Though not keen in denigrating my fellow citizens, I must agree with the findings of the TIME study. We live in a very touristic part of California that attracts tourists from all over the world–and a lot of them. The loudest, most obnoxious, most disparaging, and least empathic to the local culture and customs are always, inevitably French. I feel ashamed, and avoid interaction at all costs. No wonder French-bashing is still a favorite sport here…

I’m over here in NYC and sorry to say I have to agree as well. I work in a small but very popular upper Westside boutique, and many of times have I been excited to hear zee French language, only to be disappointed by their behavior that inevitably follows…I can’t say all the french tourist, but majority have acted like what they accuse the Americans of doing, as visitors. And what gulls me is that they would not get away with that kind of behavior in Paris, or other parts of France, if what my experience is to go by from visiting Paris a half a dozen times.

I had similar experiences in Central Florida. I tried to avoid contact at all costs but sometimes these lowlifes were making such a spectacle of themselves, and the sales girl/guy looked so helpless that it made me feel terrible and when it became clear that I was the only french speaker I had to drag myself over there, hold my nose up, get the fakest smile I could muster on my face and offer to help. I even gave these people stuff they needed, anything to just make them go away.

On the other hand, let’s be honest. If you tip generously, love the culture, learn the customs, respect the people and their work, WHILE BEING FRENCH, come on it can make your life pretty sweet !

this is strange. i too have seen very obnoxious french tourists in the u.s. last time we were at the grove in l.a. and at the beach. weird because we travel a lot in france and don’t seem to see the same ugly tourist behavior from french tourists in france. on the other hand, i do notice obnocious american and british tourists here…