What is your favourite app for getting around London/Paris?

[Guest]

Also, I’ve heard about the rudeness of Parisians from so many people and don’t want it to spoil my stay. What can I do to connect better with locals/encourage better service with my rather limited high school French?

[Julia]

Citymapper is the best and supported in both cities. It tells you where to be on the train (front, middle, and back) and which number exit to take in Paris (each exit will have anywhere from 1-6 exit terminals - it's super helpful to know which one you should get out at).

[Emily]

As long as you greet others in French, and don’t immediately ask if they speak English, I don’t think you’ll have a problem with rudeness. That seems to be a stereotype more than anything else (though I’m a Yankee, and used to folks who are more reserved!).

[Karen]

My observation is that in France people take time to greet each other before asking for the service you need. For example: “Bonjour, a cup of coffee, please” will be much more appreciated than “coffee, black”.. That greeting — it makes a difference.

[Season]

I learned a few basic phrases in French and never assumed or expected anyone to speak English and never encountered any rudeness. My accent is horrible so anyone who could would then speak English to us and ask if we wanted a menu in English. We had a great experience in Paris!

[Julie]

I’ve been to Paris several times and have found the people to be nice and helpful. We have always been a little more formally polite than is typical in the US, always saying hello or good morning when entering and thank you when leaving a store. Generally people are a little more reserved but I haven’t found them overall to be rude. The only rudeness we actually encountered were the waiters at Le Deux Magos. So touristy. We usually eat in small restaurants and have found the staff to be great.

[Heather]

I think the best thing you can do in any country is learn a little about their culture and don't expect everyone to act like an American. The French are not rude they have a different culture. Greet them in their language, don't just expect them to speak English. Thank them in their language especially if they have been kind enough to speak with you in your language. I lived in Paris for 2 years and had no trouble.

[Lauren]

Start your conversations with "Bonjour monsieur/madame" and you should be good to go. Don't just say Bonjour, make sure to include a monsieur/madame and that little bit will go a long way.

[Brian]

I have been to Paris several times and I know how to say hello and French fries. Struck out on my own about the City no problems. Last October, I toured 28 Cathedrals in about 9 days. I used Google Maps with no problems getting around.

[Lori]

I just returned from Paris and know about 5 words in French! I found Parisians to be very polite, friendly and helpful to me, even with my very limited French. I watched some Les Frenchies youtube episodes to better understand French culture. I think that understanding helped eliminate the perceived rudeness.

Google translate with French downloaded is a fantastic app to use!

[Leslie]

It's never a bad idea to brush up on the language a bit before you arrive. You might try Duolingo (which is free) to refresh your French, and maybe try listening to French language radio/TV programming (or whatever one can find on-line) to re-tune your ear to the language. Have a great time!

[Diane]

We have never had one rude local in Paris! But we also try and learn at least a little French and we’re always extra polite.
To get around we used Google Maps. I plan to use the Flush app on the next trip since it can be difficult to find public restrooms.

[Trisha]

I was in Paris a few weeks ago and I found the City Mapper app to be top notch for getting around the city (better than Google maps). I last took French in 2000 and I found that greeting someone in French and a smile was all that was needed to start positive communication. I tried to order things in French, most of the time they responded to me in English. The only rude person I encountered on my trip was the person standing in the security line in Chicago....

[Erin]

I think rudeness is all about perspective. Is the French service culture different than the American service culture? Yes. Is it from a motivation of being rude, probably not. Just understand the differences and accept them, giggle to yourself when it feels awkward, do your best to be polite, fit in, and probably by the end of the meal you will have your waitstaff engaging and laughing with you, even if it started awkwardly.

[Gladys]

The thing is , they get irritated if you try to speak French with an American accent. so, better speak English to them but be polite in asking . Like the other comment here do not ask them if they speak English coz they will frown at you.

Just say for example “excuse me can you please help us with this “. Most of the French people especially the younger generations can speak English. You don’t have to force yourself to speak their language. You just have to be polite and considerate to their culture. Europeans are very polite people, they don’t speak loud when talking on their phone in public. They don’t stand at the middle of an escalator or the sidewalk when people are passing , they let them through. They don’t dressed up shabbily when going for dinner .

They don’t dressed up shabbily even going down for breakfast in a hotel. In America , I noticed people eating breakfast in a hotel with their pajamas or shorts!!! That’s a no-no in Europe. So the point is just be mindful of their culture and you’ll be fine. You don’t need to have any apps.

I traveled without any fancy apps. I just have my itinerary set up before flying and Google how to get there and what are things to do and expect to see. Paris is a walkable city. Just be careful with pickpockets and scammers. Don’t trust anybody and don’t walk around at places not so safe at night. The subways are not safe place in Paris especially at night and you’re alone.
London is also easy to get around just buy the oyster card (zone 1-9 or depend on which zones do you want to explore)at the airport and you can take unlimited ride on the subway and the buses. Just Tap in when you get on and tap off when get out !