Chring

My Wife and I plan to visit Nice for some much needed rest & relaxtion. Our problem is that neither of us speak French. For anyone who has traveled to this area I am anxious to find out if there is a big problem communicating with the locals.

I have heard so many horror stories about the French being rude when you speak English in addition to the fact that they are not fond of Americans. What was your experience ? Should we maybe look into another Med country to visit such as Spain ?
Our travel plans are open at the moment but found that the beaches in this area seem to be quite "Nice".

Thank you for your responses in advance.

TrendGirl

You should not have a problem communicating with the locals if you have the right attitude. If you make sure to attempt a few basic French words like Merci, etc. people are more willing to try to communicate with you. I do not speak fluent French by any means, but make an attempt to use brief French sentences, and phrases to "start off the conversations." Do not let not speaking French prevent you from having a wonderful vacation in Nice. Buy a small phrase book to take with you to help you with phrases, and in shops and restaurants. I think by just expecting that French people should be able to speak English creates many problems that American tourists experience.
Travel makes for new experiences and you should enjoy this new experience.

Underhill

You don't need to speak French to get along well in Nice--it's a major tourist destination, and quite a few of the people you will encounter in hotels, restaurants, and shops speak at least some English.

This is Provence, and people are usually friendly and quite happy to see Americans; we contribute to the local economy. I've never encountered rudeness; in fact, one shop owner asked me where I was from and when I said "California" he replied "I am SO glad to welcome you here."

That said, you should learn at least a few basic words in French. Once you say something like "bonjour" it's very likely that the person to whom you are speaking will respond in English. Those of us who speak some French have a hard time practicing!

One thing you should know: whenever you enter a small shop, it's important to say "Bonjour, Madame," or "Bonjour, Monsieur," to the person who greets you. Not doing so is considered rude. On leaving, say "au revoir, Madame." If you ask someone for directions or whatever, it's considered polite to begin by saying "Excuse me, Madame, Monsieur...;" don't just ask your question.

Remembering these few conventions will ensure that you have a wonderful time in Nice, which is one of my favorite places.

Underhill

I should add that the French are not fond of American politicians just now but can easily distinguish between them and ordinary visitors to France.

mclaurie

Your language question has been answered very eloquently by Underhill. The area around Nice is wonderful. BUT I want to warn you when you say "the beaches in this area seem to be quite "Nice"- the beaches in Nice are pebbly-not sandy. If you want soft sandy beaches you must go further west to Cannes & beyond. Antibes has a nice beach. One of the best is in Juan les Pins.

bayareamama

I just took my first trip to France last month, but we stayed in Paris. I can't speak about Nice in particular, but about my observations of the French people in general.

I was somewhat apprehensive after hearing the stereotypical stuff, especially about Parisians being rude in particular. I went with an open mind though and expected to find all different types of people like any large city.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed myself there. The French know how to live. The food, the wine, the art, architecture, the food, the ambiance, the food... just all of it. I loved the French people and did not meet one rude person. They were very kind and helpful. In fact we had a few people that went out of their way with kindness. I think of a young woman in particular, who told us we were on the wrong train and to take the next train, etc.

We don't know any French other than learning a few key words as mentioned above. We smiled and tried our best. In fact the only rude person I met, was a fellow American but that's another story. I cannot wait to return myself and explore more of the country.

Have a great trip and enjoy yourself!!!

Tulips

Most French people speak at least some English; you will have more problems with language in Spain than in France.
As suggested, do try to speak some phrases in French; it's only polite.

If you want to avoid the pebbly beach, drive to Antibes, as suggested, and find the Plage de la Garoupe. Very nice. Otherwise Juan les Pins or Cannes; these place also have good sandy beaches.

Underhill

One other cultural snippet: the French don't smile as much as Americans do. That can be taken for unfriendliness, but it isn't.

Chring

Thank You everyone for all your input. We are going to take all of your advice and travel to Nice in the middle of September. Hopefully the weather will still be good then.

Thanks again.

mclaurie

IMO it's ideal at that time of year. Great weather, not too hot, fewer people. Enjoy!

Underhill

That's when we'll be there too. It's an excellent time to be in Provence.

cpi

We do not speak French either but found it that it was much better to begin any conversation with parlais vous English? rather than just start speaking English and assuming the person can also. We ended a 17 day trip to Provence in Nice and my wife was starting to feel good about her French. She asked the man at the front desk at the hotel if they had a double room for three nights. Without looking up he responed in perfect English "madam do you have a reservation?"

Underhill

Pick up a copy (or check at your local library) of Polly Platt's excellent best-seller "French or Foe." Lots of good advice that will make your travels easier and more fun.

historytraveler

Excellent advice in the previous posts. I might add that my response to anyone one who claims that the French are rude is that at worse they are just indifferent. You will generally not find the kind of effusiveness that is so pervasive in America. A smile along with a few words of French and you'll do fine.

TeeGirl

I stayed in Nice and found no problem. The French welcomed us (unlike my Paris experience). If you can learn a few important phrases "I'd like a coffee...thank you" You will be fine! I found Nice to be very laid back. We spent many afternoons sitting in the cafe's sipping cappuccinos or sunbathing on the rocky coast. Have a great time!
T