I haven't posted this under the French section, as I think there may well be similar scenarios in other countries: the French are supremely courteous people, and foreign visitors (not just Brits), new to the country perhaps, are often innocently unaware of the normal courtesies practised when out and about in France. The French must be disappointed and puzzled at the very least, when tourists behave in what appears to be a rude way. It's unfortunate, as adapting to local custom is so important in respect of engendering good will. I go out of my way to respond in kind with a 'bonjour Madame/Monsieur' when I enter a shop for example, and to thank them in a similar way as I leave. I love the way the French, at least in rural France, greet fellow diners as they arrive at a restaurant, and often also when they leave, so we make sure we do that too!Susan wrote: I sympathise on the neightbour front - we have lovely French neighbours and some guests can't even bring themselves to say 'bonjour', which is really rude, IMHO.
I have been tempted to put something about this in our guest manual, but can't find a way of flagging it up without making a few people feel I've insulted their intelligence, or sounding didactic! But if visitors are in the know, every little helps in terms of breaking down any negative feelings that still exist between cultures. And it makes guests' stay more rewarding too. You read similar advice in guide books when referring to local custom, don't you?
It's just how you phrase it without raising the hackles of those guests who are already regular visitors to France. Is it my duty, some might challenge? Well, the Brits, for example, still have a way to go as a group, I think, to improve their reputation in France - so any small measure like this must surely help?
What do others think?