(In general) are people who live in Paris, France, rude to tourists?

Show at least a little bit of understanding that French is an own language. don't storm into small retail stores uploading a 30 min. monologue about the unhealthiness of food being served in France, speaking with the broadest Texas accent available. Learn 10 words in French. Don't tell every single French citizen that you expect some gratefulness for having freed them from the yoke of the Germans. (100.000 French civilians died during allied air raids and Churchill heinously assaulted the French war fleet in Mers El Khebir, murdering 1200 French sailors.) Just avoid that specific subject. Don't pretend that the Eiffel Tower is a US present to the French people. In fact the Statue of Liberty, made by Gustave Eiffel too, is a French present to the American people. Talk to French people not living in Paris about the alleged rudeness of the Parisians. You will learn that what they make with tourists is their out most friendliness, Parisians being capable of. All non Parisian French people are afraid of the Parisian rudeness. And this has a reason. You could also have a look into the famous book: "French or Foe?", a cookbook for US citizens how to handle the French.

No, not at all.

anyone Parisien of working age is short of time and will not want to answer questions. They are already late for lunch/for work/for the theatre etc. When the 1000th tourist asks them where to find Notre Dame, they are likely to be less than helpful. It is very expensive to employ people in France, so a cafe may have just one waitress for forty tables. When she comes to take your order, know what you want. Never send a waitress away because you haven't decided yet - they will think (rightly) that you are timewasters and won't come back for ages. Just point to the menu, I'll have that and that. It doesn't matter what it is, everything will be new and interesting.

No. You will find kind people and ogres no matter where you go in the world. Parisians are somewhat overwhelmed by the popularity of their home with tourists and may be reserved in their dealings with Americans, particularly those who make no effort to learn a little French or learn anything about the history and culture of Paris. Many Parisians (and Europeans in general) learn 3 or 4 languages in preparation for working in an multi-national business world. One of those languages is usually English but don't assume that everyone speaks English. Parisians appreciate travelers who attempt to communicate in French, and a little politeness goes a long way in any culture. Learning "please, thank you, you're welcome, hello, good morning, and good night" in someone else's native language help you get along whenever you travel. Once you establish that you are willing to try to speak a little French, then it's appropriate to ask, "Parle vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?).

Nope. Not at all. This is a stereotype. I have been 3 times and never, ever experienced rudeness. I have travelled 44 countries and i have seen rude. If you are friendly, polite and respectful they are the same in return. Right now i am thinking about my most trip in May 2012 and i can think of one cranky person. The rest were delightful.

No, they are so friendly and helpful as long as you're courteous. But if you're in a small town, you might run into people who aren't as friendly, but are still willing to help.

No. Are New York citizens all rude to tourists? They have a similar silly reputation. It's all relative to your culture...

yes. some family members of mine went and said they can be rude if u r a tourist. i believe it helps if u learn some general words in french. hope that helps!

It depends on the person.all of them are not rude.