Are the people snotty?

[frenchtoast]

Do you think people in France are snotty or stuck up? Some people seem to think this in other countries, such as America. Is it just a false stereotype?

[Languedoc Alex]

Hi French Toast - I like your style.

Well you have to love the French otherwise why live there? Also the worst type of Expat are those that move to a new country and then expect everything to be like the 'old' country and moan if it is not!

Having said all that the French are - in my humble opinion - arrogant. They have as style and charm about them but they are conservative (with a small c) and very limited in their outlook. I liken them to children, nanny state has looked after them very well all their lives and they expect this to continue. They have been educated by a system that drums into them a very 'French' version of events and have little reason to travel outside the comfort zone of their beautiful country, so they are no particularly worldly.

They also are quite formal - and perhaps this is why others may think they are stuck up - but as soon as you get to know them, they are delightful. It just might take a bit more of an effort to break into that inner circle! Well worth the effort though...

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

I know a French gentleman who's living here in Hastings UK, and the word you used is the only word to describe him - delightful. He told me that he lives here because the English are such nice people and he loves the diversity of nationalities that he meets here (mine included). I hear adverse things about the French, but so far I've been lucky enough to meet only very friendly and nice people. We don't live there though, we're across the Channel from France.

[magpapaya]

it really depends on where you're going...
city or countryside, north or south.
Paris might be disappointing if you wish to meet warm people, and the Riviera is filled with superficial types. (I should know, i was born there !)
But in medium sized towns, you will find trustworthy, and generally less snobbish French specimens !