWankhede]

You from France..?

[@laetitiagp1775]

Yes ! :)

[@DrSanketWankhede]

U live in a Very beautiful country....!! I Wish someday ill make to Paris ..and watch The Eifiel Tower...😊😊

[@laetitiagp1775]

Yes, I know :) Maybe one day, but never forget that all the country is beautiful, not only Paris ;)

[@artygoldfish2746]

Dis pas n importe quoi, tout est tout le temps ferme, ferme soit le dimanche soit le lundi, fermé entre 12h et 14h , n ouvre que a 10h et ferme à 18h30... Bref quand tu bosse lundi/mardi/mercredi/jeudi/vendredi/samedi et que tu fais 9h/19h alors tu peux rien acheter...

[@LET4M4RU]

I am french and I have to admit,I was a little bit afraid of this video by the start,afraid to see yet another problem with stereotypes and things like that. But EVERYTHING that he said was _absolutely_ true.

[@bobiboulon]

Hi, I'm French, and I approve this message. :)

[@jamesbinns8528]

I've visited France 3 times. Every thing you said was absolutely true. I know about 100 words of French. That makes a big difference. My first time to France I only knew about 25. I can't wait to go back!

[@morganelaot1359]

T.H.A.N.K Y.O.U for telling there is not only Paris in France! There are so much other places to visit!

[@woltersworld]

Morgane Laot you are very welcome :)

[@chomym]

French here ! I love watching your videos about what might shock Americans visiting different parts of Europe, it "reverse-reminds" me of things that shocked me while in the US or Canada. Keep it up, you're welcome in Paris anytime :)

[@markoshea6833]

may I ask: what shocked you about America, Canada?

[@clachanachoin3127]

Yeah, the French are really warm and welcoming people. We have the same myth of them in the UK that they are rude/cold, but they are, as a rule, more welcoming than the average British person.

[@feartheghus]

Clachan a Choin that's because the British and French hated each other for a long time, and perhaps still do.

[@NobodySpecial512]

+Clachan a Choin I think you find who you are looking for.

[@daughterofgod1086]

I've been in London and Paris recently. I think people from London are far better than the people from Paris. I hated France because of the people. They are so rude and we couldn't even trust the information centre employees because they are useless. We almost lose the bus to London because of them. Going back to London was like going back to civilization. Funny, because in my country there's this myth that English people are "too cold" and don't care much about people. Myths...

[@shaquebrazil7503]

It depends where you go, idiot. You can go to the nicer part of Paris and see lovely people but go to the poor parts you'll find rude and violent people. Paris and London both have grime areas.

[@daughterofgod1086]

Eiffeil tower area is pure vomit and the people working in that area are rude. Don't everybody goes to see that pile of horrible metal crap? Please don't compare Pooris with London.

[@maed.806]

It is mandatory for any business (with employees) to have at least one closed day in a week, usually sunday, sometimes monday. Of course there are some exceptions defined by the law. It requires special authorization, or for it to be a necessity due to the nature of the business (hostel, restaurant, hospital...) Hope that was helpful! Nice video!

[@Valdoy]

In France, hospital is free :)

[@shuaybw3138]

Valdoy2866™ tu dis de la merde.c'est l'assurance qui paie il me semble..

[@Valdoy]

baby freeze Vu ton image tu semble d'être loin d'être majeure, je crois que tu peux la fermer car tu dis de la merde.Tu as déjà vu quelqu'un payer l'hôpital en France ??????? Non car c'est payer par les impôts........

[@SternOrStar]

+Valdoy2866™ Pour nous c'est gratuit effectivement, par contre pour des étrangers je pense que ça doit être différent.

[@Valdoy]

SternOrStar C'est gratuit pour les étranger aussi www.hopital.fr/Droits-demarches/Vos-droits/Les-droits-de-l-usager/Le-droit-a-l-acces-aux-soins-pour-tous/L-acces-aux-soins-des-patients-etrangers

[@SternOrStar]

+Valdoy2866™ Oui, enfin, il faut quand même être assuré dans son propre pays

[@NoellaFromParis]

Great video ! I'm French and work as a Tour Guide, it's really interesting to hear non-frenh point of view about France !

[@marionbtj9135]

I'm french and I must say everything in this video is absolutely true ! I was even surprised that you grasped that well the little quirks of France ! And so happy that you show pictures of Nîmes at the end, that's where I live and the fountain with a crocodile that you photographed is right in front of my highschool ! I love you and I love your videos !

[@LivingWalks]

We've just filmed a 4k city walk in Bordeaux, it may shock you how very beautiful it is. I'd have to say it's at the top for me. It's encouraging to discover how we can share and learn so much from each other. Thank you Mark.

[@philfrombrux]

I liked your overview about France. It is pretty accurate! I'm French and agree with the whole thing. We like Americans. We like people from everywhere. I hope you guys have a good experience in France. French people aren't so good at English, that's true, but it doesn't mean they dislike you :-) Welcome to France!! : Belfort/Biarritz/Paris/Valensole/Forcalquier/Lyon/Nice/Nantes/Lille/Versailles/Rennes/ etc... we welcome you!! Cheers people from anywhere. Have a good one.

[@Sav_-by1zv]

Merci beaucoup 😊 🇫🇷

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Apart from the canine deposits on pavements, France is highly competitive on the world stage, notably in foreign affairs, business, technology, sport and culture, and is one of the few Western countries with the vision and boldness to conceive and execute grandiose schemes. (Just Landed)

[@edelahaye]

#1 : Very true. I hate smoke #2 : Pretty true, except the bartenders and waiters of big "cafés". Small ones far from the touristic tours are generally fine. #3 : Business hours can be strange for americans. But you would be more surprised in Elsass or Germany ! That said, some foodstores and bakeries are open 24/7 #4 : On small store, possibly, but on most of the shops, you just help yourself. There is no-one to help you or give any advice. #5 : The situation of dogs poos is evolving. 10 years ago and before, it was a complete nightmare. Now, say that half of the poos are picked up by the dog owners. It's the law. The problem is that some people don't respect the law and that the dogpoo watchers in a city like Paris are 10 or 20 for 5 millions of dogs ... See the picture ? In addition, police officers, just don't care ... They probably have bigger fishes to fry ... #6 : Topless, yes, it's usual, even in Britanny and Normandy. We have no problem with nudity. The real problem is the abuse of sun. Can be very dangerous for the skin. Be careful if you are not used to do it ... #7 : Eat at 5 or 6PM ? What a strange idea ! ;) #8 : Food can be fantastic, yes, but be careful where does it come from. Prefer local small restaurants (in the country side) based on organic products, rather than big corporations of processed food ... #9 : That's a shame. The level of English speaking is ridicule in France. #10 : Kids are rather free (less than in Ireland). But keep an eye on them anyway. There are some lunatics at large ... #11 : Absolutely. There are hundreds of nice places to visit in France ! #12 : Beggars, yes, they are a lot. Some are authentic homeless, some are 'professional buskers' ...

[@planetoftheatheists6858]

I could have just imagined the dog poop. Visuals are usually nice...but

[@woltersworld]

we just try to "keep it real" ;)

[@prowraweevorachart1383]

Planet of the Atheists

[@eddenoy321]

Thanks Walter.I spent 2 yrs working in Normandie.That was 30 yrs ago. You are correct,.. the smaller cities and regions around the country are so much more relaxing and picturesque than the megacities. I always thought the RER was fast and efficient,but the air in the subways always smelled of sweat and the contents of human stomachs.It made me feel a little nauseous underground ,but the ventilation may have improved over the years.Does your family notice that ? Love your channel.

[@kam7r882]

now ppl are finned up to 68€ if they let their dog shit on the streets and don't clean up after

[@KwirkriwK]

I'm french and agree but we do have some respect for the laws, the well educated french people. Nice wasn't the best place to visit anyway....but yes, in 50 years france became Islamic country....

[@martijnstuart95]

Is it normal for shops to be open on Sunday in America? I have been pretty much everywhere in Europe and in most countries all if not most of the shops are closed on Sundays. I thought the US was really conservative?

[@spidermilk3447]

Not when it comes to money. Nothing closes on Sunday. Church happens twice on Sunday, in the morning and the evening. I work Sunday nights and go to church in the morning.

[@TheArtObsessed]

Donny Montana The only thing that is closed on a Sunday is banks and thats only certain banks.

[@jiahuacui4562]

Donny Montana If you come to China, you'd know nothing actually closes at all....

[@Tyboth35]

spider milk Church happens Sunday in france too.

[@spidermilk3447]

Tyboth35 I know. I was explaining how many Americans work and go to church on the same day.

[@wanneske1969]

Shock 1 : they speak French :-)

[@wanneske1969]

johan bauwens And not a lot of English

[@jolynecharlesjoh4890]

johan bauwens Yes because we love our language and we want it to keep an important place in the world;) but it doesn't mean that we hate the other cultures, we really love learning!

[@wanneske1969]

I was just joking. Btw I speak 4 languages. I love Wolters World

[@jolynecharlesjoh4890]

***** As a French I know that in france all the films are dubbed in french (you will never see a film with subtitles on french tv) and we begin to learn english at 11 years old at school so it's not our fault

[@AlX6S]

johan bauwens As Vicky said we love our language so much... It's terrible for us to imagine that our language and more our culture could disapear because of english language... Now most of people know at least 2-3 languages but dont own "perfeclty" their native one... That's a shame...

[@LukesEnglishPodcast]

Great video!

[@UPBoxedLLC]

Just can't thank you enough for these videos. Most travel videos are either retirees or mainly single, young travelers. It's encouraging to know that, yes, we who have families can travel too!

[@maximilienheitz9316]

Strasbourg ! It's nice to see that some americans don't hate France. Tips : - If you don't speak french you can speak english but slowly it's easier for us to understand. - Young peoples are more able to speak english that old ones (Well i'm 23 and my english is bad but i try my best!). - Come in Alsace !

[@manfffred]

As a french I can tell everything you said is very true , you know well my country and his people. I didn't know american parents don't let their children play around as we do here. Nice video , bravo !

[@StamfordBridge]

It used to be common in the United States to let children roam around freely, but starting in the 90s and forward, Americans became increasingly paranoid about child abducters - far beyond the actual level of threat, which is infinitesimal - and gradually it became the norm, so that now it’s rare for US parents to let their children roam around in public unattended.

[@lukeprescott8471]

Some parents allow their kids to do whatever but it’s pretty commonly frowned upon here, there’s also this stigma that people that kept their kids roam free are bad and neglectful parents

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

As a recent visitor to the Cote d'Azur he is not wrong about things. I found the locals to be friendly towards me - but I remembered to use my quite, non-American voice and know a little French. A simple, quite bon jour can go a long way. As for the evening meal, during the day, swing by a Monoprix, or Carrefour, or a Lidl, or an Aldi and pick up a little snack to tide you over until dinner. And for the love of all things good, relax and enjoy your meals - there is no need to bolt it down. Sit back, relax, chat with friends - it will help your digestion.

[@Oliviaa1994]

Your videos are really helpful! Thank you very much!

[@charliem.p.4864]

On behalf of France, thank you for warning your fellow tourists :) Don't forget guys, anywhere you will travel: don't expect to see the same things you have in your own country. Always travel open-minded and locals will love you ;)

[@woltersworld]

+Charlie M.P. amen :)

[@feyss3]

Not touching the product in a market is common all across Europe

[@pollypolando1221]

Almost everything he listed in this video is just what happens in Italy as well! I guess they're more of a European thing.

[@henrytudor8537]

visiting this weekend! thanks a lot for the info.

[@arsulaksono881]

love your videos.. straightforward and no-nonsense..... keep up the good work Mark !

[@littleangelpick1987]

I'm french and I just found your video...I laughed so much because everything you said IS TRUE ! :D Totally agree with all your "shocking things". :D

[@mabelsparks6738]

VERY INFORMATIVE :)

[@mireyamanso386]

Very helpful. God bless you

[@commodoreheckett3082]

Great vid! Very different from my own channel and what I do but so useful for those who like to travel a lot. Just discovered you today, and really, many thanks for all your work and what you do because it's enriching, accurate, and helpful!

[@nadaland40]

11. France is More Than Just Paris This is so stupid to think France = Paris ! I never went to USA but i know washington city is not USA ! Even NYC and LA are really different. Everglade and Yellowstone are pretty different ! So same here ! Le Havre and Biarritz are totally different cities ! You can see some really specific place in France who looks like Desert or toundra or Jungle ! Around where i leave we ve got the "French Amazon" and it s totally amazing !

[@SegaSaturn94]

He says that at 6:30

[@syndir0]

Owh ! I was thinking USA = Washington only ! .. Ridiculous

[@fiend94210]

"USA = Washington only" uh not even .. XD the foreign tourist mocks the united state

[@varangotvirginie4625]

oui il y a aussi la provence la bretagne la normandie etc

[@CST23]

indeed i went last year to the saint tropez region and its stunning

[@juanaltredo2974]

I agree, Ive lived in italy, spain, and many other countries but french food>>>>>>> rest of the world

[@shaquebrazil7503]

Really?? French food SUCKS

[@bea5377]

italian food >>>> whatever the french eat

[@delphm7636]

hi i'm a french girl. i'm 17 years old and i practice my comprehension in english. I think your videos are so true !!! in france the people smoke to much and the dog mess are not collected most of the time and it's really disgusting. I really like your videos because you removed french clichés as baguet under the arm, the mustache or the beret. I think a lot of people in france are very happy when stranger come because they want to show you France. So come ^^ thanks for your videos and sorry if i made grammar mistakes

[@markoshea6833]

what do you think about being 23?

[@lilarose3285]

great video! very informative and interesting!

[@leninrock]

Nice video, je aime la france

[@maximilien_4382]

not "je aime" but "j'aime" ;)

[@ameerahalgohary]

I'm looking forward to visiting the French Riviera one day. I only visited Paris and the people were really nice and most of them can speak English. Thanks for the awesome videos, Walter :))

[@woltersworld]

Amira Al-Gohary you are very welcome!

[@enokitty44]

very good information. thank you

[@elaine5737]

Very informative, thank you!

[@amelink5]

It is interesting to see the point of view of foreigners about France, and I now I see my country differenly, I really like that you mixt positive and negative shock you had. Sincerlery I am almost agree with all you said and I am happy that foreigners can love my country even though they see some negative and shocking things ^v^

[@bricei.5235]

Happy to see some real things about french, about us as actually, I'm french, which are not just french bashing or just some old clichés. Just three things: - actually in most of the food shop, in most of the "epiceries" (groceries) you can serve yourself and pick your fruits or vegetables by yourself. Well, you even have to as nobody will serve you. It is just in some outside market (they take place in the cities some days, like twice a week for instance, I suppose it is not something very current in USA) - I think that there are less dog poop than before. We're learning little by little. It was a lot worst in my childhood - And finally it is very interesting for a french like me to see what can be surprising for an american guy. It finally learn as many thing to me about american culture as it learns to american people about us. Else, everything in this video is very true. And welcome, and as it is said in the video: don't stop your french tour in Paris. ;)

[@yo_kinky]

Your perspective is très bien. Great vid!

[@OpiateHolidays]

Very nice! that was very informative

[@janetgray9685]

this angle of the tower really made me feel like I was there!

[@criskity]

In the US and much of East Asia, you are expected to handle produce. It's how shoppers evaluate their freshness and quality.

[@jscianna09]

Love your videos!!! thank you for posting! :)

[@mattapple2105]

Very informative and useful advice's :)

[@loveromain100]

COME IN LYON if you love french food, you'll love this city, trust me !

[@rjg104]

you should fly to st.pierre ...a little island next to newfoundland... the only france owned town in north america .. worth to check out 😉

[@doublejess]

This is so accurate! Well done. Thank you for you true-to-reality description :)

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. Great travels to you!

[@tulipan1078]

BEAUTIFUL FRANCE !

[@JulienFluence]

I'm french and I have to say you're totally right 😂

[@woltersworld]

Julien Berne merci :)

[@thomhous]

woltersworld I'm french and I live near Strasbourg its a very good choice of your's to visit this beautiful city^^. And I'm a bit a shame of the number of people who don't speak english.

[@pissbrothers6833]

woltersworld french too. I'm sad to say that french people are not rly cool with stragner actually...

[@DIAMSKY25]

pissbrothers6833 Je pense qu'on est pas très cool envers les étrangers parce qu'on a une énorme baisse d'éstime en notre pays, on est pas patriotes du coup, on est pas fiers de faire rayonner la France en ce moment.

[@kooldadrich]

One of the biggest shocks when I went to France was how primitive some of the bathrooms were.

[@okoe1785]

primitive ? Well It's a bathroom so..

[@danf321]

Just returned from France. 1) Things to add: Even in the smallest most unlikely restaurant or bar, the food is great. 2) They respect their wine. In the US when we order a glass of special wine, that 1/2 bottle may have been at 1/2 full for a week. In France everywhere used the glass-displacement system so your 1/2 bottle is still fresh. 3) French men almost all wear scarfs around their necks. 4). The French DO wear big logo clothes like Nike shoes and hats or sweat shirts. 5). Download Google Translate to get a few phrases under your belt. The French appreciate a few properly spoken phrases. 6). The best advice is to download France Google Maps. It was a godsend when walking and driving.

[@hakanvethok4898]

I am french to and I appreciate your video,it'very true for the most part. Nice job man!

[@OnTheGoWithCarson]

I actually did not enjoy Paris, at all, but very much enjoyed the Riviera. I did find the French were a ton nicer than many other people in other European countries. I would definitely like to explore more of France!

[@woltersworld]

you should (and I know you will :) getting out to the countryside is a completely different experience and so well worth it

[@gregsama785]

great video

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

[@wainber1]

+Fañch Gregam At least unlike in Israel, public transportation in France runs 7 days a week. Try shopping on Shabbat in Israel, at least if the shop happens to be Jewish-owned: good luck trying to find one (particularly in West Jerusalem).

[@girvinie]

your video is fantastic, very objective and well explained. And kudos to you for mentioning La Rochelle, my hometown, such a beautiful city!

[@yaofeng404]

Nice video with true and complet facts... continue that way :)

[@cgmacfly]

If you want eat amazing best french food go to Lyon. Lyon are a capital of French Food. And secret tips if you're order a coffee with this sentence : "One coffee" and this "Please can i have one coffee, thank's" is not the same price on the bill :p ^^