Tips for someone new to France?

Hey guys,

I am going to Paris from May 23-30. Since I don't speak any French at all - apart from "bonjour", "excuse moi", and "pardon" (well you get the idea) - I was wondering if there is anything I should be aware of in terms of speaking to the locals. I've heard that if you speak to Parisians straight up in English, they'll ignore you. Then again, if you make an effort to try and speak French, they'll think you're not good enough. Is there a middleground here?

I think I'll even have troubles ordering crepes at the creperies...

buy a phrase book.

why not learn some basic phrases..

where is the metro?
where is the louvre, etc.?
where is the bathroom?

otherwise, be nice, you're a guest in their country. get a small map of the city.

there are nice people everywhere.

Hmm okay, so when buying say French Open tickets, do you have speak to French to them?

I can't speak much for Paris, but where I am in France, the people are very helpful and nice. Always ask "Parlez-vous anglais?" before you just ask them a question in English, and don't talk or laugh loudly. Whenever I try French, although my knowledge is sorta limited, they always work with me. :shrug: