The Surprising Friendliness of the French: Our Journey Through Everyday Encounters

When we first arrived in France, we were prepared for a cultural experience unlike what we knew from living in Southern California. We had heard stories of aloofness, an unspoken expectation of perfect French, and the possibility of encountering some coldness (froideur) in daily interactions. However, what we discovered instead is the warmth, generosity, and friendliness of the French people, which has made a lasting impression on us and continues to do so as we explore this beautiful country.

Stopping for Pedestrians: A Gesture of Respect

One of the first things we noticed in France was how drivers treated pedestrians with the utmost respect. Unlike in many parts of the world where crossing the street can feel like a dangerous gamble, here, cars come to a gentle halt the moment a pedestrian steps onto the crosswalk. This isn’t just about obeying traffic laws—it’s an ingrained cultural practice that reflects a deep respect for one another.

On multiple occasions, we have found ourselves about to cross a street, only to have drivers stop well in advance, giving us a nod or a wave to go ahead. This has been especially comforting when walking with our dog, Frankie, who, despite her love of exploring, sometimes bolts at car tires mid-drive. The patience and consideration shown by French drivers make us feel safe and welcomed every day.

The Thank You Wave: A Small but Significant Gesture

In France, a simple act of politeness goes a long way. We quickly picked up on a charming habit among the French—a small wave or a nod to drivers who stop for them or step aside on the sidewalk. This “merci” gesture, often accompanied by a smile, is a subtle but meaningful way that people acknowledge each other’s kindness.

These little exchanges create a sense of community, even in the hustle and bustle of towns like Martignas-sur-Jalle. We have begun to adopt this habit ourselves, feeling more connected to the rhythm of daily life in France. It serves as a reminder that a moment of recognition and gratitude can make all the difference in our interactions with others.

The Kindness of Language: Navigating French with a Smile

As much as we have tried to immerse ourselves in the French language, there have been many moments when our French faltered. Whether it was ordering at a restaurant or simply trying to make small talk, there have been times when our vocabulary failed us. Yet, instead of the curt dismissals we had been warned about, we have been met with understanding smiles and an eagerness to help.

Time and again, we have encountered French people who would switch to English as soon as they sensed our struggle. Their attempts to bridge the language gap have always been kind, never patronizing. It has felt as if they appreciate our efforts to speak their language and want to meet us halfway. We even had a neighbor apologize for not speaking better English, which is obviously unnessary, as we are living in France. This mutual respect makes our interactions more meaningful and less daunting, allowing us to connect with locals.

Our Favorite Cashier at the Intermarché: A Moment of Shared Excitement

One of our most memorable encounters has taken place at the local Intermarché, where we shop regularly. Over time, we got to know one of the cashiers, a warm and friendly woman who always greets us with a smile and "Bonjour." She has noticed our attempts to navigate the French supermarket system, from weighing our fruits and vegetables to trying to understand the various promotions.

When we finally signed up for the store’s “fidelity” card—a process that required us to have a French phone number—our favorite cashier was visibly excited for us. She congratulated us on this small victory as if we had just achieved something significant. It was a small moment, but it meant a lot to us—proof that even the simplest interactions can turn into moments of genuine connection.

Frankie’s Admirers: The French Love for Dogs

Frankie, our energetic and reactive dog, receives oodles of attention. Everywhere we go, people stop to admire her, offering water, treats, and kind words. It is clear that the French have a special place in their hearts for dogs, and Frankie basks in the attention.

We have lost count of the number of times people approach us to pet Frankie or offer her a little treat. In restaurants, the waitstaff bring out bowls of water for her without us even having to ask. This outpouring of affection for Frankie has only deepened our appreciation for the French. It isn’t just about their love for dogs—it is a reflection of their warmth and their willingness to connect, even with a language barrier in place.

Conversations with Neighbors: Building Connections One Walk at a Time

One of the unexpected joys of our time in France has been the conversations we have had with our neighbors during our daily walks with Frankie. These interactions have been a blend of broken English, fragmented French, and a lot of gesturing, but they have always been filled with goodwill.

Our neighbors have been genuinely interested in getting to know us. They ask about Frankie, share stories about their own pets, and inquire about our experience in France. Despite the language barrier, these conversations feel meaningful and sincere. They are moments of human connection that transcend words.

A Sense of Belonging

Jon, Jean-Claude, Florence, and Jen at Le Trot in Trévières

Reflecting on our time in France so far, it is clear that the friendliness of the French people has played a significant role in shaping our experience. From the drivers who patiently stop for us at crosswalks to the cashier who celebrates our small victories, from the strangers who dote on Frankie to the neighbors who take the time to chat, we have been consistently met with warmth and kindness.

These encounters make us feel not like expats, but like we belong. They show us that the French, far from being aloof or unfriendly, are deeply connected to their communities and to each other. Their politeness, their willingness to help, and their affection for dogs all contribute to a sense of inclusivity that we hadn’t expected.

As we continue our journey in France, we are eager to discover even more of the warmth and hospitality that this country has to offer. We look forward to more interactions that challenge our language skills, more walks where Frankie makes new friends, and more small victories that make us feel like we truly belong in this beautiful country.