Originally Posted by karthik
Okay, more specifically I transited through French territory but without officially entering the EU. That's practically what one does on an airside transfer anyways: you're obviously on that country's land, but not cleared into the country. Only difference here is that I was transferring through a non-secure landside zone that I could have potentially left instead of staying in a secure airside zone.
The first immigration officer told me that since I was in transit I would have to stay within the airport (of course I could've entered the EU if I wanted to, but there was no reason to at that point.) I assume that if I didn't show up at my connecting terminal and get checked off there, or ask immigration to process me into the country, the French police would probably have been out looking for me.
I had an almost identical experience at CDG. No stamp, was actually outside the terminal at one stage having a ciggie. I still say I've been to France though.
I thought CDG was OK. Lost bag, missed flight but nothing that was too inconvenient. About the language thing, I was told that in France you'll get a better reaction if you ask in French "Do you speak English?". I tried it at CDG and it seemed to work. Even got a few smiles.