Are French tourists the worst in Europe?
A survey released last week reveals that French tourists are the most hated European travellers. Tourism workers from Niger, Lebanon and Paris itself tell us about their experiences with French tourists - tight with money, arrogant, unable to hold their drink and always on the lookout for girls. Read more...
The survey, taken out by TNS Infratest for travel website Expedia.fr, quizzed employees in 40,000 hotels in Europe and North America on the behaviour of 27 nationalities when on holiday. The French were only outdone by two countries in terms of overall disagreeability - the Chinese came top of the worst, closely followed by the Indians. The French were blamed for being tight with their wallets, impolite, and unwilling to speak other languages, although they did fare well in being quiet, well dressed and tidy.
The most welcome tourists were the Japanese, who came top for the third consecutive year. Runners up were Canadians, Germans and Brits - who were voted second for (surprisingly), quietness and dress-sense. The notoriously noisy Americans were indeed top of the loud pack, but they were praised for their willingness to try the local language and tip generously, coming 11th overall.
LEBANON: “They constantly correct your French when you’re giving a speech”
Rania Wahab is a consultant at a tourism agency in Lebanon. She gives historical tours.
They also constantly correct your French when you're giving a speech. English or American people never correct my English when I'm speaking, but French people interrupt you every two minutes to tell you you've made a grammatical mistake or used the wrong word. It really ruins your confidence. Despite all this, I have to say that I respect the French for taking a real interest in history. You can't say that about every nationality."
FRANCE: “He wanted his money back because there was no indoor swimming pool – in midsummer!”
Nicolas is a French tour guide from Paris who has also worked as a holiday rep abroad.
Many of them try to get their money back, sometimes in the most ridiculous ways. I remember one group in Tunisia. They'd spent a week in a four star hotel for only 1,500 francs [€230]. The hotel was by the sea and had a big outdoor pool. But at the end of the week, one of them asked for his money back because the indoor pool was closed. It was midsummer - what could he have wanted with an indoor pool?!
I've also noticed that the French have no qualms about making rude comments loudly. Once I had a group of both Indians and French people together. The French of course started making comments like ‘they're messy eaters,' and ‘they're good at popping them out aren't they' referring to the number of children the families had."
NIGER: French people spend a long time bartering, but they’re also the most interested in our lives”
Oumarou Ibrahim runs a shop selling handcrafted products in Niamey.
That said, I do find the French the most interested people. I've been invited to France many times and also been offered help in commercialising my products there. Some of the French expats in Niamey come to the shop regularly when I get new products in. They even give me ideas for jewellery and new projects. The Germans might not barter, but neither do they take any interest in our lives."
Comments
French vs US vs Britain
Submitted by Karen North-Hurst (not verified) on Sun, 09/08/2009 - 14:27.I am a U.S. American who loves both Britain and France and their people. The U.S. has a lot of ignorant, poorly educated, mannerless, loud, idiotic buffoons -- and so does every country on this planet. It is simply human nature.
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I don't like ignorant, poorly educated, mannerless, loud, idiotice buffoons here in the U.S. or anywhere else; in fact, I try to avoid them. If, however, they are unavoidable, I remain mannerly and non-committal, that is to say, I minimize interaction in a calm, distant manner and do not invite closer acquaintance by word or action. If the rude boors persist, I generally ask politely if they would be quieter so I can enjoy my own thoughts without intrusion. This often works, except with the worst offenders. The worst offenders get my "ugly American" comment, i.e., "your behavior and lack of manners are why so many countries hate Americans." That usually quells them, at least for a while.
I can't speak for how the
Submitted by Recent visitor from the US (not verified) on Thu, 06/08/2009 - 14:49.I can't speak for how the French are as tourists, since I have not worked in that field for years, but I think that the French get a really bad rap as hosts.
I made my first trip to Paris a few weeks ago, and I was hesitant even to go at all because I had heard such awful things, all my life, about Parisians. But I did make the trip and I was amazed--and very pleased--at how kind people were.
More than once, total strangers helped me with things like Metro maps and directions. The staff at my small hotel were as gracious and hospitable as anyone could ever be. Even at the touristy places, people were at least polite. I did not meet anyone hateful--one or two grumps, of which we have plenty here in the U.S.--but never did I encounter the monumental rudeness that people are always talking about.
Generally speaking, you get back what you give. If you are polite and considerate in your dealings with other people, most will return the favor.
And the American above, who sounds like a knuckle-dragging right wing nut who listens to Rush all day, does not speak for me.
It is the right of every
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 03:01.It is the right of every tourist from every country to enjoy their vacation however they see fit. Whether its relaxing, having fun, meeting new people, taking in natural and cultural beauty, or being their grumpy old selves, they can spend their money however they see fit.
At the same time, I totally agree with the statement: "You get back what you give. If you are polite and considerate in your dealings with other people, most will return the favor."
I live in Washington DC and It is no bother to me when a Canadian couple stops me on the street to ask about a good place to eat, or a Chinese family wants their photo taken. Just today a group of rowdy Mexican teens didn't realize they had to change trains and missed a subway stop, I told them where they needed to go in my worst Spanish translation ever. We all laughed, but they were forever thankful. Living in a city that sees its share of tourist, you have to keep reminding yourself that they are tourist, they will stand out! And believe me, Americans notice more than anyone else how other Americans act on vacation.
You should have fun on your vacation, you pay good money to do so... but remember to leave all your worries and dismal attitude at home, otherwise why vacation at all?
And for the record, the French are quite pleasant... from French-Africans to Parisians, never meet a mean one yet.
french tourists
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2009 - 16:48.I hosted A french kid who was a tourist with other people.
The truth is that sometimes they dont want to speak english, they speak it when they feel like it. They try even though they dont understand.
When you try speaking them in french they just look away if they notice your accent. They can be rude. I was completely ignored when i tryed speaking to them.
french tourists
Submitted by Unregistered user on Tue, 21/07/2009 - 00:50.Why do you have to comment on this survey by comparing the French to the British? The survey is a survey, the French came whatever, what do the British have to do with it?
You will also find that the French come top of the league of the most unhelpful, arrogant and rude nation within their own country, as far as tourists are concerned.
I'm British but i'm trying my hardest to compete with you in the rude stakes.
Give me a French waiter any day over some grinning American idiot robot.
Stay as you are because that's why I and 1/4 million Brits want to be you.
"I'm British but i'm trying
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Sun, 02/08/2009 - 06:58."I'm British but i'm trying my hardest to compete with you in the rude stakes.
Give me a French waiter any day over some grinning American idiot robot.
Stay as you are because that's why I and 1/4 million Brits want to be you."
Yes because if you go to the U.S with this attitude you would surely get your crapy british tooth knocked out
Tourists in France
Submitted by Peter Vaughan (not verified) on Tue, 14/07/2009 - 08:38.In my view those Brits in France love the place and wish that back home was as well mannered. Those Brits in France want to be there, and have probably paid a lot to get there, and want to keep France to themselves. Brits going elsewhere with their tatoos and string vests can carry on and spoil life for all around them, but please leave La Belle alone for for us.
Since when did Brits wear
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Tue, 14/07/2009 - 11:10.Since when did Brits wear string vests? 1950?!!
I agree that Brits love lots of things about France, and France loves the rolling hills and the music scene in the UK too. But we're neighbours and long-time allies, we have to bicker sometimes. Don't take it all too seriously.
British are Worse...
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Mon, 13/07/2009 - 18:13.I think the French are bad hosts but not that bad tourists...I'm British and i've seen my countrymen in Ibiza etc..... drinking, fighting and vomiting......I would be very surprised to see the same 'lad' culture from the French....
French Tourists
Submitted by Richard McGarry (not verified) on Mon, 13/07/2009 - 09:38.Having lived in several countries,S.Africa/Ireland/UK/USA and now France for the last 4 years I believe I have a good knowledge of people.I choose to live and lately work in France. Paris and Parisians like most major cities of the world should not be taken as an indication of the rest of the country. Educated,respectfull,considerate and friendly are how I would describe the French people that I have met and socialised with. With little or no French so far(I am trying to learn)I have received help and patience but no ridicule.
It has been my experience that there are both poor and good examples of humanity in all nationalities and nations should not be judged on the performance of a few.
The French do have a lot to be proud of and the way of life here is just one of them. Possibly what needs to be done before issuing Passports to people the world over is to send them on a training course and teach them some manners,all nationalities could benefit.