I took a conversational French course before I went to Paris, because not everyone there speaks a lot of English, so it really helped to speak French when we got lost. Also, if you respect the culture of the place you visit, you will have a much better experience. We dressed like Europeans (fashionable and dressier), not like most Americans (sporty, casual or even sloppy). We learned polite phrases and French customs, like don't touch things you want to buy, but ask for help. Remember, Americans would not like it if strangers did not respect our customs, like waiting patiently in line, which is something they don't do at transportation places, only at banks and monuments. We found all the French people to be nice and helpful when we asked for directions in French. You don't need to learn a lot of the language, just travel phrases and understand direction words. The only problems with rudeness we had were with taxi drivers, but that can be said for taxi drivers worldwide, from Tokyo to New York and Paris. One other problem is the unclean restrooms at train stations. Just find a McDonald's or go at the monuments. If you drive a car, don't drive in Paris, and know where you're going. Memorize your exits because if you are in the round-a-bouts you don't have much time to make a decision, but it's better to keep going around and around than try to find your way back, which may take 2 hours, since many cities are built like a maze. Get a city map at gas stations near the cities before venturing into the cities. We got lost in Rheims and going to the Loire Valley. It helps to ask your hotel receptionist for directions because most of them speak English.