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My partner and I visit Paris once or twice a year, and I lived there while attending the American University in Paris.
The French do not harbor the ridiculous geo-politically fueled grudges against Americans which so many Americans harbor against the French. Culturally, the French are very protective of their culture and anyone treating French culture with disregard, no matter their nationality, may be looked down upon.
A few pointers that may help you and others traveling to Paris/and or France:
1) BE SURE TO GREET YOUR HOTEL STAFF AND SHOP PERSONNEL WITH "Bonjour" when first greeting them, and "au revoir" upon leaving. It is considered the height of rudeness not to do so.
2) Do NOT automatically ask in English: "Do you speak English?" The key to pleasing the French when it comes to tourists and language is that if you at least TRY to muddle through with basic traveler's French, they will be delighted that you made the effort and will likely happily converse with you in English.
3) Over the years, Paris has become much more casual than it was the first time I visited 25 years ago. Some pointers that will help you avoid sticking out as an American who knows nothing about culture:
a) Leave the jeans at home. Yes, Parisians wear jeans, but they tend to be worn publicly only by kids. Adults may wear jeans but more around the home. Most people over the age of 15-16 or so tend to dress in what we would call business casual.
b) Leave the T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, especially the ones emblazoned with logos, slogans, etc... home. Simple casual dress shirts (polo shirts, button down, etc...) are fine.
c) Leave the shorts at home. As David Sedaris wrote in one of his essays, Americans should not show up in foreign countries dressed as if they have come to mow its lawns! It is disrespectful to wear shorts into the many religious highlights you'll be visiting in Paris.
Have a GREAT time. Paris is one of the most magical places on the planet. If you would like to treat yourself to a GREAT meal, visit one of my favorite restaurants: Chez Maitre Paul. It is located at 12, rue Monsieur le Prince in the 6th Arrondiesement. It is just up the street from the Odeon metro (Line #4) and very near both the Luxembourg Gardens and the Pantheon. Classic cuisine from the Jura region of France. If I remember correctly a prix-fixe lunch there will only set you back about 35E, including a demi-carafe of house wine.
Please report back on how your trip went!
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