France has a reputation of a country with rude, ignorant people. This could not be further away from the truth. As in all countries, there are some forms of etiquette that you need to adhere to, and if not, you will be treated in the same way you treat the locals.
The Language
As we all know, in France they speak French (plus some other, region specific, dialects). Some 20 years ago, very few people spoke English. That has changed. Nowadays, many people speak English, specially the younger generations.
The French nowadays appreciate it when a foreigner tries to speak their language, even if it's badly done. So don't worry, try out those few words you've learned in school (although you may not get far with "Daddy smokes a pipe").
If you get lost in a small town, and need to ask directions, many people will try to help you. If you can't find someone who speaks English, your best bet (apart from Tourist Offices) is your local Pharmacy...
When speaking with someone who doesn't speak English well, don't shout !! They're not deaf, they just don't understand your language.
Behavior
The Normandy locals are modest but proud. Do not treat them with disrespect or snobbishly. Best is not to wear expensive clothes and jewels, just casual. Don't put them down, don't show off. They'll like you more....
All of the above can be ignored when visiting Deauville and Trouville ! They are considered the 21st district of Paris. Most Parisians can be found here. The Normandy people do not like Parisians !! You will see the reason why if you visit these two cities. In most cases you can see from the last 2 digits of the car license plate where they come from. 75, 78, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95 are all from the Paris area. Locals are 14, 27 and 76. Most cars are from the Paris area.
Foreign Nationalities
A lot of Americans think that the French hate them, specially after the Bush/Iraqi war. That is not true !! The French just can not understand the American hostility towards a country that just has a different opinion. They are baffled by this, but not hostile.
All over Normandy, many people remember what the USA, Canada, UK and Poland have done for them during the 2nd World War. Around many of the Normandy towns, they have one day set aside where the locals talk about their liberation, often talking about the heroics of the allies.
Do not worry if you are an American, Canadian or English. They still love you...
Queuing
The French are bad at queuing. They'll always try to sneak in (whether it's waiting for a baguette at the local bakery, or sitting in your car in a traffic jam). Be patient. You can be firm and block someone, but you're on holidays, so just relax and let them.
The Weather
In general, Normandy does not get very cold during the winter, or very hot during the summer. There are exceptions off course, during the summer of 2003 we had a heat wave, and there have been winters were we've had one week of snow !! But normally, winters are between 5 and 10° C and summers between 20 and 25°C.
Driving in France
I've written an article which is published on my other web site. Although it concerns motorcycles, it's valid for cars as well. Click here to read the article (in a new window).
If you are looking for web software that will calculate routes & itineraries for you, we highly recommend the viaMichelin web site. Not only is the site in multiple languages, but you'll also find selections of the Michelin Red Guide (food) and Green Guide (Tourist Information) in all the routes that are calculated. This way, you not only get itineraries, but also hotel, restaurant and tourist information.
Places to Stay
France in general, and Normandy in particular has 10,000's of Gites and Chambre d'Hotes. Gites are what you could call in English B&B (Bed & Breakfast). Gites range from a small room in a farm, to a luxury suite in a castle. In many cases, the gite is an annex house, which you can rent, so people travelling in groups (like a family) will find a great value.
Gites are usually self-catering, and often have washing machines, small kitchen etc, while Chambre d'Hotes are rooms only.
Often you'll also find that they offer a Table d'Hotes, meaning you can eat there (apart from the breakfast). Usually this means you all eat at the same table as the host and guests, and there is no menu; pot luck! But in most cases, food will be excellent and local.
Often travellers like staying in Gites. It's an adventure, staying with locals. But you need to make sure you're dealing with a proper place. As usual, you'll find a lot of information about gites on the internet. Here are a few:
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