Why Tourists HATE France (and love it too) 

The fifth thing for us is the diversity of the various regions. My husband and I both know Paris from our youth but this last winter, we did three weeks in Strasbourg, visiting Christmas Markets all over the region. We did a two day trip to Dijon and came back in March to travel south from Dijon to Avignon and Arles. We are now going to return next year for another visit to see more regions. They are all so different - the history, the food, the wine, and yes, the people are wonderful. Amazing. Thanks for encouraging folks to explore further than just the big tourist centers.

On rudeness…. If you meet a local on the street, be it New York, Paris, London,….. Understand that they’re probably on their way to someplace they "need to be". They’re not just out for a stroll. They’re not rude……they’re busy.

I highly recommend taking a day trip to the Alsace region. It's less than 2 hours from Paris on the train, stunningly beautiful and much different than Paris.

I was in Alsace 2 weeks ago, it was a much-needed contrast with the craziness of Paris a few weeks before the Olympics.

I’m fully aware that the weather can be iffy and that you can’t necessarily choose your vacation time, but if it’s at all possible to visit historic towns in the off season, take a good quality rain poncho and boots (or cold weather gear if that applies) and do it. Walking around in a light to moderate rain is fine if you’re dressed for it, and it’s kind of a heavenly sensation to step into a museum or a cozy restaurant after some damp sightseeing. PLUS you can actually look at the artifacts as long as you like and the restaurant staff won’t be harried and jaded.

As a French person, you made me love France again! We forget sometimes how beautiful our country is

I am an American who has lived in the countryside north of Toulouse for two years now. I own a farmhouse near a small village and it is my permanent retirement home. For the past year I have been visiting the 13 most beautiful villages in my area of France, from the official list of "Les plus beaux villages de France" (the most beautiful villages in France). There are over 140 of the beautiful villages on the list with 13 of them within a two hour drive of my house. These are all old medieval villages and many of them still have the old fortress walls around portions of them. It has been a great way to really experience the countryside of France and to learn about the local people, culture and cuisine. Anyone who would like to get away from the big cities and tourist destinations should try to explore some of the villages on the list. I have been to 12 of the villages in my area now and have found it to be a wonderful experience and way to see how the rest of the French live. Pick a region of France that you would like to see, look on the list of the most beautiful villages in that area then rent a car and drive around the countryside exploring the beauty of French country life and local cuisine. I highly recommend it

I’ve only been once and it was purely a Paris trip and it was fabulous. No rude people, lots of delicious meals, sites seen and time to just relax and enjoy the experience of being there.

Gotta shoutout Verdon national park in south France, insanely cool landscapes and beautiful little villages, give it a visit!

My strongest memory of France is someone I met. In 1984 I spent about 6 weeks during the Summer studying at the University of Poitiers. One day our professors took us on an excursion to visit some place of historical significance. After 40 years I don't remember the place or the name of the small city we went to, but I remember during our lunch break ending up in a small, empty hotel restaurant. The couple running it appeared to be in their 60s. After some small talk where I mentioned I also studied German the man informed me he was from Germany and from that point on we spoke mostly in German, and he seemed pleased to have the chance to do so. We sat at a table and he told me all about him and his wife and his youth working as a travelling musician all around Western and Eastern Europe. As we talked his wife would join us at times when she wasn't attending to various locals who were dropping in. She brought over plates of bread, cheese, meats, etc., none of which I had ordered. She couldn't speak German so I spoke to her in French, but she was hard of hearing so her husband often ended up shouting in her ear. I don't know how long we talked, but it was a lot longer than I was supposed to take for lunch. We finally said our good-byes, and I tried to pay them something but they weren't interested in that. One of the last things he said to me was that he hoped we would meet again, if not in this life then...at which point he smiled and pointed toward the sky and put his hands in a prayer position. I've forgotten an awful lot over the last 40 years, but I've never forgotten that day or that very kind couple...

In high school we took field trips to France. Once I went with my boyfriend with his french class and once when we were learning about French history. I also went to Paris for our honeymoon. 😊

Outside of Paris, I have only been to the east (Strasbourg) and west (Rennes) of the country. Nice contrasts as they are totally different. One feels very Atlantic, the other is more like Germany

I love the food, wine, the culture, architecture, clothes, the people and their love of life!!!! Keep up the great work Wolters World!!!! Love your channel!😊

I travelled to London for the first time in 1987. From that first trip, I've always said London is my favorite place on Earth. I have been 8 times. Last October, my wife and I went to Paris for the first time, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Everything - the food, people, culture, the lifestyle, slower pace, all of it. I now say England is my spirit home, but Paris is my favorite place. Going back in Dec of 2026 for the Christmas markets in Colmar, Strausbourg, Paris. Merci, Mark!

Haven't been to France yet, but I've heard lots of good things about Bordeaux. I think I'll head there first.

my fifth thing is that French people are extremely willing to teach and educate you regarding their language! As someone who moved to France and lived in Cannes for a bit, picking up the language was easier than I thought because people were very accommodating. if you speak enough to hold a relatively solid conversation, here more than anywhere else people will absolutely speak with you and will make sure you are using the right verb tense and noun genders. I think many people find it condescending and rude and cite it as a reason they hate France, but i learned that the french are not affectionate but they are very caring. They won't sugarcoat things but they will always help if they can. Going in with the knowledge that most are doing this because they want your French to be better and this is how they can help will give you a much different perspective, and hopefully a much more positive one.

My first and second experience in France was Marseille. The next one was Avignon and lavender fields and some villages in Provance. Paris was the fourth one and I met a nice waiter near Notre Dame there in a restaurant open 24 hours. He saved me because the restaurant had free WiFi and I needed it to buy a new ticket home (I was late for my bus back, nothing strange in my case). Yes, it was after midnight, Monday already, so he was not busy at all, but still, he was such a nice person! Fifth at not last was Strasburg, and... I loved all of them. I'll travel to France more for sure.

As a naturally slower paced person, I truly appreciated the unrushed pace of life in France. #5 for me would be the sense of joie de vivre - the enjoyment of life’s simple moments. Sitting in a sidewalk café, sipping a coffee and watching the world go by. Enjoying the simplicity of a glass of wine and a piece of cheese. Strolling the streets enjoying the architecture and the ambience of the city and being surprised by an impromptu street concert by a string quartet. And much as I adored Paris, getting out into the French countryside and visiting pretty villages and historical sites was just as satisfying, if not more. Climbing roses tumbling over an ancient rock wall became one of my favourite things while wandering around Giverny after visiting Monet’s Garden. It’s like art is interwoven into the very essence of the French countryside and it’s easy to see why the French Impressionists were so inspired there.

You read my mind! I just purchased a ticket two days ago to fly to France in February! You have me even more excited now!

I hope to visit my French(ish> ancestors homelands.. Britannia, Alsace, Quebec, etc... but Collioure is my secret favorite so far...

I'm from England but last year moved to France. The best thing here is just how diverse this country is. Both geographically,culturally and architecturally Such as in the north near Paris you have more of a classic stereotypical french style. In the south you have the Pyrenees with almost a desert type feel. The Alps ofcourse, then everywhere in-between is filled with beautiful historic towns. All of them completely unique. In England I was getting sick of how the government was making every place feel the same by building the same cheap houses. Not the case at all in France It is an incredible country

Had an overnight stay in Metz while Interrailing between Luxembourg and Switzerland (actually passed through Colmar on the train to Basel) and I was impressed by how picturesque it was, as well as its walkability (even compared to your average British city) and how safe I felt walking around the city centre in the evening. Definitely a very underrated city in France (far more peaceful than Paris that's for sure), and a great place to stay if you are visiting Luxembourg, as it's less than an hour away from Lux City and the trains between them are very frequent running every 20 minutes. Strasbourg is nice too, with some great cafes, so I had plenty of amazing coffee.

I just returned from 3 weeks in Switzerland and France. I was in Alsace for 4 days and in Haute Savoie for 2 days. Prior trip was to Provence and Cote d'Azur. My previous experience was Paris and a few day excursions from there. It is my goal to see the entire country while I still can. Your photos and videos of Colmar and Strasbourg brought back recent memories and I knew exactly where you stood when you filmed them. You are correct about your many likes and I completely agree. My comment about service in restaurants (which is not confined to France, by the way) is that the attitude of Europeans when eating out is not the same as Americans. One eats out to enjoy the conversation, savor the food, and enjoy meal time. If you reserve at a restaurant, you must understand that the table is yours and yours alone for the duration of the lunch or dinner hours. One is not rushed and the servers will not stop by your table every five minutes asking if everything is OK or if you want something else. If you want something else or the bill or whatever, it is your responsibility to motion the server over, not the other way around. It takes a bit of practice, but once you understand the rules and master the flag down, it is really easy. The other thing I appreciate about restaurants is that the gratuity is almost always included in the price. Europeans pay their service staff a living wage. If you pay with credit card, there is no line for a tip, so if you really liked your waiter, give them a couple of extra Euros in cash and they will be most appreciative.

We have gone to almost every continent and I think France was the most memorable. Everything you have said about visiting is true. We went to Paris, Normandie and Brittany. Wine, Calvados, cheeses, the pastries, Mt. St. Michel, the walled city of St. Malo, the tapestry of Bayeux, the garden splendors of Giverny, and the history of Europe laid at your feet make a visit to this country a must.

Can I put in a mention for Lille (I live nearby) ? Great museums, food and shopping opportunities and we are close to the WW1 battlefields, Brussels, Bruges, the Channel Coast and plenty more interesting places (Lille BTW is just an hour by TGV from Paris). I've also lived in Toulouse which is just overflowing with interesting things to see and do and makes for an interesting stopover on your way to Spain. Great little video as ever Mark !

I just returned from Paris with my Mom. I love it there and appreciate the slower service. It allows me to enjoy my Sancerre and meal. I also love the beautiful buildings and terraces. My last time there I went to Normandy, but this trip was for my Mom to do the touristy stuff. 🗼

The 5th Love about France? The Tour. Even if you're not into cycling (I have never even owned a bicycle) it's an incredible sporting spectacle & fantastic showcase for this amazing country.

Go to Nice or Grasse and create your own perfume! Best thing we ever did on any vacation ever.

Australian's like the slow paced eating too

France is great!

5:58 pigeon poop as a tear is a nice touch

Wow awesome 😎

#5 to love. Culture has the right place, like nowhere else. There are certain things to be relaxed about and certain things to be strict about and in France there’s the right balance. Makes life good and enjoyable. Cheers merci 🇫🇷🇺🇸

🇫🇷♥️French Tourism Bureaus! An incredible resource in almost every city in France! Example: I took a train to Tours, France in center of Loire Valley and famous castles. Every morning I walked to the Tourism Bureau where they had small Mercedes vans that toured vinyards, castles etc. Very inexpensive and there is always an English speaker. In Amboise their bureau helped me get a cab. Very professional, very very helpful. ♥️

My first experience of France was a week in Avignon, catching the train from Geneva. Avignon is a wonderful introduction to France.

Great 👍

Hey Mark, cool video

We are leaving for Paris for the first time this week, I am beyond excited and binge watching as many videos as I can find!

Awesome

Sorry, but I disagree about the people. Especially mid-age to old people, when they realise you don't speak French, can turn into douchebags in a second. Last time we were in Paris, we checked out waiters before sitting down at cafees/restaurants, to make sure they were fairly young. Both because it's more likely they speak English, but also because the youths are FAR more friendlier than the older ones.

Great video. Personally I would avoid Paris altogether.

France is great love to leave Ireland for France in the winter down south with a bit of mild weather

Colmar was a place that i never knew existed that i was taken to as a weekend excursion when i studied abroad in Nancy, France in 2022 and i loved it! Beautiful place and i need to return. Best regards from the U.S!

I enjoyed this video. 😊❤

I’ve loved my times in France, but, as a tourist, by far the biggest inconvenience is the restrictive restaurant hours. I know the locals have their reasons for it, but as a visitor it is a constant source of frustration and limitation. One can never relax and let the day flow naturally.

Nice video ❤🎉

*Hears 1st Hate* No surprise there since I've heard that the Europeans in general like to take their time. It's a good thing I have the patience of a Saint. Originally I wanted to go to Paris first if/when I ever go over there, mostly for the artistic stuff since Paris used to be the Artistic Capital of the World, but then I started looking at my 2nd choice more and now have decided to make it my first pick, especially learning what else is there. My French Ancestors are from Normandy, and that's why I wanted to go there, and to see the WWII stuff there since I got a great-uncle buried there (my dad is named after him too). But I also learned that the place where Monet painted his famous Water Lillies paintings in there too. Monet is my fav artist and Impressionism is my fav art movement. I want to go to France so badly though because of my French Heritage. I can't help but wonder if there's a lot of blondes in Normandy (I know the Vikings went through that area back in the day too). My dad is blonde and I got my blonde hair from him. Sadly out of all of the sides of my family, I barely met anyone from my paternal grandpa's side. Thank God for Facebook but I got to meet a bunch of them that way after my dad told me about the group and omg, so many blondes lol. One funny thing is my last name is French, and over the years I got used to people mispronouncing it (on their first try at least). Only person to EVER get it right on the first try was my French professor in college lol. So it makes me wonder if I ever make it to France, will the people there get my last name right initially too lol.

The channel "Oui in France" is a great source of insights into life in France as an expat.

I would actually recommend going to Paris in August. Yes, most restaurants are closed but not all of them, and there are some weekend farmers' markets with great food selection (true story. Waking up to a middle-of-the-street, completely unexpected market in the 7th arrondissement is.. wow). Paris in August is quiet and peaceful and almost entirely empty of tourist mobs. Also (icing on the cake), fewer Parisians!

i love the rich history that france have 😀

I'll be in Nice in 2 weeks. It's my first time in Europe (besides Iceland). I'm really excited to see the lavender fields and small towns outside of Nice. Your videos are so helpful! ❤️

I have the people are very enjoyable. Like you said a few words or phrases in French open doors.

That Flamengo Tshirts at 7:48 was unexpected! Cheers from BRASIL!!

Getting lost in Paris and the discoveries you make. It's a great city to just wonder around and got off the beaten path and into the neighborhoods.

We just returned from this area and loved the architecture, history, and wine, especially in Alsace and Colmar!!

I love the people of France. They were so kind to me. I have made excellent friends here. The people here really are so welcoming. The best thing in France, I traveled to lots of parts in France. It is always the people that makes where I go to visit that makes special

I love about France exactly the things that people complain about. That's what makes them unique. What I also noticed, Mark, is that you always put a positive spin on everything, which is a really healthy way of seeing things when you travel. We've all seen whiners along our travels and there is nothing more unattractive than that.

In Paris scams are in a lot of tourist areas. I had a waiter over charge me. I refused to pay more and they lowered the price. Getting scammed by taxis are getting worse. Don’t be afraid to call them out.

We have been going to France for as long as I can remember and I have found that speaking a tiny bit of French can make a world of difference regarding how people treat you 🤗 I have only met kind people on my holidays in France, even in Paris 😝 But I totally agree about needing patience when visiting France! 😂 I think the only region of France I did not love very much was the Camargue in july 😅 The mosquitos…so so many mosquitos 😱 I guess if I have to choose a favourite region it might be the Dordogne 🤔 Beautiful nature and lovely old towns. Or maybe the Verdon…or maybe Provence..so many beautiful places! Cities I adore in France are Paris, Avignon and Strassbourg 🤗 Hoping to visit Bordeaux some time next year!

French rail strikes frequently disrupt travel during major holidays and busy periods, including school holidays and public holidays. Staying informed about strike dates and having flexible travel plans can help mitigate the impact

Colmar. Well, honestly, for me Colmar was a disappointment. Maybe because everyone in YT praises it to the heavens and it's not so wonderful in my opinion. Yes, I liked it, but it's a small town with not much interesting stuff besides some architecture. And I do like it but I prefere Strasburg which has the same vibe in Petite France and is bigger and has more to offer. Both of them were German towns for quite some time (much longer that they are in France), that's why they have this kind of architecture - you want more, you go to Germany. Colmar is ok, but it's not worth all of that praise.

Interesting how you mentioned Argentina amongst the rudest countries and not France 🤔 Now that you mentioned you have French ties it explains it all 😂 Love your channel and videos. You do an awesome job!

You forgot to mention how many amusement parks france has

I need to visit more countries to make it sure, but france is probably the most beautiful destination ever

Loved the street crepe vendors.

French Capitalism: You have two cows, you strike for 3.

I have been all over France many times. I love France and nothing about it annoys me. The French want people to take their time and enjoy their meal. Americans are too impatient.

i remembered it took around 20 mins just for the bill.

I do like France, but it took until I was 45 to go to Paris. France is as, you say, a lot more than just the Capital. Try the history of the Somme area with their impressive but thought provoking WW1 cemeteries and monuments. The Brittany Coast, the Loire valley and Atlantic coast. Dijon, Lyon and the Rhone. And then there is the utterly wonderful Ancient city of Arles and the Camargue close by with its wildlife, White Horses and stunning, yet quieter beaches. Just be aware of one thing, 99% of shops close on a Sunday, so make sure you have enough baguettes, cheeses, meats, beers etc. in at your place you are staying, the day before.

My wife, daughter, and I traveled to France in 2016. While I studied French in high school, I was a little worried about going there because I was always told the French hate Americans (especially since I was still in the Army at the time). What I found was just the opposite. You hit so many great points in this video. First, people need to know what to expect. My wife and I are planners. We read and watched so much information about France, so we knew what to expect. We knew the waiter would not bring the check until we asked…”L’addition s’il vous plait.” And the list goes on. Just trying to speak French helped so much, as you mentioned. Even in Paris we found the French people to be warm and inviting when you make an effort to appreciate their culture. I went as a sceptic and I left loving the country. And yes, we did go to Colmar for a few days and loved it! We also went to Marseille, and took a day trip to Cassis, as well as a private boat tour (it was cheaper than you would think) to the Parc national des Calanques. I actually fell in love with Paris. I felt like the people there truly have the joie de vivre that you hear about, and that is what I loved about the whole country. Thanks for such a great video. A bientot!

Thank you for the comments about Colmar. We will be there mid-August this year for a couple of days before beginning a 12 day tour of Switzerland. I chose Colmar as our initial stay largely because of your (and other’s) videos about Colmar. ❤️

Hey, Walter. Do you know any Germany day trips from Basel?

France is such a wonderful country... if it wasn't for the French living there. Just kidding, but they're not easy to like 😅

Hello Mark! This is my first time leaving a comment on the internet! First, thank you super much for making all of your videos! This is the most helpful travel RU-vid channel I have ever found. I really like your sense of humor and joy, and the down-to-earth tone of the video is most wondrous as it makes me feel as though it is okay to just be a regular tourist and appreciate the cultures of the country you are visiting. We watched a bunch of your Austria videos before my 19 year old brother went on his first trip to Europe, and they were all very helpful, so thank you! I have a question about the safety in France, though, if you happen to have time for this. It is, whenever I read statistics on the safest countries in Europe, it usually puts France as one of the most dangerous countries in Europe. Is this something tourists should be concerned about? How is it unsafe? It one region or city in France more dangerous than another? Thank you!

I’m English and only went to France once. I saw a fair bit of it travelling from Calais to Montpellier and hated every second of it. I can’t think one one single redeeming feature. Except croissants. They’re ok.

great videos. I will in Paris for the Olympics, can I pre book an RER train seat from CDG to Versailles a month in advance? Thanks

Four weeks coming up this fall! Meandering north from Barcelona with an open agenda, only Normandy is for sure. I love the way we travel, two days or more wherever we land then off to another unexplored area!

I have spent 3 weeks between the Provence region/Marseilles and the French Riviera. If you are in or near Marseille, you can take a 20-minute train ride to Aubagne, the walk a couple of kilometers to the Museum of the French Foreign Legion. I also went to Toulon, just to see the Charles de Gaulle. Being in Cannes during the film festival was amazing!. The fresh paella in St. Remy. The best thing though> I stayed with a friend in Cannes and her boyfriend and his friends taught me petanque, while having wine and flat bread with tomato sauce and sardines. Delish.

It was the people for sure once we left Paris for Agde in the south. Glad to hear the TGV still has crummy service when it comes to ticketing. They still owe me money from around 2000. Bought the tickets online, but because I chose English on the website, they expected me to pick up the tickets in the U.K. Had to repurchase and never heard back from them.

It's still a few years away, but I'd like to be able to see Paris and also maybe Normandy or Burgundy. I'd also have to check if going to Limousin is doable.

My wife and I just returned from our first trip to Paris. We absolutely fell in love with Paris. Although we were only there for a few days , It was absolutely captivating. The food was excellent, and the people were so nice. We had heard many stories of the French being rude, but we experience none of that. They were all so polite and helpful. We are definitely going to go back and explore other areas in France.

keep it up

nice

Nice

wow ❤

I'm sure most of France is lovely. But the only city I have visited is Marseille.

Yes I enjoyed the "5 Love & Hates of Visiting France".

❤❤❤❤

I’ve heard Paris smells like Urine and this honestly makes me not want to go and i’m not sure of this is even true?

I love the French language ❤ J'aime la langue française - mais elle ne m'aime pas 😢

Should do Egypt some! Was invited to go but I’m hesitant as I’ve never traveled outside the USA

Another first class video. I love European service - whether it is France, Vienna, wherever. Meals are to be shared, experienced, lingered over, and enjoyed - not ruined by frequent interruptions by wait staff, rushed out so the next customers can get in, gulped down, etc. European meal times are a joy. Live like a local wherever possible - it’s the little local things that make a vacation memorable, and France has so many of them. Wonderful country.

I can tell Colmar is near the German border 😄 🤣, looks amazing, though.

the country is beautifull, the food is fantastic, just to bad there are french people

First off, don't be so hard on Paris. The problematic areas, are the overtouristic parts. Less tourists ca be found doing the Pere Lachaisse, or even rarer visiting the Theatre de la Huchette. (Fabulous if you speak French) The latter used to have a Greek Restaurant not far from it, which does give off a great vibe. If you love books, visit Gibert Jeune and you have a very good day, as they have books in more languages you can think of exist. True Paris, is not representative of the entire country, but don't sell it short either. It seem you are a huge van of Colmar (as shown in several videos), which is not my favorite place, personally I would go more south near the Cote D'Azur, where if you stick t the villages instead of the big cities you get to enjoy the country a bit better. Think of places like San Juans Les Pins etc.

To be honest, the best part of France for us is Calais, where we can go on the car train to Great Britain. Yes, there will be nice places in France for sure, but I didn't seen them yet.

99% of French people don't speak a word of English. The other 1% speak it with such a strong accent that you can't understand it.

I lived in France for 14 years and now live in Portugal...Not even my French husband wants to live in France ever again. That said, France is beautiful...To vacation!