Hairpeace...just my two (euro) cents worth....

The Frech are different, as the English are different, as are the Irish. Wait for it...even the americans have their own peculiarities.

It does seem though that the Americans and French can get off on the wrong foot quite easily. Who's fault is that? Difficult to tell. I saw an incident in Charles De Gaulle in December where a young american guy, when asked to show his passport, walked through past airline staff, while casually flashing it behind his back. I'm sure he didn't intend to cause offence to the airline staff, but they took it fairly badly. (He was pulled aside, and airline staff were instructed not to deal with him. After getting my own ticket difficulty sorted out, I spoke with the supervisor on the guys behalf, and it was eventualy resolved, but that's another story.)

Anyway, sometimes misunderstandings occur, simply because what is expectations vary. I think that in a foreign country, the onus is on the tourist to make a little effort to fit in. Not a bad idea to smile when you're dealing with shop staff (it works the same as in english!), and if you can, I'd start, with Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais? Most will speak english, and will hugely appreciate the gesture of you trying to speak first in their language. If they dont speak english, they'll be more inclined to try to help after your having made a little effort.

Sometimes as english speakers, we can come off a little arrogant by addressing them in English first. Anyway, bon courage! Make a little effort and it will be a fantastic trip.