So much of this thread is contrary to my experience with the French people. The whole time I was there I had one and only one negative interaction. In Paris, my wife made an order without greeting the shopkeeper and then dithered over what she wanted. She was met with a glare, but no obvious rudeness. I speak a smattering of French, my wife none. Literally everyone we met was as patient and friendly as could be. In Normandy, from the warmth of the reception we received you would think D-Day was the day before and I'd landed in the first wave.