If you are planning to visit, say, Paris, you are probably worried due the many myths you've heard about the French.
But France, we are set to clear your name! There are a lot of stereotypes about the French that need to be broken! You've heard that French women don't shave, Paris citizens are rude, they hate Americans and so on.
Well, we have prepared a few arguments to prove these stereotypes wrong.
And so, here are the top myths about the French you probably believe are true (but are in fact false and extremely exaggerated).
1.
The French are Rude Easily, this is the most wide-spread and inaccurate stereotype - the French people (especially those who live in Paris) are rude, they'd hate you if you approach them without speaking their language, and Americans shouldn't even bother - they are considered enemy number one.
But the thing is, the French do seem rude to foreigners because of their cultural mentality.
If you are to approach a French person, you must show that you are at least vaguely familiar with their language - the least you can do is say "hello" in French.
That will set the tone and you will see that the French can be well-mannered and warm-hearted.
2.
All French are Chain Smokers Yes, the French do smoke.
But so do the English and Germans - it's a global thing.
But it's not like every third French guy has a third stage lung cancer.
In fact, smoking is banned in most public places nowadays.
3.
French Men are Great Seducers The minute you break up with your girlfriend, a French guy will show up from nowhere and win her heart.
French men are dubbed great seducers but really, just how good are they? Well, they are ordinary guys but tend to be very polite when dealing with the ladies.
But this is something common in France - women are precious pearls and all are treated like princesses.
Remember Pepe Le Pew from "Loony Tunes"? The skunk that restlessly stalks a cat and tries to seduce it? Well, Pepe is French and acts as if he is a great seducer (but never really got to actually date the cat).
He is also a skunk which brings us to our next point...
4.
The French Stink To this day, we have no idea why the French are being accused of poor hygiene.
But let us be perfectly clear, France is a well-developed western-European country - they have plenty of soap and water there - they are as clean as possible.
The French practice perfectly acceptable hygiene.
Would you be really that surprised if the person who rode next to you on the subway smelled of sweat after he finished work in a hot summer day? 5.
Visiting France Will Cost You a Fortune Yes, it will...
if you are careless with your budget.
But this applies for any other country - even Thailand.
However, there are many ways to save a few Euros if you are familiar with how things work around here.
For instance, you can choose a three-star hotel instead of four - you will have a good time despite not having a plasma TV in your bedroom.
Also, you can have breakfast at a bakery instead of eating at the hotel - this will also save you some money.
6.
French Cuisine is Disgusting It is true that horse meat, snails, frog legs and mouldy cheese are present in the traditional French kitchen but did you know it is often regarded as the best in the world? Yes, it has its eccentric side, but so does every other cuisine.
You will definitely find dishes that suit your taste perfectly - you won't be disappointed.
And who hasn't heard of the exquisite French wines that go so well with a well-prepared meal.
7.
French Women Don't Shave Their Body Hair Oh, you just have to be kidding! We live in an era where you can find a razor in any store - just go to any French beach and see if you'd find a woman who isn't impeccably groomed.
And doesn't this myth contradict the well-known fact that French women are appealing, stylish and passionate? Not only that French women are up to date with how body hair should be treated but their charisma is breath-taking.
Be careful when visiting France, gentlemen - you might choose to stay there after all.
8.
The French are Cowards Ever since France surrendered to Germany "easily" in World War II, the French are dubbed cowards.
However, this happened only because France was still recovering from World War I.
France lost seven million people to Germany.